Airlines

Lufthansa Group rolls out new status programme in 2024

Simple and clear Points system.
Miles & More award miles continue to be awarded as before.
New: Frequent Traveller Lifetime status for long-term loyalty.
All changes apply to flights from 1 January 2024.

The status programme is being made simpler by the Lufthansa Group. For reaching and maintaining Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle status, users will soon be given access to a clearer, more transparent earning structure. Loyalty to the airlines of the Lufthansa Group will also be rewarded with enhanced benefits. In addition to the current Senator Lifetime level, the most devoted customers will soon be eligible for the new Frequent Traveler Lifetime category. Flights beginning on January 1, 2024, will be affected by all status programme modifications.

American Airlines Announces Big Changes for AAdvantage Program(Opens in a new browser tab)

Key changes from 2024 at a glance:

Points system replaces status miles

In the future, Miles & More members will be awarded Points instead of status miles for their flights. How many Points customers earn for each flight will depend on just two criteria: the travel class and whether the flight is continental or intercontinental1.

Points can be earned on flights with all Star Alliance airlines, as is currently the case with status miles. To achieve Frequent Traveller or Senator status in future, it will also be necessary to take a number of those flights with Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Eurowings Discover, Lufthansa, SWISS or the co-issuing Miles & More airline partners2.

Alaska Airlines expands one-of-a-kind flight subscription service to Salt Lake City(Opens in a new browser tab)

As before, HON Circle Members will continue to qualify exclusively on flights in Business and First Class operated by the airlines mentioned above. Overall, it will be easier to achieve status. In future, status will be valid for at least one year. The period for earning the necessary Points for any frequent flyer status will be one calendar year.

Long-standing frequent flyers will qualify for Frequent Traveller Lifetime and Senator Lifetime status in future. This will be based on the sum of all Points earned on flights operated by Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Eurowings Discover, Lufthansa, SWISS or the co-issuing Miles & More airline partners2.

Miles & More award miles continue to be awarded as before. Award miles are miles that can be earned both on everyday purchases and when travelling – for flights, rental cars, hotel stays and much more. They can then be redeemed for merchandise awards or services.

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.