Fairness of frequent flyer programs put in the spotlight at hearing in Washington

Private aviation, despite its detractors, is the engine that drives business. In fact, Dublin Airport authorities recently dropped plans to limit private jets after corporate users said it would cause them to halt Irish expansion plans. Equally important, private aviation plays a critical role as a time machine for leisure flyers. UHNWs regularly jet between homes and vacation spots. However, flying privately also benefits occasional users.

Air travel has entered an especially fraught place in the public consciousness lately, mostly due to a recent spate of incidents in which Boeing planes have caught fire, lost a wheel during takeoff, or sprung a hole mid-flight. These high-profile mishaps have given flying a bad name and made countless passengers ponder which seats on a plane are safest and which are the most dangerous.

American Airlines is getting even bigger in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers frequent travelers several ways to add elements of luxury to their travel plans. From flight discounts to hotel elite status and a comprehensive airport lounge access benefit, the Amex Business Platinum Card delivers unparalleled travel perks that you can only find with a premium travel rewards card.

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.

When the Biden administration announced airlines would be required to automatically refund passengers for significantly delayed or canceled flights, the airline industry claimed there were unanswered questions. 

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.

JetBlue is making major changes to its network for this summer and fall following the U.S. government’s breakup of its planned merger with Spirit Airlines earlier this year. 

Have the loyalty programs of the biggest U.S. airlines grown so huge that smaller airlines can’t compete? That was one of the concerns during a hearing Thursday with the Department of Transportation and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

It’s an unfortunate truth that air travel has become an overall frustrating experience. With shrinking seats, crowded flights, and rising fees for services like checking a bag, it’s enough to make even the most savvy of travelers exasperated. But a select number of airlines continue to stand out from the rest, with refreshingly smooth operations and passenger-friendly cabins.

It’s been yet another rocky year for the airlines amid a parade of troubling headlines ranging from problems with Boeing aircraft to concerns about cancellations and delays as we head into what could be a record-breaking summer for air travel. So, it may come as little surprise that fliers have mixed feelings about the airlines these days.

What’s the best airline in 2024? It depends on the cabin you fly. Delta Airlines comes in at top for both first-class travelers and those who fly in premium economy, according to J.D. Power’s newest 2024 customer satisfaction survey that ranks North American airlines.