The Bulkhead Seat

JetBlue Expands to Florida’s Emerald Coast With New Flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach JetBlue will begin flying to Florida’s Emerald Coast with the launch of new nonstop flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) beginning March 5th. The airline will operate 5x weekly seasonal flights from both Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to connect travelers from the Northeast to one of Florida’s most scenic beach destinations.

JetBlue Expands to Florida’s Emerald Coast With New Flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach

JetBlue will begin flying to Florida’s Emerald Coast with the launch of new nonstop flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) beginning March 5th. The airline will operate 5x weekly seasonal flights…

Qantas Unveils Lounge Upgrades in Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles Qantas is enhancing its world-class lounge experience with a series of refurbishments across its international network in Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles. The upgrades are part of a multi-year investment to elevate the experience for the airline’s premium travelers. The first milestone in Qantas’ global lounge refresh will be the reopening of its fully refurbished Auckland International Lounge on December 17th, which is just in time for the busy Christmas travel period.

Qantas Unveils Lounge Upgrades in Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles

Qantas is enhancing its world-class lounge experience with a series of refurbishments across its international network in Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles. The upgrades are part of a multi-year investment to elevate the…

Spirit Airlines First-Ever Nonstop Flight Between Fort Lauderdale and Key West Landed Today Back in July, I wrote about Spirit Airlines launching nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Key West International Airport (EYW). This new route took off for the the first time today and provides travelers a faster way to get from Las Olas Boulevard to Duval Street without having to deal with the Overseas Highway (I've driven it before and traffic is a real pain).

Spirit Airlines First-Ever Nonstop Flight Between Fort Lauderdale and Key West Landed Today

Back in July, I wrote about Spirit Airlines launching nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Key West International Airport (EYW). This new route took off for the…

The First Two Outset Collection by Hilton Properties Are Now Accepting Reservations Last month, I wrote about Hilton's 25th brand: Outset Collection by Hilton. This is the eighth addition to its growing Lifestyle portfolio and expands Hilton’s presence in one of hospitality’s fastest-growing segments while catering to travelers seeking boutique-style hotels with authentic local character and independent design. The first two properties have just started to accept reservations. Like Marriott’s Autograph Collection or Design Hotels and Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, Outset Collection is designed to meet the needs of guests looking for individually inspired stays while still enjoying the trust, service, and global reach of Hilton.

The First Two Outset Collection by Hilton Properties Are Now Accepting Reservations

Last month, I wrote about Hilton's 25th brand: Outset Collection by Hilton. This is the eighth addition to its growing Lifestyle portfolio and expands Hilton’s presence in one of hospitality’s fastest-growing…

British Airways to Roll Out Free Starlink Wi-Fi Across Fleet in 2026 British Airways will begin rolling out free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet from 2026. This will give passengers in every cabin access to fast, reliable, gate-to-gate connectivity. The move will allow travelers to stream videos, work, and stay connected on multiple devices throughout their journey with no login or additional charges required. British Airways is the latest carrier to announce that Starlink is coming and I recently got to test it out on United Airlines (more…

British Airways to Roll Out Free Starlink Wi-Fi Across Fleet in 2026

British Airways will begin rolling out free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet from 2026. This will give passengers in every cabin access to fast, reliable, gate-to-gate connectivity. The move will allow travelers to…

FAA Warns of Widespread Flight Cancellations Amid Shutdown: 40 Major Airports Impacted The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that thousands of flights across the United States could be canceled if the ongoing government shutdown continues through this Friday, November 7th. The shutdown, now entering its second month since beginning on October 1st, is the longest in US history and is beginning to cause disruptions across the aviation system. Federal agencies are under mounting strain as operations continue without funding.

