Delta To Become The Only U.S. Airline Flying Nonstop Between LAX and Manila

In a major development for transpacific aviation, Delta Air Lines has officially announced its first-ever nonstop service connecting the U.S. mainland directly to the Philippines. Launching in spring 2027, the highly anticipated route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) establishes Delta as the only U.S. carrier to offer a direct link between these two major global hubs.

Whether you are visiting family, traveling for business, or eager to explore the world-class beaches of Boracay and Palawan, this historic route completely changes the landscape for points and miles collectors. Here is everything you need to know about Delta’s newest Pacific crown jewel.

---

Flight Schedule and Frequency

The new transpacific link is slated to take flight on March 28, 2027. To align with seasonal demand, Delta is deploying a phased rollout strategy for the roughly 7,300-mile journey:

• Inaugural Phase (March 28 – June 6, 2027): The flight will operate three times per week, allowing the airline to smoothly integrate the long-haul route into its network.


• Daily Phase (Starting June 7, 2027): Just in time for the peak summer travel season, the route will upgrade to a daily schedule in both directions.

For travelers planning ahead, reservations are expected to load directly into the system on July 19, 2026, meaning you can lock in your itinerary nearly a year in advance.

The Aircraft: Flagship Comfort on the Airbus A350-900

A ultra-long-haul flight of nearly 16 hours requires a premier passenger experience, and Delta is delivering by deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 on the route. The widebody aircraft will feature Delta's standard four-class layout, catering to every style of traveler:

• Delta One Suites: Premium flyers can enjoy maximum privacy with fully closing doors, luxury lie-flat bedding, and personalized culinary menus.


• Delta Premium Select: A dedicated premium economy cabin boasting wider seats, deeper recline, and upgraded footrests.


• Delta Comfort+: Extra legroom and dedicated overhead bin space to ensure a cozy journey.


• Main Cabin: Standard economy seating paired with Delta's industry-leading seatback entertainment and free, fast Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members.

A Massive Win for the Filipino-American Community

Southern California is home to one of the largest Filipino communities outside of the Philippines, making this route an incredibly logical step for Delta’s premier West Coast hub. Historically, travelers on this route have either flown Philippine Airlines or endured lengthy layovers at connecting hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei.

By eliminating the connection entirely, Delta is saving travelers hours of transit time. Furthermore, travelers originating elsewhere in the U.S. can take advantage of Delta's massive domestic footprint at LAX, booking single-itinerary, one-stop connections through Terminal 3 straight to Manila.

Strategic Power: The Korean Air Joint Venture

Interestingly, this isn't Delta's first time touching down in Manila. The airline previously operated tag flights to the capital from Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon, though those fifth-freedom routes were retired during the pandemic.

This new direct flight doesn't replace Delta's partners; instead, it strengthens its highly successful joint venture with Korean Air. Travelers now have the ultimate flexibility: they can book a seamless nonstop with Delta out of LAX or choose an itinerary connecting through Seoul Incheon on Korean Air, providing unmatched flexibility across the Pacific.

The Bottom Line

Delta's expansion to Manila proves that the carrier is deeply committed to capitalizing on massive Asia-Pacific travel demand. For SkyMiles members and international globetrotters alike, having a premium, points-friendly, and nonstop U.S.-carrier option to the Philippines is an extraordinary milestone. Keep your calendars marked for the July 2026 booking launch, and get ready to experience Manila like never before.

Global Entry Tests Nonstop Camera Tracking at 6 Major Hubs

The new camera capture trial completely flips that script. By mounting high-speed, advanced facial comparison cameras along the walls of dedicated Global Entry corridors, the system establishes a seamless "capture zone."

The Nonstop Flow: As you walk down the lane at a normal pace, the overhead camera automatically snaps your photo, matches it against existing Department of Homeland Security biometric holdings (like your passport or enrollment photo), and runs your security vetting in mid-stride. By the time you reach the CBP officer at the end of the corridor, your profile is already pulled up on their screen, cleared, and ready for a brief verbal confirmation.

