Spirit Airlines has a plan to reinvent itself, changing its service offerings and marketing strategy to drive improved yields and a return to profit. Can it get there fast enough to stay alive?
elite status
Big Front Seat is dead; Long live Go Big!
Big Front Seat is dead; Long live Go Big! Spirit Airlines is changing its approach to the market, in a manner that appears to be removing most of what makes it unique.
Southwest to assign seats, add extra legroom
After more than 50 years Southwest Airlines is adding assigned seating to its cabins. The carrier will also differentiate seating, with an extra legroom option on board.
Delta adding Premium Select to transcon 767s
Some Delta Air Lines passengers will soon have a new cabin option for crossing the country. The carrier will add its Premium Select premium economy cabin to the New York-Los Angeles market later this year.
Frontier’s UpFront Plus brings EuroBiz to North America
Blocking the middle seat in a row is a staple of the European business class travel market. Now a similar offering will fly in North America, as Frontier Airlines introduces UpFront Plus.
American limits loyalty earning options
American Airlines says it wants to make it “more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” but that’s not at all what the upcoming AAdvantage changes will do.
Miles & More revamps status program
The new Miles & More loyalty program promises an easier and more transparent approach to earning elite status. And maybe, mostly, gets close to that goal.
Carrot or stick: American ties more to AAdvantage in 2024 update
The AAdvantage program will be more important for many American Airlines passengers starting later this year, as the carrier details rules and benefits changes.
JetBlue’s summer of blues
Summer is typically the best time of year for airlines. It is when profits are stockpiled to help pad the slower, colder seasons. Alas, JetBlue joins a handful of US carriers who did not enjoy summer 2023, reporting a loss of $153 million for Q3.
Delta softens the blow for Medallion, SkyClub changes
As promised by CEO Ed Bastian, Delta is adjusting the SkyMiles and SkyClub changes it announced just four weeks ago. The revised rules lower the spend requirements and boost long-term loyalty value, among other updates.