Delta Passengers Sue Airline For Refusing Refunds After Massive Computer Outage

Delta Airlines (DAL.N), opens new tab was sued by passengers who complained that the carrier refused to offer full refunds after delaying or canceling their flights in the wake of last month's massive computer outage.

The proposed class action was made public on Wednesday in Atlanta federal court, after the July 19 outage disrupted airlines, banks, hospitals and emergency lines.

Passengers accused Delta of breach of contract for failing to provide automatic refunds, and providing partial refunds only if they signed waivers against pursuing further legal claims.

They also said Delta should compensate them for the cost and inconvenience of rebooking with other airlines, hotels and food, and from being separated from their luggage.

One of the four plaintiffs, John Brennan of Florida, said he and his wife missed a $10,000 anniversary cruise after being stranded in Atlanta on a layover, but Delta offered just $219.45 in compensation.

The lawsuit said the airline's "unfair, unlawful, and unconscionable practices resulted in Delta unjustly enriching itself at the expense of its customers."

Delta declined to comment on the lawsuit, but has said passengers whose travel was disrupted can request and receive refunds, and seek compensation for incidental costs, opens new tab.

Delta's passengers remained stranded, waiting in lines for days trying to get to their destinations," Joseph Sauder, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in an email. "When our clients sought refunds, Delta again failed to deliver."

The outage stemmed from a flawed software update from the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike (CRWD.O), opens new tab that crashed more than 8 million computers worldwide and affected many Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab customers.

Disruptions subsided the next day for many U.S. carriers but persisted at Delta, leading to more than 6,000 cancellations.

CrowdStrike, Microsoft and Delta have since argued publicly over who is to blame and should pay the bills.

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian estimated on July 31 that the outage cost his Atlanta-based carrier about $500 million.

Passengers filed a separate class action against CrowdStrike on Monday, also seeking damages.

The Austin, Texas-based company has said it was neither grossly negligent nor at fault for Delta's problems.

The case is Bajra et al v Delta Air Lines, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, No. 24-03477.

Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Aurora Ellis, Reuters

Hotel Matilda In San Miguel de Allende Achieves Prestigious Status As a Hotel Selection In The Michelin Guide

Hotel Matilda, a beacon of luxury and innovation in Mexico’s city San Miguel de Allende, is proud to announce its prestigious recognition as a Hotel Selection in the esteemed Michelin Guide. This accolade places Hotel Matilda among an elite group of fewer than 7,000 hotels worldwide featured in the Tablet Hotels and Michelin Guide selection, marking it as one of the best boutique hotels in Mexico.

As part of this elite selection, Hotel Matilda is now showcased in the Michelin App, offering travelers an unparalleled resource for discovering and booking exceptional accommodations. The entire selection of Tablet Hotels, known for their distinctive and high-quality offerings, became part of the Michelin family in 2018, further enhancing the Guide’s reputation for excellence. Travelers can now explore and book their stay at Hotel Matilda through the Michelin Guide website and App, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience.

Why Hotel Matilda?

Hotel Matilda is celebrated for its unique blend of contemporary art, cutting-edge design, and warm hospitality. Located in the heart of the historic heart of San Miguel de Allende, the hotel offers an oasis of modern luxury that contrasts beautifully with the city’s historic charm. Key features that distinguish Hotel Matilda include:

● Gourmet Dining: The hotel’s signature restaurant, Moxi, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Vicente Torres, offers a culinary journey that showcases the finest in contemporary Mexican cuisine. Guests can savor inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients in a stylish and intimate setting. Guests at Moxi can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from intimate dinners to lively gatherings. The restaurant’s stylish and intimate setting, exceptional food, and service make it a highlight of any stay at Hotel Matilda. Visit the al fresco Monkey Bar for signature cocktails, beer, and wine, while overlooking the pool and a brightly colored mural by artist Claudio Limon.

Luxurious Accommodations: Each room and suite at Hotel Matilda is meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. With bespoke furnishings, state-of-the-art amenities, and stunning views of San Miguel de Allende, guests are guaranteed an unforgettable stay.

● Contemporary Art Collection: Hotel Matilda boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art, featuring works by renowned Mexican and international artists. This commitment to art creates a dynamic and inspiring environment for guests.

● Award-Winning Spa: Space, the hotel’s spa, is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. It offers innovative treatments and therapies that blend traditional Mexican healing practices with modern wellness techniques.

