JSX has begun selling tickets for new Santa Monica–Las Vegas flights after securing a city operations permit, but local activists have already filed a California Environmental Quality Act lawsuit seeking to halt the service. While CEQA is unlikely to stop flights outright, it can impose enough delay and cost to run out the clock before the airport’s scheduled 2028 closure.
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
JSX has secured approval to begin commercial service from Santa Monica Municipal Airport, a field the city has spent decades trying to restrict and is set to close entirely in 2028. The carrier will launch daily Las Vegas flights on December 19, operating under a newly issued city permit despite long-standing local opposition to scheduled air service.
Spirit’s first class was cheaper than extra-legroom coach on American, Delta, or United — and it was the only way for my whole family to sit together. The booking was a headache, but the flights themselves were surprisingly good, and the math made the decision easy.
A new Senate Commerce Committee report alleges the Biden administration pushed major U.S. airports to house migrants inside terminals and other facilities, even after airport operators warned the move was unsafe, operationally unworkable, and likely illegal. Logan, O’Hare and JFK were among at least 11 airports contacted, with some ultimately sheltering hundreds of migrants overnight.
Bilt is bringing back its biggest transfer promotion on December 1, offering up to a 100% bonus when moving points to British Airways — with a stack of additional Rent Day offers available the same week. It’s one of the richest partner bonuses in the market and comes alongside limited-time perks across dining, gift cards, and events.
A new Royal Air Maroc status-match offer lets travelers effectively buy into Oneworld status, unlocking business and even first class lounge access when flying airlines like American and Alaska. With matches available up to Emerald and valid through 2026, it’s one of the rare opportunities for those with status in another program to purchase alliance-wide lounge benefits outright with oneworld airlines.
Tragically, a wing walker was hit by the engine of an arriving American Airlines aircraft on November 12th at Dallas – Fort Worth. This was originally reported by aviation watchdog JonNYC and hasn’t been picked up anywhere else.
A Delta Air Lines passenger in seat 21C had an infant traveling with him. Mid-flight they needed a diaper change. Instead of getting up to go to the lavatory, the man dropped the tray table, tossed a thin blanket over it, and changed the baby’s right there in the aisle seat.
Citi has its best-ever offer for the AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard — 75,000 miles after $5,000 spend and no annual fee the first year. Lots of approvals reported.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
