CLEAR E-Gates Expansion, Seaplane Redemptions, New Loyalty Program, and More Airline News

It’s mostly good news in this week’s roundup. We’ve got new ways to redeem Aeroplan points, a new airline loyalty program in Canada, and some niche new routes from American, JetBlue, and United. We’ll also take a look at the evolving TAP investment across the pond, and more airline news you might have missed.

United’s New Transcontinental Routes and New Service to Chihuahua, Mexico

United has added 2 more niche transcon routes from San Francisco (SFO) and a new nonstop service to Mexico from Houston (IAH). Its new services from SFO to Norfolk (ORF) and Richmond (RIC) in Virginia and from IAH to Chihuahua (CUU) will start in spring 2027.

The transcon routes join the 3 other routes previously added in October.

Fly a Seaplane Using Air Canada’s Aeroplan Points

You can now redeem Aeroplan points to fly seaplanes in Canada. The Canadian flag carrier’s partnership with Vancouver-based Harbour Air has been expanded to include redemptions departing from both of Vancouver’s airports. Redemptions start at 9,000 one-way and cover short seaplane jaunts to 13 destinations in British Columbia.

JetBlue’s New Domestic Flights from Fort Lauderdale

This week, JetBlue added 2 exciting new domestic routes from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), its South Florida hub. The new routes to Columbus (CMH), Ohio, and Indianapolis (IND) will operate daily, and appear to be scheduled on a year-round basis. JetBlue’s arrival on the route will give passengers a more premium alternative to the low-cost airlines that already connect the city pairs.

Air Transat Launches First Passenger Loyalty Program

It’s not often we learn of new airline loyalty programs. This week, Canadian leisure airline Air Transat unveiled Staria, its first-ever loyalty program. Staria points can be earned and redeemed on flights and Transat vacation packages, which can also be pooled with family and friends to redeem together in a “Constellation.” Staria Stars are Air Transat’s unique way of earning status. Rather than regular status levels, Stars unlock rewards, such as onboard perks, seat selection, or bonus points.

American Airlines Returns to Haiti After 6 Years

American Airlines is once again the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service to Haiti. As of November 1, the Dallas-headquartered airline operates a daily service from Miami (MIA) to Cap-Haitien (CAP) — the main international airport of Haiti. In its centenary year, this new route takes American’s total Caribbean and Latin American destinations to 100.

CLEAR Adds More eGates for Speedier Processing

CLEAR members will now be able to use the all-new e-gates at 53 airports across the U.S. Instead of having to pass by one of CLEARs kiosks, e-gates automate the entire process, resulting in a faster security experience.

Lufthansa Group Makes Progress With Its Investment in TAP Air Portugal

On Tuesday, November 3, Lufthansa Group bought a 44.9% minority stake in TAP Air Portugal for 1,025 billion euros (roughly $1.1 billion). The deal gives Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, etc.) greater access to South America and Africa, thanks to TAP’s expansive network. As for passengers, the direct impact of the acquisition isn’t clear, but it could lead to the gradual disappearance of the relatively cheap transatlantic fares for which TAP has become known.

Other Airline News This Week

• Chicago O’Hare’s (ORD) Swissport Lounge — once dubbed the saddest airport lounge — was permanently shuttered on October 31, 2026.
• United Airlines passengers on Starlink-enabled flights can now stream their favorite tunes and podcasts from their own Spotify accounts.
• Air Tahiti Nui is the latest airline to announce fleetwide Starlink. Installation will begin in 2027.
• British Airways has announced a surprising codeshare partnership with Mexican low-cost airline Viva.
• Condor, Germany’s leisure carrier and second-largest airline, will offer passengers a lounge experience for the first time when it opens 2 lounges at Frankfurt (FRA) in 2027.

Final Thoughts

With seaplane redemptions, BA codesharing with a low-cost Mexican airline, American flying to Haiti, and nonstop United flights to Chihuahua, our roundups don’t get much more niche than this. Still, these are the kind of fun and quirky topics that remind us that there is never a dull day in the world of airlines and aviation.