{"id":281285,"date":"2026-10-10T12:00:50","date_gmt":"2026-10-10T12:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=281285\/"},"modified":"2026-10-10T11:31:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T11:31:01","slug":"travel-news-roundup-southwest-chatgpt-plugin-new-airline-partnership-first-african-airline-gets-starlink-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/travel-news-roundup-october-10-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel News Roundup: Southwest ChatGPT Plugin, New Airline Partnership, First African Airline Gets Starlink, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

We've had another busy week. We shared news that Citi introduced a Strata welcome offer pop-up<\/a> and that American Express is planning its largest Centurion Lounge expansion yet<\/a>. However, this has been one of the busiest weeks for “extra” news \u2014 announcements that might not warrant a post on their own but are still important to be aware of.<\/p>\n

Here's all the travel news you could've missed from this week, including changing partnerships, more airlines getting Starlink, new lounges, and more.<\/p>\n

Partnerships Come and Go<\/span><\/h2>\n

Alaska launches partnership with Breeze Airlines<\/span><\/h3>\n

Alaska Airlines has started selling select flights operated by Breeze Airlines, though neither airline has formally announced a new partnership.<\/p>\n

For now, you can book flights from a handful of Breeze hubs, including Raleigh (RDU) and Las Vegas (LAS), to destinations Alaska doesn't serve. For instance, you can book this Breeze flight from Raleigh to Jacksonville (JAX):<\/p>\n

\"Alaska
Screenshot of Alaska<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

But you can't book a flight from Raleigh to Columbus, Ohio, as Alaska operates a route from Seattle to Columbus.<\/p>\n

However, you'll want to compare pricing before you book. Even with a Nicer fare bundle, you'd pay $123 by booking the same flight through Breeze, which is still less than Alaska's ticket.<\/p>\n

\"Breeze
Screenshot of Breeze<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Although Breeze isn't listed as an official airline partner on Alaska's partner page<\/a>, it is listed in the FAQ section at the bottom of the page:<\/p>\n

\"FAQ
Screenshot of Alaska<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Qantas and Air New Zealand end partnership<\/span><\/h3>\n

Qantas added a disclaimer to its Air New Zealand partnership page<\/a> that the partnership will end on April 7, 2027<\/strong>. If you are booked for travel on a Qantas codeshare flight operated by Air New Zealand on or after this date, your itinerary will be updated to a flight with an Air New Zealand flight number. Luckily, you'll still earn Qantas Points and status credits as you would have on your original booking.<\/p>\n

You can continue booking Qantas Classic Flight Reward seats through April 6, 2027.<\/p>\n

This is a pretty big blow, especially for U.S. travelers. No major transferable points currencies transfer directly to the Koru loyalty program. However, several different currencies transfer to Qantas, including Amex Membership Rewards<\/a>, Capital One miles<\/a>, Citi ThankYou Points\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>, and Rove Miles<\/a>. Transferring your points and miles to Qantas to book Air New Zealand-operated flights has been a great way to explore the region.<\/p>\n

Luckily, you'll still be able to book Air New Zealand flights through Star Alliance partners, including United Airlines and Avianca.<\/p>\n

Related: The Best Points and Miles for Flights to Australia and New Zealand<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

More Airlines Announce Plans for Starlink<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lately, it feels like Starlink is the hottest topic among airlines. Passengers increasingly want to stay connected while traveling, and Starlink is one of the best ways to do so.<\/p>\n

Royal Air Maroc announced it would be the first African airline to bring Starlink to passengers. It will begin equipping 41 of its aircraft with Starlink in early 2027, free for Safar Flyer members. Keep in mind that Royal Air Maroc doesn't currently have Wi-Fi, so this is a big leap from no connectivity to Starlink. Most airlines upgrade to Starlink after installing other in-flight connectivity.<\/p>\n

In addition, KLM announced<\/a> it will offer Starlink on intercontinental flights starting in mid-2027. This will be free for all Flying Blue members<\/a> in all cabins. This is in addition to KLM's free Wi-Fi throughout much of its European fleet.<\/p>\n

\"KLM
Credit: Henry Mollers \/ Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Alaska Airlines Changes Fare Drop Policy<\/span><\/h2>\n

You used to be able to book an Alaska Airlines ticket and, if the price dropped after you booked, contact Alaska for a credit for the price difference. However, as first reported by View From the Wing<\/a>, this policy has changed. Now, Alaska's lowest fare policy<\/a> states:<\/p>\n

