American's AAdvantage is now JetSmart’s loyalty program; more flights qualify for AA for miles

As Hurricane Milton hurdles its way towards Florida on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm, flights have been canceled, airlines and cruises have diverted, and theme parks have shuttered.

Update: October 8, 2024, at 1:40 p.m. ET

Baja California has solidified its position as a world-class wine region, securing 32 of the 52 medals awarded to Mexico at the prestigious 2024 Bacchus International Wines and Vermouth Competition. This remarkable achievement underscores the exceptional quality of wines produced in the region.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is once again expanding its TSA PreCheck program by adding two more international airlines.

It's that time of year again: Time to use any credits that will expire at the end of the year, plan any last mileage runs or mattress runs for elite status and start thinking about your points-and-miles strategy for next year. It's also a good time to see what loyalty program and credit card changes are happening next year.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jennison Grigsby, an American mom and yoga teacher who lives in Valencia, Spain. It's been edited for length and clarity.

Southwest Airlines is giving travelers an extra reason to say “wow” when planning a vacation.  The Dallas-based airline recently announced the «Save WOW» fare sale, with deals up to 40 percent off base fares. Best of all, the sale covers flights through March 2025 to several popular destinations, making it a perfect option for travelers looking for a fall, winter, and even early spring getaway.  The fare sale runs from now through October 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Looking to book a cruise in the next few weeks? If you act fast, you can get thousands of extra American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Delta Air Lines is picking up the slack that American Airlines left in Austin.

A popular low-cost air airline is expanding globally. Southwest Airlines recently announced a partnership to offer international flights by partnering with carriers who operate international fights in Southwest markets. “Southwest is formalizing partnerships with international carriers to expand its network and connect Customers with more global destinations to generate additional demand for travel across the Southwest network,” Southwest shared in a news release. The launch of this new international flight program will take place in 2025, with Icelandair as the first partner airline, and will depart from the Baltimore, MD (BWI) airport. There, travelers can fly on Icelandair to Iceland, where they can connect to a variety of European destinations including Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Dublin, Oslo, Prague, Rome, and more. Icelandair is a discount carrier that operates international flights, and similar to Southwest, does not have a first or business class section on their aircraft.  “The partnership will unlock many exciting travel options for our customers, and our extensive network in Europe will open for Southwest customers,” Icelandair President and CEO Bogi Nils Bogason said in a statement.  “As part of our strategic focus on expanding our global partnership network, we seek out airlines known for exceptional service and connectivity.” As an example, a traveler would start their journey on Southwest from Nashville to Baltimore, and then continue on Icelandair from Baltimore to Iceland.

Low-cost Icelandic airline Play is making it easier to travel this fall and winter with $99 flights to popular cities across Europe.

Attention, American Airlines members: If you're chasing elite status with the carrier, you should check your American Airlines AAdvantage account, as you may be targeted for an end-of-the-year promotion. A few TPG staff members were targeted with a new American Airlines promotion to earn Loyalty Points on award flights.