Newsletter

The Weekly (9/27/24)

This week saw major updates in US aviation: United expanded nonstop routes to Europe for fall of 2024, Delta raised Medallion Status qualifications for 2025, and Southwest introduced its Wanna Get Away Plus fare, offering more flexibility and Rapid Rewards points. Here are the details 👇🏻

This week brought some exciting updates in the commercial aviation world, with several key developments affecting frequent flyers and U.S. travelers. ✈️ One major announcement was the launch of United Airlines’ new nonstop routes between the U.S. and multiple European destinations for Fall of 2024. These expanded transatlantic services will provide more direct flight options for travelers, especially those looking to explore popular cities like Rome, Dublin, and Amsterdam. For MileagePlus members, this means more opportunities to earn miles while flying direct to their favorite European destinations. 🌍

*United Airlines Announcing 3 new routes*

In loyalty program news, Delta Air Lines has rolled out changes to its Medallion Status qualifications for 2025. 📊 Travelers will now need to accumulate more Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to reach elite status, raising the bar for frequent flyers. While this adjustment has raised concerns among Delta’s most loyal customers, savvy travelers can still strategize by maximizing spending on Delta’s co-branded credit cards and utilizing partnerships with airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Air France-KLM to meet these new requirements. 💳

Spending $28,000 on Delta to get to a Diamond Medallion in 2025... Really?

Lastly, Southwest Airlines is making strides with its Wanna Get Away Plus fare category. 🛫 This new offering, which sits between Southwest’s standard and Business Select fares, allows passengers to earn more Rapid Rewards points and enjoy added flexibility with same-day changes. This fare category could become a go-to choice for travelers looking to balance cost, convenience, and rewards. 🎯 Keep an eye on these updates as you plan your future travels and adjust your loyalty strategies accordingly!