In early September, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a significant investigation into frequent-flyer programs operated by major U.S. airlines, namely American, Delta, United, and Southwest. This inquiry aims to scrutinize these loyalty programs to ensure that they do not engage in practices deemed unfair, deceptive, or anti-competitive. With growing concerns over consumer rights
Airlines
As air travel continues to evolve in response to increasing passenger demands, Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas finds itself at a pivotal juncture. On October 1, the Clark County Commission received a comprehensive proposal from the Department of Aviation focused on revitalizing Terminal 1. This redevelopment aims to incorporate 26 additional gates, ultimately increasing
American Airlines is at a pivotal juncture regarding in-flight connectivity, particularly concerning the implementation of free WiFi for passengers. While Kim Cisek, the airline’s vice president of customer experience and product management, has refrained from making definitive promises, she indicates that important developments are on the horizon. During a recent interview at the airline’s Dallas
American Airlines has taken a significant step to bolster its engagement with travel agencies and corporate customers by extending its New Distribution Capability (NDC) commission program until the end of the year. Initially set to expire on September 30, the program offers a 10% commission on specific NDC bookings, including its Main Plus, Main Select,
In recent times, the emergence of mpox in Central Africa has highlighted the unpredictable nature of public health threats. This ongoing situation reaffirms the importance of strategic readiness in the face of health emergencies. Experts in public health emphasize that the groundwork laid during the COVID-19 pandemic surrounding vaccine credentials is crucial for smoother cross-border
In a landscape of relentless competition and evolving passenger demands, Southwest Airlines is gearing up to enhance its seating offerings. With the intention of reconfiguring some of its aircraft to include extra-legroom seats, the airline’s changes are expected to roll out in the first quarter of the next year. However, the transition to assigned seating—the
In an effort to protect consumers and enhance transparency within airline loyalty programs, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has introduced the Protect Your Points Act. This bill aims to establish new regulations that require airlines to provide advance notice before any valuation changes to loyalty points, a practice that has often left consumers confused and frustrated.
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,
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