“Although we can\u2019t apply price adjustments after purchase, if you have purchased a refundable fare ticket, you may cancel your reservation and rebook if a lower fare becomes available. Guests should confirm availability of any new itinerary before canceling an existing reservation, as fares and inventory may change. Contact center agents do not process price or mileage adjustments based solely on subsequent fare decreases.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In other words, you'll need to cancel your flight, wait to receive your credit, and use that credit to book your new flight. This creates several problems, especially if the price goes up while you're rebooking. Also, you can't use Alaska Wallet<\/a> funds for things like seat upgrades. Theoretically, you could cancel your ticket with add-ons, receive a credit, and then you won't be able to use that credit to repurchase the same add-ons.<\/p>\n

American To Open Largest Admirals Club in Charlotte<\/span><\/h2>\n

In August 2025, American Airlines announced plans<\/a> to open a brand-new Flagship Lounge in Charlotte and expand its existing Admirals Club\u00ae<\/sup> footprint, making Charlotte a key hub. This week, American shared an exciting new detail<\/a> about the new Admirals Club \u2014 it will be the largest location in the network. As a North Carolina native myself, this is fantastic news.<\/p>\n

The 40,000-square-foot lounge will begin construction later this year, and existing lounge spaces will remain open during construction. Inspired by Charlotte's charm, it will feature distinct zones for different travel needs, including spa-style shower suites, bars and serveries, and areas for travelers to relax or work before their flight.<\/p>\n

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

Southwest Launches ChatGPT Plugin<\/span><\/h2>\n

I'm an AI critic, but many travelers use AI to plan trips. In a first, Southwest has launched a ChatGPT plugin<\/a> that lets travelers plan and book\u00a0trips within ChatGPT.<\/p>\n

You can ask for vacation ideas by sharing your destination type, origin, and timeline, or you can tell ChatGPT where you want to go and when to see available Southwest flights and fares for your selected travel dates. You can use it to compare dates and times to find a better fare and learn more about Southwest's fare products.<\/p>\n

When you're ready to book, you'll be redirected to Southwest to purchase your ticket and any extras. For now, it doesn't appear that you'll be able to search for Rapid Rewards point redemptions through ChatGPT \u2014 only cash fares.<\/p>\n

I typed, “Find Southwest flights from Raleigh to a beach in January,” and it provided the following results:<\/p>\n

\"ChatGPT
Screenshot of ChatGPT<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

It's an interesting tool for anyone who wants to make travel planning a little easier.<\/p>\n

British Airways To Open New Lounge, Revamped A380 Cabins<\/span><\/h2>\n

Between announcements from Alaska Airlines, Qantas, American, and Royal Air Maroc, the Oneworld Alliance has dominated this week's news roundup \u2014 and it's not over yet. British Airways made two interesting announcements this week.<\/p>\n

First, British Airways announced a new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5<\/a>, offering airfield views and one of the world's longest airport lounge bars. This new lounge will be one of the “largest and most ambitious lounge projects” the airline has undertaken, and we're excited to see it. It's set to open at the end of 2028 and will draw inspiration from flight and British design.<\/p>\n

British Airways will also renovate the Heathrow Arrivals lounge, with work starting in early 2027 and completed within a year. It will include a coffee bar and deli, larger dining areas, quiet relaxation zones, dedicated work booths, and 59 shower rooms. First class customers will have dedicated Concorde experiences in both lounges. The airline also announced a new check-in experience for first-class passengers in Heathrow Terminal 3.<\/p>\n

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

British Airways also unveiled its all-new First, Club World, World Traveller Plus, and World Traveller cabins<\/a>, and they are gorgeous. If you aren't familiar with this terminology, Club World is business class, World Traveller Plus is premium economy, and World Traveller is economy. This is part of a larger A380 retrofit and will include brand-new seats in every cabin, new in-flight entertainment screens, and redesigned galleys and stairways.<\/p>\n

British Airways will have the world's largest business class cabin \u2014 a whopping 106 Club Suite seats spanning the entire upper deck \u2014 finished with new trims and detailing. There will also be new amenity kits in First and World Traveller Plus and new bedding in First, World Traveller Plus, and World Traveller. First Service Specialist cabin crew will deliver the brand-new dining experience in every First class cabin across the long-haul fleet.<\/p>\n

\"British
Credit: British Airways<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Airlines Continue Announcing New Routes for Summer 2027<\/span><\/h2>\n

Icelandair just announced<\/a> two new exciting routes. First, Icelandair will begin service to St. Louis (STL) in May 2027. This expands the existing partnership with Southwest Airlines<\/a>, which happens to be the largest carrier in St. Louis. The airline also added Madrid to its network, which is great news for anyone who wants to take advantage of Icelandair's stopover program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition, Air France announced two new routes<\/a> from Paris (CDG): Nashville (BNA) and San Diego (SAN). These routes will begin in May and will be operated by an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Tickets for these routes will go on sale starting October 14, 2026.<\/p>\n

The biggest news came from Southwest, which is introducing 11 new routes for summer 2027<\/a>, nine of which the airline has never flown before:<\/p>\n