United unveils new routes to California, St. Croix and Mexico

United Airlines is giving travelers new ways to beat the cold this fall and winter. Flyers who live near New York City, Washington, D.C., and Houston will benefit from some new routes to warm-weather destinations. These flights are heading to Southern California, St. Croix, and Los Cabos and Chiapas, Mexico. Some of the routes will…

What airline’s lounge access policies give you the best bang for your buck?

There are few things that can elevate your travels more than relaxing in an airport lounge ahead of your flight. However, there are trade-offs when it comes to lounge access. For starters, getting in usually isn’t free. Guest policies can also vary, and some access methods limit the number of visits. And, of course, just…

Tips for summer travel after flight cancellations hit 3-year high

For travelers, 2025 wasn’t exactly smooth sailing at airports. Across the country, flight cancellations climbed to the highest level in three years, as Mother Nature — and Congress — dealt airlines and passengers a one-two punch of travel woes. So far, 2026 has offered a bit of a headache of its own. Flight cancellations are…

Alaska Airlines to remove earning on basic economy tickets, increase ticketing fees

Alaska Airlines is removing the ability to earn miles and status when purchasing basic economy tickets in addition to increasing partner award booking fees, as first reported by AwardWallet and confirmed by the carrier. It now joins American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in adding new restrictions to basic economy tickets, which have…

Hyatt’s extended booking window, a famed LA hotel gets a new life and other hotel news

Believe it or not, summer is here. I’m writing this column from ultra-humid and hot Miami, where I’ll spend a week at a hospitality conference trying to learn what’s new, what’s great and where you should go spend your hard-earned dollars. But first: writing by the beach. It’s a tough gig, but someone has to…

Delta to launch seasonal service from New York to Costa Rica

Delta Air Lines is giving New Yorkers an easier way to reach the beaches of Costa Rica. The Atlanta-based carrier this week filed plans to launch nonstop service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica. Set in northwest Costa Rica and the gateway to…