In 2025, airline passengers will see the opening of lounges and changes to frequent flyer programs, and the number of premium and elite services will continue to steadily increase.
For some travelers, reaching elite frequent flyer status will be more expensive and difficult. United Airlines plans to raise status thresholds and require travelers to spend more and fly more for perks like free checked bags and upgrades. British Airways is also undergoing major changes to its loyalty program, moving from a system based on distance traveled and cabin class to one based on revenue based on how much travelers spend. Overall, it will be harder than ever for budget travelers to build loyalty with airlines.
Airlines hope to attract customers with new lounges. In late 2025, JetBlue will open its first airport lounge at Kennedy International Airport in New York, and American Airlines will open two lounges in Philadelphia.
Whether it's spacious seats in economy or all the luxuries in upper class, traveler demand for premium tickets is expected to continue, and airlines want to meet demand.
Emirates recently introduced premium economy cabins on some routes in the United States after upgrading its Boeing 777 fleet, and the airline's premium cabins will be available on more routes.
In addition to offering a new premium economy cabin, American Airlines plans to introduce new business class seats later this year. Alaska Airlines continues to expand both premium and first class seats on more than 200 aircraft, eventually adding approximately 1 million premium class seats and 250,000 first class seats It's planned. (This means upgrades may be easier.) Even low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines are expanding their premium economy cabins, offering seat selection and legroom a fraction of the cost. We are modifying the plane to make it widely available. Frontier Airlines plans to introduce first class seats.
Delta recently opened its most exclusive lounges ever in Boston, Los Angeles and New York, and plans to open a new lounge in Seattle in the spring. The lounge welcomes Delta One ticket holders, select Delta travelers flying in First Class, and eligible passengers flying First or Business Class on partner airlines.
Delta One customers can expect the best in service, with personalized assistance and a semi-private check-in area. At Kennedy and Los Angeles International Airports, these travelers don't have to step through major security checkpoints. Instead, use a private security lane leading directly to the lounge.
