Alison Sider
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If it happens on a plane, I write about it for @WSJ. Feel very free to tell me your deepest, darkest secrets.
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Articles by Alison Sider
Brace yourself for the priciest holiday travel season in years
When Ehren Minkema flew from Austin, Texas, to Minneapolis for Christmas last year, he paid $424 round trip. About a week ago, Minkema bought a nearly identical itinerary for this year's trip. The new price: $722. “I had to think about what sacrifices I am willing to make to book my trip home,” said Minkema, a 35-year-old who lives in Austin.
Brace Yourself for the Priciest Holiday Travel Season in Years
“I had to think about what sacrifices I am willing to make to book my trip home,” said Minkema, a 35-year-old who lives in Austin. “While also knowing that the longer I wait, prices will just continue to get more expensive.” Airfares this holiday season will be the highest they have been in at least a decade, according to data compiled by Hopper, a travel-booking company.
The Mystery of the Disappearing Airplane Barf Bag
Unfortunately, it’s not something you notice until you’re in urgent need of one; ‘it’s in the phone app now?’ Danielle Booker’s flight was approaching Denver when turbulence hit—and she realized she was in trouble. There was no barf bag in her seat pocket. Or in the seat pocket of her seatmate. Or in her seatmate’s seatmate’s. The guy across the aisle also came up empty. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Delta's CEO on skipping Starlink, premium-travel rush and high fuel prices
Fuel is taking a chunk out of Delta Air Lines' profits. The carrier on Friday sharply lowered its outlook for the year, reflecting a $6 billion increase in fuel costs. But even with fuel prices back on the rise, Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said his airline—the most profitable in the U.S.—is best-positioned to ride out the wild swings. Airlines have cut money-losing routes and managed to charge higher fares and increase fees for checked bags .
Delta’s CEO on Skipping Starlink, Premium-Travel Rush and High Fuel Prices
‘Just because someone says they’re going premium, that does not make them a premium airline,’ says Ed Bastian But even with fuel prices back on the rise, Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said his airline—the most profitable in the U.S.—is best-positioned to ride out the wild swings. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 Subscribe Now Already a subscriber? Sign In
Delta’s CEO on Skipping Starlink, Premium-Travel Rush and High Fuel Prices
Delta CEO Says Status Is “Very Easy” To Earn—Gets Confused About SkyMiles On National TV Delta CEO Ed Bastian says no major SkyMiles changes are on the horizon. But in the same CNN interview, he gives viewers false information about …
American Airlines Is the Worst for Bumping Passengers. Now It Says It Will Stop.
Now, as American tries to improve its reputation with customers and better manage disruptions, the Fort Worth-based carrier is doing more to avoid those situations by focusing on getting people to give up their seats voluntarily. “We’ve improved technology and improved process. And now I think we feel we’re to the point where we do not take an “involuntary denied” boarding,” Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, said.
The latest nuisance on flights is a Zoom call at 30,000 feet
Christopher Mosby was pleased to find Starlink Wi-Fi available on his United Airlines flight from Chicago to Denver earlier this year. But 15 minutes into the trip, he heard the telltale sounds of a work call coming from seat 4A: agenda updates, awkward pauses and everyone's favorite: “Can you see my screen?” The new era of in-flight connectivity is here, and with it, a new era of in-flight annoyance.
The Latest Nuisance on Flights Is a Zoom Call at 30,000 Feet
Fast, free internet is rolling out on planes around the world, and travelers are finding it hard to resist the temptation to hop on a work Zoom or FaceTime a loved one—in some cases, like Mosby’s flight, defying crew instructions that calls of any sort are forbidden. “I travel a lot, so having a connection that is fast enough to actually work from is great,” said Mosby, who heads a cybersecurity company.
