American, KLM and SWISS announced plans to add Starlink, while Delta was not adding it. Icelandair named St. Louis its 16th U.S. destination, and the United States is ending passport stamps for most arrivals. The roundup also covered airline routes, hotel changes and lounge projects.
American said it will equip its entire mainline fleet with Starlink beginning in 2027; KLM plans free Starlink Wi-Fi on long-haul flights, and SWISS has begun a rollout of free service. Icelandair’s St. Louis service would make that city its 16th U.S. destination. Other announced route plans included Air France nonstop flights to Nashville and San Diego next summer and BermudAir service involving Belize and Turks and Caicos.
Hotel news included Marriott’s addition of eight hotels across the Netherlands, while a planned Westin at Miami International Airport was canceled over FAA safety concerns. Lounge projects included American’s planned largest Admirals Club in Charlotte and an American Express lounge at Newark described as its largest, alongside a second London location. The weekly roundup also included a British Airways flight review and developments in Delta and LATAM’s joint venture.
Free onboard Wi-Fi could reduce travelers’ connectivity costs, but American’s fleetwide installation is not scheduled to begin until 2027. Removing arrival stamps also means travelers will have one fewer paper record of entry, with no substitute identified.
Source: www.insideflyer.com
