Delta, Southwest lead way in 2024 J.D. Power airline rankings

In a year marked by significant recovery and transformation within the airline industry, AirlineRatings.com has revealed its much-anticipated list of the world’s best airlines for 2024.

Among the myriad of travel perks that can help you save money or enjoy complimentary upgrades, loyalty program membership stands out as a significant one. The second annual Barclays US Consumer Bank’s Travel Rewards and Loyalty Reports delve deep into the loyalty programs and benefits that are most frequently used by travelers, shedding light on their importance in the travel landscape.

Finnair Plus' loyalty program has adopted Avios as its loyalty currency, and you can now transfer Avios between Finnair Plus and British Airways Executive Club, opening up all sorts of new earning and redemption opportunities.

The bidding has begun. Several airlines are throwing their hat into the ring, hoping to win the right to operate more long-distance flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Two of the largest budget carriers in the U.S. have eliminated nearly all change and cancellation fees — making it easier for travelers to modify their flights than ever before.

Spirit Airlines is making a key change to a budget airline barrier long bemoaned by customers. Going forward, the airline will no longer charge travelers change or cancellation fees.

It's been a good week for business-class deal hunters. We saw incredible Air France Flying Blue business-class award space earlier this week and then stumbled upon first-class flights to Hawaii as low as 40,000 each way.

If you’ve ever sat in an even smaller than usual coach seat, had your flight canceled, or fought with a rude customer service agent—you know the airline you fly can make a huge difference in the pleasantness of your trip.

Southwest Airlines recently announced the launch of its new Orlando – Nassau route. Daily nonstop flights will connect Central Florida’s metropolitan hub with The Bahamas’ capital city at the height of the summer months. The Orlando – Nassau flights will operate from 4 June to 4 August, with departures from Orlando and arrivals in Nassau. “The expansion of Southwest Airlines’ Central Florida route map to include a new daily service to Nassau is another testimony to the government’s efforts and commitment to grow air stopover arrivals throughout our 16-islands destination aggressively,” says the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation.

Major US airlines sued the Department of Transportation on Friday over a rule that requires upfront fee disclosures for costs like baggage and itinerary changes.

J.D. Power just released its 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, and while some airlines shone, others are clearly not prioritizing customer service. As domestic air travel continues to rise (with passenger volume increasing by 9.4% compared to the previous year) airlines find it challenging to maintain customer satisfaction amid crowded gates, overflowing overhead bins and rising ticket prices. However, the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, released on May 8, shows that some airlines are responding to these challenges by focusing heavily on staff training and doing what they can to improve the overall flight experience through friendly and attentive service. These efforts are paying off, allowing some airlines to deliver exceptional customer experiences despite the growing number of travelers.

Last night, I returned home to Miami after spending a bit longer than I had anticipated in San Diego, where I had been attending the Spring meeting of the International Aircraft Dealers Association, also known as IADA. In fact, I wasn’t supposed to be at home today.