Travel Week in Review – February 16, 2024

Delta Air Lines—which along with American Airlines and United Airlines has seen a continued uptick in premium demand since the pandemic—is investing in premium lounges currently set to join Sky Club lounges at three U.S. airports, the carrier announced Thursday.  The first premium lounge is slated to open in June at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.  Read More…

The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 on Thursday, which would fund the agency for the next five years. The bill now will head to the full Senate for a vote; however, the U.S. House has its own FAA reauthorization bill with some different features. If the Senate approves the bill, the House and Senate versions will need to be reconciled between the two bodies before the legislation can go before President Joe Biden for approval.  Read More…

As of Feb. 12, Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the first airport to offer Global Entry interviews for travelers departing the U.S. for international flights, the airport confirmed to TPG. “The office opened today for interviews starting at noon,” an airport spokesperson said via email, marking the first airport where people can interview for Global Entry both upon arrival and now upon departure. Read More…

This week, American Express is opening its largest Centurion Lounge to date—fittingly located at the world’s busiest airport. The new location, measuring nearly 26,000 square feet, debuts Wednesday at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. And rest assured, every inch has been put to good use: the lounge will feature one-of-a-kind amenities not found in any other Centurion location, including several outdoor terraces and a high-end whiskey bar. Read More…

Good things come to Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards members who wait. Months after first announcing — and then delaying — a planned deep-reaching partnership, Marriott International and MGM Resorts finally have the starting line in eyesight. Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano noted on a company earnings call Tuesday that he expects all participating MGM Resorts properties will show up on Marriott booking and loyalty platforms by mid-March. Read More…