United makes some progress toward improving catering, but still has a ways to go, exec says

Bland French toast. Dry turkey sandwiches. A dish that might be chicken tikka masala? To the chagrin of many frequent flyers, these dishes have come to define the dining experience at United Airlines during the pandemic. Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter. Andrew Nocella, United’s chief commercial officer, said it could still take…

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Spirit saw Northeast Alliance as biggest threat to JetBlue merger, testimony reveals

New details are coming to light surrounding Spirit Airlines’ initial resistance to a merger offer from JetBlue Airways — and what led the ultra-low-cost-carrier to change its mind and sign on with the New York-based JetBlue. During an antitrust trial that began this week in Federal District Court in Boston, Ted Christie, Spirit’s CEO, testified about how — and…

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Finnair now guarantees minimum award seats for flights — what this means for travelers

If you’ve ever wanted to redeem points and miles to fly Finnair, there has never been a better time. Following moves from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, Finnair now guarantees a minimum number of award seats will be available for booking with Finnair Plus points or partner points, such as American Airlines AAdvantage miles or British Airways Avios. Finnair…

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The best places to stay near Zion National Park

One of the nation’s most visited and cherished national parks, Zion National Park has a powerful effect on those who visit. Breathtaking in scale and majesty, Zion’s sandstone buttresses, pine-covered peaks, surreal red-rock formations and slot canyons form a 240-million-year timeline of geological history. Diverse activities beckon adventurous travelers, ranging from hiking and biking to mountaineering and horseback riding,…

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How to decide when to use cash or miles for buying airline tickets

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information. Savvy travelers earn airline miles, allowing them to afford flights that would otherwise be out of their budget. These miles can be redeemed for more comfortable seating or spur-of-the-moment trips, be it for leisure or obligation. However, not all flights are eligible for advantageous redemptions, forcing…

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