10 Travel Stories You Might Have Missed This Week

Though FlyerTalk attempts to cover a full range of stories, every week a few fall through the cracks. Here are 10 stories we didn’t get around to writing, but are still worth knowing.

1. Woman Clears TSA with Father’s Ticket

Rebecca Adams made it past two TSA agents at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and all the way to George Bush International Airport (IAH), unknowingly with someone else’s ticket. It wasn’t until she arrived at IAH for her return flight that security noticed her father’s name on the ticket. Her father, Robert Adams, had booked the ticket last minute, and somehow his name appeared on the reservation. Rebecca even managed to use her father’s TSA pre-check benefits as a “known traveler.”

2. New Restrictions on Flights Over Iraq

On Thursday, the FAA revised their restrictions on flights over Iraq. United States airlines are no longer permitted to fly at or below 30,000 feet due to “the potentially hazardous situation created by the armed conflict.” Prior to the revision, flights were not permitted to fly at or below 20,000 feet. The FAA has also prohibited carriers from flying into Iraqi airports Erbil International (EBL) and Sulaymaniyah International (ISU). Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was flying at 33,000 feet when it was shot down over eastern Ukraine by a surface-to-air missile on July 17.

3. FAA Wants Shorter Buildings around Airports

A proposed measure from the FAA calls for a lower height limit for future developments around airports. The change is designed to boost safety and give pilots more options when taking off or landing. While airlines and airports support the change, development interests are worried about property values. Current regulations require future buildings be constructed 10,000 feet from the end of an airport’s runway and under 250 feet in height. New regulations would lower the height limit to 160 feet. Existing buildings would not be affected.

4. Boeing Projects Increased Demand for Pilots, Technicians

Boeing has forecast an aviation boom that would require 533,000 new commercial pilots and 584,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 20 years. Globally, the greatest projected demand was for the Asia-Pacific region, which Boeing believes will need 216,000 pilots and 224,000 technicians. Addressing the risk of a shortage of such professionals, Boing Flight Services VP Sherry Carbary said, “The challenge of meeting the global demand for airline professionals cannot be solved by one company or in one region of the world.”

5. Airlines with Lowest Starting Pay for Pilots

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) released a list of the 10 lowest-paying United States airlines. The list is part of ALPA’s argument that low salaries are the reason airlines are having trouble attracting pilots. The lowest-paying airline, based on estimated first-year salary, is Great Lakes, which pays $14,616. Also on the list: Silver Airways, $18,683; SkyWest Airlines, 20,064; Mesa Airlines, $20,183; GoJet Airlines, $20,504; Republic/Shuttle/Chautauqua, $20,655; ExpressJet Airlines, $20,745; Atlantic Southeast Airlines, $20,907; Trans States Airlines, $21,531; PSA Airlines, $21,600.

6. More Hotels Letting Couples Add Stays to Their Registry

Lovebirds can now ask their wedding guests to directly contribute to their honeymoon experience. The Hilton Honeymoon Registry was launched earlier this year, and it allows couples to register for specific things, such as suites, upgrades and amenities. Hyatt Hotels has launched a similar Gift Registry program for their United States, Canadian and Caribbean properties. Fairmont Hotels has also joined in with a Honeymoon Registry of their own.

7. Airbus Could Put Skymark Airlines Out of Business

On Tuesday, Airbus canceled Skymark’s order for six of their double-decker, $414 million A380s. When the Japanese budget airline signed a contract for four Airbus A380s in 2011, they were heavily criticized by financial analysts and industry experts. The first two A380s have already been built, but Airbus opted to terminate the contract due to concerns about Skymark’s ability to pay. Airbus will likely retain the $260 million deposits and may seek additional penalties. Skymark shares have lost over one-quarter of their value.

8. Live Comedy on Virgin Atlantic Flights

Virgin Atlantic’s UK domestic carrier, Little Red, will be treating passengers on select flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to stand-up comedy performances throughout the month. Popular comedians Russell Kane, Carl Donnelly, Tom Craine and Richard Herring will be delivering impromptu performance on their way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they will also be performing. Award-winning comedian Kane “can’t wait to join the wry-high club!”

9. Passenger Plane Melts on Moscow Runway

During a 95-degree heatwave Wednesday, an S7 flight at Domodedovo International Airport (DME) melted to the runway. The Boeing 737 was initially delayed by 45 minutes due to a late arrival. While the plane waited in line for take-off, the asphalt melted under the rear wheels, creating potholes almost 6 inches deep. It took four hours to free the plane.

10. Parents Let Child Defecate in Seat on Delta Flight

On a Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Beijing to Detroit, the parents of a young Chinese boy laid out newspapers on their toddler’s seat. Passengers are reported to have watched on in disgust as the parents and grandparents encouraged the boy to defecate in his seat, rather than escort him to the bathroom. Flight attendants were unable to convince the family to use the proper facility. Many Chinese have since condemned the family on the country’s social media network, Weibo.

[Photos: Rebecca Adams / RIA Novosti / Alexandr Kryazhev]