British Airways ARC Opens At Olympia: Inside London’s Newest Music Venue

London’s live entertainment landscape just took a massive leap forward. The doors officially opened at the British Airways ARC at Olympia on June 16, marking the launch of the capital's newest live entertainment and music venue in over a decade.

As the crown jewel in the ongoing £1.3 billion transformation of the historic Olympia estate in West London, this state-of-the-art, 3,800-capacity venue is operated by global live entertainment giant AEG Presents. It seamlessly bridges the gap between intimate club gigs and massive arena shows, creating a vital stepping stone for rising stars and a unique playground for established global icons.

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An Electrifying Opening Season

The British Airways ARC isn't wasting any time making its mark on the city's cultural calendar. The venue kicked off its highly anticipated opening season with a headline performance by Mercury Prize-nominated artist Self Esteem, setting a bold tone for what's to come.

Music fans can look forward to an incredibly eclectic, world-class lineup of artists filling out the inaugural season, including pop-rock icons McFly, global R&B star Khalid, rock powerhouse The Black Keys, and a legendary five-night residency by Van Morrison.

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Inside the Venue: High-Tech Meets Intimate Heritage

While the broader 140-year-old Olympia site has previously hosted historic rock royalty like Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, and The Cure, the purpose-built ARC venue is entirely designed for the modern fan experience:

• Plug-and-Play Production: Built above the existing West Exhibition Hall, the venue features a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound system and cutting-edge in-house lighting, ensuring flawless acoustics and immersive sightlines from any vantage point.


• The British Airways Wing: For those looking to upgrade their night out, premium ticket holders gain access to the exclusive British Airways Wing private lounge and bar, alongside highly coveted, lowered front-row balcony VIP seating.


• Perks for Executive Club Members: As the founding partner of the destination, British Airways is heavily integrating rewards. Club members have access to ringfenced ticket allocations and the exclusive opportunity to collect Avios points across various bars and restaurants throughout the newly opened Olympia campus.

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Bringing Olympia to the Skies: Wolves of Tokyo Collaboration

The celebrations aren't just staying on the ground. To honor the launch of the venue, British Airways has partnered with one of Olympia’s most exciting new rooftop restaurants, Wolves of Tokyo, to bring a taste of the venue's neighborhood to the skies.

From July 1st, premium travelers flying in Club World (long-haul business class) on flights departing London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda will get to enjoy an exclusive, altitude-adapted menu featuring signature dishes from the restaurant. Travelers can expect sophisticated delicacies like crab maki with avocado, black cod with plum miso, and a rich matcha cheesecake.

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📍 Planning Your Visit

Location: The British Airways ARC is located along Emberton Walk on Level 2 of Olympia, right next to the massive new digital screen canopy.

Getting There: The closest transport link is Kensington Olympia station (just a 5-minute walk away), which is reliably connected via the London Overground (Mildmay Line), as well as weekend District Line Underground services.

Rooftop Dining: Make a full night of it by checking out Olympia's dazzling new rooftop spaces before the show, which feature Bar Arriba (Mexican small plates), Lillie's (seasonal British dishes), and the Arbour food hall alongside Wolves of Tokyo.

With a purpose-built theatre (the British Airways Theatre) scheduled to join the complex in 2027, the opening of the ARC officially cements Olympia's return as West London's ultimate entertainment capital.

Are you planning to catch a show at London’s newest venue this summer? Let us know who you're most excited to see in the comments below!

America's 250th Anniversary Comes to Life In St. Augustine

As communities across the country celebrate America's 250th anniversary, St. Augustine is inviting visitors to experience Independence Day where centuries of history meet modern-day celebration. From spectacular waterfront fireworks and patriotic concerts to special tours, exhibits, and culinary experiences, the Nation's Oldest City offers a unique way to commemorate the country's milestone anniversary.

