Choice Privileges Extends Award Window, Brings Back AwardSaver

  With the full integration of Radisson Hotels, the loyalty program announced a new extended window for booking awards, along with bringing back one of the best tools from Radisson’s former loyalty program.   AwardSaver Comes Back to Choice, With Booking Window Extended to 50 Weeks The new benefits will …

Lufthansa Launches Allegris First Class November 9

Lufthansa Launches Allegris First Class November 9

  The airline announced their newest first class cabin, Lufthansa Allegris, will launch starting on November 9, 2024.   New First Class Features Heated and Cooled Seats, Personal Wardrobe, and Locking Door Flyers heading to Bangalore will be the first to experience the first class cabin when it becomes available …

Southwest, Elliott Settle Proxy War with New Board Members

  The airline announced the appointment of six new board members from the slate Elliott previously put forward, giving them a bigger presence inside the company, along with the accelerated retirement of board chairman Gary Kelly.   Board Appointments Include Former Aviation CEOs, Travel Leaders, and Regulators The six new …

Transportation and Justice Departments Start Airline Competition Review

  The two departments announced a joint effort to begin “a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel,” seeking to learn more about the current state of competition and how it affects the public.   Probe Goal to “Identify and Remove Barriers to Competition” The Transportation …

Transportation Department Fines American $50 Million Over Wheelchair Handling

  The fine – 25 times bigger than any previous penalty for violating disability rules – were announced by the Transportation Department on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.   Investigation Driven by High Number of Complaints The action was driven by industry data and formal complaints submitted to the Transportation Department. …

New York Hilton Midtown Offers Guests “Wicked” Holiday Stay

New York Hilton Midtown Offers Guests “Wicked” Holiday Stay

  Available for booking now, the New York Hilton Midtown is opening their “Stay Like Wicked” suite between November 21, 2024, and January 5, 2025.   Limited-Time Suite Inspired by Famous Musical-Turned-Movie The specially decorated suite is designed to transform guests to the Emerald City as a celebration of the …

United Strengthens Aircraft Sizing Tool for Wheelchairs

  The Chicago-based airline announced a new collaboration with the United Spinal Association to improve their wheelchair sizing tool, helping disabled flyers find the perfect flight for their needs.   United Spinal Association to Advise Airline on Mobility Needs The original wheelchair sizing tool was launched by United in March …

Skiplagged Ordered to Pay American $9.4 Million in Lawsuit

  Courthouse News Service reports a jury awarded American $9.4 million in damages from Skiplagged over earned revenues and copyright infringement.   American Argues Flyers Deceived by Skiplagged Site In arguments to the jury, American’s attorneys argued that the website – which helps flyers find “hidden city” tickets to save …

Elliott Calls for Southwest Special Shareholder Meeting

  In a press release, the activist investor is demanding a special meeting for December 10, 2024, and is pressuring Southwest leadership to confirm the date “without unnecessary delay.”   Special Shareholder Meeting Demand Furthers Proxy War with Southwest With Elliott owning a significant share in Southwest, the carrier has …

Alaska Airlines Debuts Mileage Plan Improvements for 2025

  The airline announced their latest changes to the program on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.   Changes Overhauls Milestones and Ways to Earn Elite Qualifying Miles The biggest change to the program comes in how travelers earn elite qualifying miles. Previously, EQMs were earned through flying with the airline and …