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In The Know - Short's February 2026 News

  • Feb 26
  • 3 min read

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​​​​​​


United Gives MileagePlus Credit Cardholders More Miles, Exclusive Flight Discounts


United Airlines is giving travelers three new reasons to hold and use a United MileagePlus® credit or debit card: the ability to earn up to twice as many miles as non-cardholders, at least 10% off United award tickets and access to special inventory of its lowest-priced award seats.Starting with tickets purchased on or after April 2, primary United MileagePlus cardholders will earn up to twice as many miles per dollar from United for United flights than non-cardholders and earn even more miles when they use their United card to buy their ticket.* For example, MileagePlus® 1K® members will earn 17 total miles per dollar when buying eligible United flights with their United Club℠ card - which is among the most of any airline or credit card travel rewards program. United cardholders also get at least 10% off every United flight award ticket they book, and cardholders who are MileagePlus Premier® members save at least 15%...read more 



Southwest Airlines Brings Starlink Ultra-Fast Wifi Onboard


Southwest Airlines is taking inflight connectivity to new heights with Starlink. Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink will deliver next-generation WiFi across Southwest's network of 11 countries, allowing Customers to stream, share, and scroll in the sky at lightning-fast speeds.

"Free WiFi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards Members, and we know our customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel," said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. "Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving Customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing."…read more

 


Mexico Travel Advisory: Are flights to Mexico being cancelled?


Flights are being cancelled in some parts of Mexico as a shelter-in-place warning remains in effect in more than a dozen of states after the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert following the death of the leader of "El Mencho," a Jalisco New Generation Cartel who was killed by the Mexican army.


The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on Feb. 22 advising U.S. citizens to "shelter in place until further notice" due to "ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity" in more than a dozen states. Puerto Vallarta International Airport on X said Sunday that all international and most national flights were canceled, while other airlines announced some cancellations in Mexico...read more


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Department of Homeland Security suspends Global Entry as the partial government shutdown drags on


The Department of Homeland Security said Sunday that the Global Entry program would be shut down as long as the partial government shutdown remains in effect.

The announcement comes after the department said Saturday night that it planned to shut down both Global Entry and the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program as well, but DHS cancelled the PreCheck closure.


“ As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” the agency said.


The turmoil at security and customs lanes is tied to a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign...read more 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

TRAVEL TIPS


This Is the First Thing You Should Do When You Enter a Hotel Room, According to Housekeeping


Few things feel better than stepping into a clean hotel room after a long travel day—and few things feel worse than having to move rooms after you’ve already settled in.


Before you toss your suitcase on the bed and kick off your shoes, you may want to do a check of your room first. From safety to cleanliness, hospitality experts recommend taking some time to review these simple steps to create a smoother, stress-free stay.


Here's what you should do when you enter a hotel room, according to housekeeping…read more



BIG BUSINESS ON CAMPUS

Sponsored by Short's Travel​​

Southern Methodist University Director of Athletics Damon Evans.



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. Check out the newest episode featuring Southern Methodist University Director of Athletics Damon Evans in a candid conversation on the evolving business of college athletics, leadership in a changing landscape, and what’s ahead for major programs....watch now



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