Week in travel: Racist Airbnb host banned from home-sharing site

American Airlines to launch a non-stop service to Buenos Aires, while a drunk passenger might pay all expenses of an emergency landing, and an AirAsia stunt on social media backfires

We read all this week’s news for you while loudly singing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

“Don’t book if you are Asian”: Airbnb landlord banned for racism

An Airbnb host has been banned from the site and had his listing removed for racism after he posted an advert saying: “Please don’t book if you are Asian.” The listing was discovered by an Asian IT worker who had been looking for accommodation in the Scottish city of Edinburgh.

The landlord, 31-year-old Brazen Sheppard, told the Daily Record he’d had “bad experiences” with Asian guests. He told the paper: “Yes aware of a complaint, nothing really to discuss, apart from having bad experiences in the past. No further comments to make!” Labour MSP Anas Sarwar branded the post “shameful” and called on Airbnb to filter out racist ads before they are posted on the site.

“LOVE YOU BAG”: AirAsia social media stunt backfires

Objectophilia isn’t exactly a behaviour that is often used in advertising, especially if the object subjected to amorous intent happens to be passengers’ luggage. But AirAsia employee Mohd Amir Izzat thought it would fly. He posted on Facebook: “DEAR BAG,” DOESN’T MATTER HOW WEIGHT IS THE BAG WAS, WE WILL HANDLE WITH KISS AND CARE……LOVE YOU BAG??”

The post was intended to show that AirAsia were treating luggage with more care than they had been accused of in the past, and it wasn’t exactly well received. “???? damn! I should clean it with detox,” wrote Peny Silvia in the comments, while Felicia Leong posted a picture of her damaged bag with the caption: “Is this how you called Handle with Care??? It’s happened last night…” Each to their own, but perhaps AirAsia should forget the kisses and concentrate on moving the bags safely.

American Airlines to launch non-stop service from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires

West-coasters finally have the option to enjoy one of South America’s best cities as American Airlines are about to launch the first-ever non-stop route service from Los Angeles to Argentina’s capital.

The carrier will operate overnight trips three times a week. The departures are scheduled at 6:05 p.m. and the plane will arrive in Buenos Aires just before noon.

We’re thinking the world just got a whole lot smaller! ?
Announcing new routes Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America.https://t.co/OMdx2BjyTJ
— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) March 27, 2018

Previously, flights from the west coast required layovers in Atlanta, Dallas, or Houston, meaning this new service can shave hours off a trip.

American has chosen Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets for the hauls. The plane is equipped with jet lag-beating technology such as clean air and lower cabin pressure to make the journey as comfortable as possible.

‘Aggressive’ passenger could end up paying $17,450 for emergency landing

A Montreal-based man’s drunkeness on board may cost him a fortune as he is likely to be forced to pay for all damages and expenses he caused.

40-year-old Charalabos Nassios reportedly had too much to drink and started to behave aggressively on a Cuba-bound flight on 15 July, making the plane return back to Canada under escort by two F-15 US Air Force jets.

“The flight arrived back around 7:25 p.m. that same evening, and the disruptive customer was taken into police custody,” the Canadian airliner said in a press release at the time, CTV reported.

Nassios now faces a trial which could force him to pay a fine of $17,450 for the disruption. This would cover fuel, landing fees, overtime salaries for airport employees, and hotel costs for 170 passengers.

Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody named the ultimate sing-a-long car song

Scaramouche! Scaramouche! Will you do the fandango?

Bohemian Rhapsody, a song recorded by the legendary British band Queen, is the most sung-along-song of all times, a study reveals.

Cheryl Calverley, marketing director at the AA, who conducted the study, said: “Our research has shown that we’re more likely to sing in the car than anywhere else, with group sing-alongs forming special memories for 74 per cent of us.”

“It’s no coincidence that the favourite sing-along song, Bohemian Rhapsody, also featured in the famous car scene from the hit movie Wayne’s World.”

“We hope that this sing-along playlist helps contribute to these experiences and show that car journeys can be as fun as the destination this bank holiday.”