The Six Major Pilot Airports

CBP isn’t testing this out in quiet regional terminals; they have deployed the walk-through tech at some of the absolute busiest international gateways in the United States. If you are flying back into the country through any of these six airports this summer, you are likely to encounter the trial:

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – The flagship pilot site, which began testing in April and is scheduled to run through September 2026.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Why This Matters for Peak Summer Travel

For frequent flyers, the biggest benefit of a walk-through setup is the absolute elimination of the classic kiosk bottleneck. During peak international arrival waves—when multiple widebody jets dump thousands of passengers into the customs hall simultaneously—even the Global Entry line can occasionally experience a slowdown as people fiddle with kiosks or reposition their bags for a photo.

Keeping the line physically moving changes the entire pacing of international arrivals. It is a massive win for business travelers or families racing against a tight domestic connection window, turning what used to be a multi-step pause into a continuous walk straight to the baggage claim.

What Travelers Should Do Differently

Because this technology alters the mental model frequent flyers have relied on for a decade, arriving at a pilot lane can feel a little jarring the first time. Keep these golden rules in mind:

1. Look for the Signs, Not the Kiosks: If you are directed into a walk-through lane, do not stop to hunt for a physical machine. Just keep walking down the designated capture corridor.
2. Keep Your Documents Handady: Just because a camera verified your face mid-walk does not mean you can pack away your documents. The CBP officer at the end of the lane still maintains absolute authority over your entry and may request to see your passport or ask routine declaration questions.
3. The Privacy Opt-Out Remains: If you prefer not to use facial comparison technology, nothing changes. Under CBP rules, Global Entry members always maintain the right to opt out of biometric scanning and request standard, manual processing by an officer.

Note: This camera upgrade strictly targets international customs processing for Global Entry. It is completely separate from the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID programs being tested at pre-departure security checkpoints.

---

Have you experienced the new walk-through Global Entry lanes yet at JFK, SFO, or PHL? Did it feel faster than the classic kiosks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

TSA Warning: How To Protect Your Film Camera Gear From New Airport Scanners

If you’ve walked through an airport security checkpoint recently, you might have noticed some high-tech upgrades. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been actively deploying advanced 3D Computed Tomography (CT) scanners nationwide, backed by massive procurement contracts totaling up to $781.2 million.

For the average traveler, these machines are a massive win—they allow you to leave your laptops, liquids, and tablets tucked safely inside your bags, speeding up the line significantly.

However, the TSA has issued a quiet warning. While these advanced machines are great for efficiency, their incredibly powerful imaging technology can permanently damage or completely destroy certain passengers' belongings in a single pass. If you are a photographer, creative, or traditional overpacker, here is what you need to look out for.

---

The Hard Truth for Film Photographers

The group facing the greatest risk from the new $781 million rollout is anyone traveling with analog photography equipment.

Unlike the older generation of traditional, two-dimensional X-ray cabinets—which lower-speed films could usually survive for a few passes—these state-of-the-art CT scanners use high-powered, rotating 3D medical-grade imaging.

According to film laboratories and imaging experts, just a single pass through a checkpoint CT scanner can completely ruin unprocessed film. The damage isn’t just a subtle haze either; it manifests as distinct, unrecoverable linear banding, heavy stripes, and severe fogging across your negatives.

Every Stock is At Risk: While high-speed film (ISO 800 and above, like Portra 800 or Fujifilm Instax) is the most vulnerable, even standard consumer films (ISO 100 to 400) and specialty motion picture stocks are showing permanent damage.

---

The Sizing Tunnel Catch: Rigid Enforcement

The photographic danger isn't the only hidden snag. Experts are also warning that the physical footprint of these new CT scanners is changing how airlines enforce carry-on dimensions.

The entry tunnels on these new $781 million machines are typically slightly smaller and more rigid than the older X-ray units.

