Lawmakers propose bill to privatize air traffic control
This event happened last week, but the jockeying for positions on this enormous and important bill is starting in earnest. Reorganizing the government is always a giant undertaking. This is the first step in peeling away the air traffic functions of the FAA and starting a new semi-governmental entity that can raise needed money and get the job done.
The measure extends for six years the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration and continues its role as the regulator of aviation safety, including the safety of air traffic operations. It also prohibits cellphone calls by airline passengers in-flight, and requires airlines refund bag fees when checked bags arrive more than 24 hours overdue.
But the FAA would lose responsibility for day-to-day air traffic operations and the transition from a radar-based traffic control system to one based on satellite technology. A board representing aviation system users would govern the new, federally chartered air traffic control corporation.
British Airways flight attendants win the right to wear pants
As long as we are discussing transformational issues with the organization of the government, perhaps dealing with transformational issues that affect British Airways flight attendants. That issue is the right to wear pants.
British Airways’ stance was unbefitting of a modern airline in the modern age and demonstrates that Unite will not allow cases like this to go unchallenged,” Unite regional manager Matt Smith said in a statement. “Not only is the choice to wear trousers a victory for equality, it is also a victory for common sense and testament to the organising campaign of our members.”
“Female cabin crew no longer have to shiver in the cold, wet and snow of wintery climates, but also can be afforded the protection of trousers at destinations where there is a risk of malaria or the Zika virus,” Smith continued.
The fight to cover one’s legs is not over for flight attendants in Britain, though.
“Virgin Atlantic reviews requests on a case-by-case basis, with skirts the norm,” the Guardian reports. “Only EasyJet crew are routinely able to wear trousers. Ryanair has yet to make trousers available, although since last year its female crew are no longer encouraged to pose in bikinis for an annual calendar.”
Now, Uber and Lyft can pickup at Los Angeles International Airport
After a fierce battle with the entrenched limousine services and taxi operators, with Lyft and Uber will be allowed to pick up passengers at LAX. This change will transform the costs of reaching LAX, in some cases cutting the prices by almost half according to locals.
Uber is the second ride-share operator to be authorized for pickups at the airport. In August 2015, the Los Angeles City Council gave final approval to allow Uber and Lyft to begin picking up passengers directly from the airport.
Lyft began picking up passengers from LAX in late December.
“We are bringing LAX passengers what they have been asking for – better access to reliable, convenient transportation from the airport. Tomorrow, those options expand dramatically with the arrival of UberX,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said.
Both ride-share companies were able to drop off passengers at LAX for a $4 fee, but now under the council-approved plan they will also be charged $4 to pick someone up.
UberX drivers will pick up or drop off passengers on the upper departures level only at curbside signs in front of each terminal marked “Ride Service.”
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 11 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.