Airline Stories That Make Us Think Twice About Flying in 2015

These stories leave us shaking our collective head.

ByABC News
December 31, 2014, 11:29 AM
JetBlue announced a new fare structure that will eliminate free checked bags on some tickets.
JetBlue announced a new fare structure that will eliminate free checked bags on some tickets.
Allison Joyce/Getty Images

— -- intro: When airfare goes up and delays seem unavoidable, the average traveler will vow never to fly again. But this is everyday stuff in the world of the airline industry. Here are a few of 2014's top airline stories that had fliers really buzzing.

quicklist: 1title: JetBlue to Eliminate Free Checked Bag on Some Flightsurl: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/jetblue-eliminate-free-checked-bag-flights/story?id=27023242text: This was one that got travelers riled up. JetBlue, the undisputed darling among domestic carriers with the traveling public, announced in November that in 2015 it will eliminate free checked bags on some tickets. In early 2015, the airline will offer what it calls "fare families" or "branded fares." Customers will be able to choose between three fare options, one of which is designed for customers who do not plan to check a bag. The other two will allow one and two free checked bags along with other benefits. The move will leave Southwest as the only domestic airline to let all fliers check at least one bag free of charge.media: 27024680

quicklist: 2title: 'Dear Mr. Human': Airline's Apology Letter Failurl: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/dear-mr-human-airlines-apology-letter-fail/story?id=26019213text: When a response to a complaint letter starts out "Dear Mr. Human," there's reason to suspect it wasn't written by a human at all. That's how Chris Chmura was addressed in a letter from United Airlines that he tweeted out to his followers. But the airline told ABC News it wasn't some bot sending out responses, it was a simple spell-check error. "His name and 'human' are relatively similar,” spokesman Charles Hobart said. “The auto correct changed the name from Chmura to Human and the agent just missed it. We've reached out to apologize for getting his name wrong."media: 26021999

quicklist: 3title: Delta Air Lines’ Breast Feeding Tweets Ignite Social Media Firestormurl: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2014/02/delta-airlines-breast-feeding-tweets-ignite-social-media-firestorm/text: In February, a woman who was told over Twitter she must cover up while breastfeeding on her upcoming flight has ignited a social-media firestorm. Lindsay Jaynes, who used the Twitter handle @ClassicHippie, tweeted @DeltaAssist inquiring about the airline's breastfeeding policy. The airline replied: "@ClassicHippie I would suggest pumping if you can and bringing it on board with you. You are allowed to bring breast milk on board. *SD" And then Twitter exploded. Delta quickly responded and said “Delta welcomes breastfeeding mothers and babies on our flights. We sincerely apologize for the misinformation.”media:

quicklist: 4title: Flight Diverted After Passengers Feud Over ‘Knee Defender’ Blocking Reclining Seaturl: https://gma.yahoo.com/flight-diverted-passengers-feud-over-reclining-seat-162801989--abc-news-travel.htmltext: It ended with an emergency landing in Chicago after a woman threw a cup of water in a man's face on an August flight from flight from Newark to Denver. But it started with a heated argument after a male passenger used the product the Knee Defender to prevent the woman in the row in front from reclining her seat. The Knee Defender isn't allowed on most airlines, but some passengers use it anyway. Call it the $22 product that can spark rage in the sky. media: 25125882

quicklist: 5title: British Airways Tells Crew Members Not to Put Deceased in the Restroomurl: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/british-airways-tells-crew-members-put-deceased-restroom/story?id=24156444text: It's not likely something you've given a lot of thought to, but come to think of it -- what does an airline do with the body if someone dies in-flight? On British Airways you will not be placed in the bathroom. Promise. "Years ago we would give them a vodka tonic, a Daily Mail and eye shades and be like 'yeah they're fine,'" a woman instructs a group of flight-attendants-in-training on an episode of "A Very British Airline" airing on the BBC chronicling the behind-the-scenes goings on at British Airways.media: 24162734