In The Know - Short's August 2026 News

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!

INDUSTRY NEWS​​​​​

Delta's First-Class Expansion Shows Ongoing Premium Demand

For the last couple years, air passengers have been clamoring for premium seats. That trend shows no signs of slowing down, according to Delta’s latest passenger loads. Last May, the carrier debuted an Airbus A321neo with a grand total of 44 first-class recliner-style seats that account for nearly half of the plane. The premium-centric aircraft is just temporary—the jet is supposed to have new lie-flat seats that are currently held up in the federal certification process—but passengers have taken to the 11 rows of first-class seats.​​..read more

American Airlines U-turn: Seatback screens coming to all classes in 2028

American Airlines customers will soon have seatback screens — even in economy.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will begin rolling out personal inflight entertainment displays on its narrowbody fleet in 2028, American said Tuesday. The airline aims to outfit its entire 876-strong fleet of mainline single-aisle aircraft with economy class screens by the early 2030s — a big move to catch up to competitors Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

American's 140 twin-aisle widebody planes already have seatback screens in all classes, as do its new long-range Airbus A321XLRs. Regional aircraft operating under the American Eagle brand will not receive screens....read more

United Airlines to Showcase Starlink Wi-Fi With Live ESPN Fantasy Football Draft Event

United Airlines will put its Starlink ultra-fast in-flight Wi-Fi to the test during this year's annual ESPN Fantasy Football Draft.

ESPN host and fantasy expert Tyler Fulghum will make his picks in the August 25 live draft on board a United flight while colleagues Field Yates, Mike Clay, Liz Loza and others draft from ESPN's broadcast studio in Bristol, Connecticut.

Viewers can watch Fulghum pick from the sky on ESPN or the NFL on ESPN YouTube channel on August 25 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET.

ESPN will also post behind-the-scenes content across social channels next week..​​​​​..read more

TRAVEL TIPS

Before you leave for Labor Day, check these traffic forecasts

Travelers hoping for a quick Labor Day getaway may find themselves snarled by traffic if they don’t hit the road at the right time.  AAA and transportation data and insights provider INRIX have determined the best and worst times to travel by car over the holiday weekend.  AAA has also narrowed down the most popular destinations, based on its booking data. “Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” Vice President of AAA Travel Stacey Barber said in a news release. “AAA members are embarking on Alaska cruises and river cruises, touring National Parks, and sightseeing in Europe.” ...read more