The New Edelweiss A350 Experience: Upgraded Suites, Greater Pitch, And Starlink Wi-Fi

Edelweiss is officially ushering in a new era of long-haul travel. The Swiss leisure carrier has unveiled its highly anticipated Airbus A350 cabin redesign, and the first flights featuring the upgraded interiors are now bookable.

A Complete Cabin Overhaul

Starting in December 2026, Edelweiss will begin introducing its retrofitted Airbus A350-900 fleet under the theme "More room to feel good." The carrier is rolling out updated interiors across all classes, including a brand-new Premium Economy product and exclusive Business Class suites featuring sliding privacy doors.

• Business Class Suites: Configured in a 1-2-1 layout to offer direct aisle access to everyone, the new Business Suites will feature sliding doors (measuring about 1.2 meters high), larger footwells, memory foam pillows, and 32-inch 4K screens. The middle suites will also include adjustable dividers for passengers traveling together.
• Premium Economy: Making its debut on the Edelweiss A350, the Premium Economy cabin will feature 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. Passengers can expect roughly a meter of seat pitch and an expanded range of services, including a welcome drink and meals served on proper china.
• Economy Class: The redesigned Economy seats increase legroom by around three centimeters and feature a greater recline angle. The entire cabin will adopt a calming, modern color scheme dominated by blue tones.

For connectivity and entertainment, the aircraft will be outfitted with free high-speed internet via Starlink. Passengers in all classes will also benefit from 4K seatback screens with Bluetooth audio pairing, as well as USB-A and USB-C charging ports at every seat.

Booking Your Flight

Although the first aircraft featuring the new interior will officially enter service in December 2026, ticket sales for these newly configured flights have already commenced. Edelweiss plans to retrofit additional A350s throughout 2027, with the full fleet expected to feature the new cabins by the summer of 2027.

Lufthansa Ups Boeing Commitment: 737 MAX 10s To Replace Older A320s By Early 2030s

The Lufthansa Group is taking another major step in its long-term fleet modernization strategy. On September 17, 2026, the company's Supervisory Board approved the purchase of 20 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, officially exercising options secured during a previous agreement.

Expanding the MAX Fleet

This latest $3.4 billion order builds on Lufthansa Group's 2023 commitment, which initially included 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and rights for 60 additional aircraft. By exercising these first 20 options, the group's firm order book for the Boeing 737 MAX family now stands at 60 aircraft.

The newly ordered 737 MAX 10s—the largest variant in the MAX family—are scheduled to begin deliveries in the early 2030s. The airline group has not yet disclosed which of its subsidiary airlines will operate the new aircraft.

Replacing the A320 Family and Boosting Efficiency

A central goal of Lufthansa's fleet renewal program is to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The incoming Boeing 737 MAX 10s are intended to gradually replace the group's older Airbus A320 family aircraft. According to Lufthansa, the switch will bring significant operational and environmental benefits:

• Fuel Efficiency: The 737 MAX 10 is expected to consume approximately 30 percent less fuel than the older aircraft it is replacing, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
• Lower Unit Costs: Thanks to its higher seating capacity compared to the MAX 8 and older jets, the MAX 10 is projected to reduce unit costs by around 20 percent.

By 2035, the Lufthansa Group expects to take delivery of more than 250 new aircraft across its network. The addition of the MAX 10 ensures the airline group will have a higher-capacity, highly efficient narrowbody option to support its short- and medium-haul European routes for decades to come.

British Airways Announces New Tanzania Routes And Long-Haul Network Updates For Summer 2027

British Airways is making a major push into East Africa next year. The airline has officially unveiled its summer 2027 long-haul schedule, highlighted by the addition of two spectacular new destinations in Tanzania: Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Combined with significant capacity boosts across South America, the flag carrier is gearing up for a busy summer travel season.