FAA Warns of Widespread Flight Cancellations Amid Shutdown: 40 Major Airports Impacted

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that thousands of flights across the United States could be canceled if the ongoing government shutdown continues through this Friday, November 7th. The…

United Airlines Adjusts Schedules Amid Government Shutdown Following FAA Directive United Airlines' CEO, Scott Kirby, released a memo this evening to address the pending schedule cuts due to the ongoing government shutdown. It will begin reducing flight schedules across 40 domestic airports starting Friday, November 7th. United is following new directives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The move comes as part of a coordinated industry-wide effort to ease pressure on the US aviation system.

United Airlines Adjusts Schedules Amid Government Shutdown Following FAA Directive

United Airlines' CEO, Scott Kirby, released a memo this evening to address the pending schedule cuts due to the ongoing government shutdown. It will begin reducing flight schedules across 40 domestic airports…

Spirit Airlines to Exit Five Cities in January as Restructuring Deepens Spirit Airlines will withdraw from five US cities and one international destination in early 2026. This marks the latest round of network reductions as the ultra-low-cost carrier continues to navigate bankruptcy restructuring. The airline confirmed it will end service to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), and Colombia's Palonegro International Airport (BGA) in January 2026.

Spirit Airlines to Exit Five Cities in January as Restructuring Deepens

Spirit Airlines will withdraw from five US cities and one international destination in early 2026. This marks the latest round of network reductions as the ultra-low-cost carrier continues to navigate bankruptcy restructuring.…

Air Canada Opens New Grab-and-Go Lounge at Vancouver International Airport Air Canada has officially opened its fourth Air Canada Café, bringing its grab-and-go concept to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Located in the domestic terminal between Gates C46 and C47, the new space blends West Coast inspiration with modern design and offers a locally focused, convenient, and premium experience for travelers on the go. The 2,142-square-foot café captures the essence of Vancouver.

Air Canada Opens New Grab-and-Go Lounge at Vancouver International Airport

Air Canada has officially opened its fourth Air Canada Café, bringing its grab-and-go concept to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Located in the domestic terminal between Gates C46 and C47, the new space blends West…

United Airlines and Lyft Team Up to Earn MileagePlus® Miles on Every Ride United Airlines is giving its loyalty members a new way to earn miles without ever stepping foot on a plane. The Chicago-based carrier has announced a new partnership with Lyft. It allows United MileagePlus® members to earn up to 4x miles on Lyft rides (including trips to and from the airport). MileagePlus® members can now link their accounts directly in the Lyft app to start earning miles automatically every time they ride.

United Airlines and Lyft Team Up to Earn MileagePlus® Miles on Every Ride

United Airlines is giving its loyalty members a new way to earn miles without ever stepping foot on a plane. The Chicago-based carrier has announced a new partnership with Lyft. It allows United MileagePlus® members to earn…

JetBlue Launches Limited-Time “Go-Season” Sale with 20% Off Flights JetBlue is kicking off the holiday travel season with a festive offer. For just two days, November 5th and 6th, travelers can save 20% on flights using promo code "TAKE20." This is the perfect opportunity to plan a last-minute December adventure or a relaxing retreat before the new year begins. Whether it’s a quick visit to see family, a warm-weather escape, or a snowy mountain trip, JetBlue’s "Go-Season" sale might provide the time to book that trip.

JetBlue Launches Limited-Time “Go-Season” Sale with 20% Off Flights

JetBlue is kicking off the holiday travel season with a festive offer. For just two days, November 5th and 6th, travelers can save 20% on flights using promo code "TAKE20." This is the perfect opportunity to plan a last-minute…

Southwest Airlines Adds Philippine Airlines as Its Fourth Partner Southwest Airlines has officially added Philippine Airlines as its newest interline partner. This opens the door for travelers across Asia and the Pacific to connect seamlessly to Southwest-operated flights within the United States. The agreement, which took effect this week, provides dozens of new one-ticket travel options across the Pacific (available through Philippine Airlines’ website and leading third-party travel platforms such as Expedia).

