{"id":279236,"date":"2026-09-26T12:00:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T12:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=279236\/"},"modified":"2026-09-25T23:19:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T23:19:18","slug":"weekly-news-roundup-bilt-adds-product-changes-american-launches-two-new-partnerships-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/travel-news-roundup-september-26-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekly News Roundup: Bilt Adds Product Changes, American Launches Two New Partnerships, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

I start every week thinking, “It seems like it's going to be a quiet news week.” And I'm always wrong. In the last week, we shared that Citi added JAL as an airline partner<\/a>, the Chase Freedom Flex\u00ae<\/sup> got a refresh<\/a>, and Bilt added Amtrak as a transfer partner<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, there's been quite a bit of additional news that we've been waiting to share. Here's a roundup of other important travel news from this week.<\/p>\n

SAS To Open Lounge in Copenhagen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sweden-based SAS plans to open a new lounge in Copenhagen (CPH) in June 2027<\/a>. The almost 40,000-square-foot lounge is on the fourth floor of Terminal 3 and offers panoramic runway views with the capacity for up to 4,000 visitors per day. The space features Nordic aesthetics and will include barista service, a fresh bakery, a dedicated bar with signature drinks, and more.<\/p>\n

As is the case in all great lounges, there will be separate spaces for working (including 24 private work pods), relaxing, sleeping (including private hotel rooms), eating, and socializing. It will also have a dedicated area for top-tier SAS elites. It offers 40% more space than the current lounge, so you shouldn't have any problem finding a spot to relax between flights.<\/p>\n

\"Rendering
Credit: SAS<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

American and Starlux Launch Codeshare Partnership<\/span><\/h2>\n

American Airlines announced a new codeshare partnership with Starlux<\/a>. This is a step up from the interline agreement that was announced a little over a year ago, but you still can't use your AAdvantage miles<\/a> on Starlux flights \u2014 at least not yet.<\/p>\n

You can now book select Starlux-operated flights between the Western U.S. and Taipei for travel starting September 30, 2026. You will earn miles and Loyalty Points<\/a> when you book a codeshare flight operated by Starlux, and the press release indicated that mileage redemptions and additional travel benefits are coming in the future.<\/p>\n

American will place its code on Starlux-operated flights to Taipei (TPE) from Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA). It will also place its code on flights to Taipei (TPE) from Phoenix (PHX) pending regulatory approvals.<\/p>\n

\"American
Credit: American<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Bilt Adds Ability to Product Change<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are some interesting developments in the Bilt Rewards Card Offer Terms<\/a>. Bilt added a new section on product changes, including information on potential upgrade bonuses.<\/p>\n

As a refresher, Bilt launched the Bilt 2.0 card lineup earlier this year<\/a>. Until now, we weren't sure whether you could switch between the three Bilt cards, or whether you would have to cancel your current card to apply for a different one if you wanted a change. However, we now know that upgrades and downgrades are possible, but they won't be available to all cardholders at all times.<\/p>\n

Select Bilt Blue Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) cardholders can upgrade to the Bilt Obsidian Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>), while Obsidian Card cardholders can upgrade to the Bilt Palladium Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>).<\/p>\n

When you upgrade to another Bilt card, you may be eligible for an upgrade bonus, which may include Bilt Cash, Bilt Points, or complimentary elite status when you meet a spending requirement. This is fantastic news.<\/p>\n

Downgrades are where things get more confusing. If you downgrade within 30 days after an annual fee posts, your upgrade bonus or welcome bonus may be reversed. We aren't sure exactly how this will work in practice.<\/p>\n

We do know that you can complete only one upgrade or downgrade in any rolling 12-month period, and you can receive an upgrade bonus on a specific product only once. You cannot receive an upgrade bonus if you previously earned a welcome bonus on that card or on a card with a higher annual fee.<\/p>\n

There is also some confusion surrounding cardholder credits depending on when you upgrade or downgrade. If you're interested, review the full terms and conditions to see how you can keep your current credits or earn new ones if you request a product change.<\/p>\n

\"Bilt<\/div><\/div>
Bilt Blue Card<\/div>
Welcome Bonus<\/strong> $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved.<\/div><\/div>
Apply Now<\/a><\/div>
Annual Fee<\/strong>

$0Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>

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