✈ DOT fines Southwest $140 million; another holiday meltdown? And more from TPG! ✈ - The Points Guy

THE POINTS GUY

December 20, 2023

Wrapping up 2023

by Ben Mutzabaugh, Managing Editor for Aviation

Hello TPG readers!

This is our last Aviation newsletter of the year – can you believe it?

I can’t either, but it’s true. Christmas is just a few days away – and then the New Year’s holiday just a week later. That all points to an exceptionally busy travel period, but we have the latest on what to expect if you’re flying.

If you traveled last year, you might remember that big meltdown that snarled Southwest Airlines’ operation during the holidays. It took a year, but the U.S. Department of Transportation finally levied a fine against the carrier that could hit the airline for up to $140 million — though most of that penalty is offset by a promise by Southwest to compensate future travelers for delays within the airline’s control.

TPG’s David Slotnick has all the details, plus everything you need to know about whether you should be worried about a similar meltdown this year on your favorite airline.

Beyond that, there’s been a slew of news affecting customers of all big U.S. airlines.

United Airlines just launched service to Christchurch, New Zealand — and TPG was on board the inaugural flight on what’s now the only nonstop service between the U.S. and New Zealand’s South Island.

It’s also been a busy two weeks at Delta Air Lines, which confirmed to TPG’s Zach Griff that a new premium-heavy configuration is coming to the carrier’s flagship Airbus A350 wide-body jets. The airline also said it will drop its last two transcontinental flights from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and unveiled plans for its first nonstop service to Taiwan in seven years.

Delta also was busy in Austin, boosting its schedule there by 11 daily flights just weeks after American Airlines axed a whopping 21 routes. Delta was busy on the frequent flyer front, too, revealing plans for a new Sky Club in Charlotte — a fortress hub for rival American — while also announcing a new tie-up with Israeli carrier El Al.

Elsewhere, JetBlue and Air Canada became the latest North American carriers to announce service to the new airport serving Tulum on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Alaska Airlines was in the news, too, making four changes to MVP elite status while cutting flights at one of its western focus cities.

That will do it for this week — and for 2023! Wishing you a terrific holiday season and a joyous new year. I’m looking forward to seeing you again in 2024 for our next Aviation update.

Until then …

Ben

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Photo Credit: BEN MUTZABAUGH/THE POINTS GUY.

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