Historically, if your roller bag was stuffed to the brim or slightly over specifications, a lenient TSA officer could often push it through the flexible rubber flaps of the old machines. With the new scanners, if your bag cannot physically clear the tight entry frame, screening cannot proceed. Passengers with oversized or bulging bags are increasingly being turned away at the checkpoint and sent back to the ticket counter to pay unexpected checked baggage fees.

---

How to Protect Your Gear: The Airport Strategy

If you are traveling with traditional film, vintage cameras, or instant film, you have to actively change your airport routine:

1. Never Check Your Film: The heavy-duty CT scanners utilized for checked luggage are even more powerful than checkpoint machines and will instantly cause total destruction of your unexposed film. Always pack it in your carry-on.


2. The Clear Bag Method: Remove all film rolls or boxes from their canisters and plastic wrap, and place them inside a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Keep this bag at the very top of your carry-on for easy access.


3. Request a Hand Inspection: When you reach the front of the line, hand the plastic bag directly to a TSA officer and explicitly ask for a physical hand inspection. Under TSA guidelines, passengers have the right to request a manual check for film equipment.


4. Arrive Early: A manual hand inspection requires a TSA officer to visually check the canisters and swab them for explosive residue. This process typically adds an extra 3 to 10 minutes to your screening time, so plan your arrival accordingly.

---

Have you encountered these new 3D scanners on your recent travels? Did you have any trouble getting a hand inspection for your gear? Let us know in the comments below!

The Met Forced To Return $95 Million Of "Stolen" Artifacts To Origin Countries

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York City is globally celebrated as a treasure trove of human history. However, its world-class collection is facing an unprecedented reckoning. Over the past several years—and escalating into a major wave of confiscations in June 2026—investigators have systematically forced the museum to return millions of dollars worth of ancient antiquities that were determined to be looted, stolen, or illegally trafficked from their countries of origin.

In total, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has seized more than $95 million worth of artifacts from The Met since 2017. As empty display cases begin to quietly appear in the museum's hallowed halls, the situation has ignited a fierce debate about the ethics of museum collections, cultural heritage, and who truly owns world history.

---

🏺 What Is Happening at The Met?

The confiscations are part of a massive, ongoing probe led by the Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit. Their goal is to identify and repatriate cultural items that were funneled into the global art market by international smuggling networks—often decades ago—before ultimately landing in the collections of private buyers and major institutions like The Met.

The scale of the issue traces back to the mid-20th century. During the 1960s and 70s, under an aggressive acquisition program meant to rival the British Museum and the Louvre, The Met rapidly expanded its antiquities collection. Unfortunately, the provenance (the documented history of ownership) for many of these items was murky at best, relying on dealers who were later linked to the illicit antiquities trade.

---

🔍 The Key Artifacts Returned

The $95 million figure encompasses hundreds of items returned to various countries around the world. The most recent seizures in June 2026 highlighted just how valuable and historically significant these pieces are. Some of the most notable recent repatriations include:

• From Turkey: A 2,000-year-old bronze statuette of Hermes (valued at roughly $500,000).
• From Greece: A 3,700-year-old terracotta beak-spouted jug and an ancient marble head.
• From Egypt: An ancient golden headpiece adorned with ram heads, following the earlier high-profile return of the famous gold Coffin of Nedjemankh (which was originally purchased by the museum using falsified export papers).
• From Cambodia & Thailand: Dozens of pieces, including 10th-century sculptures and pre-Angkorian sandstone lintels, all tied to the disgraced art dealer Douglas Latchford.
• From Italy: A marble head of Athena and ancient Greek vases valued in the tens of millions of dollars.

---

⚖️ The Museum vs. The Prosecutors

Publicly, The Met has characterized the process as cooperative. Lucian Simmons, the museum's head of provenance research, has stated that The Met has no interest in holding onto stolen cultural property and views the District Attorney’s office as a vital partner in unlocking information that is otherwise inaccessible to museum researchers.

