American Airlines Finally Begins Haneda Flights: Airline Pulse for Feb. 16, 2016

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Lufthansa Takes Ceremonial First Delivery of A320neo The first Airbus A320neo has already been in service on commercial routes since last month, but the official delivery ceremony was delayed while Airbus dealt with engine issues. Lufthansa now has two neos. Indian budget airline IndiGo will be the next carrier to start flying the ultra-efficient jets.

American Airlines Begins Haneda Service After a long tussle with Delta, American Airlines finally began a long-planned service between Los Angeles and Tokyo Haneda. Delta gave up its slot for a Haneda-Seattle flight last year, but it has taken until now for American to be allowed to take over the slot.

Nursing Mother of Triplets Gets Free Upgrade for Privacy A mother or triplets was given a free upgrade to first class during her trip from Atlanta to Dallas so that she could have extra privacy to use a breast milk pump. In the past, Delta has been criticized for not making reasonable accommodations for nursing mothers.

Delays in Paris as Border Control Agents Protest Border control officers at Paris area airports protested the fact that they were losing certain job perks and benefits by purposely taking a long time to check waiting passengers. Long lines formed and flights were delayed as the agents took three times as long as usual to check passengers identifications at both Orly and de Gaulle airports.

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China's crackdown on corruption has now hit its airline industry. China Southern's former General Manager, Si Xianmin is being investigated for accepting bribes while he was at the head of airline.

United Airlines has taken another major step in the transpacific marketplace by launching San Francisco-Singapore flights. The U.S. legacy carrier has also been competing with Qantas on the S.F.-Sydney route.

American Airlines allowed passengers to change their flights for free as winter weather advisories came into effect in the Southeast on Monday. AA customers who were flying out of Charlotte Douglas and other Carolina airports were able to alter their plans without incurring the usual change fees.

Southwest Airlines is using its lack of fees to sell itself to passengers. The low cost carrier has a new ad campaign that highlights that fact that it occupies the "sweet spot" between legacy carriers, who have higher fares, and ultra-budget airlines, who have lower fares, but excessive fees that make the overall cost of travel more expensive.

Farmers protesting against new taxes and pension plans in Greece have resorted to blocking major roads with their tractors. The practice could include airport roads. The British Foreign Office has advised travelers in Greece to be aware of this and start their trips to the airport extra early.

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