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.

Latest 737-8 purchase to help meet increasing narrowbody demand as global air travel continues to soar

SEATTLE, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and BOC Aviation have announced a new, firm order for 50 737-8 jets, expanding the lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio to 215 737-8s and 737-9s.

• BOC Aviation will increase its Boeing order book to 139 unfilled orders.
• BOC Aviation currently has 69 737 MAX airplanes on operating leases to more than 15 airlines worldwide.

“Our strong partnership with Boeing has led to this 50-aircraft order for the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft. With this transaction, we have commitments to purchase over 140 of these aircraft, which is the largest Boeing orderbook position in our history,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This order will enable us to continue providing our airline customers with technologically advanced aircraft for their future fleet growth.”

With single-aisle jets projected to account for 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years, lessors are looking to build their order books to support airlines’ fleet growth plans and replace less-efficient older jets. To date, lessors have ordered more than 1,200 737 MAX jets as they seek to replace up to 300 Next-Generation 737s per year that are set to retire from passenger operations by the end of the decade.

“BOC Aviation’s latest investment in the 737-8 demonstrates the confidence lessors have in this airplane to meet continued air travel demand and improve fuel efficiency,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The 737-8 is much sought after by airlines due to its unmatched versatility, generating significant operational savings because of lower fuel consumption.”

The 737-8, seating 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. 

Airline expects first customer flight to operate on a United Express Embraer 175 aircraft – less than eight months after signing SpaceX deal for Starlink

United’s roll-out of this new connectivity continues with plans to install approximately 40 regional jets each month and entire two-cabin regional fleet by end of year

CHICAGO, March 31, 2025 — United today announced the FAA has approved its first Starlink-equipped aircraft type and that the first commercial flight is planned for May, less than eight months after the deal was first announced.

The FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175 and the airline expects the first commercial flight to be onboard a United Express Embraer 175. United’s roll-out of this new technology continues to accelerate with approximately 40 regional jet installs planned monthly and the expectation that the entire two-cabin regional fleet – more than 300 planes – will be completed by end of year.

In addition to securing the STC, United will also run a beta test of the new technology on select flights between now and the first customer flight in May to ensure all aspects deliver an incredible onboard experience for passengers.

“We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United,” said Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology. “We’re working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people.”

United will work with Starlink to secure an FAA STC to install Starlink on every United aircraft type getting the new equipment (e.g. Embraer 175) – more than 16 total regional and mainline aircraft models. According to the FAA, the process to secure each STC can include design, installation, testing and submitting the package for FAA approval.

Earlier this month United unveiled the Starlink install process, underscoring the technical operations benefits associated with the equipment, including size and weight as well as the ease of install and maintenance. The Starlink system, when compared to non-Starlink equipment, allows for a faster and simpler install, is lighter requiring less fuel to operate and is more reliable and weather-proofed.

Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus^® customers and include game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more, thanks to Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds. Membership to MileagePlus is also free and people can sign-up now at united.com/starlink.

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 31, 2025  — oneworld^® alliance today welcomes Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline, with a full suite of oneworld benefits available to customers around the world beginning 01 April 2025.

Fiji Airways will provide top tier customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full member airline:

• Access to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally, including recently opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon airports
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Earning and redeeming miles
• Earning Tier Points

“The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places and experiences than ever before,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Fiji Airways customers will benefit from oneworld’s global reach of more than 900 destinations, priority services and premium lounge access, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the oneworld family.”

Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 25 destinations in 14 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney and its newest global destination, Dallas-Fort Worth, further connecting the airline into the oneworld network.

“Becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance is a proud and momentous milestone for Fiji Airways. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach, while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world, said Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways. “As a full member, we are excited to offer our customers even greater benefits and seamless connectivity across the extensive oneworld network. We look forward to welcoming more oneworld customers onboard to experience the beauty of Fiji and the exceptional service of Fiji Airways.”

Fiji Airways has also adopted the American Airlines award-winning AAdvantage^® travel rewards programme as their frequent flyer programme, ensuring its most frequent travellers can now enjoy all the benefits of oneworld alliance as AAdvantage^® members.

Taking to the skies on 1st September 1951, Fiji Airways now boasts a fleet of 23 state-of-the art aircraft, including its flagship A350-900s, offering customers warm and welcoming Fijian hospitality on all flights.

Fiji Airways continues to be recognised for its excellence, earning a Five Star Major Airline rating from APEX for the third consecutive year and multiple Skytrax 2024 awards, including Best Airline, Best Business Class Onboard Catering, and Best Cabin Crew in Australia/Pacific. As part of its oneworld integration, Fiji Link joins as an affiliate airline, further expanding the alliance’s reach with domestic services across Fiji and regional connections to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

SÃO PAULO, March 28, 2025 — GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (B3: GOLL4), one of the leading airlines in Brazil and part of the ABRA Group, announced today its consolidated results for the fourth quarter of 2024 (4Q24). All information herein is presented in Brazilian Reais (R$), unless otherwise noted, in accordance with international accounting standards (IFRS), with adjusted metrics made available to enable comparison of this quarter (4Q24) with the fourth quarter of 2023 (4Q23) and the full year of 2024 (FY24) to the same period of the previous year (FY23).

