BA Does Something Different, New U.S. Routes, Menu Updates, and Other Airline News This Week

The airline industry had another busy week. We saw the start of new U.S. routes from American, Air Canada, and Iberia.

This week also saw eye-popping valuations for airline loyalty programs, an interesting seating map from Etihad, a new Centurion Lounge in India, and some new menus from both American and United. We also saw a quirky update from British Airways that’s sure to have fans and haters.

Here’s a look at what you might’ve missed this week.

New Routes Now Flying

Several exciting new routes started flying this week. American Airlines kicked off the first of its summer routes, flying between Miami (MIA) and Milan (MXP) on March 29. This is a year-round, daily service.

Additionally, Air Canada started flying between New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) and Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ), while Iberia started flights from Newark (EWR) to Madrid (MAD) with its A321XLR aircraft.

Loyalty Programs Recognized for Their Values

Delta SkyMiles was in the news this week after it was ranked “the world’s most valuable airline loyalty program,” valued at an incredible $31 billion. American Airlines AAdvantage came in second at $26 billion, with United MileagePlus third at $25 billion.

The most valuable program outside the U.S.? That’s Avios, the shared loyalty program of several airlines, including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar Airways, Finnair, and Loganair. Its fourth-place ranking is valued at $10 billion.

Etihad Goes High-Density

Next year, Etihad will introduce another configuration for its Airbus A321LR, as noticed by AeroRoutes.

Presently, these aircraft have 3 classes: 2 first class seats, 14 business, and 144 economy. The modified version will cut 8 business seats to add 42 economy seats, flying 194 total seats instead of 164 like the present layout.

It’s first flight should be February 1, 2027, between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Mumbai (BOM).

A New Centurion Lounge in India

Due to ongoing works, the Delhi (DEL) Terminal 3 Centurion Lounge closed in January. Now, there’s a new lounge in Terminal 1, open as of March 30.

This domestic lounge is located on level 4 near gate 2 in the security hold area. It’s open 24 hours a day.

American and United Have New Foods

American Airlines announced this week spring menu updates for Flagship and Admirals Club lounges.

Flagship Lounges introduced braised short ribs in Los Angeles, chilled carrot-and-coconut soup in Chicago, Tamagoyaki French toast in Dallas, beef kofta and saffron rice in Philadelphia, and rundown shrimp with coconut milk curry in Miami.

In Admirals Clubs, expect Cantonese sweet and sour meatballs in both Denver and Phoenix; parmesan pesto gnocchi in Chicago, St. Louis, and Toronto; Mediterranean feta chickpea salad in Austin, Nashville, Dallas, and Houston; New England clam chowder in Boston; and chicken Baja enchilada soup in Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Washington Reagan.

Beyond the dishes, there are new premium beverages at both Flagship and Admirals Club lounges

Meanwhile, United is adding Godiva chocolates in first class throughout April. Coincidentally, both United and Godiva are celebrating their 100th birthdays. Chocolates will be offered in domestic first class on flights over 901 miles, excluding departures from Canada and Latin America. Passengers will receive their Godiva chocolates as part of the prearrival service.

British Airways Will Be More Lenient With Starlink

British Airways recently launched Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi on some plane types, starting with Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and continues to expand the service across its fleet. That’s not exactly news.

What is new, however, is that BA will buck an industry trend.

The carrier’s Starlink information page doesn’t say you can’t make calls inflight, as first noticed by One Mile at a Time. Instead, it says this: “If you’re making a call, keep your voice low and use headphones.”

Most carriers state clearly that you cannot make calls during flights, so this is a novelty. Will it become common? Time will tell, but it definitely recognizes Starlink’s modern capabilities.

Final Thoughts

This was another diverse week across the airline industry. From new routes and foods to lounges and policies, we saw a bit of everything.

We’ll be back next week with more exciting news from the aviation world.