Significant changes are shaping the travel landscape this March, from airline mergers to enhanced baggage tracking. Here’s what travelers need to know.
JetBlue and Spirit End Merger Agreement
On March 4, JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines ended their $3.8 Billion agreement to merge, after losing a federal antitrust lawsuit that challenged the deal. Both carriers cited regulatory hurdles as the cause for ending the merger.
In January, Judge William Young sided with the Justice Department and ruled that JetBlue’s takeover of Spirit would “harm cost-conscious travelers who rely on Spirit’s low fares.” The airlines had argued that the merger was needed to better compete with the larger airlines that control most of the U.S. market.
On March 12, JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said the airline is now focused on restoring the carrier’s profitability by “returning to the business fundamentals,” including boosting capacity in popular leisure markets and maximizing ancillary revenues, along with revamping its loyalty program and premium product offerings to attract more customers.
Air Canada Expands Checked Bag Tracking
Air Canada has introduced a new bag tracking feature for passengers using the carrier’s app. This service was first rolled out for flights within Canada and was recently made available for flights to and from the U.S. In addition to bags, tracking also includes checked mobility aids, such as wheelchairs.
The tracker boasts a “What’s Next” feature, giving customers the next step in the journey of their belongings, including where they need to pick up their checked items.
Air Canada has also implemented push notifications to provide timely updates regarding the loaded status of checked belongings. This ensures that travelers flying on routes throughout Canada or the U.S. are promptly informed when their bags and mobility aids have been loaded onto the plane.
In instances of delayed baggage, the app will advise customers and enable them to easily file a delayed baggage report and arrange delivery of their bags right from their smartphone, rather than waiting at a baggage assistance counter.
According to a press release from Air Canada, the bag tracking feature will expand to select international destinations over time.
