In November, I typed the first issue of my travel newsletter in the attic of my in-laws' house. Last month, From the Tray Table was on a billboard in Times Square. I spent nearly seven years as the de facto reporter-at-large for The Points Guy. But with media changing, I decided to lean into my personal brand, which now reaches 500K+ followers. In addition to my social content, I wanted a new home for my writing and reporting. Instead of spinning up a blog to compete in the dying SEO space, I wanted to earn a spot in your inbox. That's why I launched From the Tray Table. I write it 3x/week, share the latest travel updates, and build tools to help improve your travel experience. This journey is just taking off. Thanks to @beehiiv for putting independent creators on the biggest stage in the world. Not on the list yet? You're missing out: newsletter.fromthetraytable.…

.@Delta’s summer 2027 route drought, by the numbers: ✈️ United: 13 new routes, 10 new destinations ✈️ American: 7 routes, 3 destinations ✈️ Delta: 4 routes, 0 destinations The biggest reason for the gap? A plane Delta never ordered. I'm about to break down why this happened, with rare commentary from Delta's chief commercial officer. This is what you're missing if you're not on my (free) travel newsletter. newsletter.fromthetraytable.…

I'd call this the most surprising route announcement of the year. @Lufthansa just announced new nonstop flights between Frankfurt and... Columbus, Ohio. It'll operate 3x weekly on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Lufthansa will receive subsidies for the route, but I can't tell how much $ they're getting. My take: this route will be great for award space. Nothing like the NYC-CMH-FRA routing.

Big changes are coming to U.S. passports. And that’s before we talk about the expected controversial design change.

Introducing the all-new signature @Delta One Suite. Lots to love, though it does feel pretty “standard” as far as new biz products go.

I found your weekend plans. This conversation is absolutely worth a listen, if I may say so myself.

JetBlue’s new first class is finally here, and I’m not sure which detail is the most surprising: seats, catering, routes, price, or upgrade policy. You pick.

Major changes coming to @SouthwestAir. I know which one I’m most excited about (lounges, duh).

.@JetBlue just announced the launch of domestic first class, aka BlueFirst. Initial launch covers 39 routes, mostly focused on FLL, BOS, and NYC. Inaugural flight is set for Dec. 8 from BOS to FLL. Here's what you'll get: - 2-2 recliners - 7 inches additional legroom - 5 inches of recline - 12 seats on the A220/A320, 16 on the A321 Some thoughts: - I would've expected some more of the mid-continental flights to get first class before places like Jacksonville - Sending BlueFirst to key cities in Latin America makes sense. - Intro fares start at $249. I expect them to rise pretty quickly. - JetBlue is using three new fare buckets for first class: F, R, S - Free space-available Mosaic upgrades will be available within 60 minutes of departure. No word on whether they'll publish an upgrade list. - Higher-tier Mosaics can confirm BlueFirst upgrades using certificates. Details are still TBA.

New fun easter egg dropping in @Delta's new business-class. Salt and pepper packets are now housed in a rectangular box that opens to reveal a short inscription. "For a seasoned traveler" Nice touch.

I still can’t believe that United wants you to spend $32,000 on flights for one year of Premier 1K status. That’s more than many Americans take home all year. Our economy is wild.

For the first time ever, @United is bringing its Elevated Polaris 2.0 product and new Dreamliner to Newark. Better yet, it'll operate premium transcons between Newark and SFO starting next week through Oct. 23. 1) Will be great for upgrades (bigger cabins) 2) It's got the brand-new products 3) Polaris Studio doesn't cost extra 4) How'd I figure this out? My free lie-flat finder tool—use it to instantly search every domestic and short-haul international flight operated by a plane with lie-flat seats. lieflat.fromthetraytable.com…

Epic news: @AmericanAir will equip its ENTIRE mainline fleet with Starlink. Starting in early 2027. Starlink will be free for AAdvantage members. It won't be available on regional jets, but still this is major. It's really going to be a United + AA vs. Delta war in connectivity going forward.

Viasat: our new F2 satellite is activated and offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. Reality: still can’t load a Speedtest. Starlink is really the only way to fly these days. It’s just a night-and-day difference.

Finally an airport that actually *nails* the flight information display boards. Boxes for flights that are boarding, delayed, canceled, or gate changed. Color-graded tables for everything else. Maybe MSP actually deserves the best U.S. airport award after all.