"Few places in America can celebrate Independence Day against a backdrop that spans nearly 500 years of history," said Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. "This year, visitors can experience everything from patriotic concerts and fireworks to historic tours and special America 250 programs, all in the Nation's Oldest City."

The centerpiece of the celebration is Fireworks Over the Matanzas on July 4, when fireworks light up the sky above the Matanzas River, with the historic Castillo de San Marcos serving as a dramatic backdrop. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of special America 250-themed events and experiences throughout the holiday weekend and the month of July.

In honor of the anniversary, admission to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will be free July 3–5. On July 3, the National Park Service and the St. Augustine Music Festival will present a special outdoor musical program featuring patriotic fanfares and traditional fife-and-drum performances. Brass quintet performances will take place at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. on the historic fort grounds.

Visitors can continue the celebration at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, where admission will be just $2.50 on July 4 in recognition of America's 250th anniversary. The museum will also participate in the nationwide simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 with a special commemorative public program.

Those interested in exploring the area's Revolutionary War history can join the St. Augustine and the Birth of America free walking tour. Offered every Saturday in July at 6 p.m., the guided tour reveals St. Augustine's surprising connections to the American Revolution, including East Florida's loyalty to the British Crown, imprisoned signers of the Declaration of Independence, and stories of colonial intrigue hidden among the city's historic streets.

Visitors seeking a memorable view of the fireworks can choose from a variety of special holiday cruises and boat excursions, offering front-row seats to the July 4 fireworks display from the waters of Matanzas Bay.

The celebration extends beyond historic sites. Throughout July, Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar at Casa Monica Resort & Spa will offer a limited-time three-course prix fixe dining experience inspired by classic American steakhouse traditions.

The Lightner Museum, Villa Zorayda Museum, Peña-Peck House Museum & Cultural Center, and St. Augustine Art Association will feature special exhibits and programs honoring America's 250th anniversary.

From patriotic celebrations and historic tours to waterfront dining and live entertainment, St. Augustine offers visitors a distinctive way to celebrate Independence Day during America's 250th anniversary year.

A complete schedule of America 250 events, exhibits, tours, and celebrations is available at:

www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com/events/250/

End Of An Era? EPCOT Confirms Big Changes To "Original" France, Mexico, And Canada Pavilions

For decades, EPCOT’s World Showcase has been celebrated by Walt Disney World purists as the part of the park that changes the least. While Future World transformed into distinct neighborhoods and cosmic coasters arrived, the World Showcase lagoon remained a timeless sanctuary of culture, architectural detail, and strolling atmosphere.

However, EPCOT's original identity continues to evolve. Over the past several weeks, Disney has confirmed significant updates affecting three of its most beloved opening-era destinations: the France, Canada, and Mexico pavilions. While none of these changes involve tearing down the iconic structures themselves, they do alter or entirely remove features that longtime fans have associated with the original versions of these countries for decades.

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France Loses a Longtime Boutique

The most immediate and surprising shift has already taken effect in the France Pavilion. Disney confirmed that La Signature, the Guerlain fragrance and cosmetics boutique located toward the quaint rear of the pavilion, officially closed its doors for an extended refurbishment.

While the location is expected to return in some capacity later this year, its closure marks a temporary end to a very specific type of EPCOT authenticity. Rather than focusing on standard Disney character merchandise, La Signature offered high-end luxury French fragrances, premium skincare, and personalized beauty consultations. Walking inside felt closer to stepping into a high-street Parisian boutique than a theme park gift shop. While Disney notes that Guerlain merchandise will still be sold elsewhere in the pavilion during the construction, the original boutique experience itself is quietly gone.

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Canada Continues Its Modern Transformation

Meanwhile, major construction remains underway at the Canada Pavilion as it continues to shift away from its original 1982 layout. The former Refreshment Port location, which has occupied a highly familiar place along the World Showcase promenade for decades, closed earlier this year and is currently being entirely erased.

