United Adds Nonstop Service To Sapporo, New Flight Between Chicago And Tokyo-Narita

United has announced it is expanding its service to Japan with new flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita this winter. The airline will launch the first nonstop service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, Japan and will be the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita*. As the leading carrier between the U.S. and Japan, these new flights give travelers from across North America more ways to explore Japan and connect across Asia.

"Whether customers are dreaming of skiing in Sapporo, planning a business trip to Tokyo with some exploration added in, or an even bigger adventure across Asia, United gives travelers more ways to get there than any U.S. airline," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances, United Airlines. "Our new nonstop service from San Francisco to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan's most unique destinations, while our new Chicago to Tokyo-Narita service gives business and leisure travelers a premium onboard experience and the flexibility to continue their journey across Asia on United to exciting destinations like Cebu, Palau and Ulaanbaatar, or onward on our joint venture partner ANA to cities like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur."

United is the leading carrier between the continental U.S. and Japan. In 2025, the airline flew more than 1.8 million passengers between the two countries – more than all other U.S. carriers combined. This winter United will fly up to 13 flights each day from the continental U.S. to four of Japan's airports including Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Osaka (KIX).

San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan

Starting December 11, United will launch three times weekly winter seasonal service between San Francisco (SFO) and Sapporo (CTS), marking the first nonstop flights between the continental U.S. and Sapporo. Sapporo offers travelers an entirely new way to experience Japan in the winter from fresh powder for world-class skiing to a rich culinary scene with must-try dishes like Sapporo ramen and Hokkaido seafood. The city is also home to the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, where it transforms into a winter wonderland.

Flights are expected to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. United will connect travelers from nearly 80 U.S. cities to Sapporo through its premier Pacific gateway in San Francisco, making it easier than ever to reach this unique Japanese destination.

Chicago to Tokyo-Narita

United will launch new daily year-round service between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo-Narita beginning October 24. United will be the only U.S. airline offering service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, further expanding its position as the only U.S. carrier connecting Chicago to the Pacific region nonstop. The new service builds on the airline's existing service between Chicago and Tokyo-Haneda, providing travelers with even more ways to travel between the U.S. and Japan.

The new Tokyo-Narita flight unlocks easy, one-stop connections for travelers to 21 destinations across Asia-Pacific on United or Joint Venture partner ANA. Customers can connect on United to cities like Cebu, Guam, Kaohsiung, Palau, Saipan and Ulaanbaatar. The new flights between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita are expected to operate on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

With the two new routes, United will serve five airports in four Japanese cities from its hubs in the continental U.S. and Guam: Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), Osaka (KIX) and Nagoya (NGO). The airline offers the most flights to Japan of any U.S. carrier and flights to 33 destinations across the Pacific.

Flights will be available for booking later today on united.com and the united app.

*Subject to government approval

For more more information, please visit: www.united.com.

American Airlines Introduces Limited-Edition U.S. Soccer Amenity Kits In Celebration Of The 2026 Summer Of Football

Ahead of North America hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™, American Airlines, as the Official North American Airline Supplier of FIFA World Cup 26™ in partnership with Qatar Airways and the Official Airline of U.S. Soccer, is helping fans everywhere celebrate with the introduction of new U.S. Soccer-themed amenity kits. These new kits will debut at the beginning of June and fly through July.

“This summer is shaping up to be incredibly exciting for American as the Official Airline of U.S. Soccer,” said American’s Chief Marketing Officer Caroline Clayton. “Not only will we help fly fans to host cities on more flights than any other domestic carrier, but these amenity kits will help build excitement and passion for the tournament — and are match day ready! We’re excited to see them become part of this iconic tournament.”

From the plane to the game

Designed for the journey and the celebration, these amenity kits can move with fans from the cabin to the stadium all summer long.

Flagship® First and Flagship Suite® Preferred seats: A clear bag with blue leather piping and a removeable crossbody strap.

Flagship® Business and Flagship Suite® seats: A clear bag with leather piping detail that can be worn two ways — as a belt bag or crossbody.

Premium Economy: A clear pouch with a removeable wrist strap.

Tim Howard wearing Flagship® First and Flagship Suite® Preferred seat amenity kit.

American gives fans more ways to experience the beautiful game

Throughout the summer, American customers will have new ways to join the excitement, including special gate celebrations ahead of some of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.

American also added 27,000 seats across 12 new and existing routes to support fan travel and is providing 1.45 million premium seats during the tournament. AAdvantage® members have also enjoyed exclusive opportunities to use miles — with millions of miles redeemed for thousands of match tickets.

