{"id":274918,"date":"2026-08-22T21:00:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T21:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=274918\/"},"modified":"2026-08-22T19:35:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T19:35:54","slug":"travel-news-roundup-new-european-business-class-instant-elite-status-opportunity-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/travel-news-roundup-august-22-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel News Roundup: New European Business Class, Instant Elite Status Opportunity, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Each week, AwardWallet brings you breaking news as soon as you need to hear it. This week, we covered <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/us-bank\/us-bank-launches-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Bank launching transfer partners<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/flying-blue\/new-light-award-fares\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Flying Blue introducing new &#8220;light&#8221; fares<\/a>, and several <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/credit-card-transfer-bonuses\/\" rel=\"noopener\">new transfer bonuses<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/current-promotions-buy-points-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">buy points promos<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, plenty of news happens each day in the travel industry that doesn't require immediate action, but it's still good information to have on your radar. Here's everything to know about what happened this week in travel, including a new American Airlines corporate status pass promotion, a new European business class, and more.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"American_Airlines_Offering_a_Targeted_Corporate_Status_Pass_Promotion\">American Airlines Offering a Targeted Corporate Status Pass Promotion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For a limited time, American Airlines is offering a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/globalsales.aa.com\/mp\/CorporateISPGoldCampaign.page\" rel=\"noopener\">corporate status pass promotion<\/a>\u00a0that lets targeted members enjoy AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold status for four months. If you want to keep your status \u2014 or upgrade to a higher tier \u2014 you'll need to earn <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/american-aadvantage\/loyalty-points\/\" rel=\"noopener\"> Loyalty Points<\/a> during your instant status pass period:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>AAdvantage Gold:<\/strong> 10,000 Loyalty Points<\/li>\n<li><strong>AAdvantage Platinum:<\/strong> 25,000 Loyalty Points<\/li>\n<li><strong>AAdvantage Platinum Pro:<\/strong> 50,000 Loyalty Points<\/li>\n<li><strong>AAdvantage Executive Platinum:<\/strong> 100,000 Loyalty Points<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are lower thresholds than the standard <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/american-aadvantage\/aa-status-match\/\" rel=\"noopener\">AAdvantage status pass promotion<\/a>, so if you are targeted, it's worth considering.<\/p>\n<p>If you reach the necessary loyalty points, you'll enjoy your status through <strong>March 31, 2028<\/strong>. Unfortunately, we don't know exactly which corporate members are targeted for this promotion, so it's hard to say who is eligible. If you are, this is a great way to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/status-match-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">fast-track elite status<\/a>. You normally need 40,000 Loyalty Points to reach Gold, 75,000 to reach Platinum, 125,000 to reach Platinum Pro, and 200,000 to reach Executive Platinum.<\/p>\n<p>You'll need to register for the corporate status pass promotion by <strong>October 23, 2026<\/strong>. Time your registration carefully, as you'll want to earn as many Loyalty Points as possible during your four-month window. Note that you'll need to provide your company name and company email address in the registration. According to the terms and conditions, Loyalty Points earned from spending on the <a data-ccid=\"3004019\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/american-airlines-business-credit-card\/\">Citi<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage Business\u2122 World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> qualify toward your progress.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"3004019\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Citi<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage Business\u2122 World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/11937067.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Citi\u00ae \/ AAdvantage Business\u2122 World Elite Mastercard\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"3004019\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-CitiBusinessAAdvantagePlatinumSelectWorldMasterCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Citi<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage Business\u2122 World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$99, waived for first 12 months<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Citi AAdvantage Business Card is a great card to hold for any business owner that travels at least a few times per year with American Airlines. Get a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, priority boarding and a 25% discount on in-flight purchases. \r\n\r\nWith these perks, it's easy to justify the annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><ul>\r\n<li>Free checked bags for you and up to 4 companions on domestic itineraries<\/li>\r\n<li>Priority boarding to help you win the race for overhead bin space<\/li>\r\n<li>A 25% discount on inflight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on cable and satellite providers<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent at gas stations<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on select telecommunications merchants<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on car rentals<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 1X mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/CitiBusAASelectMC\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-8-208ec861b1#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Status_Match_Offer_for_Chicago\">United Status Match Offer for Chicago<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you don't want AAdvantage status, how about <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/premier-elite-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United MileagePlus Premier status<\/a>? United offers a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/united-mileageplus\/united-status-match\/\" rel=\"noopener\">standard status match and challenge<\/a>, but for a limited time, you can take advantage of an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/promo.united.com\/offers\/statusmatchchicago\" rel=\"noopener\"> improved status match offer by flying through Chicago<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Here's how it works.