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TSA Bars Some Illegal Immigrants From Flying

The Transportation Security Administration has announced it will deny entry past its airport checkpoints to illegal immigrants.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff
Verified

Edited By:

angela.cotey

TSA checkpoint
A TSA checkpoint. (Photo: Shutterstock | David Tran Photo)

The Transportation Security Administration has announced it will deny entry past its airport checkpoints to illegal immigrants.

Illegal immigrants were previously able to use the Customs and Border Protection’s CBP One app at TSA checkpoints instead of providing ID. On Monday, the TSA posted on X that it has discontinued use of the CBP One app.

“Illegal aliens who previously had their identity established using CBP One will only be permitted into the checkpoint if TSA can determine the purpose of travel is for deportation or movement between detention facilities,” the post stated. “If TSA cannot verify the identity of an illegal alien at a checkpoint without ID, the individual will not be permitted to enter the sterile area or board an aircraft.”

The CBP One app website, which is still visitable, has been archived by the agency. A fact sheet about the CBP One app stated that it streamlined the experience at southwest U.S. border land ports of entry for noncitizens starting on Jan. 12, 2023.

AirlineGeeks reached out to the TSA for comment.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.

‘Extended Taxi’ Blamed for 737 Brake Fire

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 – registered as N37560 – experienced a rejected takeoff and subsequent brake fire, resulting in substantial damage.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

angela.cotey

United 737 MAX 9
A United 737 MAX 9 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its final report on an incident involving United flight 329 at Denver International Airport on Sept. 30, 2023. The Boeing 737 MAX 9 – registered as N37560 – experienced a rejected takeoff and subsequent brake fire, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries to the 173 people on board.

The NTSB’s investigation revealed that the probable cause was overheated brakes due to a so-called “extended taxi” at higher power settings. This was an attempt by the flight crew to burn off excess fuel to achieve the proper takeoff weight.

According to the report, the flight crew noticed before departure that the aircraft was over the maximum allowed takeoff weight for the runway conditions at the time. After multiple flight plan revisions from dispatch, including removing cargo and passengers, the crew opted to burn off about 1,000 pounds of extra fuel during an extended taxi.

The captain reported noticing abnormal acceleration during the takeoff roll, leading to an immediate rejection of the takeoff. The tower then observed and reported smoke and fire on the right side of the aircraft.

Substantial Damage

An inspection later found significant damage to the aircraft’s tires, wheel assemblies, and other components. The Nos. 1 and 2 tires had deflated, while the Nos. 3 and 4 tires had separated from their wheel assemblies. Tire fragments had impacted various areas of the airframe, and there was evidence of the right engine nacelle scraping the runway.

The NTSB noted that the Boeing 737 lacks a brake temperature monitoring system, which might have alerted the crew to the overheating issue. The captain mentioned that other Boeing aircraft they had flown were equipped with such systems.

Following the incident, the aircraft remained out of service for approximately two weeks.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Alaska ‘Looking at’ Starlink Wi-Fi

Alaska Airlines may soon become the latest carrier to join the Starlink bandwagon. The Seattle-based carrier is reportedly “looking at” the service.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

angela.cotey

Alaska 737 MAX
An Alaska Boeing 737 MAX 9. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Alaska Airlines may soon become the latest carrier to join the Starlink bandwagon. The Seattle-based carrier is reportedly “looking at” the service, an airline official said.

Hawaiian Airlines – which is now part of the Alaska Air Group – completed the rollout of Starlink across its Airbus A321neo and A330-200 fleets last year. The airline’s CEO, Joe Sprague, hinted at plans to extend the service on Alaska’s fleet as well.

During an event in Hawaii on Tuesday, Sprague shared that Alaska is “looking at” Starlink, per MauiNow. An announcement is likely coming “soon,” he added.

Several airlines are rolling out Elon Musk’s high-speed Wi-Fi service, including Qatar Airways, airBaltic, and Air France. United became the first U.S. airline to announce plans to install Starlink on its entire fleet.