In its place, crews are hard at work building La Poutinerie, a brand-new, Air Canada-sponsored dining location that will be officially folded directly into the Canada Pavilion's footprint. Construction teams have already stripped the old signage, repainted major portions of the building, and begun laying down new stonework. While guests will still be able to grab their beloved poutine here once it opens, the transition officially closes the book on the classic Refreshment Port that generations of EPCOT fans knew by heart.

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Mexico Modifies Its Iconic Guest Flow

Even the heavily trafficked Mexico Pavilion is right in the middle of a major refurbishment project that has heavily disrupted its original atmosphere.

While the pavilion’s interior shops, restaurants, and the nostalgic Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros remain fully operational, the exterior of the Mesoamerican pyramid has been heavily construction-walled. Disney recently reopened one of the primary pyramid entrances after months of work, but a secondary entrance remains entirely closed off as crews continue to update exterior elements and refresh the decades-old theming. Until the walls come down completely, the original, seamless guest flow through this iconic landmark remains altered.

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The Reality Behind the "Removals"

When headlines break about Disney "removing original pavilions," panic often spreads through the fan community. To be completely clear: Disney is not demolishing the countries or erasing them from the lagoon.

Instead, what we are witnessing is a modern adaptation strategy. Following the massive success of the France expansion and the crowd-drawing power of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Disney has realized that World Showcase pavilions can no longer just be passive, transitional walkways built for casual strolling. They are being modernized into high-capacity "mini-lands" designed to handle massive festival crowds and modern theme park demands.

For repeat visitors who return year after year expecting their favorite hidden corners and familiar pathways to remain completely untouched, these simultaneous updates are a bittersweet reminder that even the most timeless parts of EPCOT are bound to change.

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Cross-Border Travel Between The United States And Mexico Made Easier: Volaris Launches Massive 10-Route US-Mexico Expansion

If you’ve been looking for cheaper, easier ways to fly between the United States and Mexico, your summer and winter travel planning just got a whole lot smoother.

Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris has kicked off June 2026 by doing what it does best: shaking up the market with a massive, rapid-fire network expansion. In the span of just 48 hours, the airline officially commenced operations on 10 brand-new, nonstop transborder routes connecting key cities across the U.S. directly to culturally and economically rich regional hubs in Mexico.

What makes this expansion particularly exciting is the strategy behind it. Volaris is entirely bypassing the heavily congested, high-fee hub of Mexico City. Instead, they are launching these point-to-point flights from high-growth regional destinations like Guadalajara, Puebla, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí, giving travelers a direct ticket exactly where they want to go.

Here is the breakdown of the 10 new routes and what you need to know to lock in those budget-friendly fares.

The 10 New Volaris Routes: The Full List

The new flights are strategically designed to serve business commuters, vacationers, and passengers visiting friends and family. The 10 new additions include:

✈️ Out of Querétaro (QRO) — 4 New Routes

Querétaro is emerging as a massive strategic node for central Mexico, landing four brand-new U.S. connections:

Houston (IAH) (Operating 3x weekly)

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) (Operating 3x weekly)

San Antonio (SAT) (Operating 3x weekly)

Orlando (MCO) (Operating 2x weekly)

✈️ Out of Puebla (PBC) — 3 New Routes

Puebla is shedding its reputation as "just a stopover near Mexico City" and establishing itself as a standalone international gateway:

Los Angeles (LAX) (Operating 4x weekly)

Newark Liberty (EWR) (Operating 4x weekly)

Houston (IAH) (Operating 3x weekly)

✈️ Out of Guadalajara (GDL) — 2 New Routes

Volaris’ absolute largest operating base is deepening its U.S. network with two major, heavy-industry manufacturing hubs:

Detroit (DTW) (Operating 3x weekly)

Salt Lake City (SLC) (Operating 3x weekly)

✈️ Out of San Luis Potosí (SLP) — 1 New Route

Chicago Midway (MDW) (Operating 4x weekly) — This marks Chicago’s very first nonstop flight service to the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosí since 2008.

