The Bulkhead Seat

2026 Weekly Review: March 7th Greetings from Tampa. The weather has been gorgeous this weekend and I'm enjoying time at home before having to go to Orlando and Cincinnati on business this week. In travel news, the conflict in the Middle East has dominated the week, but there were also lots of lounge announcements, new routes, United and American continuing to fight in Chicago, and much more.

2026 Weekly Review: March 7th

Greetings from Tampa. The weather has been gorgeous this weekend and I'm enjoying time at home before having to go to Orlando and Cincinnati on business this week. In travel news, the conflict in the Middle East has dominated the week, but there were also lots of…

American Express Plans New Sidecar by Centurion® Lounge at Charlotte Airport

American Express appears ready to expand its new Sidecar by Centurion® Lounge concept to another major US airport. Plans have now emerged for a location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The concept…

Southwest Flight Diverts to Atlanta After Mid-Air Security Threat Prompts Police Response A Southwest Airlines flight traveling from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) was forced to divert and make an emergency landing Friday night after a reported security threat during the flight. Southwest Airlines flight WN 2094 had to cut the journey short after a possible security issue was reported while the aircraft was in the air. The plane was diverted to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) where it landed safely at approximately 9:06 PM.

Southwest Flight Diverts to Atlanta After Mid-Air Security Threat Prompts Police Response

A Southwest Airlines flight traveling from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) was forced to divert and make an emergency landing Friday night after…

United CEO Warns Fuel Price Surge From Middle East Conflict Could Hit Airline Pricing

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said a sharp rise in jet fuel prices following recent military strikes on Iran could significantly affect the airline’s financial results in the first quarter (even as travel…

Storm Chaos at Atlanta Airport Leaves Delta Passengers Stuck for Hours Severe weather at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) triggered a wave of delays, diversions, and lengthy onboard waits for Delta Air Lines passengers on Friday evening. This created widespread disruption at the airline’s largest hub yesterday. The problems began when a powerful storm moved through the Atlanta area and brought hail and strong winds that forced airport officials to temporarily close the ramp.

Storm Chaos at Atlanta Airport Leaves Delta Passengers Stuck for Hours

Severe weather at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) triggered a wave of delays, diversions, and lengthy onboard waits for Delta Air Lines passengers on Friday evening. This created widespread disruption at…

GOL Launches First Long-Haul Route With Nonstop Flights From Rio de Janeiro to New York Earlier today, I wrote about GOL Linhas Aéreas preparing to enter the long-haul market with the addition of Airbus A330-900 aircraft to its fleet.  Now the Brazilian airline has announced the launch of its first-ever long-haul route. Beginning July 8th, GOL will operate nonstop flights between Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) and New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

GOL Launches First Long-Haul Route With Nonstop Flights From Rio de Janeiro to New York

Earlier today, I wrote about GOL Linhas Aéreas preparing to enter the long-haul market with the addition of Airbus A330-900 aircraft to its fleet.  Now the Brazilian airline has announced the launch of its…

LOT Polish Airlines Begins Rolling Out Wi-Fi on Its Boeing 787s LOT Polish Airlines has launched onboard Wi-Fi service on its first Boeing 787-9. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout of in-flight connectivity across the carrier’s long-haul fleet. The service debuted on one aircraft and will be expanded to additional Boeing 787-9s in the coming months. LOT says two more Boeing 787 aircraft are scheduled to receive the technology by the end of April as part of a phased installation plan.

LOT Polish Airlines Begins Rolling Out Wi-Fi on Its Boeing 787s

LOT Polish Airlines has launched onboard Wi-Fi service on its first Boeing 787-9. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout of in-flight connectivity across the carrier’s long-haul fleet. The service debuted on one aircraft and…

GOL Introduces Airbus A330neos to Launch Long-Haul Flights From Brazil Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas is preparing to enter the long-haul market with the addition of Airbus A330-900 aircraft to its fleet. This move will allow the airline to launch intercontinental flights connecting Brazil with destinations in Europe and the United States. The airline announced that it expects to receive up to five Airbus A330-900 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled in phases throughout 2026 and 2027.

