As shutdown ends, FAA says flight cuts will stay at 6%
Flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports will remain at 6% instead of rising to 10% by the end of the week because more air traffic controllers are coming to work, officials said Wednesday. The announcement was made as Congress took steps to end the longest government shutdown in history. Not long after, President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill to end the closure. Read More…
U.S. airlines lean further into premium as demand soars
The premium shift by large U.S. airlines, which began in earnest after the pandemic, is showing no signs of abating. Indeed, it could be accelerating. “We spent a lot of time way back when in the ancient days of the airline industry wondering if our customers would pay more for a better product,” American Airlines CFO Devon May said during the carrier’s Q3 earnings call. “And the answer to that question is a resounding yes, and we’re going to respond to that and respond to it for so long and to the extent that our customers demand it.” Read More…
Two U.S. airlines revive debit card rewards, targeting young customers
U.S. airlines are getting back into the debit card business, with United and Southwest introducing cards. United’s MileagePlus Debit Rewards Visa and the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa each were launched in partnership with Minnesota-based Sunrise Banks. Both cards offer a less generous package of perks than the airlines’ credit cards and are geared toward younger flyers. The cards have the benefit of not requiring a credit check. Read More…
Delta Introduces Comfort Basic Fare
Delta Air Lines is revamping what it calls its fare classes even further than initially announced on May 15, when it said that as of Oct. 1, its Main Cabin offering would be split into three categories: Basic, Classic and Extra. The same now applies to Delta’s Comfort class—which already includes Comfort Classic and Comfort Extra options—and which offers extra legroom and other amenities beyond its Main cabin offering. Beginning Nov. 19, Delta will offer a Comfort Basic category “in very select markets” domestically, the carrier announced Nov. 6. Read More…
This Modernized US Airport Will Open Just in Time for Thanksgiving Travel
An innovative new airport is set to open in Pittsburgh this month, right before the busy holiday travel season takes off. The city’s newly constructed, state-of-the-art airport is set to open on Tuesday, November 18, just as the Thanksgiving travel rush begins. When the new facility debuts, travelers will find notable and unconventional features, like faster baggage claim technology, a welcome point where friends and family can greet arriving travelers, and outdoor terraces where passengers can relax post-security. Read More…
