Airlines are rolling out a wave of updates this week, from new domestic and international routes to lounge openings and expanded premium services, giving travel advisors more options to meet client demand.
What’s Happening in Edinburgh?
Turkish Airlines has opened its first-ever European lounge at Edinburgh Airport, that’s what’s happening.
Spanning approximately 7,200 sf and accommodating 149 guests, the lounge features an open buffet featuring a Turkish pide (think flatbread) service at lunch and dinner; a luxury relaxation area with TVs and WiFi; and two prayer rooms. The lounge also includes an accessible restroom for guests with reduced mobility, a baby care room and flight information screens. Located on Level 2 near gate 16, the lounge will be available to Turkish Airlines’ Business Class passengers, Miles&Smiles members (Elite, Elite Plus and Elite Corporate Club) travelling in any class; and holders of the carrier’s Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Card issued in the U.S. Guests with a Paid Lounge membership card can also enter the lounge ahead of their flight.
Connecting Ft. Lauderdale to Atlantic City
Allegiant begins nonstop service from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlantic City today, Dec. 11. The new flights will operate up to twice weekly.
“We’re excited to bring Atlantic City into our network, offering Florida travelers affordable and convenient access to New Jersey’s iconic Atlantic Coast,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s Chief Commercial Officer, in a media statement. “This expansion reflects our commitment to delivering travel that’s more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable. Through our unique brand of all-nonstop flights, passengers are empowered to customize their dream vacation at unbeatable value.”
BTW, let your bestie clients know that the airline is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $39.
Making it Easier to Get to Mexico
Viva Air is jetting off to Monterrey, Mexico, from New York (JFK) starting this Saturday, Dec. 13. The airline will operate seven weekly seasonal nonstop flights, Monday through Sunday: JFK to Monterrey—departing at 12:45 a.m., arriving at 4:30 a.m.; Monterrey to JFK—departing at 6:40 p.m., arriving at 11:45 p.m. Service is available from Dec. 13, 2025, to Jan. 12, 2026.
The new service marks Viva’s official debut in New York, complementing its existing nonstop routes to Mexico City (MEX) and Monterrey (MTY). Additionally, the airline’s extensive domestic network allows passengers to connect seamlessly to destinations throughout Mexico.
Getting There in Style
More Business Class options; upgraded lounges—what else could VIP travelers ask for? It’s all part of Avianca’s More for Everyone campaign.
Starting Jan. 15, 2026, Avianca’s Business Class Americas experience will be available on 47 domestic routes in Ecuador, Colombia and Guatemala. The experience has also expanded significantly, now offered on more than 80 international routes, and will extend to 18 additional routes, completing coverage across the continent.
On the ground, the hospitality standard is also elevating with the new Insignia by Avianca Check-in service at El Dorado, exclusive to Lifemiles Diamond and Concierge members, as well as the renovation of the Diamond VIP Lounges for domestic flights and soon for international flights in Bogota.
The airline is also moving forward with the progressive installation of onboard WiFi through Avianca On Air, which is now available on 10 aircraft. Passengers currently have access to more than 300 movies, series and documentaries from HBO Max, Formula 1 TV and more.
I Only Fly Private
If First Class just won’t cut it for your clients, then perhaps Tradewind Aviation should be on your radar. The private aviation company is expanding its scheduled service across the Northeast and The Bahamas.
Starting today, Dec. 11, additional flights will connect South Florida to The Bahamas including direct scheduled service from Ft. Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour and North Eleuthera; Stuart to Nassau.
Schedule for these flights:
- Marsh Harbour (MHH): Thurs-Mon, year-round—6x daily from Stuart; 4x daily from Ft. Lauderdale
- North Eleuthera (ELH): Thurs-Mon, year-round—2x daily from both Stuart and Ft. Lauderdale
- Nassau (NAS): Thurs-Mon, year-round—4x daily from Stuart
Additionally, Tradewind Aviation is now offering year-round service from Westchester County (HPN) to Nantucket (ACK). Service now extends through the winter, with four flights per day on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays through mid-April, when the full daily schedule resumes. High-season (mid-April to early December), it’s up to 25 daily departures per day between HPN and ACK.
