Somehow I blinked and Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. While temperatures in Austin are still in the nineties, it’s time for the October 2024 Monthly Recap. October saw us take a couple of trips, one to Louisiana for my first trip on Spirit and another to North Carolina to visit family. I’m a bit behind on the write-ups for those so they’ll have to wait until the November recap. So, for now, let’s hop in.
United Airlines Updates MileagePlus Qualification Thresholds
As we near the end of the year, we’re also nearing the end of the current status qualification year. United Airlines has made changes to its MileagePlus qualification thresholds with some steep increases across the board. While the changes are dramatic, this brings United closer in line to other U.S. carriers with revenue based status tiers.
Delta is Rolling Out New Cabin Interiors Fleetwide
Delta Air Lines announced this month that they are planning a massive interior upgrade fleetwide. The airline is planning upgrades to all of its cabins, removing its signature blue interiors in favor of something a bit more subdued.
While the new cabins look sleek, they also don’t have any of the brand elements that we’ve come to expect from the airline over the years. At first glance, these interiors could be on any airline anywhere in the world. I for one will miss the airline’s bright blue seats.
Czech Airlines, The World’s 5th Oldest Airline, Ceases Operations
It was a sad month for global aviation as Czech Airlines, once the fifth oldest airline in the world, suspended operations after 101 years in service. The airline, which had been shrinking for years, was folded into Smartwings with the Czech Airlines brand being repurposed into a holding company.
Flight Review: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 First Class
One of my highlights of the past month was the chance to try out a new airline. Mrs. ATX and I headed off for a long weekend in San Diego with ATX Jr. and decided to fly Alaska Airlines First Class on the Boeing 737-900. While Alaska’s First Class hard product is far from industry leading, the carrier has invested heavily in its food and beverage options and the crew was top notch which made for an enjoyable flight.
Lounge Review: United Club Denver Concourse B East (DEN)
On a recent trip through Denver International Airport (DEN) I had some time to kill and swung by the newly remodeled United Club in Terminal B East. The lounge has a fantastic location with great views of the ramp and plenty of space to spread out. The decor is warm and modern and would be a great place to hang out during the winter months.
Also, I found the food offerings to be slightly better than most United Clubs but that could be a matter of personal preference. The complimentary beverage selection still lags behind the offerings from Delta and American in their respective clubs.
Summary
Thanks for checking in and reading the October 2024 Monthly Recap. With the year quickly winding down I’m beginning to turn my focus our 2025 travels. Currently, we’ve got one major international trip on the books with another in the works. A quick trip north of the border is also coming together for New Years, as long as ATX Jr.’s passport arrives in time!