The Chicago-based airline expects to debut free Starlink Wi-Fi this spring on a United Express Embraer E175 jet.

787 Installation

In addition, Sprague said Hawaiian does plan to add Starlink on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, pending approval. Due to the aircraft’s predominantly composite fuselage, this could take “several months.”

“Because it has a carbon fiber fuselage, it’s taking a bit longer to get approval to install the necessary satellite antenna,” he noted.

 

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Teamsters Pilots Authorize Strike at Omni Air

The move comes one year after pilots voted unanimously to call a strike at the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based carrier once released by the National Mediation Board.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff
Verified

Edited By:

angela.cotey

Omni Air 767
An Omni Air Boeing 767 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Omni Air International pilots represented by the Teamsters Union have voted to authorize strikes at the airline after the union said Omni implemented “unilateral changes to working conditions” without following legally required processes.

According to an emailed news release from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 350 pilots represented by the Airline Professionals Association-Teamsters Local 1224 voted by a 99 percent margin to strike.

The move comes one year after pilots voted unanimously to call a strike at the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based carrier once released by the National Mediation Board.

Over the past year, the Teamsters release said Omni and its parent company ATSG “have committed a record number of contract violations and at least one unlawful status quo change.”

The union said a recent survey of Omni pilots showed “serious concerns” regarding safety and working conditions, with 80 percent of pilots saying they do not have confidence the company is prioritizing pilot safety and operational integrity.

The release added that 91 percent of Omni pilots also report that the carrier’s scheduling practices cause pilot fatigue, while 40 percent of pilots report that Omni management has attempted to coerce them into unsafe practices or violate federal aviation regulations.

“The Teamsters urge Omni Air to honor the contributions of these pilots and stop implementing unlawful status quo changes,” said Greg Unterseher, director of the Teamsters airline division, in the release. “Our pilots are dedicated professionals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. If the company refuses to recognize our rights, we are prepared to act accordingly.”

Around 600 pilots at Omni’s sister company, Air Transport International, a subsidiary of ATSG and the largest Amazon air cargo carrier, are also operating under an active strike vote authorization administered by their labor union the Air Line Pilots Association.

ATSG, on behalf of Omni, told AirlineGeeks in an emailed statement that the airline wants to keep negotiating with the union.

“Omni Air International remains committed to negotiating in good faith with their pilots’ union,” ATSG stated. “They value the contributions of the pilots and are focused on reaching an agreement that supports all employees while ensuring continued service for their customers and delivering value to stakeholders. They look forward to a resolution that benefits everyone involved.”

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.

SkyWest Dropping Intra-North Dakota Route

SkyWest plans to cut service between two Essential Air Service markets this summer. The regional carrier has flown the route since 2014.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

SkyWest CRJ-200
A United Express CRJ-200 arriving into Chicago O'Hare. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

SkyWest plans to cut service between two Essential Air Service markets this summer. The regional carrier has flown the route since 2014.

Daily CRJ-200 flights between Jamestown and Devils Lake, North Dakota, will end on June 25, per Cirium Diio schedule data. The service operates under the United Express banner.

Devils Lake to Jamestown service is one of the few remaining non-hub-and-spoke routes in SkyWest’s network. Jamestown has a population of nearly 16,000, while Devils Lake has around 7,000 residents.

In a statement, an airline spokesperson said both communities would continue to see regular service to Denver. Flights to Denver from both communities will operate twice daily, an increase from the current once-daily offering.

SkyWest’s Devils Lake to Jamestown routes (Photo: gcmap.com)

“Travelers flying from Jamestown Regional Airport (JMS) and Devils Lake Regional Airport (DLV) will enjoy non-stop access to Denver beginning this summer on all United Express flights, operated by SkyWest,” the spokesperson said. “This change provides direct flights to United’s Denver hub from each airport, enhancing traveler convenience and access.”

