American Airlines

American launched a new option that will enable customers to “buy out” of a basic economy fare ticket. While purchases of rock bottom basic economy tickets continue to increase despite the restrictions, some travelers are experiencing buyer’s remorse as their flight nears because of the limitations that accompany these low-priced tickets. However, under a new stipulation, clients who purchase a basic economy fare on American Airlines through a travel agency, and then have buyer’s remorse, now have an out. The customer can choose to apply what was spent on the basic economy ticket to a new, higher priced economy ticket on the same flight that includes the desired amenities such as baggage allowances, priority boarding, upgrades and flight change options. Travelers can elect to use the buyout option up until 24 hours prior to travel. Other restrictions apply.

American also said it will be eliminating the in-cabin bag restriction on short haul basic economy fares. Starting September 5, 2018 passengers holding basic economy tickets, regardless of purchase date, will be allowed both a carry-on bag and a personal item like other regular economy class passengers. Until the change goes into effect, customers with basic economy tickets will still be subject to all the current fare rules including only on personal item in the aircraft cabin. 

Delta Air Lines

Delta and WestJet have finalized plans for a comprehensive trans-border joint venture that significantly expands upon their existing code-sharing agreement. Once the new deal receives government approval, the two carriers will move forward on enhancing cooperation on various aspects including additional code-sharing, co-location at key hubs and reciprocal frequent flyer and elite traveler benefits for customers.

In other joint-venture news, Delta, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic did not include SkyTeam JV member Alitalia in their recent filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation for an amended agreement. The new filing asks for a consolidated joint venture instead of parallel partnerships, which are currently in place. Airline officials note that Alitalia was left out due to the restructuring that is going on at Alitalia as the carrier navigates the Italian bankruptcy process. It addition, Lufthansa, which is in a competing joint venture, remains a leading potential investor for Alitalia.

Lufthansa

Passengers traveling to/from Munich are being advised by Lufthansa to allow extra time at the airport due to upcoming closures of the railway system that connects the main terminal and the satellite building that serves gate areas K and L. Starting July 30 through September 6, the underground railway will be closed from noon on Mondays through noon on Thursdays. Buses will be used to transport travelers instead. However, airport officials say the bus will take longer so passengers should allow an extra 20 minutes. Bus stops will be identified by special signage.