Flyers will soon face a $45 fee if they don’t bring an approved ID to airport security. Delta Air Lines added a fewer-frills fare for some of its premium tickets. Big changes could be on the way for United Airlines’ MileagePlus frequent flyer program. And the U.S. just had its busiest day ever for air travel.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories we’ve been following since my last newsletter.
Passengers have had nearly a decade to get used to the concept of basic economy fares — the cheapest but unusually restrictive fare type the nation’s legacy carriers rolled out to battle their low-cost rivals. But what will air travelers think if airlines begin applying those same restrictions to fares for extra-legroom or other premium seats?
We’re about to find out. Delta just rolled out its new “Comfort Basic” fares, which will let customers book extra-legroom seats — but with restrictions like no advance seat assignments and reduced mileage earning. We break down everything you need to know about the carrier’s latest offering.
Meanwhile, United Airlines executives have recently teased “really big changes” for the future of its frequent flyer program. What could they be? “But it appears United has something big up its sleeve,” writes TPG’s Sean Cudahy, who takes a look at just how important loyalty programs have become for U.S. airlines.
And we’ll close this week with the Transportation Security Administration’s decision to charge passengers $45 if they show up to airport security without a Real ID or an approved alternative. The agency had already said a fee was in the works, but it was originally $18 when the idea was first floated two weeks ago.
Also from the TSA: The U.S. has set a new record for air travel, which occurred this past Sunday as travelers returned home en masse from the Thanksgiving holiday.
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