GOL Introduces Airbus A330neos to Launch Long-Haul Flights From Brazil

Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas is preparing to enter the long-haul market with the addition of Airbus A330-900 aircraft to its fleet. This move will allow the airline to launch intercontinental flights connecting Brazil…

250 Years: American Airlines Named Official Partner of America250 Celebration American Airlines has been named an official sponsor and partner of America250, the national nonpartisan organization tasked by Congress with leading the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The partnership brings one of the nation’s most recognizable brands into the historic nationwide celebration, which aims to engage more than 350 million Americans as the country marks its semiquincentennial in 2026.

250 Years: American Airlines Named Official Partner of America250 Celebration

American Airlines has been named an official sponsor and partner of America250, the national nonpartisan organization tasked by Congress with leading the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the…

Delta Announces Leadership Changes as Operations Chief John Laughter Retires Delta Air Lines has unveiled a series of leadership changes as longtime operations leader John Laughter prepares to retire after a 30-year career with the airline. The leadership reshuffle, announced by CEO Ed Bastian in a memo to employees, is designed to strengthen Delta’s executive team and support the company’s long-term strategy of building what it describes as the world’s leading airline for the next generation of customers and employees.

Delta Announces Leadership Changes as Operations Chief John Laughter Retires

Delta Air Lines has unveiled a series of leadership changes as longtime operations leader John Laughter prepares to retire after a 30-year career with the airline. The leadership reshuffle, announced by CEO Ed Bastian in…

American Airlines Set to Return to Venezuela With Miami Flights American Airlines has received approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to resume commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela. This marks the first step toward restoring direct air service between the two countries. The authorization allows the airline to operate flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to both Caracas' Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) and Maracaibo's La Chinita International Airport (MAR).

American Airlines Set to Return to Venezuela With Miami Flights

American Airlines has received approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to resume commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela. This marks the first step toward restoring direct air service between the two…

Las Vegas Hotel Horror: Canadian Tourist Accused of Kidnapping and Torturing Flamingo Flamingos are my favorite birds and I have long loved seeing them on the Vegas Strip, feeding them in Aruba, and even stop to admire the giant one in Tampa International Airport (TPA) every time I pass through. A Canadian tourist is now facing multiple felony animal abuse charges after police say he broke into a wildlife habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino (review…

Las Vegas Hotel Horror: Canadian Tourist Accused of Kidnapping and Torturing Flamingo

Flamingos are my favorite birds and I have long loved seeing them on the Vegas Strip, feeding them in Aruba, and even stop to admire the giant one in Tampa International Airport (TPA) every time I pass through. A…

JetBlue Expands to Its 11th Destination in Florida With Flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Today As I wrote about in November, JetBlue will begin flying to Florida’s Emerald Coast with the launch of new nonstop flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) beginning today, March 5th. The airline will operate 5x weekly seasonal flights from both Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to connect travelers from the Northeast to one of Florida’s most scenic beach destinations.

JetBlue Expands to Its 11th Destination in Florida With Flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Today

As I wrote about in November, JetBlue will begin flying to Florida’s Emerald Coast with the launch of new nonstop flights to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) beginning today, March 5th. The…

St. Regis is Set to Debut in New Zealand With New Hotel in Queenstown Marriott plans to introduce the St. Regis brand to New Zealand for the first time with the opening of the St. Regis Queenstown. It's currently set to open in late 2027. The 145-room property will be located in central Queenstown and is expected to offer great views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. The development is set to bring a new level of international luxury hospitality to one of New Zealand’s most popular tourism destinations.

St. Regis is Set to Debut in New Zealand With New Hotel in Queenstown

Marriott plans to introduce the St. Regis brand to New Zealand for the first time with the opening of the St. Regis Queenstown. It's currently set to open in late 2027. The 145-room property will be located in central Queenstown…

United Accused of Flooding Chicago O’Hare International Airport With Flights to Block American I've written before about the growing dispute between the two largest airlines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and how it has been escalating. American Airlines is now publicly accusing United Airlines of deliberately overscheduling flights in an effort to maintain control of airport gates and block rivals from expanding. The allegation surfaced in an internal memo (seen above) sent to American Airlines employees.

United Accused of Flooding Chicago O’Hare International Airport With Flights to Block American

I've written before about the growing dispute between the two largest airlines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and how it has been escalating. American Airlines is now publicly accusing…

Bomb Threat on Newark Flight Triggers Temporary Ground Stop at New York LaGuardia Airport The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted incoming flights to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) today after a security incident involving a flight that landed at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The disruption began after Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight SK 907 landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from Oslo Airport (OSL) around 1:10 PM. Authorities later determined the situation involved an unfounded bomb threat connected to the aircraft.