Arrive refreshed with curated skincare essentials

American’s new amenity kits feature a curated selection of travel-ready skincare designed to refresh customers throughout their travel journey. Each kit features a curated selection of hand and body lotion, lip balm and brand-new items fit for summer: after-sun cooling gel and soccer-style socks, which will be available in both Flagship® First and Flagship Suite® Preferred seats and Flagship® Business and Flagship Suite® seats.

About American Airlines Group

American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever Forward℠ spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Travelore News: Royal Jordanian Brings The Dreamliner To Dallas

The "Texas Triangle" is about to get a major boost in Middle Eastern connectivity. Royal Jordanian Airlines has officially announced the launch of new service between Amman (AMM) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), utilizing their flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

This move marks a significant expansion for the Oneworld member, bridging the gap between the Levant and one of the largest transit hubs in the United States.

Why Dallas? The Strategic Link

The addition of Dallas isn’t just about the barbecue and the Cowboys; it’s a calculated strategic move. By landing at DFW, Royal Jordanian taps into:

The Oneworld Connection: As a partner with American Airlines, RJ passengers can now seamlessly connect to over 200 destinations across North and South America via DFW.

Growing Diaspora: North Texas has seen a surge in its Levantine community, creating high demand for direct or simplified routes to Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel.

The Business Bridge: With Amman serving as a stable tech and logistics hub in the Middle East, this route fosters direct corporate ties with the booming Dallas economy.

The Dreamliner Experience: Amman to the Lone Star State

For a flight spanning roughly 13 to 14 hours, the aircraft choice is everything. Royal Jordanian is deploying the Boeing 787-8, designed to minimize jet lag and maximize comfort.

Pro-Traveler Tip: If you’re flying Crown Class, the Amman-based catering is legendary. Expect traditional Arabic mezze that actually tastes fresh at 35,000 feet.

Flight Schedule & Connectivity

While the exact frequency varies by season, the airline is aiming for a three time-weekly service. The timing is specifically designed to allow for "banked" connections in Amman, meaning travelers from Dallas can reach Cairo, Jeddah, and Baghdad with minimal layover times.

Strengthening the Levant-US Bond

This new route joins Royal Jordanian's existing North American gateways in New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Detroit (DTW). By adding Dallas, RJ is effectively covering the southern tier of the United States, providing a viable alternative to the "Big Three" Gulf carriers for travelers heading to the Holy Land and beyond.

From 8 Hours To 40 Minutes: The Tunnel In China Changing Everything

China is once again pushing the boundaries of what’s humanly possible. As of May 2026, the nation has reached a pivotal moment in its infrastructure journey, with multiple record-breaking tunnels either newly operational or entering high-stakes construction phases.

While the world previously looked to Switzerland's Gotthard Base Tunnel (57 km) as the gold standard, China is currently moving forward with the Bohai Strait Tunnel, a project so massive it dwarfs almost everything that has come before it.

The Crown Jewel: The Bohai Strait Tunnel

The most ambitious project on the horizon is the Bohai Strait Tunnel. Designed to link the port cities of Dalian and Yantai, this tunnel is set to become an engineering marvel of the 21st century.

Total Length: Approximately 123 kilometers (76 miles).

Subsea Section: Roughly 90 kilometers (56 miles) will be entirely underwater—longer than the submerged sections of the Channel Tunnel and Japan's Seikan Tunnel combined.

The Impact: Currently, traveling between these two cities requires an 8-hour ferry ride. Once the tunnel is complete, high-speed trains traveling at 150+ mph will slash that journey to just 40 minutes.

The Cost: Estimates for this "mega-link" sit between $32 billion and $43 billion.

Recent Milestones (2025–2026)

China isn't just planning for the future; it's delivering today. Several other "world's longest" titles have recently been claimed:

Tianshan Shengli Tunnel: Opened in December 2025, this 22.1-km passage through the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang is officially the world’s longest expressway tunnel. It bypasses dangerous mountain passes, providing a year-round link between northern and southern Xinjiang.

Tianshan Shengli Tunnel: In April 2026, China completed the excavation of a high-speed rail tunnel beneath the Yangtze River. Spanning 14.25 km, it allows trains to cross the river at a staggering 350 km/h without slowing down.

Why It Matters: Connectivity and Economy

These tunnels are more than just bragging rights. They are the arteries of China’s economic strategy:

Urban Agglomeration: By turning 8-hour trips into 40-minute commutes, China is effectively merging giant industrial hubs into single economic zones.

Technological Superiority: Projects like the Bohai Strait serve as a "live laboratory" for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) capable of withstanding extreme underwater pressure.

