MGM Hacked, TSA Agents Stealing, Passenger Assaulting Flight Attendant & More [Weekly Roundup]

Another week of interesting aviation news is over, there was a lot I wanted to write about and some stories that I bookmarked so I'll share them here with you. Obvious the big news of the week was Delta's SkyMiles changes, but I won't touch on that here as I've already covered it and I like to find the small stories to share with all of you.

• In another win for flight attendant groups American is finally offering boarding pay for their flight attendants. They follow the Delta flight attendants who started getting boarding pay last year.

American Flight Attendants Offered Raises, Boarding Pay

American Airlines management and the flight attendant union are negotiating a new contract, and it’s pretty contentious. Here’s the latest.

One Mile at a TimeBen Schlappig

• Yet another incident where a passenger loses their mind and attacks flight attendants and tries to open the emergency door. I don't know what it is with flying but all rules seem to just go out the window. I feel bad for the flight attendant who got attacked as I'm sure they were just doing their job to try to help the passenger.

Terrifying: Passenger Assaults Flight Attendant and Attempts to Open Plane Door on Delta Flight

A passenger on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Seattle on Sunday attempted to open the plane’s door mid-flight.

Off the Beaten PointsAmos Gewirtz

• Avelo looks to be trying to break into a really tough market. They announced opening a base in Las Vegas which I'm not too sure Allegiant or Spirit are very happy about that. Another low cost carrier into a very busy airport, more competition is a good thing.

Avelo makes Las Vegas its newest base - The Points Guy

Avelo has officially made Las Vegas its newest base, bringing the ultra-low-cost startup’s total number of bases to six.

The Points GuyMeghna Maharishi

• Kilauea has been seen erupting again, this can lead to great photo opportunities however it can cause some flight issues if it manages to throw a lot of ash into the air. Volcanoes National Park is top on my recommendation list if you ever can get to Hawaii.

Kilauea Erupting Again | 82 Foot Lava Fountain Heights Reported

Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawai’i’ has resumed erupting following a short period of dormancy. This eruption signifies yet another chapter in the

Suites & LobbiesBrandon Hughes

• Speaking of Hawaii, Maui announces that the west island will reopen in October. However if you plan on traveling don't expect it to be as you think. The town is still burnt to pieces and I would say it's going to take another 5-10 years before the place fully rids itself of looking like a burnt down town. I really do hope that they restore it to its previous look with small shops and locals living in the town.

West Maui Will Reopen to Tourism Oct. 8 - Your Mileage May Vary

The wildfire that decimated Lahaina, HI caused hardship beyond belief. 115 confirmed deaths 66 still missing (whittled down from 385 a few weeks ago) 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed 7,000…

Your Mileage May VarySharonKurheg

• MGM was caught up in a cyberattack. Supposedly all the attacker did was social engineer a support desk worker into resetting a password and they were able to gain access to their networks. MGM has said they won't pay the ransom and are restoring their network from backups.

MGM Resorts heavily affected by cyberattack: Here’s what you need to know - The Points Guy

Various MGM Resorts International properties across the U.S. on Monday faced a “cybersecurity issue” that caused the gaming giant to temporarily shutter computer systems across the country.

The Points GuyCameron Sperance

• Starlux is adding SFO flights. This is one airline that looks pretty incredible, I hear that their catering is on par with the likes of Emirates and Singapore airlines and their seats are large and comfortable. I plan to hopefully fly them soon to check it out.

Starlux Airlines Launching SFO Flights In December 2023

Starlux Airlines plans to launch flights between Taipei (TPE) and San Francisco (SFO) as of December 2023, using Airbus A350-900s.

One Mile at a TimeBen Schlappig

• With all of the negative changes at Delta, I think I may just turn to United. Their lounges have been increasing in quality and they just opened a massive lounge in Denver. If United can make some key improvements they may be able to steal loyalty from Delta.

United Airlines debuts largest-ever lounge at Denver International Airport - The Points Guy

United Airlines unveiled its upgraded lounge — which is also the carrier’s largest lounge ever — at Denver International Airport’s (DEN) Concourse B.

The Points GuyMeghna Maharishi

• Surprise, another TSA agent was caught stealing items from a passenger. TSA screening is so stressful for me not because of the actual security part, it's being sperated from my stuff and having almost no recourse to keep an eye on my luggage. I also think it's incredibly stupid for TSA agents to steal things because there's cameras everywhere!

TSA Screeners Caught Stealing At Miami Airport

Three TSA agents at Miami Airport were caught on camera stealing from passengers. Always take inventory of your belongings at checkpoints!

One Mile at a TimeBen Schlappig