• By the end of 2025, Air Canada’s ground operations at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) will fully electrify its main ground support equipment (GSE)
• Supports Air Canada’s midterm target of 30% greenhouse gas (GHG) net reductions from ground operations compared to a 2019 baseline by 2030

Air Canada’s Québec City Ground Operations to be Airline’s First Station with Fully Electric Main Ground Support Equipment on Vimeo

MONTREAL, April 3, 2025 /CNW/ – To mark Earth Month, Air Canada announced today that its ground operations in Québec City will be the airline’s first station in Canada to achieve 100% electrification of its GSE fleet across all main categories by the end of 2025. This milestone will represent a complete transition from fossil fuel-powered equipment to electric alternatives for all baggage and ramp tractors, belt loaders, power stows, container loaders and aircraft tractors. This transition will eliminate Air Canada’s use of fossil fuel equipment in these key GSE categories at this station.

This is a step forward toward achieving Air Canada’s climate-related ambition that sets out mid-term targets in support of its long-term aspirational goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Those mid-term targets are 20% GHG net reductions from its air operations and 30% GHG net reductions from its ground operations, both compared to a 2019 baseline, by 2030.

“The focus of Earth Month 2025 is Renewable Energy and with Québec’s renewable hydroelectric power, it is fitting that the city of Québec is our first fully electric capable station. This project demonstrates the successful collaboration between Air Canada and the YQB airport authority in developing the necessary charging infrastructure to support the transition to a zero direct emission electric GSE (eGSE) fleet powered by Québec’s renewable energy grid,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO at Air Canada.

“Achieving the clean energy transition for aviation will require collaboration and efforts from all stakeholders. We accept our role as Canada’s flag carrier, and acknowledge that aviation plays a critical role in global connectivity and socio-economic growth. We are committed to a coordinated approach for this long-term energy transition as we operate within an ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers, airports, and governments, all of whom play an integral part in this important initiative,” Mr. Rousseau continued.

“The electrification of Air Canada’s ground operations at YQB represents a concrete and significant step in reducing the impact of airport ground activities on the environment. This project was made possible thanks to close collaboration between our teams, and is perfectly in line with our commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations, as well as to provide the support and tools necessary for our airline partners to achieve their GHG reduction objectives. We are proud that YQB is the first Air Canada station to take this important step towards environmental sustainability,” states Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB.

“Québec City is delighted with this initiative, which makes our airport the first Air Canada station in the country to electrify its main ground support equipment. This transition testifies to the commitment of our institutions and companies to innovate while taking into account current and future energy concerns. We are proud to see YQB, a strategic hub, support the evolution of the air transport industry and actively participate in initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental footprint,” adds Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec City.

Over the last several years, Air Canada has been progressively retiring and replacing older fossil-fuel powered ground equipment across Canada with more efficient electric ground equipment. The airline now has more than 900 pieces of eGSE equipment, representing 35% of the GSE fleet across all categories. Air Canada’s ground fleet includes proven electric alternatives that support operational efficiency and emissions reductions. While some operations still require fossil-fuel powered equipment, Air Canada continues to work closely with the manufacturers to evaluate emerging technologies that come to market.

The new eGSEs are designed to reduce direct emissions compared to internal combustion engine GSEs. They are expected to lower maintenance and spare part costs, and eliminate direct fuel costs, contributing to overall cost savings for Air Canada

