American Airlines Modernizing Fleet with New Airbus, Boeing and Embraer Aircraft

In a city as busy and noisy as New York, sleep can be hard to come by. That’s why Conrad New York Downtown has introduced a curated amenity package designed to turn every stay into a much-needed sleepcation. It’s a great idea, whether you’re there for work or play.

The Airbus A380 — a giant commercial airliner famous for its two levels and four engines — was once an engineering marvel. It can carry up to 853 people and is large enough to sport lavish amenities such as an on-board shower and a bar.

Low-cost Avelo Airlines is adding a trio of new routes from Connecticut this summer to the Midwest and the South. 

American Airlines previously announced a new flight service to begin this summer from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND). However, the service was pending the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) review. The service has been approved and will be the only U.S. airline to offer nonstop service between JFK and HND.

Following last week’s incident, in which a LATAM Airlines suddenly plunged downward in mid-flight, major aircraft manufacturer Boeing is advising airlines to inspect switches on cockpit seats aboard their 787 Dreamliner planes as a precautionary measure. According to AP News, a published report pointed to these switches as the apparent cause of last week’s incident. 

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) continues to push back against American Airlines' controversial New Distribution Capability (NDC) rollout.On Monday, the Alexandria, Virginia-based organization launched a weeklong ad campaign in POLITICO magazine in hopes of influencing lawmakers in Washington, D.C.Beginning May 1, American will stop awarding AAdvantage miles and loyalty accrual points through agencies unless they are deemed "preferred," a status achieved by having a 2024 incentive agreement with the airline or by booking through American NDC channels and reaching progressive sales thresholds of 30 percent by April 21, 50 percent by October 31 and 70 percent by April 30, 2025."This latest development doubles down on American Airlines' clear agenda since last year to force the travel agency industry to adopt immature technology, monopolize distribution channels, and squeeze channel partners and customers for cost-cutting and profit," ASTA stated.Additionally, ASTA is offering a toolkit for travel advisors to reach out to their congressional representatives. The organization is also encouraging members to send their clients to SaveMyMiles.com to take action."Tell them to stop AA from disenfranchising customers who book through travel agencies by telling Congress—don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice," says ASTA.

MSC Cruises has just announced the scheduling of a momentous occasion in Miami next year, when it will unveil the latest crown jewel in its fleet, MSC World America, at a glittering naming ceremony on April 9, 2025. 

The travel industry considers the months following the peak winter and summer periods as “shoulder season.” (If you think of high season as the head, the months on either side are the shoulders. Just go with the metaphor.) And it has long been considered among the best times to get away as crowds are thinner and the rates are lower. From Macchu Pichu to Morocco, here are seven great destinations for shoulder season.

Several U.S. airlines said Tuesday that they were reducing growth targets for 2024 and even adjusting their long-term plans because of the ongoing crisis at Boeing.

The travel insurance sector is experiencing a meteoric rise, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association’s (UStiA) latest market report, which paints a picture of remarkable growth in the sector. According to its analysis, U.S. Total Consumer Spend on Travel Protection surged to $4.27 billion in 2022, marking a staggering 143.9 percent increase from the UStiA’s findings in 2020.

American Airlines is introducing a new fleet of planes at its New York hub.The carrier will add the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to a report from The Points Guy. The publication identified the airline’s plans through Cirium schedules, and subsequently confirmed the news with an airline spokespersonThe new 285-seat plans will be serving American’s New York to New Delhi route beginning October 27. The new plan will replace Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently flying between New York and New Delhi.American Airlines plans to add several Dreamliners to its New York-based fleet in conjunction with expanding the number of pilots it has operating from New York.“This weekend, American Airlines adjusted the aircraft type operating between New York (JFK) and New Delhi (DEL) starting in October. We will continue to offer daily nonstop service on this route as we optimize our network and fleet,” an airline spokesperson told The Points Guy in a statement.About 30 Dreamliners will be added to American Airline’s stable of planes over the coming years, according to The Points Guy. The first Dreamliner anticipated to come online later this year. The planes contain 51 Flagship Business suites, 32 premium economy seats, 18 Main Cabin Extra economy seats and 143 standard economy seats.

WHY IT RATES: The introduction of Tauck's new journeys in Colombia and Japan in 2025 will offer travelers unique opportunities to explore two culturally rich destinations with expertly curated itineraries, providing immersive experiences and enriching encounters. — Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate Writer