Mark Reif

Alaska Airlines will begin nonstop flights between San Diego and Washington, D.C.

Each day, as thousands of Delta Air Lines flights cross the sky, the airline’s Operations & Customer Center (OCC) functions behind the scenes, ensuring smooth travels. That can be especially challenging during winter, one of Delta’s busiest travel seasons. From weather events to deicing procedures, six OCC Duty Directors make adjustments as conditions change. One of the Duty Directors, Pete Sansom, shared what it’s like to work at the OCC.

There’s a special satisfaction in hitting a good golf shot. Before you even look up at the ball’s trajectory, you can feel when a swing goes right. Whether the control of your backswing or the fluidity of your follow-through, you just know when the ball’s headed in the right direction. It’s a sweet feeling.

Beginning in May 2025, United Airlines will add eight direct flights from Denver International Airport (DEN), including Rome, Italy; Saskatchewan, Canada; and routes across the US. The flights include new destinations as well as increased service to underserved locations. Once Rome is added, United will offer service to over 20 international cities via Denver.

JSX offers a private jet experience for prices comparable to first-class domestic flights. Its small regional jets operate out of private hangars, with no security lines, and all seats are first-class, with free snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The airline’s Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 jets also look pretty cool, with sleek graphics, including prominent red X’s on the fuselage and tail.

Icelandair has announced a new codeshare agreement with ITA Airways of Italy. The partnership will allow seamless connections between the two airlines’ networks. Travel dates begin January 20, 2025, with fares currently available for sale.

Guinness World Records has officially awarded Turkish Airlines the title of “Most Countries Flown to by an Airline”. Though the airline has flown to the most countries in the world since 2012, the new title cements its place among carriers. The award was handed out at Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport after the airline’s first flight to Chile. Guinness World Records officials and Turkish Airlines Executives were in attendance.

Just in time for the holidays, low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY is offering 35% off fares from the U.S. to Iceland and sought after European destinations. It’s a limited time deal only available on December 22 and 23, so travelers have to act fast to score big savings.

Texas residents yearning for a taste of New England can now fly nonstop to Portland, Maine, thanks to a new United route. The flight continues United Airlines’ network expansion throughout the U.S., and utilizes a quick and convenient Embraer E175 aircraft. The route will fly between Houston George Bush International Airport (IAH) and Portland International Jetport (PWM).

Air France will again show its culinary expertise, tapping Michelin-starred French Chef, Olivier Chaignon for inflight cuisine on routes from Japan. Starting in January 2025, La Première and Business passengers flying from Osaka-Kansai or Tokyo-Haneda to Paris can enjoy curated, cabin-specific menus. Each seating class gets 12 exclusive dishes.