[Hamilton, Bermuda – April 3, 2025] – BermudAir has officially launched its inaugural
nonstop service between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Bermuda’s L.F. Wade
International Airport (BDA). The new route, operating year-round twice weekly on
Thursdays and Sundays, enhances connectivity between Bermuda and New England,
offering both leisure and business travellers a seamless and premium travel experience.
“The launch of our service between Bradley International Airport and Bermuda marks an exciting milestone for BermudAir. This new route strengthens our commitment to
providing seamless, premium travel experiences while deepening the connection
between Bermuda and New England,” said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO at BermudAir.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Connecticut travellers aboard and look forward to introducing them to the warmth and hospitality that define BermudAir and Bermuda.”
Flights between Connecticut and Bermuda will be operated on BermudAir’s Embraer 175 aircraft, with a flight time of approximately two hours. Travellers departing from Bermuda will also benefit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance at L.F. Wade
International Airport, streamlining entry into the United States upon arrival.
“We extend a warm welcome to BermudAir as they begin operations at Bradley
International Airport and greatly appreciate their investment in our region,” said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “BermudAir’s
presence at Bradley Airport will allow for faster access to Bermuda and more
convenience for both leisure and business travellers.”
The addition of Bradley International Airport to the BermudAir schedule expands travel
options for passengers, showcasing the island’s unique pink-sand beaches, rich history,
and vibrant culture. The route also bolsters business ties, particularly between
Connecticut’s insurance industry and Bermuda’s globally recognised reinsurance sector.
To celebrate the inaugural flight, departing passengers were treated to a special send-off, marking the beginning of an exciting new travel opportunity for both regions.

Affordable one-way fares start at $39
Avelo currently serves 55 cities spanning 23 states, Puerto Rico and four international destinations: Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico and Dominican Republic

HOUSTON, April 3, 2025 — Avelo Airlines today opened its eighth base of operations at Coastal North Carolina’s Wilmington International Airport (ILM), inaugurated seven new nonstop routes and adds Chicago O’Hare to its East Coast network. Affordable one-way fares start at $39*. 

Avelo also announced it will begin serving Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with exclusive nonstop service to Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport – Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN). This route will start on May 15, 2025, with twice-week service on Thursdays and Sundays.

Avelo operates these routes utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. These exclusive routes expand Avelo’s affordable, convenient and industry-leading reliable air service introduced when the airline took flight in April 2021. Travelers can book at AveloAir.com.

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “We continue to fulfill our purpose to Inspire Travel with the opening of Avelo’s Wilmington base and growing our network in these popular markets. These new routes enable Avelo to significantly expand the affordable, convenient and reliable air service our Customers value. Our investment in Wilmington and these additional routes exemplify our continued growth as we approach the 4th anniversary of Avelo’s inaugural flight.”

From Wilmington International Airport (ILM):

Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)

• Begins April 3, with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays

Nashville, Tenn. (BNA)

• Begins April 3, with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays

Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)

• Begins April 4, with twice weekly service on Fridays and Mondays

Additional Routes:

From Nashville International Airport (BNA)

• Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) begins April 3, 2025, with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays
• Charlotte’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) begins April 4, 2025, with twice weekly service on Mondays and Fridays

From Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)

• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) begins April 4, 2025, with twice weekly service on Mondays and Fridays

From Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN)

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) begins April 4, 2025, with twice weekly service on Mondays and Fridays
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) begins May 15, 2025, with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays

America’s Most Reliable and Convenient Airline
Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 6.6 million Customers on over 53,000 flights. Today Avelo serves 55 cities spanning 23 states and Puerto Rico, as well as four international destinations: Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice, and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Most Avelo routes have at least one small, easy to use airport. This makes traveling with Avelo a smoother, easier and more enjoyable experience than contending with the crowds, congestion and long walks at larger airports.

Avelo is distinguished by its industry-leading reliability. In 2024, Avelo ranked #1 in on-time performance and achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry. These results are provided by Anuvu, a leading aviation data services company also utilized by The Wall Street Journal for the publication’s annual airline ranking. Anuvu’s complete industry results and rankings are available at AveloAir.com. Avelo also delivers world-class customer satisfaction, exemplified by our Net Promoter Scores (NPS), which consistently rank among the best airlines and most admired brands in the world.

Avelo offers an abundance of advanced seating options. One third of its aircraft seats (Avelo Premium and Premium Economy) offer extra leg room — ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches of pitch. These seats offer a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. Customers can also purchase window and aisle seats in advance of their flight. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 14 and under will be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost. 

• British Airways touched down in two new destinations this week, including the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, after a 12-year hiatus and in Kuala Lumpur for the first time in five years 
• Both routes will operate from London Heathrow this summer and have been carefully timed so customers can take advantage of onward connections across the two continents and further afield
• The flag carrier will operate daily flights to the Malaysian capital with return fares starting from £574, and flights to Tbilisi will operate four times per week this summer, starting from £244 return
• Elsewhere, the airline is also increasing its daily flights to Tokyo to twice a day and launching three new Italian routes next month

3 April 2025: British Airways has launched its Kuala Lumpur and Tbilisi routes this week, marking a significant milestone in reconnecting the UK with both regions and expanding its network for customers across both sides of the globe.

