We Now Know When Air Berlin Will Stop Flying Long Haul

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Air Berlin's days are numbered — like, there are literally just a few left at this point. Why's that? The carrier just put out word that all of its long-haul flights will cease operation on October 15, 2017, less than three weeks from today.

The airline shared the following statement on its website today:

Air Berlin will need to cease its long-haul flight operations by 15 October 2017, as the aircraft leasing companies are gradually withdrawing their Airbus A330 jets. The connection between Dusseldorf and Los Angeles will therefore be discontinued on 25 September 2017. Further cancellations will follow on 16 October 2017. On 29 September 2017, Air Berlin will discontinue services between Hamburg and Munich and between Cologne/Bonn and Munich. We regret the inconvenience for our passengers.

This really is a shame — even though there were only 40 passengers on a plane with 290 seats, I had a great flight this past Saturday. As it turns out, that will be one of the last on Air Berlin's A330s, which will be repossessed just a few weeks from now.

I almost had the plane to myself on Air Berlin's A330.

If you're planning to fly Air Berlin, your options are unfortunately limited. I do recommend checking out JT Genter's post, Practical Advice for Travelers If Air Berlin Goes Out of Business, for some advice.

Do you have an upcoming flight on Air Berlin?

TPG featured card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4.5 / 5

Go to review

Apply now

at Capital One's secure site

Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

5X miles	Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X miles	Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day

Intro offer

Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Recommended credit

670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel

LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Top rated mobile app