Delta is the only big four airline that won't use Starlink—and Elon Musk is furious
The CEO of Delta Air Lines doesn't want to be in business with Elon Musk. And Musk isn't happy about it. “He will lose his job over this,” Musk wrote on X earlier this week about Delta's Ed Bastian, responding to unconfirmed reports that the chief executive had criticized him during employee meetings. The trigger for the billionaire's pique: Delta, the most profitable airline in the U.S., rejected Musk's Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi service, choosing Amazon's offering instead.
Delta is the only big four airline that won’t use Starlink-and Elon Musk is furious
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Delta Is the Only Big Four Airline That Won’t Use Starlink—and Elon Musk Is Furious
The billionaire has been railing against Delta CEO Ed Bastian because the airline went with Amazon’s in-flight internet service “He will lose his job over this,” Musk wrote on X earlier this week about Delta’s Ed Bastian, responding to unconfirmed reports that the chief executive had criticized him during employee meetings. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Alaska Air Upgrades Lounges and Cabins in Battle for High-Paying Travelers
- Mario Tama/Getty Images Alaska Air is upgrading its premium travel offerings to take on the biggest U.S. airlines. It is installing a new premium economy section on planes that fly overseas and across the country. And it is beefing up its international business-class offering with new lie-flat suites and devoted lounge space. OpenAI Scraps Release of New AI Model Over Safety Concerns I Tried Meta's Muse AI Agent. It's Helpful and Scary at the Same Time.
Private-credit firms are buzzing about getting in on JPMorgan's card empire
JPMorgan Chase recently explored a way to ease a longstanding point of contention with credit-card partners such as airlines and retailers, a plan that would open the door for private credit to get a new piece of consumer debt. The co-brand cards that millions of consumers use have long been the epicenter of a love-hate relationship between large merchants and banks.
Private-Credit Firms Are Buzzing About Getting In on JPMorgan’s Card Empire
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Private-Credit Firms Are Buzzing About Getting In on JPMorgan’s Card Empire
Scott Bessent Now Bessent ‘inadvertently’ failed to report at least $100K of JPMorgan stock POLITICO - By Michael Stratford • 1m An inspector general review found no "knowing violation" of federal ethics law.
Fuel Price Surge Prompts Airlines to Cut Flights-and Keep Fares High — WSJ
Fuel Price Surge Prompts Airlines to Cut Flights-and Keep Fares High — WSJ UAL Airlines are cutting money-losing flights to protect pricing power as fuel prices march higher, executives said Wednesday. United Airlines Chief Financial Officer Mike Leskinen said United would drop some flights in December and could cut flights into next year if fuel prices stay high. "We are not flying to maximize market share. We're flying to maximize profitability and free-cash generation.
Southwest Airlines jumps into the airport lounge competition
Southwest Airlines is jumping into the airport lounge fray. The airline will open swanky lounges in Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Nashville, Tenn.; and Honolulu, hoping to lure fliers to a new high-end credit card it plans to launch next year. JPMorgan Chase is partnering with Southwest on the lounges and will issue the new card. Construction is under way, with plans to open the first of the enclaves in late 2027. Eventually the Dallas-based airline is planning a network of at least 11 lounges.
Southwest Airlines Jumps Into the Airport Lounge Competition — WSJ
Southwest Airlines is jumping into the airport lounge fray. The airline will open swanky lounges in Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Nashville, Tenn.; and Honolulu, hoping to lure fliers to a new high-end credit card it plans to launch next year. JPMorgan Chase is partnering with Southwest on the lounges and will issue the new card. Construction is under way, with plans to open the first of the enclaves in late 2027. Eventually the Dallas-based airline is planning a network of at least 11 lounges.
Southwest Airlines Jumps Into the Airport Lounge Competition
This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/business/airlines/southwest-airlines-jumps-into-the-airport-lounge-competition-12126c96
The airline CEO filling a Spirit-sized hole in the market
Jimmy Dempsey runs the biggest U.S. budget airline still standing. The Frontier Airlines boss says the company's future relies on features like first-class seats and in-flight Wi-Fi. Dempsey, who took the helm last year, is charged with improving the Denver-based airline's operations and making it profitable again. To do so, the 51-year-old Dempsey has to figure out how to maintain the airline's low-cost edge while embracing amenities that would have once been unthinkable for a budget carrier.
