Big changes are coming to aviation in 2026, from a lounge access crackdown at one of the nicest new club networks to spiffy new business-class seats at major airlines and budget airlines alike.
Capital One Lounge access changes: Starting Feb. 1, additional cardholders will no longer have access to these beautiful outposts. You’ll have to pay $125 per card to get those additional cardmembers in. Details here.
The big airlines are spiffing up their business-class cabins: If you liked the look of American Airlines’ brand-new Flagship Suites, get ready to see them on a lot more planes in 2026. Meanwhile, United Airlines is preparing to launch its next-generation Polaris concept, which will eventually include caviar service in some seats.
It’s not just the Big Three: Budget carrier Frontier Airlines expects its new first class to launch in the next couple of months. Meanwhile, JetBlue will roll out domestic first class later this year — on the heels of opening its first-ever airport lounge just over a week ago.
Southwest Airlines’ true reboot is here: We’ve been talking for many, many months about all the changes coming to Southwest Airlines. But the biggest one is just weeks away: On Jan. 27, the carrier will make its much-talked-about shift to assigned seating. Goodbye to walking on board and picking a seat.
The onboard digital detox truly ends: American will make its onboard Wi-Fi free next month, joining a major industry march toward making inflight internet free of charge. In 2026, we’ll say good riddance to these fees, for the most part … while bidding a fonder farewell to email-free travels. That is, as long as you have a frequent flyer account.
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