Mark Reif

Low-cost Icelandic airline, PLAY, has a limited-time deal for just that, with one-way fares to Iceland, Copenhagen, and more starting at $99.

This week, Delta introduced the Airbus A330-900neo on flights between Atlanta and Buenos Aires. It’s the first airline to use the next-gen aircraft in Argentina, with the A330 offering increased capacity, more comfort, and improved efficiency. Delta will also use the plane on its seasonal route between New York’s JFK and Buenos Aires, which runs through March 29, 2025.

With the 2025 Masters golf tournament on the horizon, Delta has announced 15% more flights to Augusta Regional Airport (AGS). That includes up to 1,900 daily seats, as the airline helps more fans get close to the action. Delta is an Official Tournament Partner of the Masters, which occurs in its home state of Georgia.

In 2025, Frontier Airlines is making Elite Status better than ever by expanding free seat upgrades. The perk is among many upgrades arriving in 2025 and is part of The New Frontier, the company’s strategy for comfort, value, and affordability. The new feature is available now, and with the airline offering a fast-track to Elite Status, more passengers than ever can enjoy luxury in the skies.

For the summer of 2025, JetBlue will offer more flights to more destinations, helping passengers experience their travel dreams. The new offerings are part of the airline’s JetForward strategy, which includes bolstering its East Coast leisure network. Here’s what’s being added.

Yesterday, the United States and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) disclosed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, accusing the airline of chronically delayed flights and interrupting passengers’ travels. In addition, the DOT levied a fine against Frontier Airlines, which was also for chronically delayed flights.

Delta Sky Club members can look forward to the journey in 2025 when new lounges and clubs will open nationwide. That’ll include expansions, refreshes, and three new hub locations. Each will provide a luxurious space to recharge before or after a flight, with expansive layouts and views of the surroundings.

This week, Alaska Airlines announced two new direct routes from Oregon, along with the resumption of an interstate route. Beginning on May 15, 2025, the airline begins service from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). There’s also a new flight from Oregon’s Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). Additionally, flights between Portland and Eugene, Oregon, resume service, for a quick in-state trip.

As 2025 begins, American Airlines offers passengers more ways to stay healthy and active. From routes to outdoor destinations to health-conscious meals, the airline caters to adventurous travelers intent on living the good life. Here’s what American has in store.

Hawaiian Airlines just offered a preview of its upcoming premium lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Set to open in 2027, the lounge is part of Alaska Air Group’s 3-year strategic plan following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

In 2025, Formula 1 fans are in for a treat, with offering curated fan packages for the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix. The packages offer race tickets, air travel, hotel stays, and more, for an unforgettable experience in motorsport and hospitality. Here’s what’s included. Qatar Airways F1 fan packages: Luxury and speed The 2025 Qatar […]

In 2024, the flew more passengers than ever, showing the increasing need for business and leisure travel. The group — consisting of Iberia, Iberia Express, and Iberia Regional Air Nostrum — transported more than 30,000,000 people during the year, owing to new routes and strong performance in Latin America. New routes and increased capacity contributed […]

This week, announced two summer seasonal routes from Anchorage, flying to Detroit and Sacramento. In addition, the airline will resume flights between Fairbanks and Portland. With the updated schedule, Alaska will offer more direct routes from Anchorage than ever before, with 15 flights to the lower 48 and Hawaii. Alaska Airlines’ nonstop network keeps growing […]

At the recent , Delta and Uber announced a partnership that helps travelers earn miles and smooth out trips. Delta CEO Ed Bastian and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi described the collaboration’s features and benefits onstage. Delta and Uber look to shape the future of air travel Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said:  “With a record […]

This week, California wildfires have devastated the surroundings, with five separate conflagrations burning through Los Angeles. Consisting of the Palisades fire, Eaton fire, Hurst fire, Lidia fire, and Sunset fire, the blazes destroyed homes as strong winds fanned the flames.  With the ensuing chaos, air travel’s been affected, with nearby (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport […]

Aer Lingus, the national carrier of Ireland, just took delivery of two Airbus A321XLRs, the initial planes of six on order. That makes it only the second carrier, after Iberia Airlines, to operate the state-of-the-art design. The A321XLR is an evolution of the A320neo, in response to the need for increased range and paylods. In addition, it can fly on up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

During the recent CES 2025 technology conference, Delta and Airbus announced a partnership to shape the future of air travel. The leading aircraft company and its largest operator will join forces to introduce next-gen aviation technologies, and advance flight further into the 21st century.

