United Airlines announced a partnership with CLEAR this week, expanding its participation in the biometric security screening program. The carrier will make a strategic investment in the company, including the addition or expansion of CLEAR locations at the carrier’s US hub airports.
elite status
PaxEx Update: 2019-07-05
Welcome to the PaxEx Update for 5 July 2019, bringing you biggest headlines on what’s changed for passenger experience in the past week.
Mosaics Matter More: JetBlue trials improved IROPs benefits for elites
JetBlue will trial a new benefit for its TrueBlue Mosaic members this summer. Mosaic passengers on flights delayed two hours or more will receive a meal voucher at the airport to help ease the pain of the wait. Crew members were informed of the new program in an internal message this week.
Thai Smile to join Star Alliance as connecting partner
Chalk up another partner for the Star Alliance program as Thai Smile signs on. Can this move help push other Star LCC affiliates into the fold?
Star Alliance pulls back on Diamond tier plans
A year ago Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh told passengers to “keep their eyes peeled” for a new Star Alliance top elite tier. In an update at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul this weekend Goh indicated that no such development is expected soon.
Delta aims to extend loyalty with "Reclaim my Status" program
Keeping a customer engaged with a loyalty program after a major life event can be challenging. Delta SkyMiles joins the ranks of airlines with a formal program for such, launching the “Reclaim My Status” challenge offer.
Finnair ends free trial, rolls out wifi charges
Finnair’s new short-haul wifi solution, powered by Viasat, is no longer free. The carrier ended the introductory trial period for the service this week, bringing a split-tier performance and pricing model into play.
United bringing “Preferred” seating to economy class in Q4 2018
United Airlines passengers will soon have the option to pay more for assigned seats on board. These are not the Premium Plus premium economy nor the Economy Plus extra legroom seats. The “Preferred” seating section will sit behind those and be an option for selection starting in Q4 2018. This news was obliquely referenced in today’s announcement of the new United Corporate Preferred program at GBTA in San Diego.
Alitalia is out, Virgin Atlantic is in: TATL JV changes proposed
Alitalia’s struggles continue. The carrier still needs a fresh infusion of cash to pay off the bridge loan from the Italian government and some sort of long-term plan. And, for the latter, Alitalia will soon find itself forced to be more independent than it is today. Ouch.
Emirates Skywards swallows flyDubai OPEN
The long slog to full integration of Emirates and flyDubai continues apace. This week’s announcement brings the loyalty programs of the two carriers together. And the move looks an awful lot like a shotgun wedding, with minimal regard for the flyDubai OPEN members’ history with that program.