Bomb Threat on Newark Flight Triggers Temporary Ground Stop at New York LaGuardia Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted incoming flights to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) today after a security incident involving a flight that landed at Newark Liberty International…

Allegiant Sells Out Dollywood Flight Experience and Adds a Second Flight #925 Last month, I wrote about Allegiant launching of a one-of-a-kind themed flight experience designed to bring vacationers straight into the spirit of Dollywood. Flight #925: Destination Dollywood will take travelers from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) with the flight number serving as a tribute to Dolly Parton’s iconic song "9 to 5." But, the flight sold out quickly.

Allegiant Sells Out Dollywood Flight Experience and Adds a Second Flight #925

Last month, I wrote about Allegiant launching of a one-of-a-kind themed flight experience designed to bring vacationers straight into the spirit of Dollywood. Flight #925: Destination Dollywood will take travelers from…

American Express Opens First-Ever Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge at Las Vegas Airport

Back in July, I wrote about American Express planning a new airport lounge concept. Today, the first Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) opened. The intimate,…

Finally: Delta Unveils Stunning New Sky Club® at Denver International Airport The Sky Club® at Denver International Airport (DEN) used to be one of the most dated in the system (here is my review of the old space). That changed today. Delta Air Lines is elevating the premium travel experience at the airport with the re-opening of a striking new Delta Sky Club® that brings the spirit and beauty of Colorado indoors.

Finally: Delta Unveils Stunning New Sky Club® at Denver International Airport

The Sky Club® at Denver International Airport (DEN) used to be one of the most dated in the system (here is my review of the old space). That changed today. Delta Air Lines is elevating the premium travel experience at…

Reminder: Exchange Eligible United MileagePlus PlusPoints before March 31st In October 2024, United shared that PlusPoints were going to become more flexible and that members would have more ways to use them besides upgrades starting the following year (something Premier members have been rightfully moaning about for years). These options were updated in June and have been live for redemption since August. While PlusPoints are valid for the entire program year, if you want to exchange them for things other than upgrades you must do so before March 31st.

Reminder: Exchange Eligible United MileagePlus PlusPoints before March 31st

In October 2024, United shared that PlusPoints were going to become more flexible and that members would have more ways to use them besides upgrades starting the following year (something Premier members have been…

Chase Travel Reveals Top Trending Spring Break Destinations for 2026 Chase Travel has unveiled its top trending spring break destinations for 2026 and is highlighting significant year-over-year booking growth and exclusive Points Boost offers for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. The new data coincides with the launch of Chase Travel’s Spring Break Travel Guide and expanded redemption opportunities through its Points Boost program. Points Boost provides eligible cardmembers with rotating promotional offers of up to 2x value on select flights and hotel stays when redeeming Ultimate Rewards points through Chase Travel.

Chase Travel Reveals Top Trending Spring Break Destinations for 2026

Chase Travel has unveiled its top trending spring break destinations for 2026 and is highlighting significant year-over-year booking growth and exclusive Points Boost offers for Sapphire Reserve cardmembers. The new data…

Promo: Spirit Airlines Launches 10% Off Flights to Indianapolis for 2026 Final Four College basketball fans heading to the 2026 Men’s NCAA Final Four can now take advantage of a limited-time airfare deal from Spirit Airlines with discounted flights to Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Spirit is offering 10% off base fares on nonstop service to Indianapolis from three key cities: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Promo: Spirit Airlines Launches 10% Off Flights to Indianapolis for 2026 Final Four

College basketball fans heading to the 2026 Men’s NCAA Final Four can now take advantage of a limited-time airfare deal from Spirit Airlines with discounted flights to Indianapolis International Airport (IND).…

Promo: Earn Up to 5,000 American AAdvantage® Loyalty Points for Flights in March and April American Airlines has rolled out a new promotion offering up to 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points for eligible upcoming flights. This isn't a huge amount, but it's a god way to kickstart requalifying for elite status (American's qualification year switched over a few days ago). Loyalty Points are now the sole metric used to qualify for status in the American AAdvantage® program.