Resilience: New tunnels are being built with advanced fiber-optic sensors and earthquake-resistant designs, ensuring they remain operational even in high-risk zones.

The Road Ahead

The Bohai Strait Tunnel is expected to take 10 to 15 years to fully complete, with a tentative opening date in the late 2030s. As China continues to lay down thousands of miles of high-speed rail and expressway, the "world's longest" record is likely to be broken by China itself, over and over again.

"Future tunnels will not simply be longer. They will be smarter, digitally monitored, and integrated into broader economic systems." — Engineering Experts on the Bohai Project

Southwest Rolls Back Controversial "Customer of Size" Seating Mandate: What You Need to Know

Just months after tightening its restrictions and sparking a wave of online backlash, Southwest Airlines has officially updated its policy regarding plus-size travelers once again.

Back in January 2026, alongside a massive operational shift toward assigned seating and premium cabins, Southwest quietly implemented a strict mandate: passengers who "encroached upon" adjacent seats were required to pay upfront for a second seat at booking or face being rebooked at the gate. Detractors quickly labeled the change a "fat tax," and travelers reported feeling ostracized by the rigid rules.Now, the airline is pivoting. Southwest has announced a partial rollback of that policy, empowering airport staff to accommodate passengers needing extra space for free under certain conditions.

Whether you are a regular flyer tracking airline policy updates or planning a trip yourself, here is exactly how the new policy works right now.

What is Changing? The New Gate Policy

The biggest update focuses on what happens at the airport. Southwest is no longer strictly forcing larger passengers to purchase an additional seat in advance.

Instead, the airline has reintroduced flexibility at the gate:

Free Extra Seats at the Airport: According to Southwest Airlines, gate agents are now fully empowered to provide a second adjacent seat at no extra cost on the day of travel—provided the flight has available open seats.

The Catch (If the Flight is Full): If you arrive at the gate needing two seats but the aircraft is entirely full, you won't be forced to cram into a single seat. Instead, Southwest will work to rebook you onto the next available flight that has two open adjacent seats.

"On flights where adjacent seats are available, our Agents at the airport are empowered to provide an additional seat at no extra cost to Customers who require one. If another seat is not available, we will work to accommodate the Customer on a later flight."— Southwest Airlines Official Statement.

How Does Southwest Define Who Needs an Extra Seat?

Southwest uses a specific physical marker to determine if a second seat is necessary: the armrest.

The airline’s official policy states that the armrest is considered the "definitive boundary" between passenger spaces. If a traveler cannot sit comfortably with the armrest completely lowered, a second seat is required for safety and comfort.

Additionally, only one seatbelt extension per passenger is permitted onboard, and it must be provided directly by Southwest flight attendants (personal extensions are not allowed). Passengers using a seatbelt extension are also legally barred from sitting in emergency exit rows.

Booking in Advance: The Safest Bet (With a Catch)

Despite giving gate agents the power to hand out free extra seats, Southwest still strongly recommends that plus-size passengers purchase a second seat ahead of time. This is the only way to guarantee a spot on your preferred flight.

If you decide to book an extra seat in advance to secure your travel plans, here is how the refund process works:

1. Book the Same Fare Class: Both seats must be purchased at the same time and within the identical fare class (e.g., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).

2. Apply for a Post-Flight Refund: After you complete your journey, you have 90 days to submit a refund request to Southwest for the cost of the second seat.

3. The Flight-Status Caveat: You will only receive a refund for that advance seat purchase if the flight departed with at least one open seat available. 1 If the flight was 100% full, the cost of the second seat is non-refundable.

The Big Picture for Travelers

This policy adjustment is part of a turbulent era for Southwest as it navigates a total overhaul of its historic business model. Over the last year, the airline has phased out its iconic open-seating system, added premium extra-legroom rows, introduced overnight red-eye flights, and adjusted checked bag rules to increase profitability.

While the partial rollback on the "Customer of Size" policy removes the stress of a forced upfront charge, it does introduce a gamble for travelers who choose not to pay in advance, essentially putting them at risk of flying standby if a flight sells out.

American Refreshes Main Cabin Snacks And Meals With New, Elevated Onboard Offerings

American is refreshing its inflight dining experience with new onboard food options for Main Cabin. Beginning May 1, customers can enjoy a wider selection of snacks and meals on select flights.

