More Delta One Check-Ins, Free Meals on a Low-Cost Airline, and Other Airline News You Might’ve Missed

Another week has gone by — and with it, more notable updates from the world of airlines and aviation.

More exclusive Delta One check-in areas are on the horizon, American has unveiled a special centennial livery, a Middle Eastern low-cost carrier is introducing free meals in economy, and more updates are happening.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Delta One Check-Ins Coming to 2 More Airports

Delta‘s most premium check-in experience will be available for passengers at all of its hub airports by the end of the year.

Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC) will be the next and final hub airports to feature the airline’s premium Delta One check-in areas.

Delta One check-in areas are exclusive, private spaces where passengers flying Delta’s most premium cabin can check in away from the hustle and bustle of the regular departures area.

Additionally, eligible customers flying Delta One on long-haul itineraries plus first-class on select domestic routes can enjoy drinks and snacks, including Champagne, while they check in.

In some hubs, like Los Angeles (LAX), the space even features security lanes with direct access to the terminal and Delta One lounge.

American Airlines’ Stunning New Centennial Livery

Preparations for American Airlines‘ 100-year anniversary are well underway.

The Fort Worth-headquartered carrier, which will turn 100 on April 15, 2026, has revealed a striking retro-style Flagship livery.

The commemorative design is a modern take on one of the airline’s earliest liveries. The centennial livery will adorn its Boeing 777-300 registered N735AT from November.

“Our renewed focus on the customer experience is making premium travel better than ever across all aspects of our customers’ travel journeys,” said Ron DeFeo, chief communications officer at American. “Painting the original Flagship design on our Flagship aircraft is a powerful way to honor that legacy while embracing the future.”

From Flagship lounges to the all-new Flagship Suite, “Flagship” is the name American reserves for its most premium products and experiences, which is fitting for its beautiful new livery.

Virgin Unveils New Initiative For LGBTQ+ Travelers

Virgin Atlantic is solidifying its position as the most inclusive airline in the world with its new initiative: “Free To Be Me.”

It aims to provide guidance and support for LGBTQ+ travelers who might not feel confident planning trips to certain destinations independently.

“Travel should be about joy, discovery and freedom – yet too many LGBTQ+ travellers still feel they must ‘dial down’ who they are abroad,” said Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic.

As part of the Free To Be Me initiative, LGBTQ+ travelers who are thinking of booking a vacation with Virgin Atlantic have the option of “Rainbow Maker” consultations. This would be with a team of LGBTQ+ specialists who have been trained by the Diversity Standards Collective.

LGBTQ+ destination guides and Pride Certified hotels are also part of the initiative.

Free Meals for Low-Cost Passengers Coming Soon

Since 2009, flydubai has been the UAE’s (somewhat bougier) equivalent to the likes of Southwest in the U.S.

As the airline grows, the low-cost business model that it was founded on is shifting. The latest update from the Dubai-based carrier is that all economy class passengers will now enjoy a complimentary meal, even during short-haul flights.

“This announcement has come at the right time as we prepare to expand our network, continue to grow our fleet and welcome more passengers on board year after year,” said Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer at flydubai.

This transition will be a massive undertaking for the company and a huge change for the airline’s cabin crew. The unprecedented move comes ahead of the airline launching long-haul operations, which it plans to start with Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Air Serbia Adds Third North American Destination

From May 23, 2026, a new nonstop flight will connect Toronto (YYZ) with Belgrade (BEG) in Serbia. Air Serbia, the Serbian national carrier, will operate the service just twice per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays in accordance with a restrictive bilateral agreement between the 2 countries.

The route from the Serbian capital to Canada’s financial hub joins Chicago (ORD) and New York (JFK) as Air Serbia’s third nonstop service to North America.

The service will be operated by the carrier’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The planes feature 236 standard economy seats and, surprisingly, a business class cabin with 18 lie-flat seats.

EVA Air Could Add More East Coast Cities to Its Route Map

With the recent addition of Dallas (DFW), Taiwanese EVA is progressively building a solid U.S. route network. According to AirlineGeeks, the airline is not content with the 7 U.S. destinations it serves and is actively considering more options on the East Coast.

Flights from Taipei (TPE) to Boston (BOS), Washington DC (IAD), or even Miami (MIA) could complement the existing year-round daily service to New York’s JFK.

Delayed, Again: The Boeing 777X Faces More Setbacks

It’s been over a decade since we first learned about Boeing’s next-generation 777X aircraft. It now looks like the first plane won’t be delivered until at least some time in 2027. The precise reason behind Boeing’s extended, lengthy delay remains unclear.

Thanks to its fuel efficiency, increased passenger capacity, and improved cabin pressurization and humidity, airlines worldwide are desperate for the aircraft to join their fleets. Not least is German flag carrier Lufthansa, which is set to be the first customer of the Boeing 777X.

Along with financial damage incurred by Boeing, the delay could cause reputational damage for airlines as they’re unable to update their aging fleets with new aircraft that have more modern and comfortable cabins.

Final Thoughts

What an eclectic mix of news this week. More Delta One check-ins, a new nonstop flight to Serbia, a stunning new livery, and the potential of more nonstop flights to Taiwan are certainly things U.S.-based travelers can look forward to.

As for flydubai introducing free meals in economy, we can only hope that this might be the start of a trend that will spread to the U.S.