Emirates premium economy, expanded Northeast alliance, easier passport renewals and more
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Every weekend, we round up the top miles, points and travel news that you might have missed on TPG this week. Here's what you need to know:
Going for gold: A review of Emirates' new premium economy cabin on the Airbus A380
The much-anticipated new Emirates premium economy cabin has arrived and The Points Guy has already checked it out. Here is our review of what it was like to fly from New York-JFK to Dubai (DXB) this past week. With the addition of premium economy, Emirates now offers four cabin categories, including economy, business class and its renowned first class. It also becomes the first major Gulf carrier with the premium economy option.
American and JetBlue unveil 6 new routes, boost 21 others in latest Northeast Alliance expansion
American Airlines and JetBlue have announced an expansion of their Northeast Alliance: six new routes and additional frequencies in 21 different markets from New York and Boston. Destinations benefiting from the increased airlift include Nova Scotia (YHZ); Louisville, Kentucky (SDF); Memphis (MEM); and Pensacola, Florida (PNS). Flights will begin in June aboard American Eagle Embraer 175 regional jets.
Biden signs executive order to allow online passport renewals
Renewing a passport is a hassle under the best of circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic has made things even more complicated. Traditionally, a big part of the problem was that you had to physically send in your passport with the renewal application and then wait weeks for a new one to arrive.
Fortunately, the White House feels our pain. On Dec. 13 President Biden signed an executive order directing the creation of a completely online passport renewal system that requires no mailing of documents. The Points Guy will bring you updates on this new system as they become available.
There's a new way to get through TSA screening faster. But do you need it?
Holiday travel is underway, and by many accounts, wait times at airport security checkpoints are longer than they were before the pandemic. Several methods, including TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Clear and Mobile Passport, can help you get through security and customs screening faster. Many airports across the country have also implemented some type of reservation system to cut wait times. Here's what we know about the programs so far, and whether it is a good idea to try one out on your next trip.