However, investigators have taken a sharper tone. Matthew Bogdanos, head of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, has publicly questioned why the DA’s office is doing the heavy lifting of investigating the museum's collection instead of the museum policing itself. The recurring nature of the seizures—which the DA counts at nearly 350 items compared to the museum's internal count of around 200—suggests that this issue is far from resolved.

---

🌍 Why This Matters to You

If you love history, art, and travel, this wave of repatriations fundamentally shifts the museum experience. On one hand, returning these artifacts rights historical wrongs and restores cultural heritage to the communities that actually created them. It acts as a powerful deterrent against the modern looting of archaeological sites.

On the other hand, for global museum-goers, the removal of key artifacts alters how we experience world history under one roof. The sprawling, dense exhibits of the past are becoming more fragmented. Yet, this might also provide a beautiful excuse to travel to the countries of origin to see these incredible pieces in the context of their true ancestral homes.

The era of unquestioning trust in major museum collections is officially over. As investigations continue, we can expect to see more blank spaces on the walls of our favorite museums—and a much needed, honest conversation about how those walls were decorated in the first place.

Breeze Airways Spreads Its Wings: 3 New Cities and 11 Nonstop Routes Heading Into Fall

The "Seriously Nice" airline is getting seriously bigger.

In a major network expansion, Breeze Airways has officially announced the addition of three brand-new destinations to its route map, alongside a massive rollout of 11 new nonstop routes. For budget-conscious travelers who hate dealing with the headaches of mega-hub airports, this news is an absolute game-changer.

Known for its strategy of connecting underserved secondary markets with point-to-point flights, the low-cost carrier is expanding heavily along the East Coast, Midwest, and Florida. Better yet? Introductory promotional fares are launching as low as $49 one-way.

---

Welcoming 3 New Cities to the Breeze Map

The core of this expansion focuses on three new regional gateways, giving local flyers a stress-free alternative to crowded metropolitan hubs:

• Baltimore, Maryland (BWI)
• Dayton, Ohio (DAY)
• Trenton, New Jersey (TTN)

By moving into these airports, Breeze is making it easier than ever for residents in these communities to skip long terminal walks, expensive parking, and unnecessary layovers.

---

The New Nonstop Routes & Start Dates

The new flights will roll out progressively between late September and early January. Florida is a massive winner in this expansion, with Vero Beach (VRB) receiving a significant influx of new service.

Here is the full breakdown of the 11 new nonstop routes coming to the schedule:

Launching September:

• Charleston, SC (CHS) to Trenton, NJ (TTN) – Starts Sept 20 (2x weekly, from $59)
• Trenton, NJ (TTN) to Vero Beach, FL (VRB) – Starts Sept 30 (2x weekly, from $89)

Launching October:

• Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Vero Beach, FL (VRB) – Starts Oct 1 (3x weekly, from $79)
• Atlantic City, NJ (ACY) to Vero Beach, FL (VRB) – Starts Oct 2 (2x weekly, from $89)
• Provo, UT (PVU) to Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) – Starts Oct 2 (2x weekly, from $99)
• Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) to Vero Beach, FL (VRB) – Starts Oct 2 (2x weekly, from $79)
• Baltimore, MD (BWI) to Burlington, VT (BTV) – Starts Oct 4 (3x weekly, from $49)
• Dayton, Ohio (DAY) to Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) – Starts Oct 9 (2x weekly, from $69)
• Madison, WI (MSN) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW) – Starts Oct 21 (Seasonal, 2x weekly, from $79)
• Dayton, Ohio (DAY) to Fort Myers, FL (RSW) – Starts Oct 23 (2x weekly, from $69)

Launching November & Beyond:

• Dayton, Ohio (DAY) to Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) – Starts Nov 6 (2x weekly, from $49)
• Fort Myers, FL (RSW) to Trenton, NJ (TTN) – Starts Jan 8 (2x weekly, from $89)

*Note: In addition to the direct flights, Breeze is also launching several one-stop, no-change-of-plane "BreezeThru" routes, including Burlington to Vero Beach and Dayton to Sarasota-Bradenton.

