Latest travel news: September 2018

JetBlue and United Raise Fees for Checked Bags

Last month, JetBlue changed the industry standard by raising its fee for a first checked bag from $25 to $30. Within a week, United Airlines followed suit, also increasing the fee for a first checked bag on domestic flights and flights between the U.S. and both Canada and Mexico to $30. The fee for a second checked bag was increased to $40 on both airlines.

American Adds Free Live TV

Currently, American Airlines offers live TV on limited domestic routes. By the end of 2019, it plans to extend to 700 planes flying domestic routes, offering passengers their choice of 12 channels: Bravo, CBS, CNBC, CNN, Disney, ESPN, Fox, NBC, NFL Network, Telemundo, TNT and USA. Passengers will have the choice of watching the shows on their laptops or various electronic devices, without having to pay for in-flight Wi-Fi.

Longest Cruise in History Planned for 2020

The Seabourn Sojourn is planning a 146-day world cruise, departing January 4, 2020 from Miami. The voyage will stop in 62 ports in 36 countries, before concluding in San Francisco on May 28. Prices start at $52,999 plus taxes, fees and port charges.

United Expanding Lie-Flat Seat Service

United Airlines is developing new lie-flat seats for the Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft, allowing substantial increase in lie-flat transcontinental service. The prototype is currently in the development and testing phase and expected to be installed by the end of 2020.

U.S. State Department Lowers Travel Advisory to Cuba

The State Department lowered its travel advisory level for Cuba from 3 (“reconsider travel”) to 2 (“exercise increased caution”). The department assigns countries a number from 1 to 4, with Level 4 advising “do not travel.” The new Level 2 designation gives Cuba the same travel guidance level as France.