Alaska Airlines

Following other airlines including American and Delta, Alaska Airlines will begin offering a basic economy fare product this fall. The new Saver Fare will come with a variety of restrictions including not being able to make changes or receive a refund. Purchasers will also not be eligible for upgrades as part of Alaska’s elite level loyalty program. Passengers will board last, though customers will be able to obtain a seat assignment when making a reservation. Alaska officials also said the carrier will add a fee for exit-row seats and will introduce dynamic pricing for all premium seats over the next few months.

Then, Alaska Airlines unveiled new rules for emotional support animals. Similar to Delta and United’s recently revised policies, customers will need to provide documentation validating that the emotional support animal is not only in good health but has been appropriately trained for public settings. Owners will also need a letter signed by a doctor or licensed mental health professional and will need to certify that they will be responsible for any possible damage caused by the animal. The new policy, which is intended to curb potential abuses by passengers who try to take advantage of current rules in order to bring untrained and possibly aggressive animals in the aircraft cabin, will go into effect on May 1, 2018. The new policy applies to emotional support animals. It does not impact those with official service animals.

Passengers traveling out of Los Angeles (LAX) airport should be aware that Alaska is now using separate ticket counters for domestic and international flights in Terminal 6. Domestic check-in counters are located on the west side of Terminal 6 while international check-in counters can be found on the east side.

British Airways

The British Airways’ Avios rewards program will end by the end of July. (Avios, the currency will continue.) Members of the rewards program and their points will be transferred to the British Airways Executive Club this summer. Accounts will be automatically established unless members opt out. Customers who already have a BA Executive Club account can transfer accrued points through the Avios website. Officials say the change will give members more opportunities to earn and spend points.

Delta Air Lines

Delta will expand its service from New York’s JFK to the Caribbean later this year.  A second flight to Nassau, Bahamas will commence Oct. 1.  New daily nonstop service will be launched to Kingston, Jamaica starting Dec. 20 while Saturday service to Port-au-Prince, Haiti will kick-off Dec. 22, 2018.