This week's top airline stories include faux flights to Gotham City and Metropolis, real flights to Tehran, a lucky passenger in China, increased entertainment on American Airlines and a survey that says Australians may be the savviest fliers.
Turkish Airlines is now offering flights to some highly-desirable (and fictional) new locations – Metropolis and Gotham City.
In two new commercials, the airline promotes ‘flights’ to Batman’s Gotham City and Superman’s Metropolis. Turkish Airlines is partnering with Warner Bros. Pictures on the upcoming film, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. While the commercials reveal little about the film’s plot, a Turkish Airlines press release notes that a pivotal scene in the movie takes place on a 777 Turkish Airlines plane.
One commercial features Ben Affleck in his role as Bruce Wayne, the alter ego of Batman. The other features Superman villain Lux Luther – played by Jesse Eisenberg.
Turkish Airlines will also launch websites for the cities, which will give participants “virtual views into the life of each city”. The airline will also be involved in a variety of promotions for the film, which will be in theatres 25 March.
Watch the commercials here and here.
A very lucky airline passenger in China got a solo flight during the busy Spring Festival travel season last week. While thousands of people were struck due to train and flight delays, one woman posted images on the Chinese social media site Weibo as she sat alone on the flight after all the other passengers were switched to different flights due to delays.
Read more here.
American Airlines will now give passengers more in-flight entertainment options – without any charge. New music, TV and movies will be available on seatback screens on flights in the US. Passengers will now have access to up to 400 albums, 60 TV shows, and 40 movies, while previously the carrier offered 13 radio stations and a few NBC TV shows.
Read more here.
The world could learn a little from Aussies when it comes to saying no to all the ‘extras’ offered on flights. According to a study on Expedia.com.au, 43% of Australians refuse to buy anything in flight if their journey is less than three hours. Australians also object the most to baggage fees, leaving almost two-thirds of passengers opting to travel with only carry-on.
Read more here.
British Airways will once again fly to the Iranian capital of Tehran starting on 14 July. There will be six flights per week and will increase to a daily service by wintertime. As sanctions lift, Iran is expected to see a great increase of tourism in 2016.
Read more here.