So long, Gate 35X. We won’t miss you at all.
American Airlines
Drinks coming back on American Airlines
Beverages are back! American Airlines is phasing beverage service back into its operations as travel demand rebounds and the number of vaccinated passengers continues to increase. The new policy begins on 1 May 2021, with full beverage service returning in all domestic premium cabins.
Collusion to Ecuador?? Airlines spar over slots and service
As drama around the American Airlines/JetBlue Northeast Alliance continues to swell, the battle is spilling over to an unlikely location: Ecuador. Recent requests for adjustments triggered accusations of collusion by American Airlines and JetBlue, outside the approved partnership parameters.
Where the wide-bodies are
As domestic travel demand rebounds in the US and international borders generally remain closed the US airlines are reshuffling their wide-body operations. Many routes that typically operated with a single-aisle aircraft in the before times are scheduled to see twin-aisle service in the coming months.
Small airports seek big bucks for new services
When it comes to launching new service at smaller airports revenue guarantees to airlines are a key factor. The US Department of Transportation offers Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grants to help airports cover the costs of those guarantees. And with another round of applications released this week we can see which markets are compelling to airports and airlines.
Going long at LAX
More than a dozen longer domestic routes added at LAX in the past year are likely to bring about a different sort of recovery as the pandemic subsides.
JetBlue plans major route growth with American alliance
With its Northeast Alliance (NEA) approved, JetBlue and American Airlines are pushing quickly towards implementation of coordinated operations in the New York City and Boston markets. In earnings calls last week both companies spoke to the potential opportunities the relationship brings.
American Airlines secures Heathrow slots for Seattle service
American Airlines secured slots at London’s Heathrow Airport for its new Seattle service planned for the upcoming summer season. The carrier leaned on Oneworld alliance and transatlantic joint venture partner Finnair for the scarce resources.
Reciprocal upgrades coming to American, Alaska Airlines
As the west-coast alliance between Alaska Airlines and American Airlines continues to evolve some frequent flyers got good news this week: upgrades will be available to top tier elites across both loyalty programs.
American Airlines drops change fees for long-haul flights
Earlier this year the US carriers went through a round of cuts to change fees, but they focused mostly on domestic or regional routes. American Airlines took that a step further today, announcing that the new policy would also apply to First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Main Cabin (except Basic Economy) tickets for all long-haul international flying when travel originates in North or South America. Typically those changes cost $200.