The Airline CEO Filling a Spirit-Sized Hole in the Market
Jimmy Dempsey tries to boost Frontier by improving operations and embracing premium perks Daniel Slim/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images Jimmy Dempsey runs the biggest U.S. budget airline still standing. The Frontier Airlines ULCC -3.16%decrease; down pointing triangle boss says the company’s future relies on features like first-class seats and in-flight Wi-Fi. Dempsey, who took the helm last year, is charged with improving the Denver-based airline’s operations and making it profitable again.
The Airline CEO Filling a Spirit-Sized Hole in the Market — WSJ
Jimmy Dempsey runs the biggest U.S. budget airline still standing. The Frontier Airlines boss says the company's future relies on features like first-class seats and in-flight Wi-Fi. Dempsey, who took the helm last year, is charged with improving the Denver-based airline's operations and making it profitable again. To do so, the 51-year-old Dempsey has to figure out how to maintain the airline's low-cost edge while embracing amenities that would have once been unthinkable for a budget carrier.
American Airlines Adds Vienna, Reykjavik Flights in International Travel Battle — WSJ
American Airlines Adds Vienna, Reykjavik Flights in International Travel Battle — WSJ AAL American Airlines is the latest carrier to expand its overseas route network, with plans to add Vienna, Reykjavik, Iceland and Porto, Portugal to its map for summer vacations next year. Airlines are trying to keep a boom in overseas travel going and satisfy travelers' desire to get to new destinations. American's announcement comes on the heels of rival United's own slate of new overseas destinations.
United Airlines ups its bet on Instagrammable international destinations
United Airlines is readying its biggest-ever international expansion, betting that adding nonstop connections to far-flung, social media-friendly locales will keep passengers booking trips abroad. The Chicago-based carrier on Tuesday announced new destinations ranging from Ljubljana, Slovenia and Marseille, France to Ibiza, Spain.
American is adding seat-back screens to more than 800 planes
American Airlines plans to install screens at every seat as part of a cabin overhaul that includes adding more rows in first class and extra legroom in narrow-body planes. The new interiors are part of American's plan to attract more premium revenue and catch up to Delta and United, its more profitable rivals. Major airlines have invested heavily in onboard experiences in recent years as they vie for passengers' loyalty—particularly those willing to spend extra for a more comfortable flight.
American Is Adding Seat-Back Screens to More Than 800 Planes
American Airlines plans to install screens at every seat as part of a cabin overhaul that includes adding more rows in first class and extra legroom in narrow-body planes. The new interiors are part of American’s plan to attract more premium revenue and catch up to Delta and United, its more profitable rivals. Major airlines have invested heavily in onboard experiences in recent years as they vie for passengers’ loyalty—particularly those willing to spend extra for a more comfortable flight.
Delta Ups Its Bet on Austin with New Paris Flights — WSJ
Delta Ups Its Bet on Austin with New Paris Flights — WSJ DAL Delta is throwing down the gauntlet in Austin, announcing plans to launch daily summer-seasonal flights to Paris next year as it vies for position as the Texas capital's global airline. When the flights start in March, Delta will be the only U.S. airline to fly to Europe from the fast-growing Texas city. It's taking on Southwest, which is by far Austin's biggest airline, but doesn't fly across the Atlantic.
The most fertile land for winemakers is 30,000 feet in the air
When Max Franks boarded a flight to Fresno, Calif., earlier this year, he had a few things to help pass the time: two dozen bottles of wine, from Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc. “It's amazing how many friends you can make on an airplane with 24 bottles of wine,” said Franks, who made it his mission to open each one. Pulling out corks at 30,000 feet is part of the job for Franks, who develops wines to serve on flights.
