Friends,
It has been a big day in travel. Just moments ago, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to end the longest government shutdown in American history. The bill now heads to the White House, where the president has already said he will sign it.
This is welcome news for travelers. While operations will not snap back instantly, we should see air traffic control staffing and flight capacity begin returning to normal within the next day or two. After a week of delays, caps, and operational strain, this is (plainly) good.
On a much more uplifting note, Delta delivered the best story of the day. A couple boarding a flight to Cape Town realized their passports were missing. They left the aircraft heartbroken, until a flight attendant kept searching and found the passports wedged between two seats.
The aircraft was already pushing back. And yet the cockpit crew pulled it back into the gate so these two travelers could re-board. A remarkable display of empathy, teamwork, and genuine care, and one of the many reasons Delta consistently stands out in moments that matter.
Elsewhere in the airline industry, Bey0nd Airlines (a Maldivian all–business class carrier) announced an ambitious expansion into North America in partnership with Northern Pacific Airlines. Whether it thrives or fizzles remains to be seen, but the vision is bold. And for what it is worth, I like that.
And finally, a headline worth noting: Capital One just launched a 400,000-point bonus (it almost feels silly typing that) on its Venture X Business card. It’s the largest signup bonus I’ve ever seen and while not for everyone, given the spending requirements, extraordinary nonetheless.
I unpack more of this in today’s podcast episode, recorded from Dallas. It was a full day of news, and a rare mix of the serious, the encouraging, and the surprising.
Fly well.
LINKS