Bigger Planes for Premium Comfort

While Volaris is a budget carrier, it isn't skimping on capacity for these international corridors. Because U.S.-bound routes are incredibly high-demand, the airline is deploying its largest, most modern aircraft for these lines.

The majority of these flights will be operated by Volaris' fleet of stretched Airbus A321-200s and next-generation Airbus A321neo aircraft. These planes offer updated cabin configurations, better fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride across the border.

Tips for Booking and Avoiding Hidden Fees

Because Volaris operates on an ultra-low-cost business model, the base ticket price is incredibly cheap, but "unbundled." To keep your trip as affordable as possible, keep these pro-tips in mind when booking on the Volaris website or app:

Customize Early: Add your checked luggage, carry-on bags, and seat selection during the initial checkout process online. Buying these add-ons at the airport counter on the day of departure can cost up to double the price.

Watch the Bag Sizes: Volaris has strict dimensions for personal items and carry-on bags. Ensure your luggage matches their structural guidelines to avoid gate-checking penalties.

Whether you're looking to explore the historic architecture of Puebla, conduct business in the industrial hub of Querétaro, or connect with family in Guadalajara, these 10 new routes open up the map like never before. Download the App: Use digital check-in via the Volaris mobile app 24 hours before your flight to save time and keep your digital boarding pass handy.

Travelore News: Reagan National Airport To Halt Flights July 3 And 4 for Massive America 250 Celebrations

If you have plans to fly into or out of the nation’s capital over the Independence Day weekend, it is time to check your itinerary immediately.

In an unprecedented move, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has announced that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) will temporarily halt all flight operations for significant stretches on July 3 and July 4.

The sweeping airspace closures are required to accommodate extensive military flyovers, aerial displays, parachute jumps, and pyrotechnic fireworks over downtown Washington, D.C., marking the monumental America 250 milestone celebrations.

While brief ground stops for evening fireworks are a regular tradition at DCA, a multi-day, half-day cessation of operations marks the most significant holiday disruption in the airport's history.

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The Shutdown Schedule: What to Expect

The disruptions will impact two consecutive days of the holiday weekend, so travelers need to plan around these specific windows:

• Friday, July 3 (Rehearsal Day): No flights will land or depart DCA for several hours in the early afternoon to allow military aircraft and flight demonstration teams to complete full-scale aerial rehearsals.
• Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day): All flight operations will be completely grounded starting at 12:00 PM (noon). Arrivals and departures will cease entirely for the rest of the day, and terminal services will operate at a heavily reduced capacity. Normal flights are only scheduled to resume on the morning of Sunday, July 5.

On a typical day, DCA handles upwards of 400 to 450 departures. On July 4, airlines have already slashed schedules to just 146 departures—all squeezed entirely into the morning window before the hard noon cutoff.

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How to Navigate the Closures: Alternative Options

If you absolutely must travel to or from the D.C. metro area by air during these pre-planned windows, you still have highly reliable alternatives:

1. Book via Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore (BWI)
Operations at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)—located 32 miles out in Northern Virginia—and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) will not be impacted by the downtown D.C. airspace restrictions. Both airports will maintain normal, full-service operations. Travelers landing at IAD can seamlessly connect directly to the district via the Washington Metro's Silver Line.

2. Ride the Rails with Amtrak
For those traveling along the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak has confirmed that its operations out of Washington's Union Station will face no impacts or pre-planned cancellations over the holiday weekend.

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Advice for Travelers

MWAA notes that many airlines have already preemptively modified their flight schedules to bypass the pre-planned closure times. However, downstream delays, rolling air traffic control holds, and summer weather could still impact flights on adjacent days.

If you are booked to fly anytime between July 2 and July 5, make sure you download your carrier's mobile app and monitor your flight status closely. Additionally, MWAA has reminded the public that there are no approved locations to view the fireworks or aerial displays from airport property, and airport parking will be strictly limited to active airline passengers.

