Month: September 2019

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Business Travel Travel News

Expect Delays At San Francisco International Airport This Month

SFO-runway-delays

If you’re flying in or out of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) this month, there’s something you should know. From September 7 – September 27, two of its runways are under construction. The runway closure is causing major delays and cancellations, both on domestic and international flights, and shorter flights more affected. Here’s what you need to know and the best tips to avoid a travel issue at SFO. 

Why is construction causing delays? 

The construction project for SFO’s runway 28L was planned, but is causing flight delays and cancellations nonetheless. The runway typically serves 68% of the airport’s flights. With only two other runways operational, it’s no surprise issues are occurring. For comparison, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has five runways, and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport has eight. This past Sunday, 266 flights were delayed and 52 were cancelled by 4pm. Though seemingly high, it is significantly lower than the previous Sunday, with 358 flights delayed and 137 cancelled.

The time frame of the project was slated for September, specifically to avoid inclement weather. As you can imagine, escaping temperamental fog and rain can be difficult in the Bay Area. Precipitation is usually low at this time of year. Airport traffic is also lower, dipping between summer travel and holiday travel. Construction started September 7, and is scheduled to be out of use until September 27. A bit of good news though, airport officials said last week that crews reached the halfway point of the project two days ahead of schedule.

What can I do to avoid flight delays or cancellations?  

Unfortunately, not much. If you must fly through SFO this month, plan for a two to three hour delay. The airlines are also doing their best to reduce travel issues. Legacy airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, are waiving change fees during the dates of construction. Alaska Airlines and Southwest have adjusted timing of their flights and warned travelers to expect delays. Here are some other tips for flying through SFO this month:

  • If your plans are flexible, change your travel to a different day or time. SFO suggests flying out before 9am, when flight delays typically begin. 
  • If possible, fly out or into a different airport. Oakland International Airport and San Jose International Airport are both close by. 
  • If your plans are set in stone and cannot be changed, expect delays. Download the airline’s app to stay up to date on your flight’s status. Your flight may be delayed, but you could at least you’ll avoid spending it in the airport.

 

Christopherson Business Travel is a corporate travel management company with more than 60 years of experience. Contact us to learn more about our consultative approach to account management or schedule a demo of our AirPortal technology. 

Categories
Business Travel Travel News

FAA Bans Recalled MacBook Pro on Flights

MacBook-Pro-ban-FAA

Most business travelers keep their laptops within reach at all times. Which is why this recently announced ban from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) may throw some frequent fliers into a tailspin. With concerns of battery issues, the FAA, along with other government organizations and airlines, will no longer allow some 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops onboard flights.

Apple’s MacBook Pro Recall

In June, Apple announced a recall of their 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops sold between September 2015 and February 2017. The reason for the recall? The lithium battery of affected laptops can overheat, potentially leading to swelling or even igniting. 

FAA and other airlines ban

This is not the first time the FAA has banned specific consumer electronics on airlines. You probably remember in 2016, when Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7s had a similar issues. According to FAA’s safety guidelines, electronics with recalled batteries should not be allowed as cargo or in carry-on luggage. These affected laptops should not be anywhere on the aircraft, including below in cargo. This ban also includes flights traveling to or from the United States.

Other countries and specific airlines have issued statements, with varying stances. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency will allow the laptops to be on the flight, but they must be turned off. Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have banned the laptop from both checked luggage and carry-on bags. Quantas, on the other hand, states all 15-inch MacBookPros, including those without a defective battery,  should be carried in the cabin and turned off during the flight. Virgin Australia also stated that all MacBooks must be placed in carry-on baggage only.

What should you do if you have a 15-inch MacBook Pro?

Fortunately, Apple has made their recall process easy. To see if your laptop is affected, go to their recall page  and enter your laptop’s serial number. 

If your laptop battery has been recalled, their website provides information on their easy battery replacement process. If it is a computer provided by your company, you may also want to notify your IT department.