Highlights

GOL – Passenger Business

• GOL ended 2024 as the second-most punctual low-cost airline in the world, with an on-time performance rate of 85.1%, an increase of 5.4 percentage points compared to 2023. In January 2025, the Company achieved the title of the world’s most punctual low-cost airline and the most punctual in Latin America. These results reinforce our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• GOL celebrated the milestone of 50^th MAX-8 aircraft in the 4Q24 with the PS-GOL aircraft and ended the year with a fleet of 52 MAX-8.
• GOL increased its capacity (ASK) by 6.8% (vs 4Q23), with a 2.5% rise in unit revenue (RASK) during the same period, balancing expansion and sustainable revenue quality.
• GOL was the airline with the best position in the “ANAC Consumer Monitoring Bulletin,” with the lowest consumer complaint rate in 2024 in Brazil.

Smiles – Loyalty Program

• Clube Smiles grew 7.2% in the number of customers in the 4Q24 (vs 4Q23), reaching 1.2 million customers.
• Smiles revenue continued to grow in the 4Q24, with a 4.5% increase (vs 3Q24), and ended the year with a 6.5% increase vs FY23.
• Miles redeemed grew 17.9% in the 4Q24 vs 4Q23, highlighting a 5.7 p.p. increase in the share of miles redeemed with non-airline products and services, reflecting Smiles’ positioning as a complete loyalty platform.

GOLLOG – Cargo Business

• For the first time in its history, GOLLOG surpassed the R$ 1 billion milestone in annual revenue, growing 32% compared to FY23 and reaching nearly R$ 1.3 billion in FY24, achieving the ambitious targets set in its business plan defined in 2022.
• In January 2025, GOLLOG celebrated 24 years of operation, transporting 2.9 million packages in 2024. GOLLOG currently has over 1,800 employees providing services to deliver shipments. Additionally, the unit operates 58 cargo terminals (TECAs) and 60 stores, covering more than 4,000 cities, which strengthen the infrastructure and enable the service of strategic points across Brazil.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., March 28, 2025 — The Aircraft Lighting market is estimated in terms of market size to be USD 1.98 billion in 2024 to USD 2.68 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.2% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. The aircraft lighting market is driven by factors such as the increasing demand for air travel, lighting technology advancements, and strict aviation safety standards. With growing air traffic worldwide, airlines are increasing their fleets, creating greater demand for aircraft equipped with advanced, energy-saving lighting solutions. The increasing emphasis on passenger experience has also resulted in developments such as mood lighting, intelligent cabin lighting, and UV-C disinfection lights, further fueling market growth. Additionally, the rising production of commercial, military, and business aircraft, coupled with advancements in IoT-enabled and infrared lighting systems, continues to fuel the growth of the aircraft lighting market.

Aircraft Lighting Market Report Scope:

Based on Light type, the Interior Lights segment is expected to account for the largest market share in the Aircraft Lighting market during the forecast period.

Based on light type, the interior lights segment is expected to account for the largest market share in the aircraft lighting market due to the increasing focus on passenger comfort, in-flight experience, and energy efficiency. The key driver for interior lighting segment growth is it’s integration with smart and IoT-based lighting systems. This provides real-time control, automated brightness adjustment during flight phases, and synchronized lighting with onboard entertainment systems. Requirements driven by regulation for emergency lighting, photoluminescent floor path signs, and exit signs also create a consistent demand for quality interior lighting solutions. Business jets and private jets growth is also responsible for segment leadership since many of these aircraft often incorporate sophisticated lighting systems at the highest levels to enhance a superior flight experience to the passengers. With aircraft  manufacturer’s efforts to improve cabin aesthetic appeal, security, and efficiency, the interior lights segment will remain the highest contributor to the aircraft lighting industry.

Based on technology, the LED segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on type, the LED segment is anticipated to have highest CAGR within the aircraft lighting market in the forecasted period. LED technology has immense energy efficiency with lower power consumption and superior brightness. They have longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which ultimately reduces fuel expenses and overall cost of operation for airlines. LEDs are increasingly being used in external lighting applications such as landing, taxi, and navigation, thus expanding their market range. With continued technology advancements, increasing fleet modernization programs, and the need for green aviation, the LED market will witness the highest growth in the aircraft lighting market during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The Asia-Pacific is expected to achieve the highest CAGR within the aircraft lighting industry during the forecast period. The growth in the region is attributed to the increasing air passenger traffic, and heavy airline investments in new aircraft purchases. Countries in the Asia Pacific include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific, who contribute to the market due to the increasing domestic and international travel demand thereby encouraging airlines in the region to increase their fleets and upgrade their aircraft with innovative lighting technologies. The low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the region are also developing very fast, increasing demand for new aircraft with energy-efficient LED lighting and intelligent cabin lighting systems. In addition, regional airlines are emphasizing passenger experience upgrades, implementing mood lighting, smart cabin lighting, and UV-C disinfection lights to enhance comfort and hygiene. Due to robust economic growth, urbanization, and the increasing middle-class population fueling the demand for air travel, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the aircraft lighting market with the highest growth rate in the forecast period.

RTX (US), Astronics Corporation (US), Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG (Germany), Honeywell International Inc.(US), Heads Up Technologies (US), Bruce Aerospace (US), Whelen Aerospace Technologies (US) and Thales (France) are the major key players in the Aircraft Lighting companies. These companies have strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.