As coronavirus vaccines become more widely available, travelers are gradually returning to leisure travel. All the while, airlines continue to respond with expanded routes and travel incentives.
This week’s top airline news shares discounts with Delta Vacations and Southwest Airlines, while Hawaiian Airlines eliminates their mileage expiration policy. Plus, Avelo Airlines makes a debut in Washington’s Tri-Cities.
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 07: The Avelo aircraft is seen at Hollywood Burbank Airport on April 07, 2021 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo)
Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air
Avelo Airlines welcomed at Pasco Tri-Cities Airport
New carrier Avelo Airlines recently premiered at Pasco Tri-Cities (PSC) airport with introductory one-way fares to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) starting as low as $19.
“Avelo has a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel,” said Avelo Founder, Chairman, and CEO Andrew Levy. “People are ready to reconnect with family and friends and explore new places. Avelo is a different and better kind of airline, built from scratch to offer an affordable, convenient and caring travel experience.”
The low-cost carrier offers customers flexibility in their travel experience with optional fees for priority boarding and pre-reserved window or aisle seating. Guests may choose between a $10 first checked bag or $35 for an overhead stowed carry-on bag.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 07: Air travelers stand by a boarding gate in John F. Kennedy International Airport on November 07, 2020, in New York City. The global pandemic has had a devastating impact on aviation and airlines don’t believe they will see much improvement until a reliable COVID-19 vaccine is developed and distributed. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Noam Galai/Getty Images
Delta Vacations discount, mileage boost
Delta Airlines has recently extended a new mileage boost offering for guests booking hotel and flight travel packages through Delta Vacations. Using promo code SMBONUS, guests may earn up to 70,000 Delta SkyMiles when booking a vacation package, or alternatively, save up to $350 off per booking.
LONG BEACH, CA – MARCH 10: Cynthia Guidry, Director of the Long Beach Airport, welcomes travelers and staff of Hawaiian Airlines on Hawaiian Airlines”u2019 inaugural service to Maui”u2019s Kahului Airport in Long Beach on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. (Photo by Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images)
MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press/MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Hawaiian Airlines eliminates mileage expiration
Frequent flyers on Hawaiian Airlines may be familiar with the airline’s expiration policy for mileage accrual. Until now, HawaiianMiles earnings risked expiry if the account lacked activity after 18 months. Effective this week, that is no longer the case as Hawaiian Airlines has eliminated the mileage expiration policy.
“Removing mileage expiration is one of many changes we’re making to better serve our guests and members. The hard times we have gone through as an airline has challenged us to ask ourselves how we can be an even better airline, for our guests, our employees, and our communities,” Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing, wrote in an email to HawaiianMiles members. “We are committed to emerging from this crisis a stronger airline, even more deeply committed to guests and our purpose of connecting people with aloha.”
In celebration of this policy change, Hawaiian Airlines invited travelers to enter an Endless Hawaii Sweepstakes for a chance to win 1 Million HawaiianMiles.
Travelers preparing for a Maui vacation should be aware Maui County plans to introduce a second COVID-19 test upon arrival, in addition to current pre-travel testing requirements. Maui Now reported this new requirement is expected to begin by the end of the month. Maui travelers are advised to keep an eye on updates on the County of Maui website.
Southwest Airlines celebration sale
In celebration of its 50th birthday, Southwest Airlines has announced a sale with one-way fares as low as $50. This celebratory sale is on now through May 3, 2021, with travel dates extending as far into the
future as November. Flights must be booked with 21-day advance purchase and some blackout dates apply.
