New service to Washington-Dulles is the highlight of this month’s edition of Let’s Fly! We’re also saying goodbye to AirTran Airways and welcoming Air Canada to a new location in Terminal 2. In addition, you can find out which airlines are making travel easier to Japan and Israel and learn how your frequent flyer miles can benefit veterans.
More Dulles service in 2015
Updated: Since our original posting, we found out this service has been changed to 6 days per week, with the exception of Saturdays. This is great news for our region, as air service to the Washington, D.C. region is always in high demand. Flights begin Jan. 6 and tickets are on sale now at the link below.
Previous information: United Express will add new weekend service to Washington-Dulles International Airport on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Jan 10, 2015. The carrier is adding one flight each day aboard Embraer-145 aircraft, bringing the total number of Saturday and Sunday IAD flights to five. Book now.
RDU says goodbye to AirTran
The last AirTran Airways flights from RDU took off on Nov. 3 as the carrier’s integration with Southwest Airlines has been completed locally. AirTran has been a staple at RDU since 1995 when it was then known as ValuJet. Nationally, the last AirTran flights are expected to end no later than December 29. Southwest Airlines now operates the former carrier’s flights to Atlanta.
A new home for Air Canada
Air Canada has a new home in Terminal 2 at RDU. Upon check-in, find the carrier at Ticket Island D, near Panopolis. On the concourse, the airline will now operate from Gate D-14. As always, check bag claim monitors for the correct bag carrousel when picking up your bags. View a Terminal 2 Directory.
American/US Airways swapping routes at RDU
Did you know US Airways flies to Los Angeles and Miami from RDU? Well, during the merger of American and US Airways they do. If you’re flying either American or US Airways, check your ticket. The airlines are swapping routes as they integrate their operations.
American and US Airways continue integrating frequent flyer miles programs
And, another item about the AA/US merger: As merger operations continue, American and US Airways frequent flyers will soon be a part of one frequent flyer program. US Airways Dividend Miles members will be transitioned to the AAdvantage loyalty program in mid-2015. Learn more.
American codeshare will increase access to Japan
One last American Airlines update: Do you fly to Japan aboard American Airlines? The airline’s new codeshare arrangement with Jetstar Japan will make traveling to Fukouoka, Matsuyama, Okinawa, Osaka and Sapporo easier. The codeshare arrangement was finalized in October.
Delta matches charity miles
Are you a frequent flyer with Delta Airlines? During November, Delta is matching up to 10 million donated sky miles to benefit veterans and their loved ones through the Fisher House Foundation and Luke’s Wing’s organizations. Fisher House Foundation provides military and veterans families a place to stay at no cost while a loved one is hospitalized. Luke’s Wings provides a service member’s family free transportation while they are being treated. Learn more.
JetBlue’s new El Al Codeshare
El Al Israeli Airlines will soon have a presence on JetBlue flights out of RDU thanks to a new codeshare partnership between the two carriers. Flights from RDU to New York’s JFK Airport will display the LY code of El Al, after regulatory approval is obtained. El Al offers 22 nonstop weekly flights from JFK Airport to Tel Aviv.
United Airlines to add Wi-Fi to Regional Jets
More than 200 two-cabin United Express regional jets will be outfitted with Wi-Fi and personal device entertainment beginning at the end of 2014. The installation is expected to be complete in Summer 2015. No word on when planes traveling through RDU will receive the upgrade.