I find it hard to believe this occurred not because I deny the existence of racism or somehow doubt that people rage text. Rather, I question whether this happened because it does not add up…why would a woman simply flip off her seatmate, regardless of color? And if that occurred, why was it removed from the story? Why was there no flight number or date? Reddit is so full of made-up stories that this just seems like another one meant to stir people up. Plus, the fingers look like they could be black to me…maybe it was the woman herself who wrote these comments…it’s not like that would be something new to trigger outrage…
Even so, I think it presents an interesting–and broadly applicable–issue for our consideration. If this happened, then should someone be thrown off a plane for what they are silently texting to one another?It joins Allegiant Airlines reducing connectivity at the airport.Passengers traveling from Austin will soon have fewer options for direct flights on a popular carrier.
American Airlines recently confirmed to Travel + Leisure it will be discontinuing several routes, including nonstop flights to Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), New Orleans (MSY), Reno (RNO) and Palm Springs (PSP).
As part of the continuous evaluation of our network, American will reduce service from Austin (AUS) starting in October,” an American Airlines spokesperson shared with T+L. “We’re proactively reaching out to impacted customers and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The last scheduled day for the non-stop flights to Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Orlando is Sunday, October 6.The Reno and Palm Springs route previously operated as a seasonal service and will not be returning.
American has aggressively modified its route network to increase business objectives, as company leadership previously outlined in an investor briefing.
“We are taking this challenge head-on, with clear and decisive actions to deliver on a strategy that maximizes our revenue and profitability, and importantly, one that makes it easy for customers to doAmerican has aggressively modified its route network to increase business objectives, as company leadership previously outlined in an investor briefing.
“We are taking this challenge head-on, with clear and decisive actions to deliver on a strategy that maximizes our revenue and profitability, and importantly, one that makes it easy for customers to do business with American,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a July 2024 earnings call. The news of the American route closures come just weeks after low-cost carrier Allegiant Airlines announced they would also be reducing routes and closing their crew base at the airport. Allegiant operates out of a terminal that will soon be closed for construction, which was a reported cause for the closure.
The flight route adjustments do not seem to be a result of soft demand, as the Austin Airport achieved a record-level of passengers in 2023, with 22 million arriving and departing passengers. The airport is also currently expanding its Terminal B, and designing a new arrivals / departures hall.