On Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, United Airlines permanently discontinued change fees for domestic flights. Same-day standby and changes were added as well, though that shift will begin on Jan. 1, 2021. United Airlines noted that it was “taking this moment to better support our customers” during a time when “change is inevitable.”

Airlines have been looking to improve the passenger experience by tackling luggage storage. For instance, JetBlue is charging passengers $5 if they would like to check their carry-on bag. Delta has a $59 yearly charge to guarantee a passenger’s use of overhead bin space. United Airlines, on the other hand, is creating space for bigger overhead bins. 

At a Chicago conference for the Global Business Travel Association, American Airlines unveiled that guests with tickets under American Airlines Corporate Travel Agreements will receive Priority Access advantages. 

Travelers aboard international Delta flights in the main cabin will receive a value-added, “first-of-its-kind” in-flight experience as of November 2019. 

A complimentary hot towel will be provided to guests at the gate, and passengers will be given free Bellinis after takeoff. New amenity kits comprise a sleep mask, earplugs, cleansing cloths, and a dental hygiene kit.

Airplane technology is getting better, but flight lengths have gotten longer. Schedule padding, otherwise known as padding, gives airlines additional time to complete a journey in an effort to keep flights punctual despite potential delays. 

In lieu of improving services, airlines have taken previous delays into consideration and accounted for them in padding. Consequently, airlines have little incentive to increase effectiveness; the pressure to be as fast as possible is lessened.  

The 2019 Airline Quality Rating has determined that Delta Airlines ranks highest among major American airlines, followed by JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. The ranking is based on data collected on mistreated luggage, punctuality performance, involuntary refused boarding, and guest grievances. 

American Airlines’ Five Star Service, which can be purchased with a ticket in an American Airlines premium cabin, has been updated in Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Now, Five Star Service guests traveling through those airports have a private screening, private suites access, and off-terminal entry point, and use of Blade, which is a helicopter service that will circumvent traffic on the ground. 

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, recently, has had two notable changes. JetBlue began its nonstop, daily route from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport on Thursday, Feb. 14. United Airlines, on Monday, Feb. 4, unveiled its renovated United Club in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 

American Airlines, the biggest airline in the world, has unveiled its aspirations in the new year. Titled, “One Team, One Plan 2019,” an infographic details the components of three main objectives: (1) make culture a competitive advantage, (2) build American Airlines to thrive forever, and (3) create a world-class customer experience. 

Flyers of United Airlines are now able to purchase Premium Plus seating on select routes beginning on March 30, 2019. The new class will have larger seats for travelers, as compared to Economy Plus, by approximately two inches. 

The larger seating is, additionally, nearer to the front of the aircraft. It is arranged so that there are two seats, an aisle, three seats, an aisle, and, finally, two seats. The seating comes with increased legroom and reclining ability and a larger screen to watch in-flight entertainment.