Airlines
Follow the latest Airlines news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
May 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags

The Points Guy, Brian Kelly, talks about the fees starting today where it will cost $35 for the first bag and $45 for a second bag at Southwest Airlines.
May 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM
VIDEO: Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags
May 28, 2025 at 12:36 PM

How to fly with free bags as Southwest's bag fees go into effect

The era of free checked bags while flying Southwest Airlines is coming to an end.
May 28, 2025 at 12:36 PM
A Southwest Airlines traveler checks a bag at Midway International Airport, March 11, 2025, in Chicago.
May 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM

United Airlines flight aborts takeoff after flames shoot from wing of plane

A United Airlines flight aborted takeoff in Beijing after flames were seen shooting from the plane's wing after one of its engines lost power. Over 200 passengers were deplaned.
May 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM
VIDEO: United Airlines flight aborts takeoff after flames shoot from wing of plane
May 28, 2025 at 9:58 AM

Turkey will fine airline passengers who unbuckle before the plane stops

Turkish authorities say airline passengers who unbuckle their seat belts, access overhead compartments, or occupy the aisle before their plane has fully stopped now face fines under new regulations
May 28, 2025 at 9:58 AM
FILE - A Turkish Airlines plane takes off from Istanbul Airport near the Black Sea shores, in Istanbul, on April 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
May 27, 2025 at 9:10 PM

United Airlines changes check-in time for domestic flyers: What to know

United Airlines is changing its check-in cutoff time ahead of the busy summer travel season.
May 27, 2025 at 9:10 PM
A United plane departs from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on May 7, 2025.
May 27, 2025 at 11:39 AM

Final boarding call for free bags at Southwest as airline abandons a cherished perk

It’s the last day to book a flight on Southwest Airlines without being hit with a fee to check bags after the airline abandoned a decades-long luggage policy
May 27, 2025 at 11:39 AM
FILE - A Southwest Airlines traveler checks a bag at Midway International Airport, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)
May 26, 2025 at 2:47 PM

Passenger jets forced to land after in-flight emergencies

A plane was possibly struck by lightning moments before landing while a flight from Houston to Tokyo diverted to Seattle after an unruly passenger allegedly tried to open an emergency exit mid-flight.
May 26, 2025 at 2:47 PM
VIDEO: Passenger jets forced to land after in-flight emergencies
May 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM

NTSB investigating plane crash in San Diego

The deadly crash also caused 100 families in the neighborhood to be evacuated.
May 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM
VIDEO: NTSB investigating plane crash in San Diego
May 22, 2025 at 6:13 PM

Woman found guilty of stowing away on Delta flight from New York to Paris

Svetlana Dali was found guilty Thursday of stowing away on a Delta flight from New York to Paris last year.
May 22, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Booking photo for Svetlana Dali.
May 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Air traffic controller woes ahead of holiday travel

Flights at the Austin, Texas, airport were grounded yesterday because of more air traffic-controller staffing issues.
May 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Flights at the Austin, Texas, airport were grounded yesterday because of more air traffic-controller staffing issues.
May 22, 2025 at 12:45 PM

Millions take to the skies ahead of Memorial Day

With the holiday weekend marking the unofficial start of the summer, the FAA is expecting a record number of travelers and Thursday will likely be the busiest day at airports.
May 22, 2025 at 12:45 PM
VIDEO: Millions take to the skies ahead of Memorial Day
May 22, 2025 at 11:35 AM

Delays and cancellations mount as nation deals with air traffic controller shortage 

Newark Airport has also experienced multiple radio and radar outages, in addition to staffing shortages, causing concern over flight safety.
May 22, 2025 at 11:35 AM
VIDEO: Delays and cancellations mount as nation deals with air traffic controller shortage 
May 21, 2025 at 12:50 PM

Memorial Day travel rush gets underway

49,000 flights are set to take off on Wednesday across the country as Newark Liberty International Airport continues to deal with the fallout stemming from air traffic control issues.
May 21, 2025 at 12:50 PM
VIDEO: Memorial Day travel rush gets underway
May 20, 2025 at 6:13 PM

Southwest will no longer allow portable batteries to be stored in passenger bags

Southwest Airlines is introducing a new rule, requiring passengers to keep power banks and portable charging devices in plain sight while traveling on its planes.
May 20, 2025 at 6:13 PM
A Southwest Airlines plane pull into a gate at Pittsburgh International Airport in Imperial, Pa., March 27, 2025.
May 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM

Southwest Airlines makes rule change following string of fires

Southwest is notifying passengers that portable charging devices are no longer allowed to be stored in bags or overhead bins.
May 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM
VIDEO: Southwest Airlines makes rule change following string of fires
May 20, 2025 at 12:03 AM

American Airlines plane aborts takeoff at New York's LaGuardia Airport to avoid plane

The FAA is investigating a close call at New York's LaGuardia Airport after an American Airlines plane aborted takeoff to avoid a United plane on the same runway.
May 20, 2025 at 12:03 AM
VIDEO: American Airlines plane aborts takeoff at New York's LaGuardia Airport to avoid plane
May 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM

