
Travel, tech, lifestyle. @Wharton MBA grad. Always on the move, preferably in the sky. Embrace the underscore. IG: @_zachgriff
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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.…
.@united just unveiled its largest club ever in Houston — and the biggest airline club in the Americas.
✨ 54,000 sq ft
✨ 800 seats
✨ 1,350-sq-ft outdoor terrace
✨ 2 full-service bars
✨ 11 private phone rooms
Opens to the public tomorrow.
It’s official. Now that the @Boeing 737 MAX 10 is certified, here’s how U.S. airlines plan to fly it.
@AlaskaAir: 168 MAX jets on order, mostly MAX 10s. At least 25 will get lie-flat Aurora Suites for premium transcons
@AmericanAir: 115 on order. No routes yet, but they’ll have 24 first-class recliners
@Delta: 100 on order (plus 30 options), flying from core hubs with 24 first-class recliners
@united: 167 on order. Some were slated for lie-flats, but with the Coastliner and A321XLR covering that, I’d bet on a standard domestic layout
This is exactly the kind of breakdown I send in my free aviation newsletter. Not on the list yet? Fix that here: newsletter.fromthetraytable.…
Congrats to @AmericanAir for being the first travel app to support iPhone Duo! Can’t wait to get my hands on one soon
At long last, the @Boeing 737 MAX 10 has officially been certified.
This has major implications for U.S. airlines. American, Delta, United, and Alaska all have MAX 10 orders.
I'm especially excited for Alaska's new premium transcons on the MAX 10.
I forgot to add: how long do we think it'll be until @Delta announces a return to Osaka and Tahiti?
Delta last flew SEA-KIX in 2019, and it pulled out of Tahiti last year.
But with Alaska entering both markets — and the ever-competitive landscape in Seattle — I wouldn't be shocked to see Delta try again. Even if it's just to put up a fight.
Confirmed: @AlaskaAir will launch nonstops from Seattle to Osaka and Tahiti.
Osaka starts May 14, 4x weekly.
Tahiti starts June 11, 3x weekly.
Both flights will be operated year-round by Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330s, which will (finally) get new onboard products in 2028.
Confirmed: @AlaskaAir will launch nonstops from Seattle to Osaka and Tahiti.
Osaka starts May 14, 4x weekly.
Tahiti starts June 11, 3x weekly.
Both flights will be operated year-round by Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330s, which will (finally) get new onboard products in 2028.
.@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.
One of my favorite conversations on the @thriftytraveler Podcast to date with @_ZachGriff. We talk:
-what those glitzy airline events are really like
-the “pay to play” future of points
-Delta vs United & who’s truly ahead
-the good & bad of AI in travel
thriftytraveler.com/podcast/…
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.
Here's your first look at the new, next-generation @Delta One Suite.
Debuting onboard the Airbus A350-1000 next year.
It's an evolution, not a revolution, but now it's your turn to judge.
Delta One service and amenities are getting a glow-up.
✨ “Sip and settle” welcome on a gold-plated tray
✨ Signature wagyu cheeseburger
✨ Sorbet with a Taittinger float
✨ Blanton’s bourbon starting Dec. 1
Debuts on LAX routes this fall, then globally in early 2027.
I tested the suite and just tasted the new menu during a preview event.
Full first look (plus a big concern) dropping in my newsletter this afternoon.
Get on the list now👇
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