Philadelphia To Get American Airlines Flagship Lounge In 2025

One Mile At A Time: "While we’ll have to be patient, American Airlines has officially revealed that it plans to open two new lounges at Philadelphia Airport (PHL) in 2025, including a new Flagship Lounge. Let’s go over the details, though let me say that I’ll believe it when the lounge actually opens, given how delayed this concept has been."

Register Now: Wyndham Rewards Ultimate Hotel Pass For $499

Loyalty Lobby: "Wyndham is releasing a rather interesting Ultimate Hotel Pass product valid for up to 30 nights within three months."

"There are only 25 Ultimate Hotel Passes available, each priced at $499. You can pre-register your interest to purchase until July 4, and if you are lucky, you will be notified on July 8."

Direct link to register

Domestic First Class Lag Meals Far Behind Other Countries

View From The Wing: "The U.S. has some very long flights – over 3,000 miles each way even – the equivalent of Paris to Dubai. Yet airlines treat their domestic premium cabins as an afterthought, in ways airlines throughout much of the world do not."

"Outside of so-called ‘premium’ routes like New York – Los Angeles, you’re likely to find this chicken or what I think is pasta on board an American Airlines flight."

"Airlines in Europe are offering more on one-hour flights than U.S. carriers provide on six and seven hour flights – to customers willing to pay for something better. That’s a combination of food spend and simply caring about the details of what you’re serving."

JetBlue Improves Basic Economy, Adds Carry-On Bags

The Bulkhead Seat: "Basic Economy is the cheapest way to fly, but with these fares come many restrictions without the ability to change flights, cancel, earn full mileage credit, choose seats, check bags for free, or even bring on a carry-on bag. JetBlue is looking to change this last point and the airline will be adding a free carry-on bag to its Blue Basic fares as of September 6th."

JSX May Get Caught Out By New FAA Public Charter Rules

One Mile At A Time: "The FAA will finally be cracking down on the public charter loophole, which has allowed carriers like JSX to operate as Part 135 operators, rather than as Part 121 carriers. It’s not that I have safety concerns with JSX, but rather I just don’t think it makes sense for government regulations to essentially incentivize this kind of behavior. As far as I’m concerned, allow all planes with up to 30 seats to have the option of being Part 135 operators. So it’s not that I’m against the concept, I’m just against the obvious loophole."

Starlux Airlines Wants To Joine Oneworld Alliance

One Mile At A Time: "Media in Taiwan is reporting that Starlux Airlines has revealed during a meeting for investors that the airline wants to join the oneworld alliance."

"The oneworld alliance is the natural hit for Starlux, given the competitive landscape in Taiwan — China Airlines belongs to SkyTeam, and EVA Air belongs to Star Alliance. There’s no way either of those alliances would have two airlines from Taiwan, so it makes sense that Taiwan’s third full service airline would join the third alliance."

Get Up To 10% Off Etihad Flights With Amex Card

Loyalty Lobby: "Etihad Airways is offering a worldwide promotion for American Express cardholders, with discounts of up to 10% on flights across their entire network in First, Business, and Economy Class."

The discount is 5% on flights to/from the UAE and 10% to/from other destinations to which Etihad flies.

You must book and travel by December 31, 2024.

Direct link to promo

Chase Is Bringing A Sapphire Lounge To LAX

Los Angeles Times: "The latest predeparture sanctuary that will land at LAX? It’s from a company best known for its bank branches. Chase announced on Thursday it will open a 9,234-square-foot Sapphire Lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), near Gate 148. An opening date was not shared."

Shout out to my friend Chris Dong for his first story in the LA Times!

Turkish Airlines Expected To Add 4 More U.S. Destinations

View From The Wing: "Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other carrier in the world. They already fly to 14 U.S. cities with the recent launch of Denver and Dallas. The airline isn’t coy about expansion plans. Their Chairman gave an interview where he telegraphed their next four U.S. cities: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Orlando, and Minneapolis."

Online Passport Renewal Is Back!

The Points Guy: "After halting applications in March 2023, the U.S. Department of State has reopened its pilot program to allow Americans to renew passports online."

"As of Wednesday, a limited number of applications will open daily at 1 p.m. Eastern time on a first-come, first-served basis."