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Another week in the books. Over the past couple of days, we've shared a ton of breaking news: American Airlines broke up with Hyatt, Hyatt joined forces with Delta, and the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card got a complete overhaul. We've also covered a variety of new buy points promotions, previewed the new Iberia first class lounge, and told you everything you need to know about Expedia's latest flash sale.

Among all the big points and miles news, there were some other developments this week that we didn't want you to miss. Here's everything you should know, from a brand-new business class seat to the ability to access airport gates without purchasing a ticket.

Delta Updates Earning Structure for Aeromexico

Delta sneakily updated its partner earning structure page. Before you get too worried, the actual earning rates have stayed the same, but how you earn points on Aeromexico flights has changed.

Before, an Aeromexico-marketed flight with a Delta ticket number (006) would earn as if it were Delta-marketed and operated. In other words, you'd earn Delta SkyMiles and Medallion Qualifying Dollars based on the ticket price. Now, Aeromexico-marketed flights, regardless of ticket number, will earn based on the distance and fare class flown.

Whether you consider this change good news or bad news is up to you. If you find a cheap long-haul Aeromexico flight, you'll earn more than you did before. But if you spend a lot of money on a shorter flight, moving to a distance-based earning structure on Delta-ticketed flights is disappointing.

This change applies to all tickets issued on or after September 10, 2026.

Aeromexico tail fins at the airport
Credit: Jose Pablo Dominguez/Unsplash

Gateside by TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Administration is launching a new program in select airports nationwide. You'll now be able to access the airport terminal after security, even if you aren't flying, thanks to Gateside by TSA PreCheck. This program is exclusively available to TSA PreCheck members.

You'll use your Known Traveler Number to apply for Gateside one to three days before your planned visit. Once approved, you'll use the standard TSA PreCheck lane to go through security. Then, you're free to move around the airport to drop off or pick up your loved one directly at their gate, or meet a friend for lunch during a layover. It's free to access, and children can join if entered on their parent's or guardian's reservation.

Here's how to apply for Gateside by TSA PreCheck:

  • Create or log in to your login.gov account to continue to the application portal.
  • Enter your personal information in the application portal.
  • Submit your request and return to your dashboard to view your approval status.
  • If approved, bring an acceptable form of ID and head to the TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. If you have children on your reservation, be prepared to log in to your dashboard and show the TSA Officer your approval status.

Gateside by TSA PreCheck is rolling out in the following airports:

  • Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio
  • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas
  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan
  • Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas
  • Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana
  • Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California
  • Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas
  • Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma
  • Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah

Availability can be limited during peak travel times.

This is a fantastic new program, but there's one thing to keep in mind — you likely won't be able to access an airport lounge. Virtually all lounges require a boarding pass to enter, so if you want to hang out with a loved one before or immediately after their flight, you'll need to do so at a restaurant or at the gate.

Gateside by TSA PreCheck promo banner
Screenshot of TSA

Avianca Unveils New Business Class

Avianca announced a brand-new business class on flights to/from Europe and on the route between Bogota and New York. The first aircraft equipped with the new Insignia by Avianca cabin are slated to enter service in January and February 2027 and will feature the following:

  • Suites with sliding doors
  • Fully flat seats with 180-degree recline
  • New pajamas designed by Maaji
  • Meridian noise-canceling headphones
  • A Mola Sasa amenity kit featuring products from Loto del Sur on all routes and Castello Monte Vibiano on routes departing from Europe
  • Signature cuisine by Álvaro Clavijo and Rafael Buitrago served on newly redesigned tableware. There will also be Home Burgers options on flights from Bogota and Medellin to Europe.
  • INSIGNIA by Avianca check-in in Bogotá and access to VIP lounges.

I haven't flown Insignia by Avianca, but I was impressed with Avianca's Business Class Americas product that extended to all of Avianca's routes late last year. This new business class product should be a very comfortable way to get between South America and Europe.

Avianca's new Insignia business class
Credit: Avianca

Frontier Expands to South America

Frontier is officially heading to South America. The low-cost carrier announced new routes to the following Colombian cities from Orlando (MCO):

  • Daily service to Medellin (MDE) with an introductory fare of $169
  • Daily service to Bogota (BOG) with an introductory fare of $99
  • Once-a-week service to Cartagena (CTG) with an introductory fare of $129

These new routes will launch in December. To take advantage of the introductory fare, you can book by September 16 for travel from January 14 to April 5, 2027. Blackout dates from March 23 to March 30 apply.

In addition, Volaris will launch a route in October from Raleigh (RDU) to Guadalajara (GDL). As a lifelong North Carolinian, I'm always happy to have new ways to reach Mexico without a layover.

Frontier Airlines A320 landing at ORD.
Credit: Brandon Karaca / Unsplash

Bottom Line

This has been an exciting week of travel news. We've gotten used to reporting on loyalty program devaluations, sweet spots disappearing with no notice, or travel becoming more complicated. It's always a nice surprise when we get to report that an exciting new business class is on the way, you have more options to travel around the world, and you can hang out with your loved ones at the airport even if you don't have a ticket.

Don't forget to read the travel news roundups from the past few weeks for any other news you might've missed:

Tip of The Day
Did you know that you can set an individual goal for each of your loyalty accounts? Progress towards that goal is displayed under your account balance. You can set goals in bulk or individually by selecting the account(s) and clicking Set Account Goals under the Actions menu.
Screenshot showing how to set account goals in the AwardWallet dashboard

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