AA Tightens Refund Rule, Delta Talks AI Pricing, Frontier Returns to Oakland, and More Airline News

Updated: August 22, 2026, 1:00pm CDT

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Table of Contents

American’s 24-Hour Refund Policy Gets Even Tighter
Delta Plans a Major AI Pricing Overhaul
Frontier Returns to Oakland With $29 Fares
Dallas Is (Kinda) Getting a Third Commercial Airport
Qatar Airways Adds Starlink to the 787-9
Other Airline Industry News
Final Thoughts

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American Airlines tightened its 24-hour refund window, Delta revealed plans for AI-driven pricing, Qatar Airways expanded Starlink, and Dallas moved closer to adding a third commercial airport.

We’ve got all of that and more in this week’s roundup of airline news you may have missed.

American’s 24-Hour Refund Policy Gets Even Tighter

American Airlines has issued employees new instructions for its stricter 24-hour refund policy, which took effect July 29. Ticketing, cancellation, and departure times are all converted to UTC. Tickets must be issued at least 168 hours before departure, and cancellations must occur within 24 hours of ticketing. Miss either deadline by 1 second, and the cash refund is lost.

American Airlines Boeing 737 800 — Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

The old policy allowed 24-hour cancellations on tickets purchased at least 2 days before departure. American has effectively reversed its more generous 2017 policy and returned to the federal minimum. Delta, Alaska, and United remain more flexible. For close-in bookings, consider miles, Delta, or Priceline, which allows tickets to be voided through the next business day.

Delta Plans a Major AI Pricing Overhaul

Delta CEO Ed Bastian told the Airlines Confidential podcast that AI could increase margins from 10% to 15%, worth approximately $3 billion. Delta wants AI to continuously handle pricing, upgrades, crew recovery, maintenance, fuel, and back-office decisions.

That includes “offer management,” potentially generating a unique price for each shopper at each moment. Delta has told Congress it does not use personal data for personalized pricing, although statements from its 2024 investor day appeared to suggest otherwise. Airlines are also exempt from FTC oversight of personalized pricing.

Frontier Returns to Oakland With $29 Fares

Frontier resumed Oakland (OAK) service on August 20, with nonstop flights to Las Vegas (LAS) operating 11 times weekly. Introductory fares start at $29 and must be booked by August 27 for travel from September 9 through November 11, 2026. This is Frontier’s first Oakland service since 2023.

Dallas Is (Kinda) Getting a Third Commercial Airport

Avelo will become the first scheduled carrier at McKinney National Airport on November 11. The airline plans to base 2 Boeing 737s there, initially serving Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA).

Passengers will use the new DTX code, while the FAA identifier remains TKI. The catch is that the terminal, apron, and fuel farm are still under construction, raising questions about whether everything will be ready for launch.

Qatar Airways Adds Starlink to the 787-9

Qatar Airways is now the first airline flying a Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9, bringing its total Starlink-equipped widebody fleet to 150 aircraft. More than 23 million passengers have connected since October 2024, with the full 787 rollout expected by year-end.

Qatar Airways economy WAW DOH 787 dim lighting — Inside a Qatar Airways B787-9. Image Credit: Keri Stooksbury

Other Airline Industry News

Istanbul passes Heathrow: Istanbul (IST) handled 8.14 million passengers in July, versus 7.86 million at London Heathrow (LHR). Heathrow’s 2 runways are already operating at 99% capacity. This makes IST now the busiest airport in the region.
Delta targets San Antonio: Delta’s CEO identified San Antonio as the airline’s next Texas target after Austin. Terminal C and a new Sky Club are due in the second half of 2028.
Finnair expands free Wi-Fi: From September 1, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Finnair Plus members and business class passengers get complimentary Wi-Fi across the Airbus fleet.
American and Alaska fix a lap infant issue: American can now price lap infant tickets on international revenue itineraries containing Alaska Airlines segments. Partner award bookings remain excluded.
Cathay expands its Alaska codeshare: Cathay added its code to 9 Alaska routes from Seattle (SEA), including Denver (DEN), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH), and Orlando (MCO).
Israir targets New York: The startup carrier plans to launch a 6-times-weekly Tel Aviv (TLV) to New York (JFK) service using an Airbus A330 starting October 19, pending FAA approval.
Riyadh Air and ANA partner: Their new agreement covers interline, codeshare, and reciprocal loyalty benefits.
WestJet finishes its cabin refresh: Former Swoop and Sunwing aircraft now have Premium seating, expanded Extended Comfort, device holders, and free TELUS Wi-Fi.
Plaza Premium launches ‘Flavours in Transit Season 2‘: Resident chefs will bring signature dishes to lounges in Dammam (DMM), Istanbul (SAW), London (LGW), Taipei (TPE), and Vancouver (YVR) through October 31, 2026.
Dulles keeps its mobile lounges: The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) says they will remain until the mid-2030s, when the AeroTrain extension and new connector building are completed.

Final Thoughts

From tighter refund windows to Delta’s AI plans and major airport developments, we saw some of everything this week. We’ll be back next week with more aviation news.