Several major airlines have recently announced updates that may impact your business and leisure travel.
From American Airlines enhancing its AAdvantage Business program to Delta unveiling its first-ever Delta One Lounge and Lufthansa introducing an Environmental Cost Surcharge, here’s what you need to know about these key industry changes.
American Airlines
American Airlines recently announced significant enhancements to its AAdvantage Business program.
As of July 16, businesses and their travelers can now earn rewards on agency bookings just as they would with direct bookings. Companies enrolled in the AAdvantage Business program will receive one AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent, and travelers will accumulate additional Loyalty Points toward their status, regardless of where the travel is booked.
Later in 2024, the carrier will also introduce name change waivers for AAdvantage Business members (travelers registered with a corporation with an Advantage Business membership), similar to the services available for contracted corporate travelers.
Additionally, AAdvantage Business Travel Managers will now be able to access a dedicated AAdvantage Business customer service team for support with any program, travel management or registration questions. Agencies can continue to use SalesLink for any additional support or detailed information on the program.
Delta Air Lines
On June 25, Delta Air Lines unveiled Delta One, its first-ever largest airport lounge for premium passengers at John F. Kennedy International (JFK) Airport.
Located between Concourses A and B in Terminal 4, the new lounge spans 39,000 square feet, boasts an art-deco-inspired design and features a 140-seat bar, restaurant and wellness center equipped with serenity rooms and full-body massage chairs. Additional amenities include shoe-shining service, a juice bar, eight shower suites and a bakery & food market section for on-the-go travelers.
The Delta One Lounge isn’t a standard Delta Sky Club and as such, no travel credit card holders will have access to the lounge. Entry to the Delta One Lounge is restricted to passengers with a same-day Delta One Business class ticket or Delta 360 members flying domestic first class. Access will also be given to those flying on a same-day business or first-class ticket on select Delta partners including: Air France, LATAM, KLM Royal Dutch, Korean Air and Virgin Atlantic.
Delta One tickets booked with travel rewards, whether Delta SkyMiles or a partner program, will also give entry. Additionally, Delta One Lounge does not sell day passes and will only allow additional guests for Delta 360 members, who can bring up to two family members or pay $100 per person for up to two non-family members. Children under age two can accompany Delta One passengers at no charge.
The carrier plans to open Delta One lounges at Los Angeles International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport and Seattle Tacoma International Airport in the near future.
Lufthansa
Starting January 1, 2025, Lufthansa Group will add an Environmental Cost Surcharge to all ticketed flights to offset increasing costs brought on by the regulatory environmental requirements mandated by the European Union (EU).
These requirements include meeting a two percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel blending quota, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) adjustments and participation in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
The surcharge will be added to Lufthansa Group-operated carriers including: Austrian Airlines, Brussel Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti and Swiss Air Lines with departures from all 27 EU member countries, as well as the United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland.
The Environmental Cost Surcharge will vary depending on the flight routes, ranging between 1 to 73 euros. The exact amount can be found on the Lufthansa Group Airlines booking pages in the price details.