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Complete the status match request form and upload proof of your competitor airline status. You'll be notified within 14 business days if your match is approved.<\/li>\n<li>Fly United or United Express within 90 days of confirmed approval (or within the previous 30 days) to or from Chicago (ORD). Once your activating flight is confirmed, your Premier status will be activated for 120 days.<\/li>\n<li>To keep your matched status for the following program year, take two qualifying United or United Express flights and earn the required number of Premier qualifying points (PQP) during your challenge period.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you're successful, you'll enjoy status through January 31, 2028. Submit your request by<strong> September 30, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Normally, retaining your matched status requires taking up to 20 qualifying flights during the challenge window, so now you can take just two flights, regardless of which tier you match to. However, you'll still need to earn the standard number of Premier qualifying points, which you can also earn through <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">United Chase credit cards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_274965\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/210\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-274965 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-at-17.19.06.png\" alt=\"United Chicago Status match promo\" width=\"750\" height=\"210\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-at-17.19.06.png 2394w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-at-17.19.06-750x210.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-at-17.19.06-900x252.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-at-17.19.06-768x215.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-at-17.19.06-1536x430.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-21-at-17.19.06-2048x573.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Bilt_Partners_With_Blacklane\">Bilt Partners With Blacklane<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Bilt has put out quite a bit of news recently. Just last week, it <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/bilt-rewards\/blade-partnership\/\" rel=\"noopener\">expanded on its partnership with BLADE<\/a> to allow Bilt members to book BLADE flights directly in the Bilt app and redeem <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-cash\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Cash<\/a> at checkout. Now, Bilt has made an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.biltrewards.com\/blacklane-bilt\" rel=\"noopener\">almost identical announcement<\/a>, this time for a new partnership with Blacklane.<\/p>\n<p>Bilt members can now book Blacklane rides directly through the Bilt Concierge or <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-travel-portal\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Travel Portal<\/a>. You'll earn 1X <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Points<\/a> per $1 spent on your Blacklane trip, or you can redeem points to pay for your ride. These earnings are on top of what you'd earn through your credit card.<\/p>\n<p>You can also redeem Bilt Cash for a Blacklane credit. The amount you can redeem depends on your <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-elite-status\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt elite status<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Platinum Members:<\/strong> up to $150 annually<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gold Members:<\/strong> up to $100 annually<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blue and Silver Members:<\/strong> up to $50 annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"remark\"><strong><em>Note: <\/strong>Bilt Cash expires at the end of each calendar year. Up to $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over to the next year.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_274960\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/338\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-274960 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kwhxYC2XkWCcDMXbd9zKJyT46RE.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Bilt Blacklane hero image\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kwhxYC2XkWCcDMXbd9zKJyT46RE.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kwhxYC2XkWCcDMXbd9zKJyT46RE.jpg-750x422.webp 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kwhxYC2XkWCcDMXbd9zKJyT46RE.jpg-900x506.webp 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kwhxYC2XkWCcDMXbd9zKJyT46RE.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kwhxYC2XkWCcDMXbd9zKJyT46RE.jpg-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kwhxYC2XkWCcDMXbd9zKJyT46RE.jpg-1600x900.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Bilt<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>If you're unfamiliar, Blacklane is a global chauffeur business that lets you prebook luxury car rides to pick you up from the airport or take you where you need to go. Blacklane might have been on your radar thanks to the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/strata-elite-blacklane-credit\/\" rel=\"noopener\">$200 annual Blacklane credit<\/a> (split into two semi-annual $100 credits) offered on the <a data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-strata-elite-offer\/\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that Blacklane is often very expensive. I used my Blacklane credit in Mexico City, and even after taking $100 off the ride, it was significantly more than what Uber or other rideshare services charge. If you don't hold Bilt elite status, a $50 credit won't take you very far. A 20-minute ride in Europe can easily cost \u20ac120 or more.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"You_Can_Now_Enter_Priority_Pass_Lounges_With_a_Physical_Amex\">You Can Now Enter Priority Pass Lounges With a Physical Amex<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you get your <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/travel\/priority-pass-lounges-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Priority Pass membership<\/a> through an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-rewards-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">American Express credit card<\/a>, entering the lounge just got a bit easier. Normally, you have to show your physical or digital Priority Pass membership card to enter the lounge.<\/p>\n<p>However, as Priority Pass begins migrating accounts to the new Priority Pass+ app, it appears that physical membership cards for American Express accounts are going away, and you'll now be able to simply show your credit card to enter the lounge. You'll still be able to show your digital card for entry, but if you have your <a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-platinum\/\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> handy, you can show that instead.