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Airline Industry

All articles tagged with #airline industry

Spirit Airlines wins creditor deal to exit bankruptcy as a leaner, independent carrier
business2 days ago

Spirit Airlines wins creditor deal to exit bankruptcy as a leaner, independent carrier

Spirit Airlines has struck a creditor agreement to exit bankruptcy later this spring or early summer, shrinking into a leaner, independent carrier after selling assets and cutting staff. The plan aims to slash debt and operating costs, with nearly 40% fewer flights and seats planned for this summer, preserving competition and keeping fares lower after previous merger attempts with Frontier and JetBlue fell through.

United Airlines refines MileagePlus rules to boost cardholder benefits
business7 days ago

United Airlines refines MileagePlus rules to boost cardholder benefits

United Airlines is overhauling its MileagePlus loyalty program to reward co-branded cardholders, offering at least 10% off award flights booked with miles (rising to at least 15% for Premier elites with a co-branded card), while cardholders will earn double miles per dollar on flights. Basic-economy earning will be restricted, and starting April 2, travelers on the cheapest fares will need a co-branded card to earn miles. The changes reflect a broader industry shift to tie perks and earnings to credit-card relationships, as airlines seek to monetize loyalty, lock in high-spending travelers, and push back against softer fares. Aimed at rewarding cardholders over budget flyers, the move aligns United with rivals like Delta and American.

Unions Push for Leadership Change at American Airlines as CEO Faces No-Confidence Vote
business17 days ago

Unions Push for Leadership Change at American Airlines as CEO Faces No-Confidence Vote

American Airlines flight attendants' union APFA voted unanimously no confidence in CEO Robert Isom, citing leadership failures, weak post-pandemic performance, and a strategy that has fallen behind rivals, with the Allied Pilots Association weighing a similar move. The unions demand accountability and leadership changes, while American defends its 2026 plan to improve customer experience and profitability and notes a 2024 contract with flight attendants; loyalty program members will also receive free Wi‑Fi on flights.

transportation24 days ago

Southwest 2.0 Delivers a Bold Turnaround

An opinion piece lauds Southwest's 18-month overhaul—rolled out with assigned seating, Extra Legroom, bag-fee changes, a new ops system, six interline partners, and broader distribution—saying the execution was flawless, boosted on-time performance and 2026 guidance (EPS at least $4; unit revenue up), and signals a successful transformation from the post-2022 meltdown to a more efficient, modern airline.

Assigned seating debuts at Southwest, drawing cheers and grumbles
business29 days ago

Assigned seating debuts at Southwest, drawing cheers and grumbles

Southwest Airlines started enforcing assigned seating for the first time in decades, introducing eight boarding groups and new seat options while phasing out open seating. The rollout drew mixed reactions: some travelers praised the predictability and family-friendly aspects, while others grappled with glitches in the new system and longer preflight processes, signaling a broader industry shift toward monetizing cabin choices and premium seating.

Winter Storm Triggers Widespread U.S. Flight Cancellations as Airlines Waive Fees
business1 month ago

Winter Storm Triggers Widespread U.S. Flight Cancellations as Airlines Waive Fees

A massive U.S. winter storm prompted airlines to cancel more than 1,300 flights over Friday and Saturday, with Dallas Fort Worth and Dallas Love Field among the hardest hit. Major carriers including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United are waiving change fees, cancellation penalties, and fare differences for tickets to/from more than 40 airports to ease disruption, as forecasts warn of heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and bitter cold across the region.

WestJet Reverses Course on Cramped, Non-Reclining Economy Seats
travel1 month ago

WestJet Reverses Course on Cramped, Non-Reclining Economy Seats

WestJet has reversed its plan to narrow cabin pitch to 28 inches and install non-reclining economy seats after social-media backlash over cramped legroom, saying it will revert to the previous cabin configuration. The move highlights the ongoing tension between lowering fares and passenger comfort as airlines experiment with slimmer seating, and follows broader industry discussions about seating standards and passenger advocacy groups.

Southwest Airlines Surges Despite Profit Drop, Analysts Optimistic
business2 months ago

Southwest Airlines Surges Despite Profit Drop, Analysts Optimistic

Despite a 42% profit decline in the first nine months of 2025, Southwest Airlines' stock has surged nearly 24%, driven by strategic initiatives like switching to assigned seating and offering extra legroom for a fee, which analysts believe will boost future earnings. The airline's transformation efforts and market optimism have led to a significant stock rally, even amid industry challenges and demand dips.

American Airlines Tightens Restrictions and Cuts Miles for Basic Economy Flyers
business2 months ago

American Airlines Tightens Restrictions and Cuts Miles for Basic Economy Flyers

American Airlines will no longer allow passengers purchasing basic economy fares to earn frequent flyer miles or points toward elite status starting December 17, 2025, aligning with industry trends as airlines seek to attract higher-spending customers. Basic economy tickets will still include some amenities like a personal item, carry-on, snacks, and entertainment, with elite members retaining some benefits. This move follows similar policies by Delta and contrasts with United, which still allows mile earning on basic economy tickets.

Frontier Airlines Announces Leadership Change with Biffle's Departure
business2 months ago

Frontier Airlines Announces Leadership Change with Biffle's Departure

Frontier Group Holdings announced that James G. Dempsey, currently President, will become Interim CEO starting December 15, 2025, succeeding Barry Biffle who will stay on as an advisor until the end of the year. Dempsey has been with Frontier since 2014 and is expected to lead the airline into its next chapter, with the company reaffirming its financial guidance for Q4 2025 amid ongoing industry challenges.

Delta Loses $200 Million from Shutdown but Projects Strong Travel Demand into 2026
business2 months ago

Delta Loses $200 Million from Shutdown but Projects Strong Travel Demand into 2026

Delta Airlines reported that the recent U.S. government shutdown cost it about $200 million in pretax profit, mainly due to softened bookings, but the airline remains optimistic about strong travel demand into 2026. Despite the shutdown's impact, Delta and other airlines continue to advocate for better pay and conditions for air traffic controllers and other essential workers to prevent future disruptions.