Should airlines ban robots?
Three of the four biggest U.S. airlines have banned human-like and animal-like robots from their planes this year. The stated reason is battery safety, but the policies reach into questions about assistive devices and what counts as a toy. Should airlines be allowed to ban robots?
PLUS: Starting tomorrow, your airline has to tell you if you’re chatting with a bot (and more). And how can you tell if your ride is really green this summer? Scroll down to the members-only section for details.
Allianz Travel Insurance has built its reputation on partnering with agents all around the world to provide comprehensive travel insurance for their clients. Contact Allianz Travel Insurance for a comprehensive list of coverage.
💬 Today on Backchannel: Have you ever had your voice cloned?
Has someone cloned your voice, or used a fake version of it to try to fool your family, your bank, or your coworkers? Maybe you got the call that sounded exactly like your kid or your mother, and something felt off. I’d love to get your feedback.
AXA Travel Insurance can provide you with coverage against unplanned expenses and disruptions to help you enjoy your trip to its fullest. AXA Travel Insurance Plans offer coverage for lost or stolen luggage, flight interruptions, medical emergencies, cancel-for-any-reason, and more. Get a quote or talk to a licensed agent today for a free travel insurance quote, or compare plans online here.
🔔 Here’s what you missed this week
Should airlines ban robots?
Three of the big four carriers already have. Does their reasoning hold up?
This summer’s biggest points swindle
Travel sites are asking their readers to fight a bill that could make prices more affordable. But why?
From earthquake rubble to carbon zero: Here’s how Christchurch is building a greener city
To understand how Te Pae Christchurch became a carbon zero certified convention center, you need to meet Oscar.
My Furnished Finder subscription auto-renewed. Why can't I get a refund?
When Debbie McNulty discovers a surprise $179 charge on her credit card from Furnished Finder, she immediately asks for a refund. Why is the company trying to keep her money?
Turo charged me $2,338 for damage I didn’t cause. Can I get a refund?
Turo charges Georgina Montalvan $2,338 for damages she didn’t cause. Then Turo makes a U-turn, dropping the charges. Then it changes its mind again. Does she really have to pay?
Is this the worst check-in policy in the history of travel?
Alison Palkhivala was ready for pretzels, polka, and a pint. She’d booked a stay in a vacation apartment in Munich through Booking.com during the legendary Oktoberfest.
Why you should be a tourist — not a local — this summer
Damien Zouaoui used to be a true believer in living like a local. He scoured online listings for authentic-looking apartments in up-and-coming neighborhoods, shopped at local markets, and tried his best to blend in.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection covers consumers and their travel dreams, backed by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company’s financial strength and security. Choose travel insurance designed specifically to your trip and travelers, plus the fastest claims payments in the travel insurance industry. Get more information at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
🔒 MEMBERS ONLY: Are you talking to a robot?
Starting tomorrow, your airline may have to tell you. Details are in today’s Members Only section.
Subscribe to Elliott Confidential PRO to read this.
Become a paying subscriber of Elliott Confidential to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content. You'll be a smarter traveler!
UpgradeA subscription gets you:
- Full access to our members-only content.
- The key to our private community on our Backchannel forum.
- All my books.