Promo: Earn Up to 5,000 American AAdvantage® Loyalty Points for Flights in March and April

American Airlines has rolled out a new promotion offering up to 5,000 bonus Loyalty Points for eligible upcoming flights. This isn't a huge amount, but it's a god way to kickstart requalifying for elite…

Delta and Southwest Plan New Lounges at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) continues to cement its status as one of the fastest-growing airports in the country with significant terminal expansions underway and airlines racing to strengthen their position there. Newly signed airport lease documents reveal that two of the airport’s largest carriers (Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines) are planning new lounges. According to the airport’s recently finalized use and lease agreement, Delta intends to secure more than 40,000 square feet of space for two separate lounges.

Delta and Southwest Plan New Lounges at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) continues to cement its status as one of the fastest-growing airports in the country with significant terminal expansions underway and airlines racing to strengthen their…

Wow: United 787 Evacuated in Under a Minute After Engine Fire Scare at LAX Flight attendants aboard a United Airlines Boeing 787-9 carried out a rapid and highly coordinated evacuation at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday morning after the aircraft made an emergency landing following reports of an engine fire shortly after departure. The incident occurred around 11:20 AM this morning, just minutes after United Airlines flight UA 2127 departed Los Angeles en route to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Wow: United 787 Evacuated in Under a Minute After Engine Fire Scare at LAX

Flight attendants aboard a United Airlines Boeing 787-9 carried out a rapid and highly coordinated evacuation at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday morning after the aircraft made an emergency landing…

Newark Liberty International Airport to Replace Aging AirTrain with $3.5 Billion Modern System I have spent tons of time at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). I used to live in Hoboken, NJ and the airport was a short ride away. We have already seen some incredible transformations (Terminal A is gorgeous), but the Port Authority is not done yet. The agency is moving forward with plans to replace the aging AirTrain Newark system with a new, modern automated people mover that will hopefully meet growing passenger demand.

Newark Liberty International Airport to Replace Aging AirTrain with $3.5 Billion Modern System

I have spent tons of time at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). I used to live in Hoboken, NJ and the airport was a short ride away. We have already seen some incredible transformations…

Lufthansa Unveils Airbus A380 in Striking 100th Anniversary Livery Back in November, I wrote about Lufthansa celebrating the 100th anniversary of the original airline founded in 1926. To honor a century of aviation heritage, the German carrier is introducing a dedicated anniversary fleet featuring a distinctive design that blends the airline’s historic identity with a modern aesthetic. A repainted Boeing 787 came first followed by Airbus A320neo and Airbus A350 aircraft…

Lufthansa Unveils Airbus A380 in Striking 100th Anniversary Livery

Back in November, I wrote about Lufthansa celebrating the 100th anniversary of the original airline founded in 1926. To honor a century of aviation heritage, the German carrier is introducing a dedicated anniversary fleet featuring…

Passenger Arrested After Alleged Bomb Threat Forces Aircraft Evacuation in Fort Lauderdale A passenger was taken into custody Sunday morning after allegedly making a bomb threat aboard a JetBlue aircraft preparing to depart Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The incident occurred as JetBlue flight B6 514 was getting ready to depart for New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). According to local reports, the suspect allegedly made the threat while onboard the Airbus A321 aircraft, which prompted an immediate security response.

Passenger Arrested After Alleged Bomb Threat Forces Aircraft Evacuation in Fort Lauderdale

A passenger was taken into custody Sunday morning after allegedly making a bomb threat aboard a JetBlue aircraft preparing to depart Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The incident…

Hotel Review: Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort After our time in Hong Kong and Manila, we were off to Cebu for a few days. The island is a great spot for a short beach vacation while in Asia and we found the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort to be relaxing and well run. This is not what I think of when the Sheraton brand comes to mind in the Unites States.

Hotel Review: Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort

After our time in Hong Kong and Manila, we were off to Cebu for a few days. The island is a great spot for a short beach vacation while in Asia and we found the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort to be relaxing and well run. This is not what I think of when the…

ANA Passenger Finds Metal Wire in Premium Cabin Meal An All Nippon Airways (ANA) passenger seated in a premium cabin from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) found a little something extra in their meal on a recent flight. Not much information has been provided, but photos posted to X show a small piece of metal wire in the dish. If I were to venture a guess, I'd say this was something that came from cleaning the dishes.

ANA Passenger Finds Metal Wire in Premium Cabin Meal

An All Nippon Airways (ANA) passenger seated in a premium cabin from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) found a little something extra in their meal on a recent flight. Not much…