In The Know - Short's September 2025 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 ​​​​​​

Free WiFi in the Sky! Southwest Airlines Partners with T-Mobile to Offer Free Inflight WiFi for all Rapid Rewards Members

Southwest announced a new partnership delivering free unlimited WiFi for all Rapid Rewards® Members beginning Oct. 24, 2025. This marks the first-ever collaboration between Southwest® and T-Mobile®, bringing together two brands dedicated to putting Customers first and keeping them connected on all Southwest flights—at no extra cost. With more than 800 aircraft, Southwest will be the largest domestic airline to implement free WiFi on every flight this year. All Southwest Rapid Rewards Customers, regardless of their wireless provider, will be able to access free WiFi for the duration of their flight...read more 

These are the North American Airports that Travelers Find the Most Satisfying

Long lines, delays and record passenger numbers might not scream “satisfaction,” but while these remain frequent hallmarks of air travel in North America, a new study has revealed flyers are increasingly pleased with their experience of the region’s airports.

Overall passenger satisfaction scores are marginally up from last year, according to the 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study from data analysts J.D. Power. On a 1,000-point scale, facilities across the board rose 10 points from 609 to 619.

The rise — which came as TSA revealed that a record 10 million-plus travelers were screened by US airport security over the recent Labor Day weekend — was attributed by the survey team to “improvements in food, beverage and retail and ease of travel through the airport.”...read more 

Major US Airport Offers New Way to Speed Through Security

Flying out of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)? The next time you take public transportation to the airport, you might get to skip the long security lines.

A new concept at BOS plans to trial a form of "presecurity" for users of the greater region's Logan Express bus service. This would have passengers go through a security checkpoint as they get on the bus rather than at the airport.

The trial would take place at the Logan Express station in Framingham starting in June, according to The Boston Globe, which first reported plans for the presecurity program...read more

Southwest Updates Bag Fees for Groups

Beginning January 26, 2026, Southwest Airlines will implement new bag fees for group travel. This marks a shift from their long-standing free baggage policy and aligns with changes already applied to individual travelers.

For groups, checked baggage fees will now apply in the same way they do for individual tickets. Travelers and coordinators should plan accordingly when budgeting and preparing for upcoming trips.

📎 Learn more:

• Group Travel Checked Bag Policy

• Individual Checked Bag Policy​​​​

TRAVEL TIPS

When is The Goldilocks Window? Here's The Best Time to Book Thanksgiving, Christmas Flights and More Travel Tips

As travelers prepare to make holiday plans, The Points Guy shared new data on airfare price expectations and the best strategies to save the most money.

Brian Kelly, author and founder of The Points Guy, joined "Good Morning America" on Thursday to help people prepare for the holiday rush, remind everyone about the "Goldilocks" approach for the best time to book and more.

"As we look forward to the holiday travel season -- I urge people to start planning now," Kelly said. "Timing is everything when booking tickets...read more