With American’s centennial year well underway, customers can now find a celebratory snack break waiting for them with the new Inflight Bites box (available for $10 or 1,000 AAdvantage® miles), which includes:

Gochujang beef jerky

Wheat Thins

Lemon rosemary green olives

Chocolate cherry granola bar

Oreo cookies

Honey roasted cashews

Smoked Gouda cheese spread

Ready-made snack options

American is partnering with nuts and popcorn brand “NUTS ON CLARK” to introduce a snack option with local flair. “NUTS ON CLARK” is a three-generation Chicago family business known for its fresh, made-to-order products with regionally sourced ingredients and flavors.

Additional premium snack options include Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn (available for $5 or 500 miles) and “NUTS ON CLARK” Roasted Salted Mixed Nuts (available for $11 or 1,100 miles).

More meals on board

For customers craving an elevated option during their flight, the refreshed fruit and cheese tray offers a heartier, satisfying choice. The tray (available for $13 or 1,300 miles) includes a new selection of Tillamook® cheeses, fruit and nuts, creating a more balanced and wholesome offering. Perfectly paired with one of American’s available wine options on board, this offering includes:

Tillamook® Extra Sharp Cheddar, Tillamook® Smoked Black Pepper Cheddar and blueberry artigiano cheese

Fresh fruit, dried apricots and dried black figs

Walnuts, gourmet crackers, Bonne Maman honey and Toblerone chocolate

Premium onboard food options, including a refreshed fruit and cheese tray and new roasted turkey sandwich, are available this summer.

Starting June 1, Main Cabin customers on select flights within the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico will be able to enjoy additional refreshed onboard menu items. Customers can purchase the new turkey and Havarti sandwich, served on artisan avocado bread with baby spinach, sweet red pepper strips and a caramelized onion-mustard spread, for $14 or 1,400 miles. Served with Community Honey BBQ chips and a sweet treat, the sandwich provides a convenient lunch or dinner option while in flight.

Convenient ways to pay

American makes it easy to enjoy new onboard food offerings with tap-to-pay technology and the option to redeem AAdvantage® miles for inflight food and beverages. Not an AAdvantage® member? Joining is easy and free. AAdvantage® members also have access to free, high-speed Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T, on more aircraft than any other airline in the world.

Wi-Fi That "Feels Like Home": British Airways Rolls Out Starlink Fleet-Wide

In what Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle calls a "game-changing" move for the UK's flag carrier, British Airways has officially begun its transition to Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline has committed to outfitting its entire fleet—more than 300 aircraft—with the ultra-fast, satellite-based internet service within the next two years.

The first Starlink-enabled flight took to the skies on March 19, 2026, with a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner traveling from London Heathrow to Houston. Since then, the rollout has picked up speed, marking a cornerstone of BA’s massive £7 billion transformation plan.

1. What to Expect from BA’s Starlink

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, uses a constellation of over 10,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide connectivity that significantly outperforms traditional aviation Wi-Fi.

Blazing Speeds: Passengers can expect download speeds of up to 500+ Mbps, allowing for seamless 4K streaming, online gaming, and even video conferencing.

Gate-to-Gate Service: Unlike older systems that only activate above 10,000 feet, BA’s Starlink is available the moment you board until the moment you disembark.

Free for All: In a major win for travelers, the service is free of charge for every passenger, in every cabin.

Multiple Devices: You aren't limited to just one connection; you can stay logged in on your phone, tablet, and laptop simultaneously.

2. The Controversial New "Calls" Policy

Along with the hardware upgrade, British Airways has introduced a bold new policy that sets it apart from many global rivals: Voice and video calls are now officially permitted.

While U.S. carriers are still bound by an FAA ban on in-flight voice calls, British Airways has determined that the high bandwidth of Starlink makes these calls technically feasible without degrading the experience for others.

Flight Etiquette Note: BA is asking passengers to be "mindful of others" by keeping voices low and always using headphones when participating in Zoom, FaceTime, or phone calls.

3. The Rollout Schedule

The installation process is currently underway across both long-haul and short-haul fleets.

Phase 1 (Current): Focus is on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet. Some of these older aircraft never had Wi-Fi installed, making them the top priority for the new kit.

Phase 2 (2026-2027): The rollout will expand to the A320 family (A319, A320, A321) for European routes and the larger long-haul jets like the A350 and Boeing 777.

Completion: BA expects the entire fleet (excluding BA Cityflyer) to be Starlink-ready by early 2028.

4. How to Connect on Your Next Flight

Connecting is designed to be as simple as your home router:

Enable Wi-Fi on your device and select the "BA Starlink" network.

Open your browser and navigate to Starlink.ba.com.Tap "Get Started" to enjoy unlimited, high-speed data for the duration of your flight.

As British Airways joins the ranks of United and Qatar Airways in the "Starlink era," the days of being disconnected over the Atlantic are officially coming to an end.