In The Know - Short's January 2026 News
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Our external newsletter is your go-to for the latest travel news. Be sure to check it out every month to stay in the know!
SHORT'S NEWSNew Profiles Now LiveOur new Profile Management System launched last month, bringing enhanced functionality and a more streamlined user experience. For technical support, please email onlinesupport@shortstravel.com or call 319‑204‑3988 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT). Business offices and travel managers may contact their Short’s Account Manager. Thank you for your partnership as we continue improving the user experience!
Trusted at the Top: Powering Championship-Caliber Team TravelWhen the stakes are highest, the nation’s top basketball programs trust Short’s Air Charters to deliver. This season, we’re proud to support air charter travel for 3 of the Top 5 Men’s Basketball programs in the nation—proof that elite teams choose partners who perform under pressure. Why? Because championship runs demand more than a seat on a plane. They require control, reliability, and precision at every step. Our charter solutions are built specifically for collegiate athletics, giving teams the flexibility to optimize schedules, minimize fatigue, and arrive game-ready. From tailored aircraft selection to athlete-first amenities and seamless coordination with ground and hotel logistics, we remove friction so programs can stay focused on winning. This level of trust doesn’t happen by chance. It’s earned through experience, scale, and an unwavering commitment to outcomes. As more top-tier programs make the switch, one thing is clear: when performance matters, Short’s delivers.Team Travel Made Easy—Even at the Top.
Inside Kansas Athletics with Director Travis Goff We’re proud sponsors of tthe Big Business on Campus podcast — a series that takes you behind the scenes of college athletics leadership and innovation. In a recent episode, Kansas Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor Travis Goff dives into the evolving strategy around revenue, fan experience, and building a year-round athletic engine at KU. As the trusted travel partner for Kansas Athletics, Short’s is honored to help support programs like Kansas Athletics with seamless team travel so they can focus on performance and success. Tune in to hear firsthand perspectives from one of college sports’ leading voices...watch now
INDUSTRY NEWS$45 Fee Option for Air Travelers Without a REAL ID Begins February 1The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will roll out the new modernized TSA ConfirmID starting Feb. 1, 2026, giving travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification a new option to fly. For a $45 fee, travelers can use this optional alternative identity verification system that provides access to air travel for those who need it. " TSA ConfirmID will be an option for travelers that do not bring a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID to the TSA checkpoint and still want to fly," said Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl. "Impacted travelers will have the option to pay $45 and use the TSA ConfirmID process. This fee ensures that non-compliant travelers, not taxpayers, cover the cost of processing travelers without acceptable IDs. To avoid delays or missed flights, all travelers should obtain a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification before heading to the airport."...read more
Southwest® Groups Baggage Policy Update: Extension AnnouncedSouthwest® has extended its complimentary checked baggage allowance for Groups travel. Customers traveling on Southwest Groups reservations may continue to check two (2) bags at no charge for travel scheduled to begin on or before February 23, 2026. This is an extension of the previous allowance, which was set to expire on January 26, 2026. What this means:
Please note: Southwest Groups itineraries beginning on or after February 24, 2026 may be subject to checked baggage fees. Pre-pay functionality for checked baggage on Southwest Groups reservations is coming soon. We’ll continue to monitor updates and share any changes that may impact team travel planning. Learn more about baggage and optional fees here.
TSA Expanding PreCheck Touchless ID to 50 New AirportsThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to expand its expedited Touchless ID program for PreCheck members to include as many as 65 U.S. airports by the end of spring 2026. Touchless ID allows TSA PreCheck members who opt into the program with eligible airlines to access a dedicated lane where their photo is taken and verified biometrically based on their passport or driver's license picture. The process takes 10 seconds or less...read more
Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines Announce Strategic CombinationAllegiant Travel Company and Sun Country Airlines have announced an agreement to combine their businesses in a strategic move to create one of the leading leisure-focused airlines in the United States. Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion, including Sun Country’s net debt. The combined airline is planned to serve more than 650 routes across nearly 175 cities, bringing together complementary networks that span a broad domestic and international vacation footprint. Both airlines emphasize that the goal of the transaction is to expand travel options, enhance affordability and convenience, and strengthen their ability to compete in the leisure travel market. Importantly for travelers and partners: there will be no immediate changes to flight schedules, ticketing, loyalty programs, or branding at this stage. Both Allegiant and Sun Country will continue to operate as they do today while the transaction proceeds through regulatory review and customary closing conditions. The companies currently expect the acquisition to be completed in the mid-to-late 2026 timeframe, once all approvals — including from federal regulators and shareholders — have been received...read more
American Airlines Adds New App Features to Help Travelers Rebook During DisruptionsTravelers facing flight delays and cancellations will now have an easier time changing their plans, thanks to American Airlines’ newest app enhancements. The carrier has rolled out new features to its mobile app that help passengers quickly rebook flights themselves and access support such as meal and hotel vouchers during flight disruptions...read more Unexpected Airline Demand Triggered by College Sports SchedulesA Delta Boeing 757 carrying a Division I women’s basketball team headed for a two-game stretch in Spokane lifted off the tarmac at 6:45 a.m., just before the sun had reached the top of the scoreboard in Knoxville. They had taken a plane to Tempe two months prior. Initially, Tallahassee. Cross-country travel for non-football sports, which was once the exception, has subtly changed to the rule. The NCAA’s travel logistics have been disrupted by conference realignments, especially between the Big Ten and ACC. These aren’t merely games played from coast to coast. These are high-stakes, fast-paced tasks that require meticulous planning and unwavering cooperation. Airlines, especially those with charter capacity, are seeing an unanticipated spike in demand due to new matchups that span thousands of miles...read more
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TRAVEL TIPSHow to Find Early Travel Deals for Spring, from Flights to CruisesThe booking window for a spring break trip is crucial to help keep costs down, so experts advise even in the post-holiday haze that travelers look for deals now to save on everything from flights to hotels. Spring break 2026 will fall in late March or early April, depending on local school districts. If travelers are able, experts recommend taking a trip outside of those windows, as it will likely be more affordable then...read more |