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How To Celebrate America’s 250 in Cape May County, NJ

Cape May County is a place where contradictions don’t clash—they harmonize. It’s where neon‑lit boardwalks dissolve into quiet salt marshes, where century‑old Victorian homes sit just minutes from wide‑open wildlife refuges, and where bustling beaches give way to still waterways and wild landscapes. Travelers may first come for the sun and surf, but they stay for something deeper: the character, the creativity, the unmistakable flavor of each shore town, and the sense that every community tells its own story.

This collection of 250 things to do in Cape May County celebrates that spirit in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary. From storied lighthouses and sweeping wetlands to quaint downtowns, wineries, museums, working waterfronts, and tucked‑away hamlets, the list highlights the places that define the Jersey Cape. It’s an invitation to explore—one experience at a time—a county shaped by history, nature, culture, and community. Together, these 250 moments form a vibrant tapestry, a fitting way to celebrate a milestone year.

To truly appreciate Cape May County, it helps to think not only in terms of towns, but of vibes—the distinct energy each place radiates.

Shore Classics & Boardwalk Icons: Summer along the Cape is a sensory memory all its own. The scent of saltwater taffy, the calls of gulls, the glow of amusement rides at dusk—these are the scenes that define generations of family vacations. Ocean City offers wholesome, all‑ages fun with its iconic boardwalk. Wildwood pulses with retro Doo Wop architecture and carnival‑style excitement. Cape May, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Sea Isle City round things out with calmer beaches, boutique browsing, and an easygoing coastal polish. Together, these towns are the beating heart of the county’s classic shore culture.

Historic Streets & Architectural Treasures: History here is not tucked behind glass—it’s lived in. Cape May’s perfectly preserved Victorian streetscapes, a National Historic Landmark, invite travelers to step back in time. Cape May Court House reveals layers of heritage through its museums, civic buildings, and small‑town charm. Bayside communities and historic neighborhoods across the county offer glimpses of maritime traditions and agricultural roots. These are destinations meant for slow travel: strolling brick sidewalks, browsing antiques, or savoring coffee from a shady porch.

Creative Corners & Cultural Hubs: The county’s creative pulse runs strong from oceanfront to bay. Cape May anchors an arts scene filled with galleries, theaters, festivals, and workshops. Stone Harbor and Avalon add coastal sophistication with artisan boutiques and local makers.

Nature Escapes & Outdoor Adventures: Beyond the beaches lies a world of wild landscapes. Cape May Point is a global bird‑watching destination, renowned for its raptor migrations and expansive skies. The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge winds through salt marshes and coastal forests rich with wildlife. Corson’s Inlet, Belleplain State Forest, and other natural preserves offer hiking, kayaking, fishing, and quiet exploration. And in Sea Isle City, the scenery shifts to a different kind of coastal magic—one shaped by winding back‑bay canals, working docks, and a deep‑rooted maritime soul. Here, pastel homes rise above mirror‑calm waterways, kayaks glide through early‑morning light, and hidden water trails reveal osprey nests, marsh grass, and the gentle rhythm of bay life. This vibe is about reconnecting—with the land, the water, and the peaceful edges of the wild.

Culinary Finds & Coastal Flavor: The county’s food scene is as varied as its landscapes. Cape May’s restaurants pair fresh‑from‑the‑dock seafood with inventive, chef‑driven cuisine. In Sea Isle City, the heritage of Fish Alley—established by Italian‑American fishing families—comes alive along a bayfront lined with working docks, seafood markets, and beloved restaurants. The smell of today’s catch mingles with the voices of dock crews and diners gathering at sunset. Across Cape May County, travelers discover wineries, breweries, sweet shops, farmers markets, and waterfront eateries where meals come with a side of incredible views. Whether sipping local wine in a vineyard or cracking crabs by the bay, the flavors of the Jersey Cape reward those who come hungry for discovery.