The One Place Where Wine Still Rules: 30,000 Feet in the Air
When Max Franks boarded a flight to Fresno, Calif., he had a few things to help pass the time: two dozen bottles of wine, from Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc. “It’s amazing how many friends you can make on an airplane with 24 bottles of wine,” said Franks, who made it his mission to open each one. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 Continue reading your article with a WSJ subscription Subscribe Now Already a subscriber? Sign In
米航空各社、空港での移民当局取り締まり強化に反発
This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.
Airlines push back against ICE enforcement at airports
Airlines are pushing back against federal authorities intensifying immigration enforcement at U.S. airports. In one case on July 25, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer tried to board a Southwest Airlines flight in Dallas to make an arrest, only to be rebuffed by the airline, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The incident is among at least a half-dozen similar encounters involving Southwest in the past few weeks, a person familiar with the matter said.
Airlines Push Back Against ICE Enforcement at Airports
Airlines are pushing back against federal authorities’ efforts to ramp up immigration enforcement at U.S. airports. In one case on July 25, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer tried to board a Southwest Airlines flight in Dallas to make an arrest, only to be rebuffed by the airline, according to documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The incident is among at least a half-dozen similar encounters involving Southwest in the past few weeks, a person familiar with the matter said.
美联航去年曾就合并事宜接洽达美航空
据知情人士透露，一直在寻求大型交易的美联航(United Airlines)去年曾与达美航空(Delta Air Lines)接洽商讨合并事宜，此举原本会将美国这两家市值最高的航空公司合并。 一些知情人士称，作为这项努力的一部分，美联航首席执行官斯科特·柯比(Scott Kirby)致电了达美航空首席执行官埃德·巴斯蒂安(Ed Bastian)。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
米ユナイテッド航空、昨年デルタに合併打診していた
米航空大手のユナイテッド航空は昨年、デルタ航空に対し、米国で最も企業価値の高いこの2社の合併について打診していた。事情に詳しい関係者への取材で明らかになった。 合併打診の一環として、ユナイテッドのスコット・カービー最高経営責任者（CEO）はデルタのエド・バスティアンCEOに電話をかけたと、関係者の一部は述べた。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
United approached Delta last year about merging airlines
United Airlines, on the hunt for a megadeal, last year approached Delta Air Lines about a merger that would have combined the two most valuable U.S. carriers, according to people familiar with the matter. As part of the pitch, United Chief Executive Scott Kirby made a call to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, some of the people said. Delta leaders discussed the approach and merits of a potential deal as part of preliminary due diligence, people familiar with the matter said.
United approached Delta last year about merging airlines
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Oil Prices Roar Back, Threatening Economy and GOP’s Midterm Hopes
As global benchmark tops $100, stocks slump and Treasury yields hit highest levels of Trump’s second term Oil prices roared back Thursday to crack the $100-a-barrel mark, an inflation-triggering threshold that threatens to bedevil the U.S. economy while putting pressure on the Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. As President Trump warned that Iran could soon feel “major military punishment,” Brent crude, the global gauge, topped $100 a barrel for the first time since May.
Oil prices roar back, threatening economy and GOP's midterm hopes
Oil prices roared back Thursday to crack the $100 a barrel mark, an inflation-triggering threshold that threatens to bedevil the U.S. economy while putting pressure on the Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. As President Trump warned that Iran could soon feel “major military punishment ,” Brent crude, the global gauge, topped $100 a barrel for the first time since May. The U.S. oil price shot up 6.2% to $92.19 a barrel.
A Monster Pile of Airline Points Is Supercharging Summer Travel
Credit cards are changing how the airlines do business, from picking routes to limiting lounge access A stockpile of points, which airlines value at around $38 billion, is powering the travel season. Will Figg FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Delta is keeping customers who buy its cheapest business class tickets out of its lounges—unless they’re toting the right credit card. Southwest is leasing space in airports for new lounges so it could have a new perk for its cobranded credit cards.