At 83 miles, the nonstop Jamestown to Devils Lake route is among the shortest in SkyWest’s network.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

EASA Certifies Airbus A321XLR With GTF Engine Option

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has recently certified Airbus’ latest aircraft, the A321XLR, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

Sam Jakobi
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An A321XLR. (Photo: Airbus)

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has recently certified Airbus’ latest aircraft, the A321XLR, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

The go-ahead was given on Friday, with the first commercial A321XLR powered with this engine type expected to enter service later this year. This follows the CFM LEAP-1A powered aircraft being the first to fly after it was delivered to launch-customer Iberia in late 2024.

Current Engine Issues

This follows controversy surrounding Pratt & Whitney, given the recent grounding of many of their aircraft. This was due to suspicion of microscopic cracks in the metal of the engines, causing them to have to remove between 600 and 700 engines from the aircraft they were fitted to.

This has impacted many airlines, with carriers such as Wizz Air being forced to ground as many as 40 aircraft. It’s resulted in almost all of the airline’s A320neo fleet not being allowed to fly, causing them to have to keep using the less efficient A320ceos.

However, this hasn’t stopped Wizz, who opted to fit its A321XLR with the GTF engine when they ordered the aircraft shortly after its announcement. It is currently hoping to take delivery of the type in March 2025, with inaugural flights planned from London Gatwick to Jeddah and Milan Malpensa to Abu Dhabi.

The Pratt & Whitney engine issues haven’t hit the confidence of Airbus either, with the manufacturer’s commercial chief, Christian Scherer, saying that the A321XLR “already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customers’ passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city to city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.”

 

Sam Jakobi

Sam Jakobi is a young aviation journalist based in London, U.K. A lifelong Airbus fan, he has adored aviation for as long as he can remember. Sam writes articles and conducts interviews with members of the aviation community.

American Postpones New International Route

New destination launches don't always go as planned, with the airline postponing the start of its newest city by at least a month.

Joey Gerardi
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Envoy E175
An American Eagle Embraer jet (Photo: Shutterstock | LJ Jones)

American Airlines has recently started service to a handful of new cities, especially on smaller jets such as the Embraer E170s and E175s to places like Carlsbad, California. Every new destination has its challenges and hurdles to overcome prior to starting new commercial flights, but with new international destinations, there are even more, especially when the airport hasn’t seen international service in decades.

Unfortunately, this is a case where the preparations weren’t completed in time, and a new international route to South Caicos had been postponed due to a lack of facilities to handle international flights. Currently, the airport only flies to places within the country on board 19-seat Twin Otters, and it was supposed to be a big feather in the cap to get international flights, especially on a jet aircraft.

The flights were supposed to start on February 15, 2025, but the airport did not receive its certification to accept international flights in time, so the service was pushed over a month to March 29, 2025. They did try to hold off postponing the service as long as they could, with the postponement of flights not happening until February 12, 2025, just three days before the start date.

The small airport terminal in South Caicos (Photo: South Caicos Airport)

American’s new nonstop service was planned to coincide with the opening of a new 100-room Marriott resort in South Caicos, But its opening has also been pushed back to March 8.

An airline spokesperson told The Miami Herald; “ We look forward to our continued work with all relevant authorities and partners to ensure the Airport receives certification approval to operate international commercial service.”

Passengers who were scheduled to fly on American between these dates will be offered a full refund for their flight or be accommodated on alternate flights to the country’s main, and currently only international airport which is located in Providenciales.

 

Joey Gerardi

Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.

Appeals Court Declines to Intervene in Pilot Contract Dispute

The Teamsters’ lawsuit against Republic Airways argued the carrier illegally imposed non-compete clauses for pilots in its contract.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Republic Airways Embraer jet
A Republic Airways aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has ruled that a Teamsters lawsuit against Republic Airways will need to be resolved in arbitration between the union and carrier.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters filed a lawsuit against Republic Airways in June 2023 over a pilot contract released by Republic a month prior. The Teamsters said the contract illegally imposed non-compete clauses and fines on pilots who violate it.

