JetBlue Merger, Shutdown Consequences, Alaska Codeshares, New Beond Routes, and More Airline News

In this week’s roundup, we cover more routes from Fort Lauderdale, a potential merger on the horizon for JetBlue, Delta punishing Congress, more codeshare routes for Alaska and Icelandair, Allegiant Air’s Travel with Confidence policy, and more airline news.

Let’s get started.

JetBlue Is Back in the Merger Market. But With Who?

JetBlue is tinkering on the edge of announcing a potential merger yet again, according to Semafor. After previous failed attempts with Spirit, there are now 3 airlines in the running: Alaska, Southwest, and United.

The combination of JetBlue’s recent Blue Sky partnership with United and CEO Scott Kirby’s determination to secure more slots at JetBlue’s home base, JFK, makes United seem like the obvious choice. However, United doesn’t need JetBlue as much as JetBlue needs United.

While Alaska would also be a great option for JetBlue to merge with, the airline just acquired and merged with Hawaiian, so I don’t think that will happen.

As for Southwest, the 2 airlines couldn’t be any more different in their business models, customer base, and aircraft. I sincerely hope this doesn’t happen, for the sake of JetBlue’s reputation.

Delta Cuts Perks for Members of Congress

Delta is taking matters into its own hands regarding the partial government shutdown. Until it ends, the airline is suspending all privileges for members of Congress. Their privileges usually include expedited security screening, more leniency with ticket changes, and even escorts through airport terminals.

JetBlue Grows in Fort Lauderdale Yet Again

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is fast becoming one of JetBlue’s most important hubs. On July 8, the carrier will add a new nonstop service between the popular Florida beach destination and Cleveland, Ohio (CLE).

Additionally, also in July, JetBlue will increase the frequency of 8 other routes from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta (ATL), Aruba (AUA), Jacksonville (JAX), Las Vegas (LAS), Newark (EWR), Norfolk (ORF), Philadelphia (PHL), Santo Domingo (SDQ), and Sint Maarten (SXM).

Flights are on sale now, and TrueBlue members who book the new Cleveland service before March 29 are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus points.

Allegiant Draws up Travel With Confidence Policy

For those who feel uneasy about flying during the current partial government shutdown, Allegiant has announced a new Travel with Confidence policy. All existing and new bookings that depart before the end of the shutdown can be changed for free and are fully refundable.

Alaska Airlines Expands Codeshare With Icelandair

Before Alaska Airlines’ new route to Reykjavik (KEF) even starts, the carrier has planned an expanded codeshare with Icelandair — Iceland’s flag carrier. Alaska Airlines flight numbers will appear on Icelandair’s nonstop services from Reykjavik to Bergen, Norway (BGO); Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH); Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI); Geneva, Switzerland (GVA); Glasgow, Scotland (GLA); Helsinki, Finland (HEL); Oslo, Norway (OSL); Paris (CDG), and Vágar (FAE) in the Faroe Islands. This means you’ll be able to book a single ticket with Alaska Airlines from Seattle to Reykjavik, and connect to an Icelandair flight to the above European destinations.

American Airlines Unveils Centennial Amenity Kits

Passengers flying American Airlines‘ premium cabins from April are in for a centenary treat. The carrier has announced limited-edition amenity kits for first class, business class, and premium economy.

Limited-edition pajamas and closed-toe slippers will also be handed out to passengers in first class, and Flagship Suite Preferred seats and Flagship Business passengers on ultra-long-haul flights.

Beond Adds London and Paris

Beond is probably the most unique and intriguing airline start-up of the moment. It launched in 2023 from its base in the Maldives with just a single Airbus A319 with only lie-flat business class seats. Its frequently evolving and adapting route network will soon include London Heathrow (LHR) and Paris (CDG) for the first time.

Final Thoughts

With a possible merger back on the table for JetBlue and its expansion in Fort Lauderdale, the New York-based carrier rightly stole the limelight this week. American’s new premium amenity kits look snazzy, but it’s a shame economy passengers won’t get any centenary memorabilia. And as for the partial shutdown, Allegiant’s flexible booking policy will certainly be welcome to some, and only time will tell whether Delta taking a stand against members of Congress will hasten this coming to an end sooner.