Family Fun & All‑Ages Adventures: Cape May County is built for memory‑making. The Cape May County Zoo—one of the nation’s best—anchors a lineup of family favorites that includes aquariums, amusement parks, arcades, mini‑golf courses, and hands‑on museums. Towns like Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May, Sea Isle City, and Cape May Court House offer moments that kids carry with them long after vacation ends.

Hidden Gems & Off‑the‑Radar Magic: Beyond the well‑known beaches, the county reveals its quieter treasures: bayside villages with working harbors, nature preserves visited mostly by locals, back‑road farm stands, historic cemeteries, small‑town festivals, and lighthouses watching over wild coastlines. These places reward curiosity—the traveler who turns down a side road or follows a hand‑painted sign.

A County That Rewards Wandering: Cape May County’s beauty lies in its variety—distances are short, but experiences are wonderfully wide‑ranging. You might greet the morning watching dolphins crest off Cape May Point, wander through boutique shops in the afternoon, take a quiet walk through Stone Harbor’s Wetlands Institute, then end the evening with music drifting across the Wildwood Boardwalk. Every corner brings a different mood, a different pace, a different piece of the Jersey Cape story.

End of an Era: Asiana Airlines Sets Official Date to Exit Star Alliance

The massive consolidation of the South Korean aviation market has reached its definitive milestone.

In an official joint statement, Star Alliance and Asiana Airlines have announced that the Seoul-based carrier will formally withdraw from the alliance on December 16, 2026, at 23:59 Korea Standard Time. This ends Asiana’s 23-year tenure with the network as it prepares to be completely absorbed by rival mega-carrier and SkyTeam member, Korean Air.

Effective December 17, 2026, the Asiana brand will be phased out, and its operations will shift under the Korean Air banner. For frequent flyers with upcoming travel plans or massive mileage balances, this transition brings immediate rules you need to know.

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The Timeline: Earning and Redeeming Miles

If you frequently book Asiana flights or use Star Alliance partners (like United MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan) to rack up points, keep these hard cut-off dates on your radar:

• Earning Miles: You can automatically earn points/miles on Asiana-operated flights departing on or before October 15, 2026. Any flights taken between October 16 and December 16 will require a manual retroactive mileage request.
• Redeeming Miles: You can continue to redeem partner miles for Star Alliance award tickets and upgrades on Asiana for travel completed on or before December 16, 2026.

Warning: What Happens to Already-Ticketed Awards?

According to Asiana's updated frequently asked questions, Star Alliance award flights booked using Asiana Club miles scheduled to depart on or after December 17, 2026, will not be honored. Affected tickets will be fully refunded and the miles reinstated without penalty. If you have partner flights booked for late winter 2026, it is highly recommended to review your itineraries immediately.

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Elite Status and Lounge Access

For Star Alliance Silver and Gold elite members, business as usual continues through mid-December. Priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and access to eligible Asiana lounges at Seoul Incheon (ICN) remain intact until the December 16 deadline.

If you hold elite status directly through the Asiana Diamond Club (or higher), your status will be mapped over to a corresponding elite tier within the SkyTeam alliance once the merger goes live.

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What This Means for Incheon Airport

While losing Asiana is a blow to Star Alliance's presence in East Asia, the alliance has reassured passengers that global connectivity via Seoul remains strong. Moving into 2027, 14 Star Alliance member airlines—including United, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and EVA Air—will continue operating over 1,900 direct monthly flights out of Incheon International Airport to 29 destinations worldwide.

The landscape of global aviation is shifting fast. Asiana has been a beloved five-star favorite for transpacific travelers since 1988, and watching the brand wind down marks a truly historic transition.

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Do you have upcoming flights booked on Asiana Airlines? How will this merger affect your points strategy? Sound off in the comments below!