● Exclusive Experiences: Hotel Matilda offers a range of bespoke experiences, from private art tours to curated culinary adventures, ensuring that each guest’s stay is personalized and memorable.

Hotel Matilda’s contemporary design and sophisticated ambiance set it apart as a leader in the boutique hotel industry. The hotel’s architectural design seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional elements, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Guests are welcomed into a world where art and luxury coexist harmoniously, offering a truly unique experience.

The hotel’s prime location in San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted the Best City in the World by Travel + Leisure, allows guests to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying the comforts of a modern luxury hotel. San Miguel de Allende is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant arts scene, fabulous restaurants, and lively festivals. Hotel Matilda provides the perfect base from which to explore this enchanting city, from the picture-perfect Calle Aldama to the blush-colored Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.

Please visit: https://hotelmatilda.com/

Pandas Are Back At The San Diego Zoo For The First Time Since 2019

Excitement is in the air at the San Diego Zoo as Americans will soon meet the first pandas the zoo has had since 2019. The arrival of the pandas is not just a treat for visitors, but also a symbol of decades-long U.S.-China relations.

"It's a very exciting time for the zoo. No other species embodies that conservation mission as much as giant pandas," said Megan Owen, the zoo's head of conservation science.

New residents include Yun Chuan, a 5-year-old male panda who enjoys relaxing with a bushel of bamboo.

"He's a foodie," Owen said. "All the pandas love their food, but he definitely loves his bamboo."

Yun Chuan's roots run deep at the San Diego Zoo. His mother was born there in 2007, and his grandmother is a local legend who was the one of the zoo's first two pandas and lived there for over 20 years.

Joining Yun Chuan is 4-year-old female named Xin Bao, known for her intelligence and adventurous spirit. These are the first pandas to come to a U.S. zoo in 21 years.

The hope is that Yun Chuan and Xin Bao will parent the next generation, ushering in a renewed era of peaceful panda relations.

The first pandas who made their home in the U.S. arrived at Washington, D.C.'s National Zoo in 1972. They were a gift to first lady Pat Nixon after a historic visit to China with President Richard Nixon that helped establish diplomatic relations between the countries.

From then on, 50 years of "panda diplomacy" helped boost the panda population and their popularity, with millions of adoring fans watching every tumble, snow day and birth.

China owns the pandas and typically leases them out for 10-year terms at 1 million dollars per year per pair. But with increased tensions between Beijing and the West, China appeared to be pulling back the bears as their leases expired.

However, a recent signal from Chinese President Xi Jinping indicated a thawing of icy panda relations.

In November, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised hopes his country would start sending pandas to the U.S. again after he and President Joe Biden convened in Northern California for their first face-to-face meeting in a year and pledged to try to reduce tensions.

"We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation," Xi said in late 2023.

This means more pandas are expected back at American zoos. Considering the San Diego Zoo's long history with these bears, it's a natural first stop for the pandas' encore tour.

https://www.cbsnews.com/team/elise-preston/

U.S. Proposes Ban On Airline Fees For Seating Parents Next To Kids

Parents should't have to pay a fee to sit next to their children when flying, according to the White House, which is moving to ban airlines from charging families extra to be seated together.

Under a rule proposed Thursday by the Department of Transportation, airlines would be required to seat parents and kids 13 and younger together free of charge when adjacent seating is available at booking.

The idea of seating adults with their younger children "is common sense and also seems like something that should be standard practice," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at a news briefing on Wednesday. "As someone who has personally experienced flying with toddlers," Buttigieg said he knew first-hand that families traveling with little ones do not need added difficulties.

"What we're doing is we are requiring that an airline not charge you extra to sit next to your kids — or your grandkids, it applies to any company adults," Buttigieg told the CBS Mornings on Thursday. "We've gotten hundreds of complaints over this issue since I got this job and we're doing something about it."

Fees can add hundreds of dollars

The extra cost can be the difference in whether families can afford flights for vacations or to see friends and relatives, the administration argued, noting its proposal would save a family of four up to $200 roundtrip if seat fees are $25 each.

For children too young to fasten their own seatbelts or feed themselves, being seated next to a parent is crucial, yet those that don't want to pay more often end up pleading with other passengers to switch seats. If passengers opt not to swap seats, they may end up next to an unsupervised child, stressing out the youngster, parent, flight attendants and travelers, DOT said.

