In a noteworthy shift, Southwest Airlines is gearing up to foster its first airline partnerships, marking a significant pivot in its operational approach. Set to launch in the coming year, this partnership will integrate Icelandair, a move that dismantles Southwest’s historical hesitation to collaborate with fellow airlines. Traditionally, the airline has proudly upheld its independence,
Airlines
In mid-2025, Southwest Airlines is set to unveil “Getaways by Southwest,” a reimagined suite of vacation packages intended to elevate the travel experience for its customers. This initiative will replace the current Southwest Vacations brand, which has relied on an external partner, Apple Leisure Group, to manage its vacation offerings. The internal management model marks
American Airlines has announced the reinstatement of its Corporate Experience benefits program, effective October 10. This program will once again cater to corporate travelers adhering to an active corporate contract, granting access to a suite of privileges aimed at enhancing the travel experience. Among these perks are complimentary preferred economy seat selections, priority check-in, expedited
In the evolving landscape of airline distribution, the recent multiyear renewal agreement between Travelport and Delta Airlines marks a significant milestone. This partnership is not merely a continuation of obligations; it signifies a forward-thinking approach to redefining how flight content is delivered to travel agencies. Central to this collaboration is the implementation of New Distribution
Elliott Investment Management, an activist investment firm, has intensified its campaign to revamp the board of Southwest Airlines, signaling significant unrest among shareholders. Having acquired an 11% stake in the company earlier in the year, Elliott has launched a series of accusations against the existing management, notably targeting CEO Bob Jordan and board chairman Gary
In a sudden turn of events on a Sunday night, Alaska Airlines faced significant operational hurdles at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, leading to the temporary grounding of its flights. This disruption was attributed to a serious technological issue, details of which remained vague even after it was resolved around 10 p.m. local time. As the airline
As the airline industry continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, significant changes have emerged across various carriers in the United States. A series of announcements in recent months from Southwest, Alaska, Spirit, Frontier, Delta, and JetBlue hint at a turbulent transformation in the way airlines structure their seating arrangements and pricing
The travel industry is fiercely competitive, and financial transactions here form the backbone of operational stability. A travel agency often encounters clients who prefer certain payment methods, and the recent trend indicates a growing reliance on credit cards. However, the landscape is not uniform. Agencies sometimes find themselves approached by clients who eschew credit card
The recent merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines marks a significant shift within the airline industry landscape. As part of Alaska Air Group, Hawaiian Airlines is emerging from a tumultuous financial period, exacerbated by natural disasters and reduced international travel demand. The devastating Lahaina wildfires in Maui considerably impacted Hawaiian Airlines, leaving it struggling
In a groundbreaking move, JetBlue Airways has unveiled plans to launch its first two airport lounges in late 2025, with strategic locations at key hubs: New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport. This initiative is part of the airline’s overarching JetForward strategy, which aims to restore financial viability while
In an ambitious move set to reshape long-haul air travel, Emirates is set to deploy its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft across several key U.S. routes starting in November. These aircraft are not just enhancements in aircraft technology; they represent a significant evolution in passenger experience, particularly in terms of seating configurations and comfort. With
In a determined show of solidarity, over 250 travel advisors and industry suppliers came together in Washington, D.C., this week for the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) Legislative Day. This annual event is designed to highlight crucial issues facing the travel industry and lobby for legislative changes that support travel agencies and their operations.
In a monumental shift for the aviation landscape, Alaska Airlines has successfully finalized its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, just a day after receiving green lights from the Transportation Department. This merger not only reshapes the operational capabilities of Alaska Air Group, which now operates nearly 1,500 flights daily across 141 destinations, but also
The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines, valued at a remarkable $1.9 billion, marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the airline industry, particularly in the Pacific region. With the recent conditional approval granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Alaska Airlines is poised to complete this merger, which has generated considerable
The recent strike by Boeing machinists, which has halted production of key aircraft like the 737 Max, poses a significant challenge to the U.S. airline industry. With unions negotiating a new contract amidst rising labor tensions, the effects of this labor stoppage extend far beyond the immediate financial implications for Boeing. Analysts have begun to
In a pivotal turn for Canada’s airline sector, Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have successfully negotiated a tentative four-year collective agreement. This milestone is particularly critical as Air Canada stands as the largest carrier in the country, transporting over 110,000 passengers daily. The lengthy negotiations, ongoing for more than a year,
Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s burgeoning ultralow-cost airline, is on the cusp of a significant expansion, fueled by a newly inked Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States. Victor Pacheco, the airline’s CEO, has conveyed an optimistic yet cautious outlook regarding the prospect of introducing direct flight services to key U.S. destinations,
In a significant move to enhance passenger experience, United Airlines has announced its ambitious plan to provide complimentary WiFi across its entire fleet, including both mainline and regional aircraft. By partnering with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, United aims to equip over 1,000 planes over the next few years, setting a precedent in the aviation industry.
