What a United-American merger would mean for consumers

When the Trump administration took office last year, plenty of airline industry insiders thought the next wave of mergers could be coming. Few, however, had a marriage of American Airlines and United Airlines — two of the nation’s largest carriers — on their bingo card. But then came Monday evening, when Bloomberg reported United CEO…

Bunk beds in the sky: Air New Zealand to introduce Skynest this year

It’s actually happening: Bunk beds are coming to the sky for economy passengers. Air New Zealand will soon offer what it calls the Skynest, a pod of six beds bunked three high on each side. The beds flank a ladder and are bookable in blocks of time for napping on select long-haul flights. Travelers will…

Air Canada to debut luxe new cabins and business class seats

Air Canada on Tuesday unveiled the new interiors and business-class seats coming to two of its jets. This is a major upgrade that the airline described as “the first major expression” of its “Glowing Hearted” design standard and customer service approach. The new business-class cabin, which the airline is calling “Air Canada Signature Class,” will…

Is airline merger mania back as United-American rumors swirl?

Is “merger mania” returning to the U.S. airline industry? You certainly might think so after reading Monday’s Bloomberg News report, which stated that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby apparently floated a blockbuster merger with American Airlines to federal officials earlier this year. Whether such a deal is ever formally proposed (as there’d be intense regulatory…

The best ways to travel to Hawaii with points and miles

The Aloha State offers something for everyone, from the bustling city of Honolulu on Oahu to the quiet black-sand beaches of the Big Island, Kauai’s lush rainforests and Maui’s volcanic Haleakala National Park. Of course, a destination this dreamy doesn’t come cheap, and Hawaii has garnered a reputation for being almost as pricey as it…