Terrorism

More robots at an airport near you

Travelers will be running into robots at more airports as HMSHost adds Pepper, the humanoid robot, to the staff of more of its restaurants.

Her job: to give menu informaton and recommendations and generally entertain – or alarm – guests.

You may have encountered Pepper at her first assignment: the Pyramid Ale Taproom in Oakland International Airport. Now Pepper clones are also working hard at Avenue des Canadiens in Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (where Pepper understands French or English),   the Washington Redskins Burgundy & Gold Club in Washington Dulles International Airport and at Point the Way Café in Los Angeles International Airport.

According to HMSHost, Pepper customizes her features for each airport so her interactions with travelers vary from location to location. In some airports she not only offers restaurant help, she helps travelers with directions to things at the airport, such as gates and the nearest restrooms.

If yu run into Pepper, let us know what the expereience is like. Cool or creepy?

Airports after Brussels

Brussels image

Brussels Airport remains closed today – and tomorrow – in the aftermath of Tuesday’s terrorists attacks at the international airport and at a metro station in town which killed at least 30 people and injured dozens more.

Security remains heightened at airports around the world, so be prepared for possible delays at the security checkpoints.

Airport/metro attack in Brussels

Check for live updates on the BBC and elsewhere, but the sad news of today is that
there have been coordinated deadly terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport and at the city’s Maelbeek metro station, with more than two dozen people killed between the two sites.

Airports, airlines and transit systems around the world are on high alert, so you can expect delays, cancellations and increased security presence.

A sad, sad day.

Airlines & airports stay alert after Paris attacks

Airport and airlines continue to react and respond to the attacks in Paris on Friday night.

Airlines below – and others – are waiving change fees through today or Monday and it’s possible these policies will be updated later in the day.

Air France

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Lufthansa

United Airlines

Air France buys 20,000 Charlie Hebdo papers for passengers

Charlie Hebdo

French flag carrier Air France purchased 20,000 copies of the first edition of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo to be published since the January 7 terrorist attack on its offices.

The cover features a representation of Mohammed holding a placard that reads ‘Je Suis Charlie.’

The initial press run of five million copies sold out quickly, but Air France passengers at both Charles De Gaulle and Orly airports could pick up a copy of the issue in departure lounges.