Southwest Airlines Adds Philippine Airlines as Its Fourth Partner

Southwest Airlines has officially added Philippine Airlines as its newest interline partner. This opens the door for travelers across Asia and the Pacific to connect seamlessly to Southwest-operated flights within the United States.…

Wow: UPS Cargo Jet Crashes After Takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) this evening. It sent shockwaves through the city and grounded air traffic across the region. The aircraft, operating as UPS Flight 2976, was bound for Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) with three crew members on board when the incident occurred around 5:15 PM local time.

Wow: UPS Cargo Jet Crashes After Takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) this evening. It sent shockwaves through the city and grounded air traffic…

Choice Privileges Unveils Refreshed Loyalty Program and New Top-Level Titanium Status Choice Hotels International offers 22 hotel brands and is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. It operates nearly 7,500 hotels with over 650,000 rooms in 46 countries and territories. Today, it unveiled a full refresh of its award-winning Choice Privileges program today. The reimagined loyalty program will make earning, redeeming, and enjoying rewards faster and more rewarding than ever when it relaunched in early 2026.

Choice Privileges Unveils Refreshed Loyalty Program and New Top-Level Titanium Status

Choice Hotels International offers 22 hotel brands and is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. It operates nearly 7,500 hotels with over 650,000 rooms in 46 countries and territories. Today, it…

Breeze Airways Expands to Twin Falls with New Nonstop Routes Starting March 2026 Breeze Airways is a low-cost airline that offers point-to-point flights to underserved markets across the United States using a fleet of modern Airbus A220 aircraft. I’ve flown Breeze several times and enjoyed the experience, overall (you can read the latest review here). Travel & Leisure named it as one of the five best US airlines for the fourth consecutive year in 2025.

Breeze Airways Expands to Twin Falls with New Nonstop Routes Starting March 2026

Breeze Airways is a low-cost airline that offers point-to-point flights to underserved markets across the United States using a fleet of modern Airbus A220 aircraft. I’ve flown Breeze several times and enjoyed the…

Lounge Review: Provisions by Admirals Club℠ (CLT – Gate A1) I first wrote about the Provisions by Admirals Club℠ back in August when it opened at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Unlike traditional lounges designed for extended stays, Provisions by Admirals Club℠ is built for efficiency and high-traffic volume. This is the same concept that United has debuted in Denver International Airport (DEN) and Houston's George Bush International Airport (IAH) with its United Club℠ Fly lounges (reviews…

Lounge Review: Provisions by Admirals Club℠ (CLT – Gate A1)

I first wrote about the Provisions by Admirals Club℠ back in August when it opened at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Unlike traditional lounges designed for extended stays, Provisions by Admirals Club℠ is built for…

A Love Letter to Tampa International Airport: Still Open, Still Shining Through the Shutdown I fly several times a week for business and fun. The government shutdown in the United States has made me quite nervous about delays and cancellations with horror stories of people waiting six hours in the TSA PreCheck lines or flight delays and cancellations getting extreme due to ATC staffing shortages. Thankfully, I have yet to experience any of this and I'm hoping that my winter home airport: …

A Love Letter to Tampa International Airport: Still Open, Still Shining Through the Shutdown

I fly several times a week for business and fun. The government shutdown in the United States has made me quite nervous about delays and cancellations with horror stories of people waiting six hours in the…

Delta Air Lines Unveils Bold New Uniform Collection Known as “Distinctly Delta” Delta Air Lines has revealed its first new uniform collection in nearly a decade known as "Distinctly Delta." This new line was designed to reflect the airline’s evolution into a modern, premium global carrier while honoring the people who bring its brand to life every day. Developed in collaboration with Lands’ End and shaped by feedback from over 65,000 uniformed employees, the new collection is more than just a wardrobe update.