The Malaysian capital returns

The flag carrier touched down in the Garden City of Lights this week for the first time in five years. The aircraft departed London Heathrow at 21:10 local time on April 1, landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport the following day at 17:20 local time. Customers on the first flight were greeted on arrival with goodie bags and special gifts.

British Airways will operate daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur, served by the airline’s Boeing 787-900 fleet. Customers have a choice of four cabins – World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) and First (first class) – with return fares from £574.

The airline also recently expanded its codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines, giving customers more travel options and seamless onward connections to more than 17 routes from Kuala Lumpur. This includes travel to key destinations available to book as part of a single ticket, such as Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam*. 

This flight resumption underpins British Airways’ continued investment in Asia Pacific, expanding travel options between the UK and Malaysia while strengthening business, tourism and cultural ties. The airline also recently resumed flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok as well as broadened its codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways, enabling seamless connections from Bangkok to the six popular holiday destinations of Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Touch down in Tbilisi

British Airways has also welcomed Tbilisi back into its route network, after its last scheduled service in 2013. The service to the Georgian capital departed London Heathrow at 21:25 local time on 30 March, landing at Tbilisi International Airport the next day at 05:30 local time. 

Located at the crossroads where Europe meets Asia, Georgia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, traditional cuisine and picturesque scenery. The country proudly lays claim to being the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old history of winemaking that remains an important part of its culture today.

As part of its short-haul network, customers travelling to Tbilisi have the choice of two cabins – Club Europe (business class) and Euro Traveller (economy) – with return fares starting from £244. Euro Traveller customers enjoy a complimentary drink and snack, while Club Europe customers have lounge access, a full meal service, priority boarding and additional baggage allowance included in their ticket.

British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Malaysia and Georgia back to our network, both of which are two key destinations that our customers know and love.

“Our teams have worked hard to bring these routes firmly back on our route map, meaning customers have more choice when it comes to travel for work or pleasure across Europe, Asia and beyond. From the birthplace of wine to one of the most connected cities in Asia, we hope our customers take advantage of exploring somewhere new and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”

Elsewhere across its network

British Airways is increasing its London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) service to twice daily from 30 March 2025**, marking a significant boost in capacity and connectivity between the UK and Japan ahead of the summer season.

British Airways will now operate 14 flights a week to Tokyo, including flights operated by the airline’s A350 fleet once a day. This fuel-efficient aircraft features a three-class cabin including World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). The aircraft also features British Airways’ Club Suite, which is the airline’s latest business class seat, offering an elevated experience designed for comfort and privacy at 35,000ft.

Next month, the airline is adding three new Italian routes to its network, including Rimini on the Adriatic Coast from London Heathrow launching on 15 May, and Salerno on the Amalfi Coast from London Gatwick on 22 May. A new service from London City to Olbia launches on 25 May that will complement existing flights from Heathrow. The new routes will bring the total number of Italian destinations served by the flag carrier to 19, more than any other European country on the airline’s network.

The airline has also increased flights to Riyadh, boosting travel and trade connections between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Customers will now be able to take advantage of nearly double the number of flights with more than 80,000 additional seats versus last year. The new flight additions will operate nearly every day of the week (excluding Tuesdays), strategically timed to offer customers more flexibility for onward connections within British Airways’ extensive global network from London Heathrow to more than 200 destinations.

ENDS

*Key destinations for the codeshare include – Australia (Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth) New Zealand (Aukland), Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Indonesia (Jakarta, Denpasar – Bali), Malaysia (Alor Setar, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Kuantan, Langkawi, Penang), Thailand (Bangkok), and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh).