A4A, a group representing seven major U.S. airlines, said in a statement that member carriers "make every effort to accommodate customers traveling together — especially those traveling with children," while noting that some airlines don't charge a family seating fee.

President Biden called on Congress to ban family seating and other so-called "junk" fees early last year, with Buttigieg then urging the 10 largest airlines to voluntarily ban the fees. Four complied: Alaska, American, Frontier and JetBlue.

Congress gave the DOT explicit authority to propose its rule as part of the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the transportation secretary noted. "We are confident that we are well-founded in our authority, but it helps to get reassurances from Congress," Buttigieg noted in answering a question about whether the proposal might be challenged in court.

A U.S. appeals court on Monday blocked the agency's new rule on upfront disclosure of airline fees pending a full view of the regulation, with the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals saying the DOT "likely" exceeded its authority in granting an industry request for a temporary block.

The DOT in April issued a mandate requiring that airlines and ticket agents disclose service fees in addition to airfares, with six carriers including American, Delta and United, along with A4A, in May suing to block the rule.

In addition to banning airlines from charging fees to seat those 13 or under next to a parent or accompanying adult, the DOT's new proposal would require that airlines seat parents next to their kids within 48 hours of booking when adjacent seats are available.

If adjacent seats are not available, carriers would be required to provide passengers with full refunds or the option of waiting to see if family seating frees up. If not, airlines would have to offer the option to rebook for free or stay on the flight in nonadjacent seats.

https://www.cbsnews.com/team/kate-gibson/

Korean Air Says Turbulence Is Knocking Instant Noodles Off Its Economy Menu

Turbulence is knocking a beloved instant-noodle offering off Korean Air’s economy menu.

Cups of Shin Ramyun instant noodles, a favorite among Korean Air travelers over the years, will no longer be available for economy-class passengers starting Aug. 15, a spokesperson for the Seoul-based airline said.

“This decision is part of proactive safety measures in response to increased turbulence, aimed at preventing burn accidents,” Korean Air said.

The instant noodles are currently part of Korean Air’s in-flight snack service, which is a self-serve bar beyond meals available for economy passengers on long-haul trips. In this week’s announcement, the carrier added that it had “renewed” economy’s snack options to instead include offerings like sandwiches, corn dogs and hot pockets.

But business- and first-class passengers will still get their noodles. Korean Air told the BBC that the noodles are brought individually to business- and first-class travelers, reducing spill risks.

Concern about the dangers of serving hot food and liquids on airplanes isn’t new. Over the years, several carriers have faced lawsuits from customers who say they suffered serious burns after having hot coffee, for example, spilled on them during a flight. And, while legal precedent may vary around the world, the European Union’s highest court ruled in 2019 that an airline can be held liable if a passenger is injured in this way, even if turbulence or other flight-related factors didn’t cause the spill.

But turbulence, of course, still adds to risk. Flying through unstable air can make balancing something like soup or a hot beverage in-flight all the more precarious.

Numerous turbulence-related injuries have been reported over the years, but most incidents are minor — and airlines have made steady improvements in reducing accident rates. Those include suspending cabin service when needed or taking extra caution when distributing certain refreshments.

Still, rough air might be getting harder and harder to avoid. Some meteorologists and aviation analysts note reports of turbulence encounters are on the rise, pointing to the potential impacts climate change may have on flying conditions.

https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips

Disney Cruise Line Embracing the Bold, Brilliant, Bad -- And A Little Bit Mad -- For 'Heroes And Villains' Inspired Disney Destiny

When guests set sail aboard Disney Cruise Line's new heroes and villains-inspired ship, they will discover an assortment of spaces and experiences inspired by some of Disney's most legendary schemers, scoundrels and specters — and a fearsome crew of Disney villains – at sea.

A voyage aboard the Disney Destiny will embrace the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their destinies. A diverse range of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters will be the inspiration behind themed venues and entertainment aboard the ship, including brand-new lounges celebrating Cruella de Vil and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Even more new offerings coming to the Disney Destiny will be announced tomorrow on the Disney Parks Blog and disneycruise.com.

