Alaska Airlines

As of today, January 11, Alaska and Virgin America will be officially operating as a single airline per FAA standards. However, customers will still see signs of Virgin America for awhile as it will take time to finish merging operational details, combine service options and remove outward signs of the old Virgin America such as airplane paint schemes.

Customers can continue to access the Virgin America website until April 24, 2018. Starting on April 25, customers will be redirected to Alaska’s site.

Members of Virgin America’s former Elevate loyalty program should use their new Alaska Mileage Plan number that was automatically assigned. Customers should also make sure to update their travel profiles with the new number if that has not yet been done. If you are unsure of your new Mileage Plan number, it can be retrieved by going to https://www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan/mplookup.

For more information on the merger please visit https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/alaska-virgin/flight-plan.

American Airlines

In response to WestJet’s new planned partnership with Delta, American announced it will end its trans-border codeshare program with WestJet effect January 15, 2018.

British Airways

British Airways said it will soon launch a new boarding procedure. The carrier decided to postpone the previously announced plan to avoid confusion over the holiday rush. Passengers will be assigned one of five boarding groups based on class of service and loyalty status. Airline officials noted that there will be some differences in boarding group assignments based on whether the flight is a long-haul or short-haul.

As part of a major upgrade plan, British Airways will introduce a new and expanded World Traveler menu that will change every six months. Airline officials also confirmed that new seats that don’t recline will be used on short-haul flights. The new fixed position seats will offer a “gentle” recline.

British Airways is also installing onboard Wi-Fi and at-seat power outlets.

Delta Air Lines

SkyMiles members who are close but did not quite reach the next Medallion Tier (Diamond, Platinum, Gold or Silver) status for 2018 can purchase a bundle of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs – U.S. based Members only) and Medallion Qualification Segments, which will be applied to one SkyMiles account for 2017. Up to 10,000 MQMs can be purchased. This promotion is valid through February 15, 2018. For more information please visit https://www.delta.com/loyaltypromos/elevateyourstatus

Korean Air

New restrictions are being implemented for passengers traveling between South Korea’s southeastern Daegu International Airport (TAE) and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN). Effective January 18, 2018, ICN-TAE-ICN flights are reserved for international passengers who must transit in ICN on a same day connection. Stopovers will no longer be allowed. Standalone domestic flights between ICN and TAE will also be not allowed. Korean Air is offering refunds to passengers who may have booked this service prior to the rule change.