** The flight departs London Heathrow on 30 March 2025, and from Tokyo Haneda on 31 March 2025.

Notes to Editors

• Both flight frequencies and timings can be viewed below:

London Heathrow (LHR) – Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) route All times are local
Flight Number	Frequency	Departure Airport	Departure  Time	Arrival   Airport	Arrival      Time
BA33	Daily	LHR	21:10	KUL	17:20 (+1)
BA34	Daily	KUL	22:50	LHR	05:35 (+1)

London Heathrow (LHR) – Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) route All times are local
Flight Number	Day	Departure Airport	Departure    Time	Arrival    Airport	Arrival      Time
BA890	Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun	LHR	21:25	TBS	05:30 (+1)
BA891	Wed	TBS	07:10	LHR	09:40
BA891	Fri, Sun, Mon	TBS	07:30	LHR	10:00

• The first flights for the Tampa-Bogotá route took off with four weekly frequencies, San Juan-San José with three weekly operations, and Fort Lauderdale-Medellín and Miami-San José with a daily flight per week.
• These flights are operated on Airbus A320 fleet aircraft, with a capacity for 180 passengers, totaling 1,400 seats on the Bogotá-Tampa route, 1,080 seats on the San Juan-San José route, and 2,520 seats on the Fort Lauderdale-Medellín and Miami-San José routes.

Customers who wish to purchase their tickets can do so via avianca.com, mobile app, Contact Center, and travel agencies.

Tampa, April 1, 2025 – Avianca continues to expand its network to provide more connection alternatives and accessibility for travelers. With the launch of operations for four new direct routes—Tampa-Bogotá, Fort Lauderdale-Medellín, Miami-San José (Costa Rica), and San Juan-San José (Costa Rica)—travelers can enjoy a broad range of options to connect with the United States and the Caribbean.

With the addition of Tampa as a new destination in the U.S. and the expansion of connectivity in Puerto Rico and Latin America, Avianca offers strategic frequencies to facilitate business, tourism, and international travel connections.

The new routes are operated on Airbus A320 family aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers and will offer a total of 8,000 weekly seats, distributed as follows: Tampa – Bogotá with 1,440 available weekly seats; Fort Lauderdale – Medellín with more than 2,520 weekly seats; Miami – San José with 2,520 weekly seats and; San Juan – San José with three weekly flights, directly connecting Puerto Rico with Costa Rica.

“In the past year, we transported more than 38 million passengers to domestic and international destinations while consolidating the largest route network in our history. Now, in 2025, we want to continue providing greater access and connectivity to our customers. That’s why, with the launch of our new routes from Tampa to Bogotá, Fort Lauderdale to Medellín, and Miami to San José, we now have 43 direct routes connecting the United States with the rest of the Americas, enabling millions of passengers to travel across diverse geographies and millions of tourists to visit the U.S.,” said Frederico Pedreira, CEO of Avianca. 

New Route Schedules:

Flight	Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Frequency	Start Date
AV629	San Juan – San José	2:10 p.m.	3:25 p.m.	Monday, Thursday, Friday	March 31, 2025
AV628	San José – San Juan	7:30 a.m.	12:40 p.m.
AV194	Bogotá – Tampa	07:15 a.m.	12:15 p.m.	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	March 30
AV195	Tampa – Bogotá	02:15 p.m.	05:10 p.m.
AV190	Medellín – Fort Lauderdale	10:20 a.m.	02:45 p.m.	Daily
AV191	Fort Lauderdale – Medellín	04:30 p.m.	06:50 p.m.
AV604	San José – Miami	08:25 a.m.	01:15 p.m.	Daily
AV605	Miami – San José	09:40 p.m.	10:40 p.m.

Tampa: A New Gateway to Latin America

Tampa is one of Florida’s main cities, and this historic connection, which Avianca is operating for the first time, will offer travelers on both ends more opportunities for direct travel. Passengers in Tampa will be able to connect via Bogotá to over 80 destinations across the Americas and Europe.

“Tampa International Airport has achieved a major milestone in connecting Tampa Bay to Bogota,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said. “With our new airline partner Avianca, TPA now has nonstop flights to South America for the very first time, giving our residents unparalleled access to Colombia and beyond. I’m grateful to Avianca, as well as the efforts of our community partners throughout Tampa Bay, for helping us make this longtime goal a reality.” 