At last weekend’s CES technology conference in Las Vegas, Delta announced a bevy of innovations to mark its 100th anniversary. Inside the Sphere, CEO Ed Bastian delivered a keynote address, covering topics from an AI travel concierge to next generation inflight entertainment. The immersive speech mapped out the airline’s next 100 years, from partnerships to technology.

Delta began the new year strong, receiving a Platinum Award for Operational Excellence from aviation analytics company, Cirium. The award recognizes on-time performance while navigating complex operations, and limiting disruptions to passengers. It’s the fourth year in a row the airline received the award.

On December 30, Etihad Airways opened its U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The premium space is situated close to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, and gives travelers somewhere to relax after finishing U.S. entry procedures before boarding their flight.

United has announced inflight Starlink Wi-Fi will arrive sooner than anticipated, with the first commercial test flight scheduled next month on an Embraer E-175. The airline plans to equip all of its two-cabin regional aircraft with the technology before the end of 2025. The mainline fleet will follow, with the first plane outfitted this year. Starlink is the fastest, most reliable connection available at 35,000 feet.

A powerful winter storm covered the East Coast Monday, leading to thousands of cancelled flights and hectic airport terminals. The weather originated in the Rocky Mountains before travelling eastward, leaving ice and snow in its path. An Accuweather map shows nearly the entire eastern half of the U.S. affected by the storm.

Last week, Air India began flying its long-anticipated route between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. The direct flight is aboard a state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 and follows the recent introduction of a similar route from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

In an airline industry first, the Department of Transportation (DOT) fined JetBlue for canceled and delayed flights. Not long ago, the airline was placed under investigation for flights that were “chronically delayed” at least 145 times from June 2022 to November 2023. The financial penalty is in the millions and will be split among interested parties.

Icelandic airline PLAY is offering strong discounts to start the new year, with 25% off flights to top European destinations. For a limited time, budget-minded adventurers can book travel without breaking the bank, leaving plenty of funds for food, lodging, and experiences. The promotion includes routes from several East Coast airports, so even more travelers can take advantage. 

British Airways has announced sweeping changes to its loyalty program, including a new name and look. Known prior as the British Airways Executive Club, it’s now the the British Airways Club, with updates taking effect on April 1, 2025. The re-brand includes new ways to earn points, milestones between tiers, and new milestone benefits. 

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, was recently awarded for superb inflight service, winning the Cabin Crew of the Year at the 18th Aviation Middle East Business Awards 2024. The recognition highlights the airline’s commitment to an elevated travel experience.

Air France provides curated comfort kits on long-haul flights, giving passengers in the La Première, Business, or Premium cabins an elevated travel experience. Each seating class receives a unique assortment of wellness essentials, letting travelers relax in comfort.

American Airlines has announced seasonal routes to outdoor destinations in Canada and Montana. The flights embark on Saturdays only and serve five locations during mostly summer months. The airline will utilize Embraer E175 and Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft, depending on the route. Once the flights begin, American will be the only carrier serving all five locations.

After a two year process, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has completed the installation of a new seating class, Premium Comfort Class. The rollout is the largest product change for the airline in years, with every Boeing 787 and 777 outfitted with the class. It’s an intermediate seating class available on long haul flights, sitting neatly between Economy Class and World Business Class, offering more luxury and comfort than the former, at a lower price than the latter. Premium Comfort Class is designed for both business and leisure travelers.

Emirates recently debuted its latest Travel Store in Karachi, Pakistan, offering an experiential retail space in West Asia. The store is situated in the noteworthy Sky Tower, Karachi Towers, on Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue in Clifton. Comprised of 183 square meters of space, the store provides peerless service combined with tech-focused experiences.

Africa’s largest aviation group, Ethiopian Airlines, will partner with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to establish Air Congo. The government of the DRC will hold a 51% controlling interest, while Ethiopian Airlines will own 49% and handle management duties. The project is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to partner with African governments to enhance air travel throughout the continent. 

At TheDesignAir Awards 2024, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific took home three honors, including Design Airline of the Year, Asia. It received an overall design score of 81.9, putting it among the top six carriers worldwide. 

The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) includes American Airlines for the second straight year, recognizing the airline’s sustainability efforts. The U.S. based carrier is one of two domestic airlines on the list. Additionally, American continues on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America) for the fourth year in a row.

