Kevin Derby

Tallahassee

Contributing Writer at Florida Daily

Writer, Jaguars fan, boxing buff, proud Trinity and Wolfson alum who spends too much time in the 19th century

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Articles

Best First and Business Class Airlines in the US in 2025

2 days ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

DALLAS- JetBlue Airways (B6) and Southwest Airlines (WN) are leading the U.S. airline industry in 2025, according to a new J.D. Power study. Based on feedback from over 10,000 flyers, the report ranks North American airlines by customer satisfaction across first/business, premium economy, and economy classes.
United Sydeny to San Francisco Flight with 777 Diverts Twice

2 days ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

SYDNEY- A United Airlines (UA) flight from Sydney (SYD) to San Francisco (SFO) experienced two unexpected diversions after a mid-air medical emergency, delaying its arrival by over 15 hours. Flight UA870, operated by a Boeing 777, first diverted to Apia, Samoa (APW), and later rerouted to Honolulu (HNL) for a crew change before finally reaching San Francisco late Tuesday night.
Alaska Airlines Might Launch New Flights to Madrid and Rome in 2026

3 days ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

SEATTLE- Alaska Airlines (AS) plans to expand its long-haul network from Seattle (SEA) with new European flights to potentially Madrid (MAD) or Rome (FCO) starting in Q2 2026. This follows its recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines (HA) and the launch of transpacific routes. The airline aims to transform Seattle into a global hub, targeting a dozen long-haul routes by 2030, but faces challenges like limited joint ventures and slot constraints at key European airports, OMAAT reported.
10 Best Stopover Flights in the World in 2025

5 days ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

Ever waited so long for a connecting flight that you started to feel like Tom Hanks in “The Terminal”? What if we told you those dreaded layovers could be the travel equivalent of finding a $20 bill in your winter coat pocket?
Air Travel Power Bank Guidelines: Essential Rules for Passengers

5 days ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

Power banks have become indispensable travel companions in today’s connected world. These portable charging devices prove particularly valuable during flights, where access to power outlets may be limited or non-existent, especially on longer journeys. However, flying with rechargeable batteries comes with specific regulations that travellers must understand to avoid complications at security checkpoints.
United Airlines Cheats Passenger by Deplaning and Denying Boarding

6 days ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

CHICAGO- A standby passenger was removed from a United Airlines (UA) flight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) after initially being allowed to board. According to OMAAT, the traveler was separated from his elderly father when gate agents refused to allow him back onboard despite earlier assurances. The incident raises serious questions about United’s passenger handling protocols and denied boarding compensation policies.
JetBlue Flight Attendants Failing Drug Tests

1 week ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

NEW YORK- JetBlue Airways (B6) is facing an increase in flight attendants failing federally mandated drug and alcohol tests, raising operational and disciplinary concerns within the airline. While JetBlue enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for failed tests, the flight attendants’ union suggests some results may stem from legally used products, prompting calls for awareness and caution.
United Faces Lawsuit Amid Discrimination Against 57 Jewish Passengers

1 week ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

CHICAGO- A group of 57 Jewish passengers has filed a lawsuit against United Airlines (UA) over alleged discrimination during a flight from Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV). The plaintiffs claim they faced “collective punishment and emotional trauma” after the flight returned to Newark due to a disputed security incident. United Airlines denies the allegations, stating the decision was based on safety concerns involving a single passenger.
Two United Airlines Boeing 777 Collided at San Francisco

1 week ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

SAN FRANCISCO- On May 6, 2025, at approximately 12:35 AM local time, two United Airlines (UA) Boeing 777-300ER aircraft collided at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The incident involved United Flight UA877, bound for Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), and United Flight UA863, scheduled for Sydney Airport (SYD). During pushback from Terminal 2, Gate 6, the right wingtip of the taxiing UA863 struck the left wingtip of UA877, which was being pushed back.
American Airlines New Los Angeles to Brisbane Flights with 787

1 week ago | aviationa2z.com | Kevin Derby

FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) will launch new non-stop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE) starting December 5, 2025, through January 2026. This new route strengthens the airline’s trans-Pacific connectivity, supported by its strategic alliance with Qantas (QF). Meanwhile, Qantas is boosting services from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD), operating daily flights during the same peak season.