Passenger jet forced to abort takeoff to avoid collision

A LaGuardia air traffic controller gave a Republic Airways flight the go-ahead for takeoff and then abruptly telling them to cancel because a United plane was taxiing on the same runway.
May 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
VIDEO: Passenger jet forced to abort takeoff to avoid collision
May 19, 2025 at 8:47 AM

Flights cancelled at Paris-Orly airport after traffic control systems break down

France’s civil aviation authority said some flights were still being cancelled and others delayed at Paris-Orly airport, one day after air traffic control systems suffered a breakdown that caused substantial disruption
May 19, 2025 at 8:47 AM
FILE - Passengers arrive at Orly airport, south of Paris, Monday, May 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)
May 16, 2025 at 3:12 PM

Veteran air traffic controller sounds alarm on safety concerns

ABC News’ Sam Sweeney reports on airport equipment outages and air traffic controllers who say they’re overworked.
May 16, 2025 at 3:12 PM
VIDEO: Veteran air traffic controller sounds alarm on safety concerns
May 16, 2025 at 10:35 AM

Air traffic controllers in Denver scramble to use backups after losing comms Monday

A Federal Aviation Administration official says the main communication lines went down in Denver earlier this week but radar remained online
May 16, 2025 at 10:35 AM
A United Airlines jetliner prepares to push off from a gate at Denver International Airport Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
May 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM

FAA testifies about Newark airport failures

ABC News’ Sam Sweeney reports on testimony from agency leaders about equipment outages, which have led to air traffic control issues.
May 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM
VIDEO: FAA testifies about Newark airport failures
May 15, 2025 at 1:56 PM

New details emerge on incidents at Newark Airport

ABC News’ Gio Benitez reports on the latest details as well as a U.S. Senate hearing amid efforts to revamp the Federal Aviation Administration.
May 15, 2025 at 1:56 PM
VIDEO: New details emerge on incidents at Newark Airport
May 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM

Transportation secretary warns of air travel troubles ahead of summer

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that issues like the ones seen at Newark International Airport are “going to happen in other places across the country” and have “to be fixed.”
May 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM
VIDEO: Transportation secretary warns of air travel troubles ahead of summer
May 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM

Radar screens at Newark airport went black again overnight

Radar screens at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport went black again early Friday morning.
May 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The United Airlines Station Operation Center at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on May 7, 2025.
May 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM

Air travel slowdown at Newark following 3 radar outages

Airline officials are set to meet with the FAA on Wednesday to discuss possibly cutting the number of flights in and out of Newark International Airport.
May 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
VIDEO: Air travel slowdown at Newark following 3 radar outages
May 11, 2025 at 12:21 AM

Newark Airport ATC outages raise safety concerns

A third air traffic control outage in just weeks at Newark Airport is raising concerns about aging infrastructure at major aviation hubs nationwide.
May 11, 2025 at 12:21 AM
VIDEO: Newark Airport ATC outages raise safety concerns
May 9, 2025 at 2:25 PM

Radar screens at Newark airport went black again overnight

Radar screens at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport went black again early Friday morning. ABC News' Sam Sweeney reports.
May 9, 2025 at 2:25 PM
VIDEO: Radar screens at Newark airport went black again overnight
May 8, 2025 at 8:33 PM

Plans for new air traffic control system unveiled by transportation secretary

Plans for a new air traffic control system were announced Thursday by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
May 8, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy speaks at an event unveiling a new U.S. air traffic control system at the Department of Transportation on May 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
May 8, 2025 at 1:47 PM

United CEO insists it is safe to fly at Newark Airport

In a letter to employees, CEO Scott Kirby wrote that “all the flights in and out of Newark are absolutely safe,” amid an influx of cancelled flights over the past week.
May 8, 2025 at 1:47 PM
VIDEO: United CEO insists it is safe to fly at Newark Airport
May 7, 2025 at 7:42 AM

2 jets clip wings at San Francisco Airport as Newark Airport cancels flights

The United planes clipped wings as one of the planes pushed back from the gate. The incident comes amid a growing crisis at Newark Airport, caused in part by a shortage of air traffic controllers.
May 7, 2025 at 7:42 AM
VIDEO: 2 jets clip wings at San Francisco Airport as Newark Airport cancels flights
May 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM

Controllers lost contact with planes at Newark airport

A system-wide outage last Monday caused air traffic controllers to lose the ability to see, hear or talk to all arriving and departing aircraft for 60 to 90 seconds at Newark Liberty Airport.
May 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM
VIDEO: Controllers lost contact with planes at Newark airport
May 6, 2025 at 11:22 AM

Newark air traffic control screens went dark for 60-90 seconds: Sources

In the air traffic control recordings obtained by ABC News, you can hear an air traffic controller telling pilots that "approach lost all the radars."
May 6, 2025 at 11:22 AM
United Airlines planes land and prepare to take off at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., Jan. 27, 2025.
May 5, 2025 at 7:47 PM

Outage at Newark airport last week lasted 60-90 seconds: Sources

The outage at Newark Liberty International Airport last Monday caused air traffic control computer screens to go dark for roughly 60 to 90 seconds, according to multiple sources.
May 5, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The outage at Newark Liberty International Airport last Monday caused air traffic control computer screens to go dark for roughly 60 to 90 seconds, according to multiple sources.
May 5, 2025 at 1:09 PM

