In recent years, the airline industry’s practice of charging fees for seat selection has emerged as a significant revenue stream. Five major U.S. airlines—Delta, United, American, Spirit, and Frontier—reported a remarkable total of $12.4 billion in seat-selection revenue from 2018 to 2023. According to a report by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, this figure
Airlines
In a strategic move that signals a shift in the airline’s service model, Delta Air Lines has announced plans to introduce Comfort Plus fare bundles in 2025. This initiative, revealed by Delta President Glen Hauenstein during the airline’s Investor Day on November 20, focuses on enhancing customer experience by providing a tiered selection of premium
Spirit Airlines has found itself in a precarious position as it embarks on a prearranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, claiming that this strategic move will chart a course for sustainable success. However, this optimistic outlook is met with skepticism by analysts who underscore the urgent need for the airline to stabilize its operations and reduce
In an era where climate concerns dominate the discussion surrounding aviation, David Neeleman, the CEO of Breeze Airways, has drawn attention for his bold critique of the industry’s push towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Instead of aligning himself with the prevailing ethos that prioritizes ecological considerations, Neeleman’s argument stems from an economic perspective, questioning the
In an effort to enhance the boarding experience for its passengers, American Airlines is set to launch an innovative boarding alert system across more than 100 airports in the United States, with a target completion date before the Thanksgiving holiday. This strategic move aims to streamline the boarding process and reduce chaos at the gate,
As Thanksgiving approaches, AAA has projected an extraordinary increase in travel among Americans, marking a milestone for the holiday season. Between November 26 and December 2, nearly 80 million individuals are expected to journey at least 50 miles from their homes, reflecting a rise of 1.7 million compared to the previous year. This surge in
As the bustling New York City aviation hub, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is poised for a transformative $19 billion redevelopment plan. Central to this initiative is the ambitious $4.2 billion project to redesign and renovate Terminals 6 and 7, which will merge into a newly conceived Terminal 6 (T6). This reimagined terminal aims
In a significant yet anticipated move, Spirit Airlines has publicly announced its decision to initiate “prearranged” Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, a strategy aimed at realigning the airline’s financial structure to better navigate ongoing market challenges. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has been notified, signaling a commitment to restructuring that emphasizes proactive measures. This approach
The air travel industry is notorious for its challenges, particularly when it comes to delivering essential services for travelers with disabilities. While strides have been made over the years, the experience often remains inconsistent, leaving many feeling underserved. It’s gratifying, then, to see emerging technologies that promise to bridge the gap and enhance mobility for
In the wake of recent political changes, the travel industry braces itself for a landscape marked by new policies and leadership. With the re-election of President Donald Trump, professionals in the field express cautious optimism and watchful anticipation regarding the transformations in Washington. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) stands at the forefront of
Spirit Airlines is currently at a critical juncture, inching toward a possible bankruptcy filing amidst ongoing negotiations with a majority of its bondholders. These negotiations revolve around considerable financial obligations, including approximately $1.1 billion tied to its loyalty program, due in the coming year. In the wake of these negotiations, Spirit has expressed confidence that
For many travelers, especially those who frequently journey across Europe, the perception of safe connection times set by airlines can often feel misleading. Airports considered efficient by airlines can leave passengers grappling with tight schedules, adding unnecessary stress to the travel experience. Major transit hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle, London Heathrow, and Frankfurt Airport,
In an increasingly complex landscape of travel booking, the launch of the Sabre Red Launchpad marks a significant step toward simplifying the experience for new travel advisors. Sabre, in partnership with Internova Travel Group, has developed this innovative platform that seeks to revolutionize how agents interact with travel inventory. Available now to all travel agencies,
Recent turbulence in Haiti’s security landscape has forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take precautionary measures against the backdrop of escalating violence and unrest. On Monday, gunfire struck aircraft from Spirit and JetBlue as they approached Port-au-Prince, prompting the FAA to impose a 30-day prohibition on U.S. flights to Haiti. Additionally, this directive restricts
As the world of aviation continues to evolve, the integration of technology into passenger experiences is transforming the way we travel. With Lufthansa’s recent foray into virtual reality (VR) onboard its new Airbus A350 Allegris business-class cabins, airlines are beginning to explore innovative in-flight entertainment options. This shift from conventional seatback screens to immersive VR
In early 2023, a substantial ruling disrupted the regional airline landscape by dismantling the Northeast Alliance established between American Airlines and JetBlue. This partnership, which included coordinated flight scheduling and revenue sharing, was aimed at bolstering competitiveness against major players like Delta and United in key markets such as Boston and New York. However, despite
Traveling can be both exhilarating and unpredictable, a fact I was reminded of during my recent trip from Southwest Florida to Tokyo. Our travel plans were straightforward—fly from Fort Myers to Dallas and then connect to Japan—utilizing the services of one of the busiest airports in the nation. Known for its speed and efficiency, Southwest
Amadeus, a prominent player in technology and distribution within the travel sector, has showcased exceptional financial results for the third quarter of 2024. The company reported a striking increase in group revenue, reaching $1.6 billion, which signifies an impressive 11% growth compared to the same period in 2023. This upward trajectory is not merely a
