---
title: "Airline News Roundup: What to Know"
description: See the latest U.S. airline updates, including American’s new biometric ID tech, Southwest’s fare overhaul and a major United–JetBlue loyalty partnership.
image: https://blog.atlastravel.com/hubfs/AT%20Blog_The%20Compass/2025%20Images/6.2025%20Hero%20Images_800x418/Airline%20Update.png
---
[Skip to main content](https://blog.atlastravel.com/airline-news-roundup-what-to-know#main)
[ ](https://blog.atlastravel.com)
- [Home](https://blog.atlastravel.com)
- Show submenu for Categories Categories
- [Industry News](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/industry-news)
- [Supplier News](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/supplier-news)
- [Technology & Product](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/technology-product-news)
- [Regulations & Compliance](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/regulations-compliance)
- [Tips & How-To's](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/tips-how-tos)
- [Meetings & Incentives](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/meetings-incentives)
- [Inside Atlas](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/inside-atlas)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [Home](https://blog.atlastravel.com)
- Show submenu for Categories Categories
- Categories
- [Industry News](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/industry-news)
- [Supplier News](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/supplier-news)
- [Technology & Product](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/technology-product-news)
- [Regulations & Compliance](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/regulations-compliance)
- [Tips & How-To's](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/tips-how-tos)
- [Meetings & Incentives](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/meetings-incentives)
- [Inside Atlas](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/inside-atlas)
- Search
- [Subscribe](https://blog.atlastravel.com/airline-news-roundup-what-to-know#subscribe)
[Subscribe](https://blog.atlastravel.com/airline-news-roundup-what-to-know#subscribe)
Search
# Airline News Roundup: What to Know
by [Mimi Cleary](https://blog.atlastravel.com/author/mimi-cleary)
June 13, 2025 11:58 AM
From biometric advancements to sweeping fare changes and a major new partnership, U.S. airlines are making bold moves to reshape the traveler experience.
These changes reflect how carriers are evolving to meet modern travel expectations — combining convenience, customization and collaboration to deliver greater value and a more seamless journey. Here’s a look at the latest developments from American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and the newly announced alliance between United and JetBlue.
American Airlines
As of May 29, American Airlines is enhancing the security process with the rollout of TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for AAdvantage members traveling through the select airports below:
- **Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)**
- **LaGuardia Airport (LGA)**
- **Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)**
- **Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)**
This new biometric program allows eligible AAdvantage members to pass through security more efficiently by verifying their identity using facial recognition technology. The system compares the traveler’s live image with their passport, Global Entry or visa card previously submitted to the government — eliminating the need to present a physical ID and helping reduce wait times.
Though participation in the program is optional, AAdvantage members (18 years or older) can enroll by opting in through their profile on [aa.com](https://aa.com). To confirm eligibility, AAdvantage members must be a TSA PreCheck user and provide their AAdvantage number, a valid passport and a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Enrollment is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
In collaboration with TSA, American plans to expand the program to additional airports in the coming months, with a focus on hub airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and Miami.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is undergoing one of its biggest transformations yet, unveiling new fare bundles, seating options and enhanced benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Members.
As of May 28, the airline introduced a new Basic fare, replacing the former Wanna Get Away option. This lowest-tier fare will offer more affordable prices with fewer flexibilities, including no refund or changes and standard seating assigned at check-in.
Coming later in Q3 2025, Southwest will launch three rebranded fare bundles:
- **Choice** – Formerly *Wanna Get Away Plus*; includes standard seating selected at booking
- **Choice Preferred** – Formerly *Anytime*; includes preferred seating
- **Choice Extra** – Formerly *Business Select*; features extra legroom seating
Each option comes with its own set of various perks and benefits. Notably, only *Choice Extra* includes two free checked bags. To explore the full breakdown of each fare, see the image below.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will also see new perks beginning in Q3 2025, including one free checked bag (for up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation), priority boarding and seat selection privileges, regardless of the fare type.
Cardmembers will continue to enjoy existing benefits like discounts on inflight purchases, bonus anniversary points and a 10,000-point Companion Pass boost each calendar year.
Additional benefits are also on the way for A-List and A-List Preferred Tier Members, including preferred seating, checked bags, earlier boarding and other inflight enhancements.
Checked bag benefits for Tier Members and Credit Cardmembers begin May 28, while assigned seating and boarding enhancements will roll out once the airline begins selling the new fare options.
These updates represent a big move for Southwest — designed to offer more choice, flexibility and comfort, all while maintaining the customer-focused service the airline is known for. For more details, visit the [Southwest website](https://www.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating#fare-benefits).
United Airlines and JetBlue
As of May 29, United Airlines and JetBlue announced a surprising yet strategic alliance called “Blue Sky.” This new partnership will enable MileagePlus and TrueBlue members to enjoy a more integrated travel experience across both carriers.
Key features include:
- **Earn & Redeem Points:** Members of MileagePlus and TrueBlue will be able to earn and redeem points on both airlines.
- **Interline Agreement:** Customers can book flights across both networks via either carriers’ website or mobile app, including connecting flights.
- **Reciprocal Loyalty Benefits**: United Premier members will receive elite benefits when flying JetBlue and JetBlue Mosaic members will receive similar benefits on United. More details on the timing of this loyalty partnership are expected later this year. See below for the initial rundown of the shared elite status benefits.