A Triangular Route to Tanzania

Starting May 29, 2027, British Airways will offer UK travelers direct access to Tanzania's biggest tourism gateways. Operating three times a week from London Gatwick, the new seasonal service will run through October 31, 2027, perfectly timed to capture the peak safari season and UK school holidays.

The service will operate on a "triangle" routing—departing Gatwick, landing in Kilimanjaro, and then continuing onward to Zanzibar before returning to London. Here are the key details for the new East African operation:

• The Aircraft: Flights will be operated on a Boeing 777, featuring three cabins: Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and World Traveller (economy).
• Introductory Fares: Return fares start at £849, which includes taxes, fees, and a generous hand baggage allowance.
• The Experience: The single itinerary allows travelers to seamlessly link a Mount Kilimanjaro trek or Serengeti safari with the pristine, white-sand beaches of the Indian Ocean coast.

Broader Summer 2027 Network Updates

Beyond the new footprint in Tanzania, British Airways is significantly strengthening its wider long-haul network from the end of March 2027. Passengers traveling to the Americas and Africa will see much more availability and frequency.

• South America Expansion: The airline is increasing capacity to Latin America by 25 percent. This includes the introduction of non-stop flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with onward service to Santiago, Chile. The carrier is also increasing seat availability on its Rio de Janeiro flights.
• Year-Round Costa Rica: Flights to San José, Costa Rica, will be extended to a year-round operation rather than just a seasonal offering.
• More Flights to Popular Hubs: Additional frequencies will be added from London Heathrow to both Cape Town, South Africa, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Whether you are planning a bucket-list climb up Africa's highest peak or a vibrant escape to Buenos Aires, BA's latest network adjustments promise more choice and flexibility for the 2027 summer travel season.

Arkia And Sun d'Or Relaunch Direct Routes Between Tel Aviv And Marrakech

Direct air service between Israel and Morocco is officially back online, marking the return of Israeli travelers to the North African nation after a nearly three-year suspension of direct routes. Following the halt of flights in October 2023, airlines are now reviving connections to Marrakech to meet growing demand for heritage and leisure tourism.

Arkia and Sun d'Or Lead the Resumption

The push to restore air links began in August 2026 when Israeli carrier Arkia relaunched its direct route between Ben Gurion Airport and Marrakech. Operating twice a week with Airbus A320 aircraft, Arkia's return was the first step in re-establishing the popular travel corridor.

Following suit, El Al's subsidiary Sun d'Or announced it will begin direct flights to Marrakech starting November 16, 2026. Here are the details on the upcoming Sun d'Or service:

• Flight Schedule: Sun d'Or will operate twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Introductory Fares: Launch prices start at $599 for a round-trip "Lite" ticket, which includes a carry-on bag and personal item.
• Fleet Expansion: Israir has also joined the resurgence, operating flights to Marrakech as carriers ramp up winter schedules.

Surging Demand for Heritage and "Roots" Tours

Prior to the route suspensions, Morocco welcomed up to 200,000 Israeli tourists annually. The current travel revival is strongly driven by organized tours, particularly heritage and "roots" trips for Israelis of Moroccan descent. Travelers are exploring historic Jewish quarters, cemeteries, and synagogues, while benefiting from an increase in accessible kosher dining options across major cities.

Travel Advisories and Security

Despite the high demand, Israel's National Security Council maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for Morocco, recommending increased caution in northern and central regions and advising against non-essential travel to the south. However, travel industry experts emphasize that the primary tourist routes remain secure, with local authorities heavily involved in ensuring visitor safety. Travelers are advised to book direct flights and maintain comprehensive travel insurance.

As flight capacity increases through the winter season, Morocco is once again positioning itself as a premier destination for travelers seeking deep cultural and historical connections.

Travelore News: American Airlines Will Bring High-Speed Starlink Wi-Fi To Its Entire Mainline Fleet

The inflight Wi-Fi revolution is accelerating. In a move that dramatically broadens its commitment to high-speed connectivity, American Airlines has announced plans to install SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service across its entire mainline fleet. The expanded rollout will eventually equip more than 1,000 aircraft, giving passengers access to some of the fastest and most reliable internet available in the skies.

