Lufthansa Bringing New Business Class to A380s

One Mile At A Time: "Lufthansa has confirmed plans to introduce a new business class product on Airbus A380s as of the second half of 2025. Rather interestingly, it’s only business class that’s getting new cabins, while first class, premium economy, and economy, will remain the same, aside from some minor upgrades (like improved inflight entertainment)."

New DOT Rules Provide New Passenger Rights

The Department of Transportation announced a rule with new passenger protections for several scenarios. Here are the details:

• Canceled Flights: Passengers are owed a refund if their flight is canceled and they don't accept alternative options or travel credits.
• Significantly Changed Flights: Passengers are owed a refund if there flight departure or arrival times are delayed 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally, an airport change, additional connections, they're downgraded, or changes that are less accessible or accommodating for those with disabilities.
• Delayed Bags: Passengers are owed a refund if they paid for checked bags that are delayed 12 hours domestically or 15-30 hours internationally (depends on flight length).
• Failure To Provide Purchased Extras: Passengers will be owed a refund if they pay for additional services including inflight entertainment, inflight Wi-Fi, or seat selection, but not provided by the airline

Additionally, airlines are required to provide refunds automatically without passengers needing to request them. Refunds must be issued within 7 business days if a purchase was made by credit card or within 20 days for other payment types.

Airlines may not issue vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation in lieu of a refund unless a passenger actively chooses an alternative.

How To Find Widebody Aircraft On Domestic Routes

Monkey Miles: "Did you know that you can fly in lie flat business class ( or better premium economy, economy ) seats when flying domestically in the US? These planes are often on the transcontinental ( LA/SFO to New York, DC, Boston, or Miami ) routes, but you’ll regularly see them repositioning for long haul flights between hubs: think Dallas and Chicago for American. You can find them by looking at the Cargo schedules of the airline you’re going to fly since those airlines have sold cargo space on passenger planes as well."

British Airways Older 787s To Get Club Suites

One Mile At A Time: "In 2019, British Airways introduced its new Club Suites business class, featuring direct aisle access and doors. This marks a massive improvement to the carrier’s business class experience. As is always the case when new business class products are introduced, the big question is the timeline with which seats will be rolled out."

"However, up until now, there’s not a single Boeing 787-8 or Boeing 787-9 in service with the new cabins. Fortunately that should be changing soon. A British Airways Boeing 787-8 is currently getting new cabins. The jet has the registration code G-ZBJA, and should hopefully enter service in the coming weeks. However, since this is the first aircraft of this fleet type to get new cabins, there’s a chance that certification could take some extra time."

Barcelona Removes Popular Bus Route From Google Maps

The Guardian: "While some places will go to any lengths to attract visitors, residents of La Salut neighbourhood in Barcelona are celebrating a move to wipe themselves off the map."

"Now they have the bus to themselves after the city council arranged to have the route removed from Google and Apple maps."

Points Wire Note:

If you visit Barcelona and plan to use the bus system, make a note that bus number 116 to/from Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell will not be on Google Maps. As you plan your visit, you might want to make a note of this bus line so you don't forget it.

Barcelona Removes Popular Bus Route From Google Maps

The Guardian: "While some places will go to any lengths to attract visitors, residents of La Salut neighbourhood in Barcelona are celebrating a move to wipe themselves off the map."

"Now they have the bus to themselves after the city council arranged to have the route removed from Google and Apple maps."

Points Wire Note:

If you visit Barcelona and plan to use the bus system, make a note that bus number 116 to/from Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell will not be on Google Maps. As you plan your visit, you might want to make a note of this bus line so you don't forget it.

Air Canada Increasing Flights To Asia And Europe

The Bulkhead Seat: "Air Canada announced today that it’s increasing international capacity by 30% to Asia-Pacific destinations and 25% to Europe this summer. This includes six new routes and 11 increasing or resuming international flights."

Points Wire Note:

With more flights operating and thus more seats available, I hope this will lead to an increase in saver level award availability.

United Polaris Brings Back Multi-Course Meals

Live And Let's Fly: "It’s official. After numerous trials, United Airlines is finally bringing back multi-course meal service in Polaris Business Class, a move that will more closely align its service flow with that of Delta Air Lines and American Airlines."

"Consequently, United will formally reintroduce an additional course on flights over 3,900 miles (and all 767-300 flights) starting on May 1, 2024."

Amsterdam To Limit New Hotels To Limit Tourism

Skift: "Amsterdam has banned new hotel developments to combat mass tourism, the municipal government announced Wednesday."

"'Amsterdam will no longer be issuing permits for new hotels, except for a ‘new-for-old arrangement’ in which a new hotel may only be built if a hotel elsewhere closes and the number of sleeping places [beds] does not increase,' said a spokesperson for the government."

Aegean Airlines Adding Aircraft With Lie-Flat Business Class

The Bulkhead Seat: "Aegean Airlines announced today that it is investing in four Airbus A321neo aircraft with lie-flat seats in Business Class, seatback screens throughout, and in-flight Wi-Fi. These aircraft will be used for non-European flights that range from four to 7.5 hours."