Delta Air Lines Unveils Bold New Uniform Collection Known as “Distinctly Delta”

Delta Air Lines has revealed its first new uniform collection in nearly a decade known as "Distinctly Delta." This new line was designed to reflect the airline’s evolution into a modern, premium global carrier while…

American Express Launches 1850 by American Express® Pop-Up Lounge at ARIA Resort & Casino American Express is unveiling a new exclusive experience for its most loyal members with the debut of 1850 by American Express®, a limited-time pop-up destination at the ARIA Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Open from November 13th through December 17th, the luxurious lounge will coincide with some of the city’s biggest events (including the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix) and offer Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members a sophisticated space to unwind and socialize.

American Express Launches 1850 by American Express® Pop-Up Lounge at ARIA Resort & Casino

American Express is unveiling a new exclusive experience for its most loyal members with the debut of 1850 by American Express®, a limited-time pop-up destination at the ARIA Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas…

JetBlue Prepares for the Holidays with Updated Menus, Entertainment, and Collectible Charms JetBlue is kicking off the holiday travel season with new onboard experiences designed to make the season more enjoyable for travelers of all ages. From collectible charms and special entertainment lineups to flavorful winter menus inspired by top chefs, the airline is getting festive starting this month. JetBlue is introducing Blue Charms, a new collectible designed for travelers who love to show off their adventures in style.

JetBlue Prepares for the Holidays with Updated Menus, Entertainment, and Collectible Charms

JetBlue is kicking off the holiday travel season with new onboard experiences designed to make the season more enjoyable for travelers of all ages. From collectible charms and special entertainment lineups…

California Grandfather “Boiled Alive” in Shower at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport What began as a family trip to celebrate a milestone turned into an unimaginable tragedy when 72-year-old US Marine Corps veteran Terence Johnson died after being severely scalded in a hotel shower at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose International Airport. On May 22nd, Johnson made the six-hour drive from Los Angeles to San Jose with his family to attend his granddaughter’s graduation from San Jose State University.

California Grandfather “Boiled Alive” in Shower at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites San Jose Airport

What began as a family trip to celebrate a milestone turned into an unimaginable tragedy when 72-year-old US Marine Corps veteran Terence Johnson died after being severely scalded in a hotel…

SAS Unveils Winter Expansion and Strengthens Copenhagen as Its Global Hub Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has launched its winter schedule and it marks one of the most ambitious expansions in recent years with significant capacity growth and new routes from Copenhagen Airport (CPH). The schedule reinforces Copenhagen’s position as a central global hub for Northern Europe and offers enhanced connectivity across Scandinavia, Europe, North America, and Asia. The winter schedule introduces two new year-round routes and five seasonal destinations, expanding SAS’ reach and offering customers greater travel choices.

SAS Unveils Winter Expansion and Strengthens Copenhagen as Its Global Hub

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has launched its winter schedule and it marks one of the most ambitious expansions in recent years with significant capacity growth and new routes from Copenhagen Airport (CPH). The schedule…

Promo: Book Delta Main to Europe and Receive $100 eCredit Delta Air Lines is back with a promo for those traveling to Europe between November 1st and April 30th. You can earn a $100 eCredit, but the catch is you have to fly in Delta Main. You must be a SkyMiles® member and book a qualifying flight before April 30th. Enroll here. Terms & Conditions: This is an offer intended for US-based Delta SkyMiles® Members who are at least 18 years of age at time of registration.

Promo: Book Delta Main to Europe and Receive $100 eCredit

Delta Air Lines is back with a promo for those traveling to Europe between November 1st and April 30th. You can earn a $100 eCredit, but the catch is you have to fly in Delta Main. You must be a SkyMiles® member and book a qualifying flight…

2025 Weekly Review: November 1st Greetings from Chattanooga! We're driving between Chicago and Tampa for the winter and doing our snowbird thing. It was a long day in the car and we have another tomorrow. I hope you all are having a more exciting weekend. In travel news, we saw lots of new routes and some get cut, some gorgeous new hotels on the way, and my festive memories of Halloween 2023 at Dracula's Castle, plus much more.

