✈ Southwest’s seat switcheroo, Spirit adding first class? Plus, route shakeup at JetBlue & more! ✈

July 31, 2024

Take a seat

by Ben Mutzabaugh, Managing Editor for Aviation

Hello TPG readers!

What a few weeks it’s been for airline news!

Southwest Airlines announced the biggest change in its history, saying it will end its love-it-or-hate-it open-seating policy. The low-cost giant also said it will add premium extra-legroom seating and will fly red-eyes for the first time ever.

That wasn’t the only blockbuster story since our last newsletter.

In a Tuesday surprise, Spirit Airlines announced a whopping change of its own — one that includes a move away from its well-known bare-bones fare structure and a first-class product. Yes, you read that correctly.

And there’s Delta Air Lines, which suffered an operational meltdown at a scale the industry hasn’t seen since late 2022. The airline finally righted its ship late last week, but not before canceling more than 5,000 flights and becoming the subject of a federal investigation into how it handled the crisis. Facing mounting scrutiny, Delta even went so far as to say it would reimburse affected travelers for certain additional meltdown-related costs.

And there’s been a slew of premium-cabin updates to tell you about, everything from Qatar Airways’ unveiling of its new Qsuite to Turkish Airlines’ plans for a new business class. Korean Air also plans a new biz-class seat, complete with sliding privacy doors. In the U.S., Alaska Airlines said it will begin adding new first-class and extra-legroom seats to some of its Boeing 737 jets.

Elsewhere, airline route updates keep coming in.

JetBlue made the biggest waves, announcing plans to pull out of seven cities amid a broader pullback on 24 routes. The silver lining: JetBlue is expanding in New England, including an entirely new airport in the region.

American Airlines also has been busy. It added a new dot in Southern California, one where it will become the only major carrier offering service while also providing L.A. and San Diego travelers with a new alternate airport to consider. In Texas, American is cutting in Austin — axing five more routes on top of the 21 it dropped late last year. There’s good news for Charlotte flyers, though: American’s flagship aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, will be added to the carrier’s transatlantic schedule from the hub in November. And Alaska Airlines dropped two routes and suspended another as it pushes further into leisure markets.

As for me, I’m coming to you this week from Italy. When confirmable business-class space to Rome opened up earlier this year for my American Airlines systemwide upgrades, I jumped and booked a late-July getaway.

Aside from making a return visit to Rome, I also made it to Umbria for the first time. As I wrap up the trip, I can confirm that Italy makes for a great vacation destination — and that the summers here can be incredibly hot. Now, wish me luck on my return flight home today.

Until next time …

Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Photo Credit: BEN MUTZABAUGH/THE POINTS GUY.

Don't miss

Biden administration rule for airline fees halted by federal court

JetBlue to phase out its smallest jet next year — but delay delivery of 44 new aircraft

American launches new way to tag wheelchairs, mobility devices

Delta’s free Wi-Fi should be on most transatlantic flights by end of summer

Amex will open its fourth Centurion Lounge in Mexico City

WestJet becomes the latest airline to offer free fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com.

Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Changed your mind? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time.

Advertiser Disclosure:

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. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

Card Type

Card Issuer

Cobranded Cards

Learn About Credit Cards

Credit Card Reward Programs

Airline Rewards Programs

Hotel Rewards Program

Learn About Rewards Programs

Airlines

Hotels

Cruises

Resources

TPG points valuation

Award vs. cash calculator

CardMatch

Sign up for the TPG Daily for breaking news, game-changing tips and exclusive deals from TPG partners

You’re onboard! Welcome to the TPG Daily.

Advertiser disclosure

Advertiser disclosure