The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given United Airlines a clean bill of health regarding its safety protocols. The FAA had initiated an enhanced review of the airline's procedures in March, following a series of mishaps, but has now concluded that United’s safety systems meet federal standards.

The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has announced a reduction in passport processing times, now ranging from four to six weeks, down from the previous six to eight weeks. This new timeline applies to passport applications submitted both online and by mail.

According to the bureau, processing times have consistently been under the earlier six-to-eight-week target for several months. The updated four-to-six-week timeframe starts once the application is received by the State Department, though it does not include mailing time.

El Al, Israel’s national airline, has announced a waiver on change and cancellation fees for passengers in response to escalating violence with Hezbollah and growing concerns of further conflict involving Iran. This comes after recent missile attacks on Israel and suspensions of flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

Starting October 1, United Airlines will enhance its domestic economy wine list with new options from women-owned brands, Just Enough Wines and Maker Wine. These additions include a rosé and an exclusive-to-United brut bubbles, complementing existing red and white selections. The airline, which has served over 20 million glasses of wine so far in 2024, aims to provide economy passengers with a more premium inflight experience through these high-quality, canned wines.

Customers flying with Southwest Airlines will soon notice changes in the seating arrangements, as the airline plans to introduce extra-legroom seats in the first quarter of next year. However, these seats will not be sold as a separate product until the first half of 2026.

During the interim, early-boarding passengers will have the opportunity to select the extra-legroom seats if available. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan explained, "It takes time to implement any significant initiative. We've been wired for 53 years to do open seating."