Category: Doubling Down on Next-Gen Connectivity

In May, American initially announced plans to bring Starlink to approximately 500 of its Airbus narrowbody jets. Now, the carrier is going all-in. The updated agreement extends the Starlink rollout to include the remainder of its mainline fleet, notably encompassing the Boeing 737s as well as the twin-aisle Boeing 777 and 787 widebodies that operate long-haul international routes. This is a crucial upgrade for international travelers who frequently experience connectivity gaps over oceans with legacy satellite systems.

Category: The Timeline and Technology

Installations are scheduled to begin in early 2027. American Airlines will utilize Starlink's Performance Aero Terminal, which promises peak throughput of up to 1 gigabit per second per antenna. Thanks to Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellite network, passengers can expect low-latency service capable of supporting seamless streaming, gaming, and VPN usage from gate to gate.

It is important to note that this commitment currently applies only to the mainline fleet; smaller American Eagle regional jets are not included in this phase of the Starlink rollout.

Category: The Race for the Best Inflight Wi-Fi

American’s announcement heats up the arms race among major U.S. carriers to overhaul inflight connectivity. United Airlines recently made waves by choosing Starlink for its entire fleet—including its regional jets—with installations already underway. Meanwhile, carriers like Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are also moving forward with Starlink. Delta Air Lines, conversely, is relying on its existing high-speed Viasat network while waiting for Amazon’s rival Project Kuiper satellite network to become operational in the coming years.

For American Airlines frequent flyers, the days of struggling to send an email at 35,000 feet are finally numbered. The expansive Starlink upgrade promises to make reliable, high-speed internet the new baseline for domestic and international travel.

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Fast-Track Security, AI, And More: Inside The Big Priority Pass 2026 Expansion

If you rely on Priority Pass to make your pre-flight experience a bit more bearable, you are in for some excellent news. Over the next 12 months, the lounge network is rolling out a massive suite of upgrades to make navigating the airport smoother than ever.

Backed by a sweeping five-year, $675 million investment from its parent company, Collinson Group, Priority Pass is looking well beyond the traditional airport lounge. From cutting-edge app enhancements to skipping the security line, here is what members can expect to see rolling out over the next year.

1. Massive Expansion of Fast-Track Security

Perhaps the most exciting immediate benefit is a massive scale-up of airport fast-track security. Currently, Priority Pass offers bookable expedited security access at just 28 airports. Over the next 12 months, that footprint is expected to explode to over 170 bookable fast-track lanes across more than 130 airports globally, allowing members to bypass the worst bottlenecks before they even reach the lounge.

2. The New AI-Powered Priority Pass+ App

Priority Pass is giving its mobile app a significant overhaul. The upcoming "Priority Pass+" app will leverage artificial intelligence, analyzing your past behavior and real-time location data to proactively recommend lounges and travel experiences for your specific trip. Instead of aimlessly scrolling through a directory, the app will act as a personalized concierge, pointing you toward the most convenient oasis in your terminal.

3. Managing Multiple Memberships in One Place

If you are a frequent traveler, there is a good chance you hold multiple premium credit cards that each offer their own Priority Pass membership. Historically, juggling these different accounts has been a headache. The new updates will finally allow eligible members to link and manage multiple Priority Pass memberships within a single profile.

4. Streamlined Tech and Biometrics

Expect the technical friction of using your pass to drop significantly. The rollout includes much easier account activation, new saved-card functionality, biometric authentication, and streamlined one-time verification via email or mobile device.

5. More Lounges, Spas, and Future Perks

While the tech upgrades are highly anticipated, Priority Pass is not abandoning its core product. A significant portion of the investment will go directly toward expanding its proprietary lounge network and enhancing non-lounge experiences like spas, sleeping pods, and airport dining. Looking a bit further ahead, the company even plans to introduce airport parking and luggage storage, aiming to become an end-to-end travel necessity rather than just a place to grab a coffee.