<\/p>\n<p>We aren't sure if or when cards from other issuers will get the same update.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4028089\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/e6901d88-1a35-4373-b3e1-9a2a445490a0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express Platinum Card\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express Platinum Card\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$895<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">Cardholders can access more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, take advantage of up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $219 in CLEAR+ credits, and TSA PreCheck<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or Global Entry fee credits. The card also includes an annual hotel credit worth up to $600 on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or The Hotel Collection bookings (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), Hilton Honors\u2122 and Marriott Bonvoy<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Elite status, and a suite of benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>. Additional perks include $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership credit (with applicable sales taxes and Plus Ups not include), up to $300 in annual digital entertainment credits, up to $300 Equinox credits, and up to $200 annual Uber Cash and $120 Uber One Credit. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards&#xAE; points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount - all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.<\/li><li>Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards&#xAE; points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel&#xAE;, including Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel&#xAE; on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.<\/li><li>With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass&#x2122; membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01\/2026<\/li><li>$200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card&#xAE; you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card&#xAE; to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.<\/li><li>$300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card&#xAE; for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>$600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel&#xAE; using the Platinum Card&#xAE;. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.<\/li><li>$400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights&#x2122; by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card&#xAE; Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights&#x2122; by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card&#xAE; to your Resy profile to book your reservation.<\/li><li>$219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card&#xAE;. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.<\/li><li>$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card&#xAE; Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.<\/li><li>Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts&#xAE; through American Express Travel&#xAE;, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.<\/li><li>$300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card&#xAE; for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.<\/li><li>$155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card&#xAE;. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.<\/li><li>Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24\/7.<\/li><li>$895 annual fee.<\/li><li>Terms Apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn  5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection bookings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/PlatinumCard\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-8-208ec861b1#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"American_Airlines_To_Reintroduce_Seatback_Screens_on_Short-Haul_Aircraft\">American Airlines To Reintroduce Seatback Screens on Short-Haul Aircraft<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Just a few years after removing seatback screens from its narrowbody fleet, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/news.aa.com\/news\/news-details\/2026\/American-Airlines-announces-fleetwide-upgrade-with-installation-of-seatback-screens-MKG-OB-08\/default.aspx\" rel=\"noopener\">American Airlines announced<\/a> a fleetwide upgrade with state-of-the-art seatback screens on all new aircraft deliveries starting in 2028, and on retrofitted aircraft. These will be among the largest displays on any narrowbody aircraft in North America, featuring 4K technology and expanded content.<\/p>\n<p>You'll also enjoy USB-C fast charging ports and Bluetooth audio connectivity \u2014 which is a long time coming. This retrofit will be finished &#8220;early next decade,&#8221; so it'll be quite a while before you can reliably experience these great new screens for yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Also in the announcement, American Airlines said it will substantially increase the number of premium and Main Cabin Extra seats in its narrowbody fleet \u2014 from 25% to 40%.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_274945\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/338\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-274945 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/081826-Premium-Seatback-IFE-01.jpg\" alt=\"New American Airlines seatback screen\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/081826-Premium-Seatback-IFE-01.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/081826-Premium-Seatback-IFE-01-750x422.jpg 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/081826-Premium-Seatback-IFE-01-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/081826-Premium-Seatback-IFE-01-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: American Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Several_Airlines_Announce_New_Routes\">Several Airlines Announce New Routes<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turks and Caicos has gotten extremely famous over the last 20 years, but most travelers are only familiar with Providenciales. If you wanted to get to South Caicos, you had far fewer flight options and would need to have a layover in either Miami or Providenciales. BermudAir is fixing that by offering a new route from Newark (EWR) to South Caicos (XSC), launching this winter. It will operate twice weekly from December to May.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, BermudAir is adding nonstop flights to Providenciales from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore (BWI), Raleigh (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg\/Tampa (PIE), and Toronto (PIE). Turks and Caicos is certainly worth a visit, and more flight options makes it easier than ever.