Largest US airline by passengers and flights; Fort Worth-based
A LOT Polish Airlines flight 155, operated by Electra Airways, has landed safely in Burgas after an alert signaled unlawful interference. Bulgarian officials say a false hijacking code stemmed from a transponder technical fault; the incident prompted interceptor responses from Israel and Bulgaria. No security incident is ongoing.
The Trump administration is considering restricting CPB staffing at major airports, a move airlines warn could devastate international travel during the World Cup. Public travel hubs in major cities face heightened scrutiny as immigration policy clashes with tourism expectations.
As of April 2026, United Airlines has increased checked baggage fees to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second across the US, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. JetBlue also raised fees, charging up to $49 for the first bag during peak times. These hikes respond to soaring jet fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions disrupting oil supplies, notably through the Strait of Hormuz.
A crash at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck, resulted in two pilot deaths. Investigations focus on staffing, control tower procedures, and ground vehicle movements amid ongoing safety reviews.
Major US airlines are increasing baggage fees as jet fuel prices surge because of tensions in the Middle East disrupting oil shipping. American, Delta, United, and JetBlue are raising fees on checked bags, with Delta implementing its first hike in two years. Fuel costs are inflating airline operating expenses and will likely lead to higher fares.
Airlines have shifted to maintaining higher fares as jet fuel costs surge following the Iran war, with carriers signaling sustained pricing power even as Brent crude climbs. United, Delta, American, and others report rising fuel bills and plan capacity adjustments to recover costs, while regulators weigh implications for competition and consumer options.
Direct commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela have resumed for the first time since 2019. Envoy Air flight AA3599 has landed in Caracas after departing Miami; American/Envoy will add a second daily Miami–Caracas service on May 21. The return of service follows renewed diplomatic ties and recent US actions in Venezuela.
Spirit Airlines has ceased operations and cancelled all flights, prompting major carriers — United, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, Frontier and Allegiant — to offer temporary price-capped or reduced "rescue fares" and other help for stranded passengers; Spirit is promising automatic refunds for card purchases while bankruptcy proceedings will determine other reimbursements.
Fuel costs have surged for airlines amid disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, pushing jet fuel above $200 per barrel and prompting carriers to raise fares, cut routes, and consider capacity reductions. Spirit Airlines has shut operations; Cirium data show widespread schedule reductions into summer, with US carriers hardest hit.
Leading climate and transport groups are urging ministers to ban non-essential private jets and lower motorway speeds to blunt a looming jet fuel shortage amid geopolitical tensions. The call follows warnings that supplies could tighten this summer unless demand falls and energy sources diversify.
A quartet of travel pieces this week covers LCC and premium experiences: Business Insider UK reviews a Qantas Qsuite lounge experience as top-tier and contrasts it with a Singapore Airlines economy cabin aboard an A380-800; the NY Post highlights baggage-fee hikes across major U.S. carriers; and a packing-smart guide offers tips to avoid those fees.
A string of recent in-flight incidents and airport disruptions has highlighted concerns over passenger safety. A Qantas flight was diverted to Tahiti after an unruly passenger attempted to walk off mid-flight, while other carriers reported separate episodes involving calls to authorities and on-board disruptions. The incidents have spurred debates about airline security and enforcement.
Airlines have adjusted summer schedules and are temporarily suspending select routes in August–September because jet fuel costs have surged since the Iran conflict closed key shipping lanes. Carriers including American, easyJet and others have reduced seats, delayed route launches or paused services; travelers are being offered refunds or rebooking and face higher fares and fees.
Airlines and credit-card brands are introducing grab-and-go lounges to ease congestion in premium spaces, while traditional lounges tighten access, issuing fewer passes and shorter stays. New, compact lounges aim to move travelers quickly through hubs without sacrificing convenience.
Airlines are expanding premium cabins and adding routes to host World Cup cities as bookings rise in June and July. United, Delta and others are boosting capacity with larger aircraft and special routes, while some markets see premium pricing and strategic network adjustments.
Global airlines face a sharp rise in jet-fuel costs as conflict in the Middle East pushes up oil prices. IATA now forecasts profits will fall sharply in 2026, driving airlines to raise fares and adjust routes while governments seek safety measures.
A string of aviation incidents has triggered renewed safety questions. A British Airways flight experienced a cell phone fire on board but landed safely; other incidents include a Turkish Airlines wing collision and an American Airlines lightning strike. Aviation bodies emphasize carrying devices in carry-on luggage and evacuations rules.
JetBlue has expanded its Mint premium cabin and cross‑country flying from Fort Lauderdale, with plans to add more Mint flights to San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The moves come as the airline shifts focus from New York–area bases to Florida growth, following Spirit’s collapse and ongoing cost‑control efforts. The company faces quarterly losses even as revenue grows.