A monster pile of airline points is supercharging summer travel
Alison Sider, Jacob Passy Delta is keeping customers who buy its cheapest business class tickets out of its lounges—unless they're toting the right credit card. Southwest is leasing space in airports for new lounges so it could have a new perk for its cobranded credit cards. And at O'Hare International Airport, American Airlines has been fighting tooth and nail not to lose access to gates in its terminal because of the Chicago hub's potential to fuel its credit-card loyalty program.
Frontier Airlines, a Wi-Fi holdout, is partnering with SpaceX's Starlink
Alison Sider Discount airline Frontier Airlines is going with SpaceX's Starlink to offer Wi-Fi on its planes for the first time. The budget airline said Tuesday that it planned to start offering Starlink Wi-Fi early next year. Starlink will also provide connectivity for Frontier's pilots, flight attendants, maintenance teams and ground operations, which Frontier said would help improve its operational performance and customer service.
Delta’s Basic Business Offers Cheaper Luxury Ticket With Fewer Perks
Airline’s strategy reflects push toward a la carte pricing even for premium tickets Delta Air Lines jets at Pittsburgh International Airport. Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press Delta Air Lines DAL -1.81%decrease; down pointing triangle is betting that even travelers who want luxuries like lie-flat seats and chef-curated meals are willing to make some trade-offs for a cheaper ticket.
Delta sales keep climbing while sky-high fuel costs cut profit
Alison Sider, Dean Seal Delta Air Lines said customers aren't shrinking away from higher flight prices that have helped offset sky-high fuel costs. The Atlanta airline reported a second-quarter surge in revenue despite adding just 1% of capacity. Chief Executive Ed Bastian said higher fares haven't slowed down demand, at least from Delta's customers. Airfare remains a strong bargain, even at these elevated levels, he said.
Delta's basic business offers cheaper luxury ticket with fewer perks
Delta Air Lines is betting that even travelers who want luxuries like lie-flat seats and chef-curated meals are willing to make some trade-offs for a cheaper ticket. Enter Delta's new tier of premium tickets that include fewer checked bags, charge a fee for changes or cancellations, and provide fewer frequent flier miles.
Delta’s basic business offers cheaper luxury ticket with fewer perks
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Jet-fuel prices have plunged but aren't resulting in much lower fares
Airlines are finally getting some relief at the jet-fuel pump. Fliers may not share in the savings, though. Jet-fuel prices doubled in the weeks after the Iran war started, and carriers raised fares to keep up. Now fuel prices are down 40% from their peak in April, but analysts say fares aren't likely to follow because travelers keep paying up.
Jet-Fuel Prices Have Plunged but Aren’t Resulting in Much Lower Fares
Carriers see travelers continuing to pay up—and aren’t rushing to bring back flights and routes trimmed during oil’s surge Airlines are finally getting some relief at the jet-fuel pump. Fliers may not share in the savings, though. Jet-fuel prices doubled in the weeks after the Iran war started, and carriers raised fares to keep up. Now fuel prices are down 40% from their peak in April, but analysts say fares aren’t likely to follow because travelers keep paying up.
JetBlue Pilot Reports Striking Drone at New York’s JFK Airport
Passenger aircraft landed safely and reported no damage, the FAA says Edna Leshowitz/Zuma Press A pilot landing a passenger plane at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning reported hitting a drone, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The pilot of JetBlue Airways Flight 948 reported that the incident occurred at approximately 3,000 feet altitude on its final approach, the FAA said.
Airlines Are Installing New Luxury Seats, but No One Is Allowed to Sit in Them
Airlines such as Lufthansa are rolling out luxurious seats and pods to fly passengers in comfort and style. Joanna Plucinska/Reuters Dutch airline KLM has been preparing for a new and more-luxe business-class experience, featuring 34 lie-flat seats equipped with privacy doors and 19-inch touch screens. But there’s a problem. The seats, which the carrier is marketing to high-end fliers on a brand new long-haul jet, haven’t yet been certified by aviation authorities.
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