On December 24, Air New Zealand flight N27 took off from San Francisco en route to Auckland,  New Zealand. While that might seem like an ideal way to get home for the holidays, there was one problem: the 12-hour flight would cross the international date line, skipping December 25, and landing on the 26th. That meant passengers would miss Christmas Day. But Air New Zealand had other plans, transforming the aircraft’s interior into a Christmas Day refuge, bringing over 200 travelers a festival of holiday magic. Here’s what happened aboard the 787 Dreamliner.

Lufthansa Group announced the purchase of an additional five Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its firm orders to 15. The leading-edge long-haul plane will further modernize the airline’s fleet by lowering emissions, reducing costs, and enhancing comfort. The order makes Lufthansa one of the globe’s largest A350 operators, with 15 A350-1000s and 60 A350-900s.

Through the end of 2024, JetBlue TrueBlue and Mosaic members can earn tiles for perks and status by contributing to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is a biofuel that’s safe for use in existing aircraft and infrastructure and reduces lifecycle emissions by about 80% compared to traditional fuels. Since 2020, JetBlue has doubled SAF use year-over-year, via three producers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Soon, the airline will bring a steady supply of SAF to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Marriott Bonvoy will deepen their collaboration, providing Privelege Club members even more ways to enjoy global travel experiences. Moving forward, Privilege Club members with a Marriott Bonvoy account can convert their Avios into Marriott Bonvoy points. It’s a first-of-its-kind program for airline loyalty members in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe region, providing member benefits across Marriott Bonvoy’s wide-ranging portfolio, including 30 brands across 10,000 destinations.

Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) will acquire five Airbus A350-900 aircraft, beginning in 2027. That’s in addition to the five already on order, with deliveries occurring between 2025 and 2031. The aircraft will be equipped with “SWISS Senses” interiors, designed for optimal comfort on long-haul flights.

In 2025, Finnair is adding flights to Lapland during Easter weeks and Autumn, providing ski season thrills and gorgeous foliage. There will also be more flights for notable summertime events, providing even more opportunities to explore. That provides easier access to the Nordic country’s northernmost region, including subarctic wilderness, ski resorts, and natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights. 

Air France will again show its culinary expertise, tapping Michelin-starred French Chef, Olivier Chaignon for inflight cuisine on routes from Japan. Starting in January 2025, La Première and Business passengers flying from Osaka-Kansai or Tokyo-Haneda to Paris can enjoy curated, cabin-specific menus. Each seating class gets 12 exclusive dishes.

Texas residents yearning for a taste of New England can now fly nonstop to Portland, Maine, thanks to a new United route. The flight continues United Airlines’ network expansion throughout the U.S., and utilizes a quick and convenient Embraer E175 aircraft. The route will fly between Houston George Bush International Airport (IAH) and Portland International Jetport (PWM).

Just in time for the holidays, low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY is offering 35% off fares from the U.S. to Iceland and sought after European destinations. It’s a limited time deal only available on December 22 and 23, so travelers have to act fast to score big savings. 

Guinness World Records has officially awarded Turkish Airlines the title of “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline”. Though the airline has flown to the most countries in the world since 2012, the new title cements its place among carriers. The award was handed out at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport after the airline's first flight to Chile.  Guinness World Records officials and Turkish Airlines Executives were in attendance.

Icelandair has announced a new codeshare agreement with ITA Airways of Italy. The partnership will allow seamless connections between the two airlines’ networks. Travel dates begin January 20, 2025, with fares currently available for sale.

Beginning in May 2025, United Airlines will add eight direct flights from Denver International Airport (DEN), including Rome, Italy; Saskatchewan, Canada; and routes across the US. The flights include new destinations as well as increased service to underserved locations. Once Rome is added, United will offer service to over 20 international cities via Denver.

JSX offers a private jet experience for prices comparable to first-class domestic flights. Its small regional jets operate out of private hangars, with no security lines, and all seats are first-class, with free snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The air carrier's Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 jets also look pretty cool, with sleek graphics, including prominent red X’s on the fuselage and tail.  Soon, the Dallas-based company will offer even more flights, with additional departures from Oakland, CA to the Western US. The expansion demonstrates the air carrier's concept taking hold, as more customers enjoy a private jet-like experience.

Following approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Alaska Airlines will offer direct flights between San Diego and Washington, D.C. The DOT green-lighted the route as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024. The airline has been serving San Diego for almost 40 years and Washington, D.C., since 2001.