Greetings from Austin! We’re in full blown Christmas mode at the ATX house and Mrs. ATX parents have come down to celebrate. Next week, we’re off to Louisiana to spend time with my family before ringing in the new year in Mexico!
Prior to the holidays, we had a very busy week on the travel and aviation front. American Airlines quietly devalued Basic Economy bookings, Delta opened premium check-in areas at all of its hubs with Delta One service, and a third airport in Dallas is getting commercial service. All of that and more in the ATX Jetsetter weekly recap for the week ended December 20, 2025.
In this post:
- American Airlines Will No Longer Award Miles or Loyalty Points on Basic Economy Tickets
- Delta One Check-In Expands to All Hubs with Delta One Routes
- Spirit and Frontier Eye Merger Agreement
- A Third Dallas Area Airport is Getting Commercial Service
- United Improves Mobile App; Adds Gate, Club, and Bag Upgrades
- Review: Hilton Tokyo
- Summary
American Airlines Will No Longer Award Miles or Loyalty Points on Basic Economy Tickets
American Airlines has quietly removed the ability to earn miles and Loyalty Points on Basic Economy tickets. All tickets booked on or after December 17, 2025 are subject to the new restrictions. This isn’t a surprising change from American, as it brings their Basic Economy offering more in line with Delta’s and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see United follow suit.
Delta One Check-In Expands to All Hubs with Delta One Routes
Delta has opened dedicated Delta One Check-In areas at all of its hubs which have Delta One service (New York LaGuardia does not offer any long-haul flights). This is a great upgrade for premium passengers, allowing allowing their Delta One experience to begin as soon as they arrive at the airport.
Spirit and Frontier Eye Merger Agreement
After a rough 18 month stretch which saw it declare bankruptcy twice, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines are once again engaged in merger talks. Nothing has been finalized but we could see the two ULCCs combined in early 2026.
A Third Dallas Area Airport is Getting Commercial Service
Avelo Airlines has signed a five year use and lease agreement with McKinney National Airport (TKI). This will make Avelo the first commercial operator at the new airport with flights expected to launch shortly after the new commercial terminal opens in late 2026.
United Improves Mobile App; Adds Gate, Club, and Bag Upgrades
United already has the best mobile app of the big three U.S. carriers and now they are making even more improvements. These changes are intended to improve the day-of travel experience and are being implemented just in time for the busy holiday travel season.
Review: Hilton Tokyo
To kick off our trip across Japan, we had a great five night stay at the Hilton Tokyo. While there are certainly more upscale properties around, for the price, amenities, and location, this property can’t be beaten.
Convenient access to Shinjuku Station and the Tokyo Metro made it a breeze for us to get around the city and we found the staff to be friendly and accommodating. While the bathroom in our room had a few quirks, I would gladly stay at the Hilton Tokyo again.
Summary
It was a busy week as we head into Christmas and I’m hoping that things slow down a bit over the break so I can catch up on my review backlog. As always, thank you for checking out the weekly recap for the week ended December 20, 2025!