Airline News

United Airlines announced an accelerated timeline to bring Starlink—the high-speed satellite internet service from SpaceX—to its global flights, offering travel enthusiasts a major upgrade in connectivity. The airline expects to begin testing Starlink next month, with the first commercial flight projected to depart this spring aboard a United Embraer E-175.

Alaska Air Group, now incorporating the Hawaiian Airlines brand, is set to transform Seattle into a global transpacific hub, with plans for extensive international and domestic expansion.

A Russian woman with permanent U.S. residency, Svetlana Dali, made her first court appearance in Brooklyn on Thursday after authorities charged her with sneaking onto a flight from New York to Paris without proper documentation. The incident has raised concerns about airport security and highlighted Dali's claims of mistreatment following her apprehension.

Alaska Airlines has introduced electronic bag tags for general purchase, following a successful trial that began in December 2022. Priced at $89, the tags aim to streamline the baggage check-in process, allowing travelers to skip the need for traditional printed tags at the airport.

Allegiant Air has announced a significant expansion, introducing 44 new seasonal routes this summer and adding service to three new destinations: Chicago, Houston, and Boston. This growth brings the airline's total offerings to over 500 routes. The new flights are set to commence in May and June, operating twice weekly.

Spirit Airlines, a prominent name in budget air travel, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a series of financial setbacks, a failed merger attempt, and intensified competition. The filing, made early Monday, comes with a prearranged agreement with bondholders, including $300 million in debtor-in-possession financing, to support the airline through its restructuring. The company aims to exit bankruptcy by the first quarter of next year.

A Southwest Airlines flight preparing for departure was canceled Friday evening after a bullet struck the aircraft at Dallas Love Field Airport, according to airline officials. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Last month, Icelandair announced new codeshare agreements with Atlantic Airways and Air Greenland at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, aimed at enhancing connectivity across the North Atlantic region. This development will allow passengers to explore destinations in Greenland and the Faroe Islands seamlessly through Icelandair’s hub at Keflavik International Airport.

American Airlines is expanding its European offerings for the summer 2025 season, introducing two new daily routes to Italy. Beginning May 6, the carrier will launch daily flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Naples, marking O'Hare as American's second U.S. gateway to the Italian city after Philadelphia, which launched summer service in 2024. The following month, on June 5, American will also begin a daily route from its Dallas/Fort Worth hub to Venice.

Americans are gearing up for a bustling Thanksgiving travel season, with major domestic cities and sunny international locales topping the list of most popular destinations. According to Allianz Partners USA's 2024 Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index, New York City remains the most sought-after domestic spot, while Cancún, Mexico, leads international choices.