"The Disney Destiny is all about celebrating the bold, charismatic and driven characters at the heart of our favorite stories," said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. "And who are our beloved heroes without the antagonists who challenge them to prevail? We want our guests to have fun with the unique theme of this ship, and we are having a blast creating spaces and entertainment experiences that pay tribute to the villains, anti-heroes and mischief makers who have captivated Disney film and theme park audiences for generations."

deVilish Delights

An evening at De Vil's piano lounge will be a lavish affair emblematic of the bar's namesake, the fabulously over-the-top villain Cruella de Vil of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" and the acclaimed 2021 live action film.

Cruella's infamous flair for style and wickedly bold attitude will be reflected in the Hollywood Regency-inspired aesthetic of the adult-exclusive lounge, where everything will be adorned in her signature color palette of red, black and white. Amid sultry tunes from the spotted piano, guests will wind down in style with trendy martinis, chic cocktails, and glamorous wines and bubblies.

One side of De Vil's will be open to the Grand Hall, allowing guests to sit back with a drink and a prime view of the ship's premier gathering space. Whether patrons choose to bask in Cruella's legacy or savor the energy and entertainment of the Grand Hall, their experience at this one-of-a-kind lounge is sure to be anything but "miserable, darling."

Drink Up, Me Hearties, Yo Ho

At Cask and Cannon, guests will join the ranks of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" for an evening of revelry, recreation and — of course — rum. Inspired by the iconic characters and scenes from the beloved Disney Parks attractions around the world, the new pub will be an eclectic yet cozy watering hole furnished with treasures "acquired" (read: pillaged and pilfered) during the pirates' many voyages around the globe.

Visiting buccaneers will regale one another with tales of their own high seas' adventures, cheer and jeer during live televised sporting events, and indulge in an extensive menu of rare, specialty and vintage rums and a selection of "bootlegged" brews developed specially for the venue and served straight from the barrel in true pirate style.

We Dare Not Stop or Waste a Drop

The Disney Destiny will introduce a quirky new storyline filled with Disney Animation villains to AquaMouse, Disney Cruise Line's signature attraction at sea — a 760-foot-long water ride towering over the upper decks of the ship. Featuring an original soundtrack written exclusively for Disney Cruise Line by Emmy award-winning composer Christopher Willis and lyricist Elyse Willis, the new show will exemplify the signature silliness of Mickey Mouse animated shorts.

In "Sing a Silly Song," Mickey and Minnie will lead guests on a seemingly ominous trek to the peak of Villain Mountain. When faced with some of the most fearsome villains of Disney Animation lore, the duo will employ a silly song — and a bit of pixie dust — to transform each chilling encounter into a wacky surprise. Guests will laugh and splash along as Queen of Hearts ("Alice in Wonderland"), Scar ("The Lion King"), Chernabog ("Fantasia") and others find themselves in unconventionally hilarious situations.

"Sing a Silly Song" will be one of four shows available on AquaMouse aboard the Disney Destiny, all complete with music, lighting, special effects and splashtacular surprises.

Be Prepared for the Chance of a Lifetime

Both heroes and villains from across the Disney universe will take center stage aboard the Disney Destiny. Guests will encounter formidable foes — including Maleficent, Hades, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Oogie Boogie — through a variety of shows, meet-and-greets and special appearances throughout the ship, along with some of Disney's most mischievous and misunderstood personalities, like Captain Jack Sparrow, Bruno and Loki.

The Disney Destiny will also introduce exclusive ways for guests to interact with their favorite villains, rogues and mischief makers during all-new events and activities. This will complement a host of popular programs from across the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including a frighteningly fun dance party in Oogie Boogie's shipboard lair and an interactive Disney trivia event that often gets interrupted by a cast of Disney villains.

Happy Haunts Materialize

Foolish mortals will be welcomed to sip spirited craft cocktails among the 999 happy haunts of Disney Parks lore at the Haunted Mansion Parlor. Reminiscent of a first-class drawing room from the classic cruise liners of the golden age, this experience — which will first debut aboard the Disney Treasure in December 2024 — will invoke inspiration from the original theme park attraction with a nautical twist exclusive to Disney Cruise Line.

The venue will follow the nostalgic art style of the 1969 Disney Parks classic, blending humor with Disney's distinct brand of spooky storytelling. Legendary characters from Haunted Mansion attractions around the world will come out to socialize in mysterious ways throughout the experience, along with a few new seafaring arrivals and an original storyline focused on a ship captain. A custom musical arrangement inspired by the attraction's original score will set the stage for an ever-escalating anthology of illusions that immerses guests into the next chapter of Haunted Mansion lore.

