Michael O'Connell is an aviation legal correspondent covering airline industry regulations, passenger rights, and major legal disputes. He has over a decade of experience analyzing the intersection of air travel and legal frameworks.
Private jet seat sharing is growing through underground chat groups, but FAA deems it illegal and unsafe. Regulators are working to stop these operations, while advocates point to European and Austral
A Frontier Airlines passenger declined an exit row seat at Denver International Airport, stating she was unwilling to assist in an emergency, leading to her reassignment on the flight to Cincinnati.
An American Airlines passenger was arrested and jailed in the Bahamas after a drug-filled bag was checked in her name, despite her claim of only having a carry-on. Her lawsuit alleges airline employee
An intoxicated passenger was removed from a Manchester to Ibiza flight on September 13 after refusing to fasten his seatbelt. Police performed a "four-limb carry" to remove the individual, causing a f
Europe faces major air travel disruptions in early October due to strikes in Greece, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Expect flight cancellations and delays.
Around 900 tourists were stranded at Machu Picchu, Peru, earlier this month due to protests. Train services were suspended and tracks damaged over a dispute regarding a bus operator contract. Evacuati
A woman faces federal charges after an American Airlines flight to Las Vegas where she was allegedly duct-taped to her seat. Ketty Dilone was arrested on Sept. 16 for disrupting the flight and threate
A woman was ordered detained by a federal judge after flight attendants reportedly duct-taped her to a seat on an American Airlines flight to Las Vegas on September 16. She faces federal charges of in
A federal jury ordered American Airlines to pay $11 million to a passenger who suffered two strokes on a 2021 flight. The flight was not diverted, leading to permanent disabilities.
American Airlines is experiencing flight delays due to a technical issue impacting its maintenance applications. No flights are canceled, but departures are slowed. This follows a recent grounding inc
A federal jury ordered American Airlines to pay $9.6 million to a California chef who suffered two strokes on a flight due to ignored medical protocols and delayed care.
Spirit Airlines plans to cut its November flying capacity by one-quarter and furlough one-third of its flight attendants following its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The airline aims to save $10
An Air India flight to Delhi returned to London Heathrow after a passenger, who had scanned their boarding pass, mistakenly went to the arrivals area instead of boarding. Security protocols required t
Airline passenger rights are facing significant challenges, with efforts to reduce protections like automatic refunds and fee transparency. Travelers must understand their remaining rights and adopt p
An elderly passenger's behavior on a 14-hour Qatar Airways flight from Doha to New York caused distress to a seatmate, involving physical encroachment and a perceived threat with a meal knife. The air
American Airlines is discontinuing its direct flight service between Sacramento and Miami, a route that started in late 2023. The transcontinental service, operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, will
A California jury has ordered American Airlines to pay $13.2 million to a passenger who suffered a stroke mid-flight due to the crew's failure to follow medical procedures, resulting in permanent inju