The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has announced a reduction in passport processing times, now ranging from four to six weeks, down from the previous six to eight weeks. This new timeline applies to passport applications submitted both online and by mail.

According to the bureau, processing times have consistently been under the earlier six-to-eight-week target for several months. The updated four-to-six-week timeframe starts once the application is received by the State Department, though it does not include mailing time.

Starting October 1, United Airlines will enhance its domestic economy wine list with new options from women-owned brands, Just Enough Wines and Maker Wine. These additions include a rosé and an exclusive-to-United brut bubbles, complementing existing red and white selections. The airline, which has served over 20 million glasses of wine so far in 2024, aims to provide economy passengers with a more premium inflight experience through these high-quality, canned wines.

Customers flying with Southwest Airlines will soon notice changes in the seating arrangements, as the airline plans to introduce extra-legroom seats in the first quarter of next year. However, these seats will not be sold as a separate product until the first half of 2026.

During the interim, early-boarding passengers will have the opportunity to select the extra-legroom seats if available. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan explained, "It takes time to implement any significant initiative. We've been wired for 53 years to do open seating."

Delta Air Lines and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), the flag carrier for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, have signed a new codeshare agreement, set to take effect on September 25. This partnership follows SAS’s entry into the SkyTeam alliance on September 1.

The agreement is designed to enhance travel options for customers flying between North America and Scandinavia. Passengers will benefit from improved connections and reciprocal loyalty rewards. According to SAS, travelers will be able to earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles or SAS EuroBonus points on flights operated by either carrier.

As November ushers in cooler temperatures and holiday lights begin to sparkle, Downtown St. Louis is readying itself for the return of Winterfest, a beloved holiday tradition set against the majestic Gateway Arch. Running from November 23 to December 31, 2024, Winterfest promises to once again draw thousands of visitors from across the Midwest.

On November 2, The Quail, a picturesque property nestled in Carmel Valley, will host the Quail in Pink pickleball tournament, once again joining the global effort to raise breast cancer awareness. This popular event welcomes both locals and travelers to participate in an afternoon of pickleball while supporting a crucial cause.

A recent incident at New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park has underscored the potential damage small acts of littering can cause to sensitive environments. The National Park Service (NPS) highlighted an episode where a discarded bag of Cheetos puff chips was left inside the Big Room, the park’s largest cave chamber. The cave, known for its stunning underground geological formations, stretches over 1.25 miles.

Air Canada and its pilots' union have reached a tentative agreement, preventing a potential shutdown of the country's largest airline. The four-year collective agreement was negotiated with the Air Line Pilots Association, representing over 5,400 pilots, and announced early Sunday by the airline.

CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2024 – United Airlines has signed a groundbreaking agreement with SpaceX to provide Starlink’s high-speed Wi-Fi service across its fleet, marking the largest deal of its kind in the airline industry. The move will deliver free, fast, and reliable inflight internet to passengers on United's mainline and regional aircraft.