“The lawsuit asserts the employment contracts are an attempt by the airlines to change pilots’ working conditions unilaterally, in violation of federal labor law under the Railway Labor Act,” the union said in a press release at the time.

One year later, Teamsters Local 357 – based in Carmel, Indiana –  filed a second lawsuit against Republic Airways. In a Teamsters news release regarding the second lawsuit, the union said illegal non-compete clauses were included in the contract under “the false pretense that they were ‘bonus’ or ‘incentive’ agreements.’”

In a decision made by the Seventh Circuit on Jan. 31, 2025, Judges Michael Scudder, Amy St. Eve, and Thomas Kirsc’h concluded that the parties’ dispute was minor and would be resolved in arbitration instead of federal court.

“‘We are not resolving the merits’ of the Unions’ challenges,” the court stated in its decision. “The Unions can present their arguments to an adjustment board, which may ultimately decide that their position carries the day. Our task is only to determine whether the Carriers made nonfrivolous arguments that the CBAs [collective bargaining agreements] justify their individual employment agreements. They have. Accordingly, we find the parties’ dispute minor and therefore subject to arbitration.”

AirlineGeeks reached out to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Republic Airways for comment.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.

Copa Adds 17th U.S. Route

Copa Airlines is set to grow in the U.S. with a new route. The Panama-based airline’s newest service will begin this summer.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Copa Airlines 737 MAX 9 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Noah Escobar)

Copa Airlines is set to grow in the U.S. with a new route. The Panama-based airline’s newest service will begin this summer.

Starting on June 25, the carrier will connect Panama City and San Diego. The route will become Copa’s 17th in the U.S. and third in California, joining Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“The launch of this new route strengthens our destination network and expands travel options for our passengers, reaffirming Copa’s commitment to efficiency, punctuality, and the high service standards that set us apart. With the addition of San Diego, we enhance connectivity between Southern California and Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, fostering tourism and commercial exchange across the continent,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines, in a news release.

The new service will operate four times per week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays – with a Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet.

Flights are scheduled to depart from Tocumen International Airport at 1:16 p.m. local time and arrive at San Diego International Airport at 6:15 p.m. The return flight will operate on the same days, departing from San Diego at 8:58 p.m. and arriving in Panama City at 5:20 a.m.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Southwest 737 Involved in Close Call With Challenger Jet

A Southwest Boeing 737-800 and Flexjet Challenger 350 were involved in a close call on Tuesday at Chicago's Midway Airport.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Southwest 737 Chicago Midway
A Southwest 737 at Chicago Midway Airport (Photo: Shutterstock | marchello74)

A Southwest Boeing 737 and Flexjet Challenger 350 aircraft were involved in a close call on Tuesday. The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m. local time at Chicago Midway Airport.

According to air traffic control audio recordings, the Flexjet crew was instructed to cross Runway 31L and hold short of 31C. The Southwest 737-800 – operating flight 2504 from Omaha, Nebraska – was already over Runway 31C and had been cleared to land.

Surveillance footage shared on X shows the Challenger crossing Runway 31C directly in front of the landing Southwest aircraft. The Southwest crew opted to go around.

An FAA spokesperson said the agency will investigate the incident.

“The crew of Southwest Airlines Flight 2504 initiated a go-around when a business jet entered the runway without authorization at Chicago Midway Airport,” the spokesperson shared as part of an email statement.

A Brasher Warning was subsequently issued to the Flexjet crew. The Southwest 737 landed safely several minutes later, and the Flexjet aircraft continued to its destination of Knoxville, Tennessee.

“The crew followed safety procedures and the flight landed without incident,” a Southwest spokesperson told CNN. “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees.”

The National Transportation Safety Board also said Tuesday afternoon that it will investigate.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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