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News from October 2024
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has emphasized the importance of safeguarding civil aviation during conflicts. The statement underscores that flights must remain secure and critical infrastructure should not be targeted amidst hostilities.
Two years after forming a Joint Venture, Delta Air Lines and the LATAM group report significant growth in their operations. Since 2022, the partnership has resulted in a 68% increase in flights. This expansion includes six new routes and over 32,000 flights, providing more than 8 million seats between North America and South America.
In December 2023, LATAM Airlines became the first airline outside the Lufthansa Group and in the Americas to implement AeroSHARK technology on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This bionic surface film was installed in São Paulo and has been tested in daily operations since then. The positive results have led LATAM to expand this technology to four more aircraft, resulting in five AeroSHARK-modified planes operated by LATAM Airlines Brazil.
Southwest Airlines is preparing to implement significant changes that will be noticed by passengers well before the airline transitions to assigned seating. The Dallas-based carrier announced a comprehensive overhaul, including plans to move away from its long-standing open seating policy. This transition will introduce assigned and extra-legroom seats, with sales expected to begin in late 2025 for flights in early 2026.
October 7 marks the World Day for Decent Work, with this year's theme emphasizing peace and democracy amid increasing authoritarianism and military conflicts. Currently, more than 110 armed conflicts worldwide are impacting workers on the front lines, affecting their communities and stripping them of their livelihoods and rights.
Choice Privileges members have experienced a fluctuation in the points required to book stays at Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This partnership enables travelers to use Choice points for 314 properties worldwide. In May 2024, award rates ranged from 25,000 to 55,000 points per night. However, by June, some properties saw an increase to 87,000 points per night, and in September, certain locations demanded as much as 118,000 points.
Aer Lingus has announced the introduction of a new route connecting Dublin Airport (DUB) to Nashville International Airport (BNA). This service is set to commence on April 12, 2025, offering four weekly flights in each direction.
Alaska Air Group, Inc. has announced an Investor Day event scheduled for December 10, 2024, in New York City. The gathering will include presentations and a question-and-answer session with the Alaska Airlines executive team. During the event, updates on the company's business plan and its future with Hawaiian Airlines will be discussed, highlighting increased acquisition synergies.
Hurricane Milton is advancing toward Florida, moving from the Gulf of Mexico in a west-to-east direction. The storm, currently classified as a Category 5 hurricane, is expected to pass directly over the Tampa Bay area early Wednesday morning.
The American Express Centurion Lounge network is set to undergo changes as the company has decided to close all spas across its lounge network. This decision was confirmed by a company spokesperson to The Points Guy. The spas, which were operated in partnership with Exhale, were available at three locations: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Oman Air is set to finalize its membership in the Oneworld airline alliance by the second quarter of next year, according to CEO Con Korfiatis. This marks a delay in the Muscat-based carrier's plan, initially announced in 2022, to join the alliance this year. The delay was confirmed at the Routes World conference in Bahrain on October 7.
Alaska Airlines has unveiled a new Seattle Kraken-themed aircraft, marking the airline's continued support for the NHL team. The aircraft features the team's logo and the coordinates of Climate Pledge Arena, where the Kraken play their home games. The tail number #N933AK pays tribute to 93.3 KJR FM, known as Seattle's Sports Leader and Home of the Kraken.
Rakuten is offering increased cash-back rates for online shoppers during October Prime Day. Shoppers can earn up to 15% cash back at various retailers through the Savvy Shopper Rewards event. This promotion is likely aimed at frequent Rakuten users, who are encouraged to log into their accounts to verify eligibility. New users can receive a $30 bonus after spending $30 on a qualifying purchase within the first 90 days.
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are set to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 12:01 a.m. PDT and will run for 48 hours until midnight on Oct. 9. The event offers discounts on selected items exclusively for Amazon Prime members.
Ongoing hotel strikes have extended to two Hilton-affiliated properties in Boston, with approximately 600 workers now on strike at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza and the Hilton Boston Logan Airport. These strikes are part of a larger movement affecting hotel operations nationwide.
Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has announced a partnership with beOnd, the first premium leisure airline worldwide. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity between Dubai and various sought-after leisure destinations. Dnata will assist beOnd in promoting its offerings and delivering high-quality services to travelers in the UAE. Currently, beOnd operates routes connecting Al Maktoum - Dubai World Central (DWC) with Male (MLE) in the Maldives and Zurich (ZRH) in Switzerland.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida as a Category 4 storm, preparations are underway across the state. Central Florida residents are stocking up on essentials, while visitors at Disney World face decisions about their travel plans.
The Tampa Bay area and other parts of Florida's Gulf Coast are preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Milton. Travelers planning to visit the region in the near future are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and any potential changes to their reservations, as this storm is predicted to be one of the most powerful to hit Florida in a century.
United Airlines is set to expand its domestic network with the introduction of four new routes. The Chicago-based airline has announced plans to add flights from its hubs at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.
Delta Air Lines has introduced the Airbus A330-900neo on its daily nonstop route from New York-JFK to Accra, starting October 1, 2024. This aircraft brings a 30% increase in seat capacity between Ghana and the United States, along with enhanced passenger comfort.