Major flight disruptions at Newark Airport as air traffic controllers walk off job

Ripple effects are expected across the country after about 20% of the airport’s air traffic controllers walked off the job causing hundreds of flight delays and cancellations.
May 5, 2025 at 1:09 PM
VIDEO: Major flight disruptions at Newark Airport as air traffic controllers walk off job
May 4, 2025 at 2:12 PM

About 40% of Newark flights were delayed on Saturday, dozens cancelled: FlightAware

Ongoing construction has at times forced traffic onto a single runway and a massive staffing shortage after more than 20% of air traffic controllers walked of the job last week.
May 4, 2025 at 2:12 PM
VIDEO: About 40% of Newark flights were delayed on Saturday, dozens cancelled: FlightAware
1 month ago

FAA, NTSB investigate after two planes abort landings at Reagan National Airport

Two passenger jets were forced to abort their landings at DC's Reagan National Airport after an Army helicopter was waved off its own landing and deviated from its planned route.
1 month ago
VIDEO: FAA, NTSB investigate after two planes abort landings at Reagan National Airport
1 month ago

Major airport battling air traffic control shortages ahead of busy travel season

Newark Liberty International Airport had an average delay of five hours on Thursday, with hundreds of cancellations. Controller shortage and equipment issues are said to be major reasons why.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Major airport battling air traffic control shortages ahead of busy travel season
1 month ago

Flights delayed, canceled due to equipment outage at Newark Airport

Around 150 flights were canceled and other flights were delayed at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty airport as staff dealt with an FAA equipment outage affecting certain radars and frequencies on Monday.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Flights delayed, canceled due to equipment outage at Newark Airport
1 month ago

Equipment issues lead to major disruptions at Newark Airport

Disruptions at Newark Airport stemmed from telecommunications and equipment issues the Philadelphia air traffic control center that guides aircraft in and out of the airport, according to the FAA.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Equipment issues lead to major disruptions at Newark Airport
1 month ago

Are there more plane incidents recently or does it just seem that way?

Investigations for plane accidents this year are down, but recent high-profile events and dramatic videos have put aviation safety in the spotlight.
1 month ago
A crane removes airplane wreckage from the Potomac River, where American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a US Army military helicopter, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on February 3, 2025.
1 month ago

Suspected stowaway on Delta flight appears in court

Svetlana Dali declined a plea deal so she will head to trial in May on charges she secreted herself on a Paris-bound Delta flight.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Suspected stowaway on Delta flight appears in court
1 month ago

Nearly 300 people evacuated from Delta plane after engine fire

Passengers were forced to go down emergency slides after the jet engine caught fire before takeoff on the tarmac at the Orlando airport.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Nearly 300 people evacuated from Delta plane after engine fire
1 month ago

Delta plane's engine catches fire moment before takeoff in Orlando

Flames shot out from a Delta plane’s engine just moments before taking off in Orlando, Florida, forcing the the nearly 300 passengers on board to evacuate onto the tarmac via slides and stairs.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Delta plane's engine catches fire moment before takeoff in Orlando
1 month ago

Flight makes emergency landing after apparent rabbit strike

A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver after an engine fire that was reportedly caused by a rabbit strike.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Flight makes emergency landing after apparent rabbit strike
1 month ago

China instructs airlines to stop buying American parts

China has also instructed its airlines to stop accepting deliveries of Boeing jets in retaliation of U.S. tariffs.
1 month ago
VIDEO: China instructs airlines to stop buying American parts
1 month ago

How stowaway snuck on Paris-bound flight at JFK

Video obtained by ABC News shows Svetlana Dali blending in with the crowd, never handing over a boarding pass, as gate agents helped other passengers onto Delta Flight 264 on Nov. 26.
1 month ago
VIDEO: How stowaway snuck on Paris-bound flight at JFK
1 month ago

Video shows United Airlines engine ablaze shortly after takeoff

Rare wildlife strike prompted an emergency landing on United Airlines flight packed with passengers. Large flames can be seen shooting from the engine of the Boeing 737 shortly after takeoff.
1 month ago
Video shows United Airlines engine ablaze shortly after takeoff
1 month ago

American Airlines partners with AT&T to announce free in-flight Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi will be available to American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty members starting in 2026.
1 month ago
American Airlines Boeing 777-200ER airplane at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany, May 14, 2024.
2 months ago

American Airlines jets carrying 6 members of Congress clip wings at Reagan Airport

Two American Airlines jets clipped wings on a taxiway at Ronald Reagan National Airport in D.C. with six members of Congress from both New York and New Jersey.
2 months ago
VIDEO: American Airlines jets carrying 6 members of Congress clip wings at Reagan Airport
2 months ago

Wingtip of one plane hits another at DCA, several Congress members on board

The wingtip of an American Airlines plane hit another American Airlines plane on a taxiway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.
2 months ago
In this photo posted to the X account of Congressman Nick LaLota, a plane is shown on the tarmac at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on April 10, 2025.