Alaska Airlines will buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion in a cash transaction. Unlike most other mergers, however, the company plans to embrace the complexity of multiple product offerings as it intends to keep both the Hawaiian and Alaska brands in service.
frequent flyer
Delta, airBaltic codeshare set to fly
Airbaltic and Delta Air Lines are ready to make good on a codeshare plan announced in 2021. With regulatory limits now cleared Delta will add its code to airBaltic flights in 20 markets across Europe, connecting to airBaltic’s three bases in Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius.
Lufthansa joins the free inflight messaging bandwagon
Lufthansa is the latest airline to add a free inflight internet tier. And, like the others, it has tied the shift to membership in its loyalty program.
Vistara makes inflight messaging free
Inflight messaging services can now be accessed for free on board Vistara’s connected fleet of 787-9 and A321neo aircraft, thanks to a partnership with the Club Vistara loyalty program
Mixed ancillary messages from Allegiant in Q3 results
Total average fare increased for Allegiant in Q3 2023, but, similar to its ULCC competitors in the US market, the breakdown of those fares shifted. And it is not all good news.
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.
United, Aer Lingus cut codeshare (but are still partners)
United Airlines and Aer Lingus will halt their codeshare operations at the end of this week, but their frequent flier partnership remains intact.
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.
Southwest bucks the trend, eases elite status earning in Rapid Rewards
It is easy to read too much into small changes in airline loyalty programs. But this week’s announcement from Southwest Airlines – lowering the qualification requirements for some elite status tiers – could signal a significant shift for the carrier’s approach to frequent fliers.
JetBlue adds IHG partnership, adjusts upgrades for 2024 Mosaic program
Frequent fliers (or big credit card spenders) in JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program will see a few key upgrades in their Mosaic elite status next year, including upgrades, hotels, and rental cars.