As airport terminals get busier, finding a quiet corner has become increasingly challenging. These new tech-forward features are a welcome step in making sure Priority Pass members spend less time stressing in line and more time relaxing.

United Airlines Teams Up With DISH To Stream Live Football On Starlink-Enabled Screens

Football fans traveling this season can officially stop stressing about their flight schedules. Thanks to a newly announced partnership with DISH, United Airlines is bringing live professional and college football broadcasts directly to Starlink-enabled seatback screens.

Live Games at 35,000 Feet

Starting this week, passengers on select domestic flights will have live access to major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network, and TNF on Prime Video. Utilizing DISH's OnStream platform and Starlink's high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, the service ensures fans can catch the action seamlessly from kickoff to the final whistle.

The live broadcasts are currently available on more than 200 Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft—covering approximately 700 flights per day. United plans to rapidly expand this capability, aiming to have the service active on nearly 700 aircraft by the time the big game rolls around in February.

• Free for MileagePlus Members: As with all Starlink connectivity on United flights, the live TV streaming is completely free for MileagePlus members across all cabins.
• Multi-Screen Multitasking: With Starlink's robust bandwidth, passengers can watch the game on their seatback screen while simultaneously using their personal devices to check fantasy rosters, text friends, or even stream a second game.

Deepening Football Ties

This inflight tech upgrade is just the latest move in United's broader sports strategy. The carrier currently sponsors nine professional football teams and expects to operate over 200 team charter flights for 11 different franchises this season. To celebrate the season, United has also launched the second year of its "Football Flies United" advertising campaign, featuring prominent players and coaches to highlight the importance of arriving at your destination refreshed and ready to perform.

With United expecting to complete its fleet-wide Starlink installation by the end of 2027, the days of missing crucial third-down plays while cruising at 35,000 feet are quickly coming to an end.

American Express Opens Its First Continental Europe Centurion Lounge In Amsterdam

American Express is officially expanding its footprint in Europe with a major milestone: the opening of its very first Centurion Lounge in continental Europe. Located at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), the highly anticipated 6,000-square-foot space officially opens its doors to eligible Card Members on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

A Dutch-Inspired Retreat Between Concourses E and F

Situated in the non-Schengen zone between Concourses E and F, the new lounge operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Designed to reflect the local environment, the space draws inspiration from Dutch art, landscapes, and Amsterdam's iconic canals, featuring a soothing palette of blues and greens alongside floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light.

• Locally Inspired Dining: The lounge features a rotating hot buffet highlighting regional European and traditional Dutch cuisine. Expect to see local favorites on the menu, such as bitterballen (a savory fried meat snack), Amsterdam sliders, and an impressive dessert selection.
• Blue Roast Coffee Bar: Need a preflight pick-me-up? Amsterdam is only the fourth location in the Centurion network to feature a dedicated Blue Roast by American Express café, serving locally sourced, espresso-based coffees in a cozy, living-room-style setting.
• Full-Service Bar: The full-service bar offers wine, Champagne, and signature cocktails. Don't miss the Canal House, a locally influenced cocktail crafted with genever, dry vermouth, olive brine, and an orange peel.

What to Know Before You Go

Since the lounge is located in the non-Schengen departure area, accessing it will be seamless if you are flying to destinations like the U.S. or the U.K. However, if you are traveling to a Schengen member state (like France or Germany), you will need to clear passport control twice to access the space—so be sure to factor that extra time into your layover.

Access to the Centurion Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol follows standard Amex entry policies. It is strictly reserved for passengers holding a same-day departing boarding pass who carry an eligible card, such as The Platinum Card® or the Centurion® Card from American Express.

With this permanent addition to Schiphol, SkyTeam flyers and Amex loyalists now have an exceptional new venue for a latte, a stroopwafel, and a little preflight relaxation before crossing the Atlantic.