In The Know - Short's July 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 NEWSUnited will block some Economy Plus middle seats to give flyers more room
United Airlines is adding seats with extra elbow room on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the airline said Tuesday.
United will reserve a row of Economy Plus seats and block the middle seat to provide the added space. These seats also will have access to a shared table across the blocked middle seat that will be designed with a leather-like covering and two indentations for cups, according to United.
The new seats are expected to go on sale later this year and be available on flights "beginning soon after." United plans to offer these seats on all 50 of its ordered Airbus A321XLR aircraft, and it said it was "exploring offering these types of seats on other aircraft in the future."...read more
US State Department Issues Worldwide Caution Alert for American Travelers
The U.S. State Department is warning Americans to be especially careful while traveling overseas as rising tensions across the Middle East create the possibility of further violence and widespread travel disruptions.
The agency issued a rare worldwide caution Saturday afternoon following Iranian attacks on Jordan that killed two U.S. service members. A third service member was reported missing in action after the wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks, according to U.S. Central Command....read more
United, Marriott Top New U.S. News Business Travel Rankings
United Airlines and Marriott International led two new categories focused on business travel added by U.S. News & World Report to its 2026-2027 Best Travel Rewards Programs rankings, the publication announced Wednesday.
For its inaugural Best U.S. Airlines for Business Travelers rankings, United took the top spot and stood out "for its flight availability, elite benefits and traveler experience." United was followed in order by Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines....read more
Can AI ease the pain of flight delays? The FAA says yes, and soonU.S. flyers have grown used to crowded skies and frequent flight delays that slow their journeys.
Now, the FAA is promising that the problem will abate significantly within just a couple of years as it rapidly rolls out a pair of AI-supported solutions to manage U.S. airspace. The FAA awarded an $875 million contract to Boston-based Air Space Intelligence (ASI) to implement its air traffic management solutions.
The FAA said the products "can house all critical data in one platform and proactively identify delays and available airspace to mitigate them days, weeks and even months in advance."...read more |
TRAVEL TIPSDon't overpay for summer travel: When to fly and where to go
Higher airfare. Increased checked bag fees. Reduced flight schedules. Many travelers are wondering how to go about planning their summer trips.
As airlines work to offset a global fuel shortage caused by the war in Iran, travelers are anticipating more disruptions and surging prices this summer, especially if they're hoping to go abroad.
According to Skyscanner's Smarter Summer report, nearly 25% of the 2,000 surveyed Americans said they're unsure when summer flights are cheapest...read more |
