The Crystal Cabin Award 2026 highlights the innovation power of the cabin industry, with 24 finalists selected across eight categories.
first class
Reliability, then Product, on Breeze’s Agenda
Breeze CEO David Neeleman is confident the carrier is moving in the right direction, but he still wants to see operational reliability improve before further tweaking the product.
Sun Country Plans Inflight Wi-Fi, Just Not Yet
Sun Country’s next cabin refresh is coming soon-ish, and inflight Internet is likely to be part of the plan.
United’s Kirby Pitches Political Angle, Product Investment for Growth
Are passengers ready to pay more for a better product? United CEO Scott Kirby thinks so, and the company is working to make that happen, while also increasing international market share.
Etihad Brings First Class to A321LR Fleet
Etihad’s new A321LR will include a unique feature for single-aisle long-haul aircraft: A first class cabin.
Air France Refreshes La Première in Premium Push
La Première is getting a refresh, as Air France seeks to draw in more ultra-premium travelers.
JetBlue plans domestic first from 2026
A traditional 2-2 first class cabin is coming to JetBlue beginning in 2026.
Lufthansa launches Allegris ancillary pricing
Want a window seat in business class? If you’re flying in the new Lufthansa Allegris cabin that’s likely to cost extra.
First Class, Companion Pass coming to Frontier
Frontier Airlines will launch a first class cabin in late 2025 as it continues in its efforts to reinvent itself and remain competitive in a market where premium services deliver outsized revenue.
Paid premium massively displaced upgrades, exactly how Delta wants it to be
Fifteen years ago Delta Air Lines sold just 6% of its domestic first class seats. Today that number is 75%, and the carrier has plans to keep the paid share high, while still keeping the loyalty program relevant.