“The launch of Avianca’s Tampa–Bogotá route strengthens the bridge between Colombia and the United States, fostering deeper business, tourism, and cultural ties. With record-breaking tourism growth and expanding connectivity, this new route is more than just a flight, it’s an invitation for Florida’s west coast to discover Colombia, The Country of Beauty”, said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, the country’s promotion agency. 

Through Bogotá, travelers will be able to connect with 25 domestic destinations in Colombia, gaining access to all regions of the country and conveniently enjoying cities such as Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Quibdó, San Andrés, Leticia, and more.

United will become the only U.S. airline to offer flights to Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; daily service launches this October from Hong Kong with one-stop connections from Los Angeles and San Francisco

United will offer the first nonstop service to Adelaide, Australia from the U.S.; the three-times weekly flights begin in December from San Francisco

The airline also adds a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila starting in October, giving customers daytime and evening travel options in both directions  

With these additions, United will offer flights to 32 destinations across the Pacific, reinforcing its status as the world’s largest airline** with the greatest breadth of destinations for customers

CHICAGO, April 2, 2025 — United today announced it intends to be the only U.S. airline to offer flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with new daily service from Hong Kong planned to start this fall*. These new flights will be scheduled to offer easier connections for travelers from across North America to help meet the growing demand for travel to these destinations.

Starting December 11, United will launch the first nonstop flights between the U.S. and Adelaide, Australia – just in time for the Australian summer. With the addition of this three times weekly seasonal service, United is now the leading carrier to Australia from the continental U.S., also offering flights to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

In addition, United is also adding a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila. Starting on October 25, travelers from both cities will have the option of a daytime or evening flight for greater convenience. United is the only U.S. airline to serve the Philippines, with service to both Manila and Cebu.

With these new routes, United will now offer flights from the U.S. to 32 different cities in the Pacific region – four times that of any other U.S. carrier – further cementing its status as the world’s largest airline** with the most extensive international network.

“At United, we’re changing the way people think about where they travel – by offering the greatest access to see and explore the world, whether it’s for relaxation, adventure or business,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President, Global Network Planning and Alliances at United. “We offer more than the best schedule and travel options – we connect customers to sought after destinations and opportunities to explore new, vibrant cities.” 

United is the world’s leading carrier across the Pacific**; in the past year alone, the airline served more than six million business and leisure passengers in the Pacific region.

Tickets for the Adelaide and the new Manila flights are on sale now on United.com and on the United app. Tickets for Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City flights will be available for sale at a later date.

Bangkok, Thailand

United will be the only U.S. airline to offer daily flights to Bangkok starting October 26. The flights will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and allow a mix of local and international travelers to explore the city’s deep history.

Known for mixing vibrancy and tradition, there is plenty to explore in Bangkok. Customers can see hundreds of ancient temples like Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), check out Lumpini Park – a green oasis amid the bustling cityscape, ride in a tuk-tuk around the city, sample street food like mango sticky rice, boat noodles, and gai tod, and finish the evening walking through Srinagarindra Train Night Market filled with local eats, lights, live bands and bars.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Beginning October 26, United will be the only U.S. airline to offer daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City. The flights will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and allow a mix of local and international travelers to explore the city’s deep history.

Customers visiting can enjoy notable sites like The Saigon Opera House and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, scooter through rice field paths, try amazing Vietnamese flavors from open-air pho stalls and local street vendors, enjoy the bursting microbrewery scene, and much more.

Adelaide, Australia

United will become the first carrier to offer nonstop service between the U.S. and Adelaide* with its nonstop three-times weekly seasonal service from San Francisco starting on December 11. The flight will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and builds on United’s leading network coverage, making United the only airline to offer nonstop service between the U.S. and four major cities in Australia. These routes, combined with the airline’s partnership with Virgin Australia, offer travelers more choice and access across the country.

Adelaide offers U.S. travelers the chance to escape the cold and visit renowned wine regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, experience the stunning natural beauty of Kangaroo Island, and taste the region’s impeccable produce while exploring stands from more than 70 local traders at the Adelaide Central Markets – one of the largest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere.

Manila, Philippines

On October 25, United will begin flying its second flight between San Francisco and Manila*, bringing U.S. travelers more flexibility between day and evening flights when traveling to the Philippines. The flight will be operated on a Boeing 777-300ER.