2025 Weekly Review: November 1st

Greetings from Chattanooga! We're driving between Chicago and Tampa for the winter and doing our snowbird thing. It was a long day in the car and we have another tomorrow. I hope you all are having a more exciting weekend. In travel news, we saw lots of new routes…

Condor Airlines Cuts Another City as it Further Retreats in the United States Leisure carrier, Condor Airlines, offers great fares to/from the United States and some of the brightest liveries you'll ever see on a commercial aircraft. It held an agreement with fellow German airline, Lufthansa, to provide feeder traffic from its much larger network. Lufthansa was held by the German government to do this as it helped ensure competition. This ended recently and Condor has pulled back from many of the US cities it served.

Condor Airlines Cuts Another City as it Further Retreats in the United States

Leisure carrier, Condor Airlines, offers great fares to/from the United States and some of the brightest liveries you'll ever see on a commercial aircraft. It held an agreement with fellow German airline, Lufthansa, to…

Where to Find Seat Maps Now: SeatGuru Officially Shuts Down After 24 Years SeatGuru was a great resource for checking out the best places to sit on almost any airline around the world. Its seat reviews, detailed seat maps, and other information were the go-to resources for frequent flyers since October 2001. The site is now shutdown with it redirecting to its parent company TripAdvisor as of this week. TripAdvisor purchased SeatGuru back in 2007 while it was part of the Expedia Group.

Where to Find Seat Maps Now: SeatGuru Officially Shuts Down After 24 Years

SeatGuru was a great resource for checking out the best places to sit on almost any airline around the world. Its seat reviews, detailed seat maps, and other information were the go-to resources for frequent flyers since…

Delta Continues to Grow in Austin With Three More Routes Added to the Map Delta Air Lines continues to expand at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) with three new routes to/from the Texas airport. The airline still lags Southwest Airlines at the airport and will need to grow a lot more to chip away at the 39% of flights and 41% of seats offered (versus its current 22% and 19%), but it's on the way.

Delta Continues to Grow in Austin With Three More Routes Added to the Map

Delta Air Lines continues to expand at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) with three new routes to/from the Texas airport. The airline still lags Southwest Airlines at the airport and will need to grow a lot more…

Happy Halloween! Looking Back at the Holiday I Spent in Dracula’s Castle Back in 2023 It’s Halloween and what is more festive than the fabled Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s castle). Here is my take from partying there in 2023. It was honestly one of the coolest ways to spend the spooky holiday (even if it was a bit touristy). I had been excited about heading to Transylvania to attend a Halloween party at Bran Castle since I booked the trip in 2022.

Happy Halloween! Looking Back at the Holiday I Spent in Dracula’s Castle Back in 2023

It’s Halloween and what is more festive than the fabled Bran Castle (known as Dracula’s castle). Here is my take from partying there in 2023. It was honestly one of the coolest ways to spend the spooky holiday…

Marriott’s Autograph Collection Comes to the Maldives With the Halcyon Private Isles Marriott is ending October with a brand debut in one of the world’s most coveted destinations: the Maldives. The hotel giant has opened The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection. This marks the first Autograph Collection property in the island nation. Set within the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, approximately 90 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport (MLE), the new resort introduces a new vision of luxury.

Marriott’s Autograph Collection Comes to the Maldives With the Halcyon Private Isles

Marriott is ending October with a brand debut in one of the world’s most coveted destinations: the Maldives. The hotel giant has opened The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection. This marks the…

Delta Will Return to Tel Aviv With Flights From Both Boston and Atlanta Delta Air Lines announced today that it is once again restarting flights from both Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). The airline had restarted flights from New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) last month and this expansion returns Delta to service levels not seen in years.

Delta Will Return to Tel Aviv With Flights From Both Boston and Atlanta

Delta Air Lines announced today that it is once again restarting flights from both Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International…