Shutdown travel impacts?

Happy November!

The country is in the midst of a government shutdown that doesn't appear to be ending anytime soon.  Everyone is experiencing impacts for this, and from a travel perspective, we will likely start to see major challenges each day moving forward.  Air traffic controllers are already starting to call out sick and this will reduce on-time arrivals.  TSA agents are similarly not working which will affect security times.  I hope a solution can be found before we get to the holiday week which will be significant for many.

United Resumes Flying to CWA in May!

Great news shared by United - they are bringing back CWA to their destination map!

News: https://www.wsaw.com/2025/10/24/united-return-carrier-cwa-may/

The flights begin May 21st, 2026 and are expected to be 3 flights a day year-round. 

Royal Jordanian Status Match...Success?

A little over a week ago, I was perusing my normal travel writers and read a post from One Mile At A Time about a status match opportunity on Royal Jordanian.  Normally I wouldn't consider something like this since I don't typically fly RJ, but a primary benefit of the status match was the ability to get OneWorld Sapphire status for at least a year.  That status allows you to access American Airlines Admiral's Clubs when flying economy on any AA flight domestically (which I have to do when I fly home).  The cost was modest ($149) and so I decided I would apply - after a brief exchange to confirm my other airline status, I was approved!  

I attempted to access an AA lounge this weekend at O'hare during my trip home and the agent was able to confirm it - success!  I'm looking forward to this club access for the other flights I'll have on OneWorld airlines through next year. 

Gate Changes at Ohare October 1st

In case you haven't seen the prior news, Crankyflier and others reported that gate changes will likely be occurring at Ohare starting October 1st, 2025.

A link and map here: https://crankyflier.com/2025/06/03/united-officially-gets-its-gates-at-ohare-but-the-fight-isnt-over/

I'm curious how this will affect some travelers who need to make gate changes between AA and UA for some destinations (like myself!).

GUM Will Get New United Planes!

Great news from United!  The Island Hopper and other locations based out of Guam will soon be receiving upgraded 737 Max planes as the older -800 series will be retired:

https://www.united.com/en/us/newsroom/announcements/cision-125406

This will be a significant upgrade for passengers flying the Hopper!