Emirates Considers Adding Budget Economy and 6 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.

>>It will be interesting to see whether American and United can continue discounting to the degree they've been doing now that Hurricane Harvey has added vigor to already-rising fuel prices. With the likes of little Norwegian Air bringing its low fares across the Atlantic, this promises to likewise raise blood pressure levels in legacy airline boardrooms: Airlines Could Reveal Strategies to Impede Spirit and Frontier — Travel This Week

>>Spirit Airlines spent years angering customers with shoddy customer service. Now it wants those travelers to return, promising they'll find a kinder, gentler airline with an increased emphasis on on-time arrivals. But will they come back, or will they opt for deeply discounted fares from full-service airlines? Spirit Airlines Wants to Win Back Customers by Being Nicer

>>Here are the brands that are innovating and getting the lounge experience right: What It Takes to Build the Perfect Premium Airport Lounge

>>United MileagePlus has been making it harder for members to earn additional flights based on loyalty points. Delta SkyMiles, meanwhile, is making them more affordable: Southwest and JetBlue Offer the Most Generous Airline Reward Programs in the U.S.

>>There's a reason they call it an act of God. Every airline in the world is going to lose money when a massive hurricane hits one of its largest hubs. United will be fine. It'll just take some time: United Blames Hurricane Harvey for Major Revenue Decline

>>Ryanair does appear serious about taking over Alitalia. But it still seems odd that Ryanair would want to take over one of the world's most dysfunctional airlines. Wouldn't it just be better for Ryanair to keep growing organically? Ryanair Says It’s Serious About Alitalia but Only the Short-Haul Routes

>>Consumer groups may criticize Clark for even considering adding a "budget economy" section on the Airbus A380. But a sizable segment of passengers continue to demonstrate they want only one thing — cheap fares. Why shouldn't Emirates create a cabin that will allow it to compete for these customers? Emirates Considers Adding Budget Economy Section to Lure Frugal Flyers