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FAA Bans 'Uber for Planes' Startups

posted by janrinok on Monday August 18 2014, @03:25AM   Printer-friendly
from the are-pilots-allowed-to-accept-'gifts'? dept.

AnonTechie writes about a TechCrunch story::

There will be no "ZimRide for airplanes", according to an FAA ruling released today that prohibits private pilots from publicly offering seats on their planes in exchange for gas money, including via startups like AirPooler and Flytenow.

The decision strikes a blow to the sharing economy, and comes in response to AirPooler formally requesting a clarification of the gray area it was operating in. Banning this form of planesharing (like ridesharing for aircraft) could keep people safe by preventing them from hopping in with rookie pilots. However, it will also make it more expensive for pilots to fly since they can't share costs, reduce travel options for passengers, and kill off an entire category of startups.

 
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  • (Score: 1) by Justin Case on Monday August 18 2014, @11:44AM

    by Justin Case (4239) on Monday August 18 2014, @11:44AM (#82543) Journal

    ...meant to say I couldn't believe I was paying for that kind of abuse, and handsomely too! Could have paid double for first class, but still have to go through the same airport process.

  • (Score: 3, Informative) by aiwarrior on Monday August 18 2014, @12:27PM

    by aiwarrior (1812) on Monday August 18 2014, @12:27PM (#82559) Journal

    I have travelled hundreds of hours in low costs around Europe, hell if it weren't for them I would have not visited so many places with so low budget. That said, to have enjoyable experiences you do have to understand their tactics especially in their websites. Just try to refuse everything and remember the steps you did last time. It becomes automatic and a bit like a cash cow captcha. Those knowledgeable pass, those who are not, don't.

    A tip, you should never need to check in manually unless you have baggage that can't go in the cabin, if you do, try to not ask for anything other than for the boarding of the luggage. The people in the check in are not workers of the company so they will probably be of little assistance. Remember the web sites have all the options you might want, if you need special treatment then a premium carrier might be more adequate, you will pay though.

    Another tip, take food with you (cooked if you like), save yourself money buying a mini Pepsi for 5 euros. You can even ask for a plastic fork in the airside Starbucks of the airport.

    Last Tip: don't be in a rush, treat yourself to a book and relax. On magazines The Economist is a great read that will entertain you for almost a full day of reading, my favourite.

    Pro Tip: Be the last passenger in, everybody is already sat and you can circulate freely, plus the reserved wing seats can be taken, guaranteeing you the biggest leg room in the whole plane for free. Bonus is in case the plane crashes you are in the structurally stronger part of the plane.

    Now go travel and please enjoy yourself.