News for Jetsetters

Alaska Airlines is set to enhance its Mileage Plan program in 2025 by introducing milestone perks for members who reach specific thresholds between elite status levels. These perks, which include bonus miles, free meals, WiFi, lounge access, and even the ability to roll over Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), will offer added rewards for members beyond standard elite status achievements.

Four prominent hotels on the Las Vegas Strip have been flagged for bedbug infestations following inspections by the Southern Nevada Health District between February and August. The affected hotels include The Cosmopolitan, Resorts World, Bellagio, and Hilton Grand Vacation Club, each with one confirmed case of bedbugs in a single room, as reported by KLAS-TV and confirmed by health district spokesperson Jennifer Sizemore.

The European Commission has postponed the debut of its new Entry/Exit System (EES), which was originally scheduled for November 10. This marks the latest in a series of delays for the biometric border control system, with no new launch date announced.

The EES is designed to streamline border crossings by using biometric identification to track the entry and exit of non-European Union nationals into the 27-country Schengen Area, gradually eliminating the need for traditional passport stamps. The system would also monitor visa overstays.

The SkyTeam airline alliance has announced partnerships with two major high-speed rail operators, Eurostar and Trenitalia, to offer single-booking intermodal journeys that combine air and rail segments. This move aims to streamline travel across Europe, giving passengers greater flexibility and convenience.

United Airlines has revealed plans to add eight new international routes next summer, including the first-ever U.S. airline service to Greenland and Mongolia. These additions will broaden the airline’s global network, focusing on unique and adventurous destinations, according to Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of global network planning.