Flight Delays: The New Normal?

If you're planning a trip anytime soon, especially with Memorial Day around the corner, you might want to brace yourself. Flight delays and disruptions are at an all-time high, and it's not just bad luck – major problems in the aviation industry are to blame. We're talking about technology glitches, airlines struggling to find enough staff, and air traffic control hiccups. It's a recipe for travel chaos.

Do You Have A REAL ID?

According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance company, flight delays are the number one thing travelers are worried about. And it's no wonder. With the summer travel season kicking off, things could get even trickier. The new REAL ID requirements are causing confusion and longer lines at airports. The Transportation Security Administration is even suggesting you get to the airport a whole three hours before your flight. A recent mess at Newark Airport, a major hub, has led to tons of cancelled flights, leaving many travelers stranded.

The stats are eye-opening. Squaremouth reports that almost half (48%) of Memorial Day travelers are super concerned about their flights being delayed or cancelled. Last year, that number was only 36%, so things are getting worse.

Stranded Passengers Rewarded

In April, a United Airlines flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) was delayed over four hours. A few passengers missed their United connecting flight at IAD to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport. United provided meal vouchers and hotel rooms for passengers stranded at IAD.

After passengers posted their experience on X, United customer service representatives rewarded passengers on the flight.

“As a goodwill gesture, we're able to deposit 10,000 miles into each traveler's MileagePlus account,” United said in response to the post on X.

Spirit Airlines partners with Contour Airlines to support EAS market

Contour Airlines announced Monday that it has entered a strategic partnership with Spirit Airlines to bring affordable travel options to underserved communities in the U.S.

Contour currently serves 22 cities under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The EAS program was put into place to guarantee that communities maintain a minimum level of scheduled air service.

Meanwhile, the White House has proposed a plan to slash subsidies for the EAS program. EAS could see a $308 million cut if the proposal is approved.

Partnership Details

Under the partnership with Spirit Airlines, Contour will continue to perform EAS contracts from the U.S. Department of Transportation, providing service to the major connecting hubs of its interline partners, American, United, and Alaska Airlines.

Spirit will introduce service to major leisure destinations from several of Contour's EAS markets. Spirit and Contour's partnership will significantly expand the utilization and reach of the airports served. Contour will provide ground handling support to Spirit at its EAS locations and will leverage its deep community relationships to cross-market Spirit flights.

By working with Contour, Spirit will offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy affordable and convenient ways to visit exciting leisure destinations at an unmatched value. Spirit's low fares and nonstop flights will eliminate the need for long drives to larger airports. The partnership also highlights Contour's commitment as a community stakeholder by increasing the scope and affordability of air travel in its EAS markets.

"EAS communities no longer need to choose between national connectivity and low fares. The combination of service from our two airlines is the best formula to grow passenger traffic in these underserved airports," said Ben Munson, president of Contour.

"Our new partnership with Contour gives us an exciting opportunity to grow our network and explore low-cost entry into new markets that currently have limited service," said John Kirby, vice president of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. "We look forward to welcoming new guests onboard and providing convenient connectivity in historically underserved regions through Spirit's affordable, high-value service."

The initial markets to be served under the partnership will be announced this summer.

Critical Transformation for Spirit

Just last month, Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., parent company of Spirit Airlines, LLC, announced that its Board of Directors appointed Dave Davis as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a board member of Spirit Airlines.

The airline, which recently emerged from bankruptcy, announced a long list of management changes with the new CEO appointment.