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/news.alaskaair.com\/destinations\/alaska-airlines-announces-nonstop-service-to-athens-paris\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Airlines announced<\/a> a nonstop flight from Seattle (SEA) to Paris (CDG) and Athens (ATH) in May 2027. Alaska Airlines will be the very first airline to offer a nonstop between Seattle and Athens, which is great news for West Coast travelers. These routes add to Alaska's current international lineup of Iceland, London, Rome, Seoul, and Tokyo. The airline has plans to add at least five more international destinations by 2030.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_261569\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-261569 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Alaska-American-Featured.png\" alt=\"Alaska Airlines 737 at PHL.\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Alaska-American-Featured.png 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Alaska-American-Featured-750x600.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Alaska-American-Featured-900x720.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Alaska-American-Featured-768x614.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Alaska-American-Featured-325x260.png 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Tyler Glatt \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Eurowings_To_Launch_Intra-European_Business_Class\">Eurowings To Launch Intra-European Business Class<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you've flown business class within Europe, you've likely experienced the same seat as economy, but with the middle seat blocked off. However, Eurowings announced in 2025 that it would trial run a true business class on flights to Dubai for a limited time.<\/p>\n<p>Apparently that trial went well, because <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/newscloud.eurowings.com\/en\/comfort-offensive-premium-biz-seat--available-on-these-routes-for-the-202627-winter-schedule\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Eurowings announced<\/a> on August 19 that it would roll out the premium business seat across its entire fleet of eight A320neos. Before you get too excited, don't expect lie-flat seats.<\/p>\n<p>You'll enjoy an experience similar to a U.S. domestic first class, with a 2&#215;2 layout of two rows with increased recline, a wider seat, extra legroom with a leg rest, and USB charging ports. You'll enjoy a welcome drink, refreshing towel, and nuts on all routes. On the flight to Dubai, you'll also receive a pillow and blanket, amenity kit, and in-flight dining.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_274961\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/338\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-274961 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/260819_eurowings_premiumbizseat2.jpeg\" alt=\"Eurowings premium business seat\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/260819_eurowings_premiumbizseat2.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/260819_eurowings_premiumbizseat2-750x422.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/260819_eurowings_premiumbizseat2-900x506.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/260819_eurowings_premiumbizseat2-768x432.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Eurowings<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Here are the routes you'll be able to access this business class product on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mallorca (PMI):<\/strong> Daily flights from Dusseldorf and up to four times per week from Berlin<\/li>\n<li><strong>M\u00e1laga (AGP):<\/strong> Four weekly flights from Dusseldorf<\/li>\n<li><strong>London Heathrow (LHR):<\/strong> Up to 28 weekly flights from Dusseldorf and all weekly flights from Berlin<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dubai (DXB):<\/strong> All flights \u2014 daily from Berlin, four times a week from Stuttgart, and three times a week from Cologne\/Bonn.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The aircraft retrofit will happen in November, and you'll be able to experience the new seats starting in December.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>That's a lot of news for one week. These new routes, instant elite status opportunities, new business class products, and new partners can seriously elevate your travel experience. Be sure to check out <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/travel-news-roundup-august-17-2026\/\" rel=\"noopener\">last week's news roundup<\/a> if you missed it!<\/p>\n<p><em>Have you heard about any interesting travel news that we've missed? Let us know in the comments.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"ftoc\"><div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#American_Airlines_Offering_a_Targeted_Corporate_Status_Pass_Promotion\">American Airlines Offering a Targeted Corporate Status Pass Promotion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Status_Match_Offer_for_Chicago\">United Status Match Offer for Chicago<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bilt_Partners_With_Blacklane\">Bilt Partners With Blacklane<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#You_Can_Now_Enter_Priority_Pass_Lounges_With_a_Physical_Amex\">You Can Now Enter Priority Pass Lounges With a Physical Amex<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#American_Airlines_To_Reintroduce_Seatback_Screens_on_Short-Haul_Aircraft\">American Airlines To Reintroduce Seatback Screens on Short-Haul Aircraft<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Several_Airlines_Announce_New_Routes\">Several Airlines Announce New Routes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Eurowings_To_Launch_Intra-European_Business_Class\">Eurowings To Launch Intra-European Business Class<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Plenty of news happens each day in the travel industry that doesn&#8217;t require immediate action, but it&#8217;s still good information to have on your radar. Here&#8217;s everything to know about what happened this week in travel, including a new American Airlines corporate status pass promotion, a new European business class, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":105,"featured_media":266798,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12069],"tags":[12770,12679,36370,12628],"coauthors":[36518],"class_list":["post-274918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-alaska-mileage-plan","tag-american-airlines","tag-bilt-rewards","tag-travel-experience"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/105"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=274918"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274918\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":275009,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274918\/revisions\/275009"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=274918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=274918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=274918"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=274918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}