Airlines Put Facebook Messenger Chatbots to Work and 5 Other Aviation Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines aviation.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Travelers who own the American Express card now have a new suite of lounges to look forward to visiting. Whether they make up for the annual fee on the AmEx platinum is another question: American Express Expands Its Lounge Access Program With Its Platinum Card

>>Alaska took one step closer to the Oneworld alliance by kicking off a partnership with Finnair this week. It already has a strong relationship with American, another Oneworld partner, as relations with Delta continue to cool: Alaska Airlines Adds Finnair as a Loyalty Program Partner

>>The United States is a country with checks and balances, meaning the President can't assert excessive powers just because he says he has them. For now, the travel ban is on ice: Trump Travel Ban Won’t Be Reinstated, Appeals Court Rules

>>American promised a bold vision with its ad campaigns. And it seems to be coming true: American Airlines Seats and Services Are Finally Living Up To Its Marketing

>>Some legacy airlines are threatened by Norwegian, but most respect what CEO Bjorn Kjos is doing. They often say he's a worthy adversary: Video: Norwegian Air CEO on Why He Does Not Fear Low-Cost Competition

>>Bots have come a long way since Alaska Airlines introduced 'Ask Jenn' about a decade ago. But they're still not perfect. At least for now, we'd rather have a human touch: Airlines Put Facebook Messenger Chatbots to Work Answering Easy Questions