Customers can visit historic sites like San Agustin and Fort Santiago, try local Filipino foods like kwek-kwek, turon, and halo-halo from street vendors , shop at one of the largest malls in Asia – the Mall of Asia, take in art and history at some of the country’s national museums housed in Manila, or make a day trip to Tagaytay and cruise by boat to see the stunning Taal Volcano – a natural wonder set on its own island.

United’s Growing Global Reach

United has the largest network in the world**, including the largest international network from North America, which it continues to expand at an industry-leading pace. The airline offers approximately 500 daily flights to and from 150 international destinations for travelers around the world. This expansion reinforces United’s commitment to growing its network and bringing travelers to new destinations. The airline is also gearing up to kick off its highly anticipated Summer 2025 schedule that was announced last October.

Study finds many last-minute fares can be significantly cheaper.

AUSTIN, Texas, April 1, 2025 — Upgraded Points’ newest study challenges conventional airfare booking strategies by analyzing thousands of flights across some of the busiest domestic routes. The data reveals that while some airlines increase prices as departure time nears, other carriers actually reward last-minute bookings with lower fares. Waiting until the last minute to book a flight can be a savvy money-saving strategy or an expensive misstep, depending on routes and airlines.

“When it comes to buying tickets at the last minute, precise timing does matter – but not in the way that most travelers think,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. “Knowledge is key, and by understanding which airlines and routes offer genuine last-minute savings, consumers can make smarter booking decisions and potentially save a significant amount on airfare.”

Study Methodology

To identify the best airlines for last-minute bookings, the study gathered daily Google Flights airfare data for 10 of the busiest U.S. domestic routes over a two-week period, analyzing over 21,000 flights. All “last-minute” fares reflect tickets booked exactly one week before departure. These fares were then compared to established averages from previous airline cost studies to determine how prices shift when booking at the last minute.

Top Budget-Friendly Airlines for Last-Minute One-Way Travel

• Spirit Airlines – $151.53
  Spirit consistently offers rock-bottom base fares for last-minute one-way flights, making it the go-to choice for budget travelers, though extras like carry-ons and seat selection come at an additional cost.
• Frontier Airlines – $160.89
  Frontier maintains its reputation for affordability, delivering some of the cheapest fares available, even on last-minute bookings.
• Hawaiian Airlines – $190.19
  A surprising entry, Hawaiian Airlines stands out with competitive pricing, particularly on short routes such as Honolulu to Maui, offering excellent value for island hopping.
• Southwest Airlines – $212.43
  Southwest combines cost-effectiveness with dependable service, offering transparent pricing that positions it as a reliable option for travelers who need a last-minute flight without compromising quality.
• Alaska Airlines – $229.73
  Alaska Airlines rounds out the list by providing reasonably priced last-minute fares, making it an attractive choice for those who value affordability and a quality travel experience.

Where Last-Minute One-Way Tickets Cost Less

• Alaska Airlines: 22.6% less than the average booking
• Southwest Airlines: 8.2% less
• Frontier Airlines: 3.6% less
• Spirit Airlines: 3.1% less
• American Airlines: 0.8% less

Leading Carriers for Expensive Last-Minute One-Way Fares

• JetBlue – $310.15
  JetBlue leads the flock with the highest last-minute fares, reflecting its premium features such as extra legroom and inflight entertainment, all of which command a higher price when time is short.
• American Airlines – $288.26
  This full-service carrier is renowned for its extensive route network and premium amenities, though its last-minute ticket prices remain steep for spontaneous travelers.
• United Airlines – $274.33
  United Airlines offers reliability and comprehensive service, yet its short-notice bookings come with a price premium.
• Delta Air Lines – $236.36
  Delta, known for consistent quality and a wide-reaching network, rounds out the list with high last-minute fares that reflect the added cost of premium travel benefits.

Airlines Where Last-Minute One-Way Tickets Cost More

• JetBlue: 29.9% more than the average booking
• Hawaiian Airlines: 19.3% more
• United Airlines: 15.6% more
• Delta Air Lines: 1.2% more

Check out the full results, including the cheapest and most expensive flight routes by visiting the complete study online.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at: www.UpgradedPoints.com.