A notable aspect of the partnership is United’s return to New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where it plans to launch up to seven daily flights using slots transferred from JetBlue. United is expected to begin service out of JFK’s Terminal 6 as early as 2027.
Meanwhile, JetBlue will access eight flight slots at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) also through a reciprocal exchange. Lastly, United will also adopt JetBlue’s in-house Paisly platform for hotel, rental car and vacation package bookings.
The Blue Sky partnership strengthens both airlines’ East Coast presence and unlocks expanded global earning and redemption opportunities — particularly for JetBlue travelers, who will gain access to United’s extensive international network.
[](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.atlastravel.com%2Fairline-news-roundup-what-to-know%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.atlastravel.com%2Fairline-news-roundup-what-to-know%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.atlastravel.com%2Fairline-news-roundup-what-to-know%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.atlastravel.com%2Fairline-news-roundup-what-to-know%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)
**Categories:**
[Industry News,](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/industry-news) [Supplier News](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/supplier-news)
Post by [Mimi Cleary](https://blog.atlastravel.com/author/mimi-cleary)
June 13, 2025 11:58 AM
Mimi Cleary is the Vice President of Supplier Relations & Strategic Sourcing at Atlas Travel. In her role, she leads Atlas Travel’s supplier relations and sourcing strategy, specializing in relationship management, contract negotiation and service delivery. She is responsible for developing and fostering partnerships with air, hotel, rental car, limousine and rail vendors throughout the travel industry. After receiving her degree in Communications from Tulane University, Mimi started her career in travel and brings her 40 years of industry experience to Atlas Travel & Technology Group’s Executive Team.
[Follow me on my website](https://atlastravel.com) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-cleary-551a9b12/)
### Related Articles
##### [.png?width=520&height=294&name=2.2026%20Hero%20Images_800x418%20(2).png) Industry News • February 19, 2026 3:18 PM Traveling Without a REAL ID? TSA Introduces ConfirmID 2 min read](https://blog.atlastravel.com/traveling-without-a-real-id-tsa-introduces-confirmid)
##### [ Industry News • January 27, 2026 10:00 AM Which U.S. Airlines Offer Free Wi-Fi and How to Access It 3 min read](https://blog.atlastravel.com/which-u.s.-airlines-offer-free-wi-fi-in-2026-how-to-access-it)
##### [ Industry News • December 22, 2025 2:00 PM In Case You Missed It: Two Innovations to Help Navigate Holiday Travel 3 min read](https://blog.atlastravel.com/in-case-you-missed-it-two-innovations-to-help-navigate-holiday-travel)
###### Explore Categories
- [Industry News](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/industry-news)
- [Supplier News](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/supplier-news)
- [Inside Atlas](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/inside-atlas)
- [Regulations & Compliance](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/regulations-compliance)
- [Meetings & Incentives](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/meetings-incentives)
###### Recent Posts
- [Atlas Travel & Technology Group Releases 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Report](https://blog.atlastravel.com/atlas-travel-technology-group-releases-2025-corporate-social-responsibility-report)
- [Reflections from Global Meetings Industry Day 2026](https://blog.atlastravel.com/reflections-from-global-meetings-industry-day-2026)
- [Atlas Travel & Technology Group Appoints New Chief Financial Officer](https://blog.atlastravel.com/atlas-travel-technology-group-appoints-new-chief-financial-officer)
- [U.S. Airlines Raised Bag Fees Again. What it Costs and How to Save.](https://blog.atlastravel.com/u.s.-airlines-raised-bag-fees-again.-what-it-costs-and-how-to-save)
- [Case Study: How Strategic Incentive Travel Programs Drive Retention, Recruitment and ROI](https://blog.atlastravel.com/a-case-study-how-strategic-incentive-travel-programs-drive-retention-recruitment-and-roi)
### Welcome to *The Compass*
To keep readers on course, this publication will explore a wide range of key topics, such as supplier updates, emerging technologies, travel regulations, meetings & incentives and more. *The Compass* also features thoughtful articles and editorials penned from Atlas Travel’s top professionals, offering strategic and expert perspectives in the ever-evolving travel landscape.
True to its name, *The Compass* serves as a guiding resource, pointing readers towards timely, relevant news needed to navigate the complexities of modern travel with confidence.
## Subscribe to The Compass Newsletter
Get the best in industry news, delivered to your inbox monthly.
- [Home](https://blog.atlastravel.com)
- [Cookie Policy](https://atlastravelandtechnology.com/attg-cookie-policy/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://atlastravelandtechnology.com/attg-global-privacy-policy/)
©2026 by Atlas Travel & Technology Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
-
-
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Mimi Cleary",
"url" : "https://blog.atlastravel.com/author/mimi-cleary"
},
"dateModified" : "2025-07-14T18:02:43.133Z",
"datePublished" : "2025-06-13T15:58:07.000Z",
"headline" : "Airline News Roundup: What to Know",
"image" : [ "https://blog.atlastravel.com/hubfs/AT%20Blog_The%20Compass/2025%20Images/6.2025%20Hero%20Images_800x418/Airline%20Update.png" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://blog.atlastravel.com/airline-news-roundup-what-to-know",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://blog.atlastravel.com/hubfs/at_750_300.fw.png"
},
"name" : "Atlas Travel & Technology Group"
}
}
```