---

Why This Expansion Matters

Since taking flight, Breeze Airways has steadily firmed up its reputation by doing what major commercial airlines skip: providing direct regional access. By operating modern, comfortable aircraft like the Airbus A220-300, they are proving that low-cost travel doesn't have to mean a low-tier experience.

Whether you're looking to swap the brisk autumn air of Ohio for the sunny shores of Fort Lauderdale, or escape New Jersey for a quiet weekend on Florida's Treasure Coast, these new flights are now officially open for booking on the Breeze Airways website.

---

Delta Air Lines Unveils 10 New Nonstop Long-Haul Routes

Delta Air Lines is making the world a little smaller—and a lot more reachable—in 2026. Setting the stage for its largest-ever international expansion, the Atlanta-based carrier has announced a massive wave of new nonstop long-haul flights. From sun-drenched Mediterranean islands to futuristic Middle Eastern capitals and bustling Asian hubs, Delta’s newest routes are designed for travelers who want to skip the layover and get straight to the destination.

Here is a closer look at 10 of the most exciting new long-haul routes taking flight this year.

---

The Mediterranean Expansion

Delta is heavily targeting European summer leisure travel, moving beyond traditional hub cities to offer direct access to historic coastlines and hidden gems directly from the East Coast.

• New York (JFK) to Olbia, Sardinia (OLB): Launching in May 2026, [Delta Air Lines](https://news.delta.com/category/routes-destinations) is flying the first-ever nonstop service from the U.S. to Sardinia's stunning Costa Smeralda.


• New York (JFK) to Malta (MLA): Starting in June, a new thrice-weekly flight will bring travelers straight to the UNESCO-listed streets of Valletta.


• New York (JFK) to Porto, Portugal (OPO): Daily flights kick off in May, catering to travelers chasing world-class wine and riverside charm.


• Boston (BOS) to Nice, France (NCE): New Englanders can skip the hub-hopping and fly directly to the French Riviera three times a week starting in May.


• Boston (BOS) to Madrid, Spain (MAD): Daily service launches in May utilizing the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo.

Connecting the West Coast to the World

Delta is also strengthening its Pacific gateways with long-awaited connections and returning favorites.

• Seattle (SEA) to Rome, Italy (FCO): Launching in May, this route finally connects the Pacific Northwest directly to the Eternal City.


• Seattle (SEA) to Barcelona, Spain (BCN): Starting in May, three weekly flights will link Seattle to the Catalan capital.


• Los Angeles (LAX) to Hong Kong (HKG): After a long hiatus, Delta is returning to Hong Kong with daily service launching in June, re-establishing a crucial transpacific link.

Breaking New Ground

• Atlanta (ATL) to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH): In one of its boldest moves, Delta is launching its first-ever nonstop flight to Saudi Arabia in October 2026. Flown on an Airbus A350-900, it makes Delta the only U.S. carrier to offer direct service between the two nations.


• Salt Lake City (SLC) to Lima, Peru (LIM): Connecting two of the world's great outdoor adventure regions, this pioneering route opens up direct access to South America from Delta's Mountain West hub.

The Bottom Line for Travelers

With more widebody aircraft equipped with premium cabin options rolling out across these routes, Delta is focusing on both reach and comfort. Whether you are chasing the summer sun in the Mediterranean or heading across the Pacific for business, booking early is highly recommended—especially for exclusive leisure routes like Sardinia and Malta, where demand is expected to be incredibly high.

These new additions prove that the appetite for long-haul international travel is only growing, and the industry is rapidly evolving to bring the farthest corners of the map a little closer to home.

JetBlue Is Bringing Its Exclusive New Lounge Concept To Fort Lauderdale

JetBlue is making it clear that South Florida is a primary focus for its future.