At the Haunted Mansion Parlor, grim grinning guests will sample a selection of ghostly cocktails that capture the spirit of the story, and an exclusive array of haunted homewares and spooky souvenirs inspired by the bar will materialize in shopping venues aboard the ship.

A Ship Destined for Naughty-cal Notoriety

The Disney Destiny will be approximately 144,000 gross tons and powered by liquefied natural gas. Its delivery is part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure; the Disney Adventure that will homeport in Singapore; the recently announced agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029; and a new island destination in The Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

SOURCE Disney Cruise Line

Hilton Head Island's Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Named 2024 "Golf Resort Of The Year"

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has been named by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) as its 2024 "Golf Resort of the Year" in the United States.

"This means a great deal to us considering all of the other spectacular golf resorts, not only on Hilton Head Island but across the entire state of South Carolina and beyond," said Brad Marra, Chief Operating Officer, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.

Palmetto Dunes is a 2,000-acre resort destination bounded by 3 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach on one side and a sheltered Intracoastal Waterway marina on the other. The resort features vacation home and villa rentals, a trio of world-class golf courses, Toptracer Range, an award-winning tennis and pickleball center, an 11-mile inland salt-water lagoon system for kayaking and fishing, and Hilton Head Outfitters for bike rentals, canoes, kayaks, fishing and more.

Destinations and golf resorts across North America, the Caribbean and Latin America were honored in the Americas section of the 24th edition of the annual IAGTO Awards – the golf tourism industry's "Oscars."

Voted for by tour operator members of global golf tourism industry organization IAGTO, the awards recognize the outstanding service provided by golf resorts and golf destinations during the past year. The IAGTO Americas Awards were announced at the IAGTO North America Convention.

"It is an honor for us at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort to be recognized as one of two Golf Resorts of the Year in the USA by IAGTO," said Brad Marra, Chief Operating Officer, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. "This means a great deal to us considering all of the other spectacular golf resorts, not only on Hilton Head Island but across the entire state of South Carolina and beyond. We value the life-long relationships we have built with others in the industry and appreciate the willingness to work together to make the love of golf the strongest it's been in history."

Announcing the seven winners of the most prestigious awards in golf tourism at the Opening Address of NAC, Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, said: "Golf tour operators responsible for 90% of all international golf tourism organised travel have once again focused worldwide attention on a handful of suppliers and destinations that delivered the best possible experience to their golf travelling clients over the past 12 months."

The Americas Awards follow the announcement of IAGTO's Asia Pacific Awards in March and European and African Awards in May.

The winners in the Americas region are:

North American Golf Destination of the Year: CALIFORNIA

Caribbean Golf Destination of the Year: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Latin American Golf Destination of the Year: ARGENTINA

Golf Resort of the Year: PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT

Golf Resort of the Year: NEMACOLIN

Golf Resort of the Year: MAYAKOBA RESORT

Golf Resort of the Year: PUNTACANA RESORT

About IAGTO & IAGTO Awards

Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organization of the golf tourism industry, and has 2345 members in 95 countries including 667 golf tour operator members in 69 countries, which are responsible for more than 90% of golf vacation packages sold worldwide and which collectively have annual sales of over US $2.5 billion. IAGTO runs three annual conventions spanning the globe, with events in Europe, North America and Asia, along with regular Destination Conventions. IAGTO established the International Golf Travel Writers Association in 2000, the year in which the first prestigious annual IAGTO Awards also took place.

About Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is a 2,000-acre resort destination located in the middle of Hilton Head Island, S.C., bounded by 3 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach on one side and a sheltered Intracoastal Waterway marina on the other. Named in the top 25 World's Best Family Getaways by Travel + Leisure, the resort features vacation home and villa rentals, three world-class golf courses, an award-winning tennis and pickleball center, an 11-mile inland salt-water lagoon system for kayaking and fishing, and Hilton Head Outfitters for bike rentals, canoes, kayaks, fishing, beach rentals and retail shopping. The Mediterranean-style Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Hilton Head Island's largest deep-water marina, located right across from Palmetto Dunes, features waterfront shopping and dining and a wide variety of charters, including nature cruises, dolphin tours, fireworks tours and fishing. For information about activities or reservations, please call 877-567-6513 or visit www.palmettodunes.com.