This is the BlueHouse lounge in JFK Airport's Terminal 5

Fresh off the successful rollout of its first-ever airport lounge at New York’s JFK and with a Boston location opening later this summer, the airline is zeroing in on its next major premium destination. JetBlue leadership has confirmed that the carrier is actively working to bring its exclusive BlueHouse lounge concept to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

This move aligns perfectly with JetBlue’s broader network pivot, reallocating resources away from underperforming routes to double down on its lucrative Sunshine State strongholds. Here is everything we know about JetBlue's premium plans for Fort Lauderdale.

---

The "Third Tentpole" of JetBlue’s Premium Strategy

JetBlue President Marty St. George recently emphasized that bringing a BlueHouse lounge to Fort Lauderdale makes "a lot of sense" given the massive volume of high-value travelers moving through the airport. Executives have frequently described FLL as the "third tentpole" of their entire domestic operation, alongside JFK and Boston Logan (BOS).

The airline is currently hunting for the perfect real estate to drop the new club. The lounge will be located inside Terminal 3, which serves as JetBlue's primary operational hub at FLL.

The Real Estate Challenge: Finding large, contiguous square footage inside an active, highly dense airport terminal can be tricky. JetBlue is working closely with Broward County aviation officials to lock down the ideal footprint, with both parties highly motivated to bring a premium club to the terminal.

---

Why FLL is Getting the Premium Treatment

JetBlue’s push into the premium lounge market comes during a multi-year effort to stabilize earnings and maximize revenue per passenger. Airlines across the industry are learning that premium cabins, loyalty perks, and high-end ground experiences yield much healthier margins than competing solely on cheap base fares.

Fort Lauderdale is the perfect incubator for this strategy:

• Capturing the South Florida Market: While competitors focus heavily on Miami (MIA), JetBlue is the dominant player in Fort Lauderdale. With FLL projecting traffic growth toward 45 million annual passengers over the next decade, a dedicated lounge allows JetBlue to cement its local dominance.


• The Spirit Vacuum: Following the operational shakeups and capacity reductions from Spirit Airlines earlier this year, JetBlue rapidly expanded at FLL, adding nonstop service to over 20 new cities.


• More Mint in the Sunshine State: JetBlue is systematically moving its premium, lie-flat Mint business class aircraft to Fort Lauderdale, including launching highly anticipated transcontinental Mint routes to San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. A premium flight naturally demands a premium lounge to match.

---

What to Expect Inside a BlueHouse Lounge

While the exact square footage and specific amenities for the Fort Lauderdale location are still being finalized, we can look at JetBlue's flagship 9,000-square-foot JFK lounge to see what is likely headed to FLL:

• Local Culinary Flavor: A heavy focus on regional, artisanal food and craft cocktails.


• Work & Relax Zones: Dedicated spaces ranging from cozy, quiet nooks for business travelers to vibrant social areas.


• Exclusive Aesthetic: JetBlue’s signature vibrant blue branding seamlessly blended with modern architectural design elements.

---

How Will Travelers Gain Access?

JetBlue has established strict gatekeeping rules for its BlueHouse lounges to prevent overcrowding. Based on the current network rules, access to the upcoming FLL location will likely be limited to:

1. The JetBlue Premier Card: Holders of JetBlue’s premium World Elite Mastercard ($499 annual fee) receive complimentary access for themselves and one guest.


2. Top-Tier Elite Status: TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members will receive automatic entry.


3. Mint Passengers: Travelers flying on premium Mint tickets.


4. Day Passes: Depending on capacity, JetBlue offers day passes starting at $59 to $79 for lower-tier Mosaic members and select Mint passengers.

Note: JetBlue enforces a strict "no basic economy" rule. Passengers flying on a Blue Basic fare cannot access the lounge or purchase a day pass, regardless of credit card or elite status.

---

The Bottom Line

While an official opening date hasn't been set yet, JetBlue's aggressive focus on Fort Lauderdale ensures that a premium lounge is a matter of "when," not "if." For South Florida loyalists and transcontinental premium flyers, Terminal 3 is about to get a major upgrade.

---