It's time to plan your vacation for 2026
Read today's edition of Gate Access • Jan 5, 2025
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Happy New Year! You know that feeling when you return to work and feel like you’ve forgotten how to do your job? Well… I experienced that very feeling today, ha!
I’m super excited to be back in your inbox. I hope you had an incredible holiday season, and may this year bring you many miles in the sky.
This year, I hope to continue delivering value through my updates and insights on travel news.
The Washington Post recently published this list of dates, which highlights the best times to take off to maximize your PTO. While helpful, some may view this list as dates to avoid, as these periods are likely to be busy.
Jan. 16 - 20
2 days PTO, 5 days off
May 26 - May 29
4 days PTO, 9 days off
June 19 - July 3
9 days PTO, 17 days off
Nov. 25 - 27
2 days PTO, 5 days off
Dec. 24 - 28
2 days PTO, 5 days off
Dec. 28 - 31
4 days PTO, 10 days off
I’m sure there are many variables that may affect whether this works for you, but I think it’s a great start. I love booking travel at the beginning of the year, especially now that I’m using JetBack to track when fares dip in price since I purchased.
If you missed it, I’m now a brand ambassador for JetBack. You can learn more about the app and how it’ll save you cash on flights via this newsletter release below.
Here’s a quick refresher of dates, news, and developments as we move into this year.
Southwest Airlines Begins Assigned Seating
Southwest Airlines will transition to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. There are also reports that the airline is considering adding first-class style seating.
TSA’s $45 Identity System Launches
TSA ConfirmID will go live on February 1, 2026. This modernized system verifies travelers' identities at checkpoints when they arrive without an acceptable form of ID.
I haven’t seen the system yet, but I want to make this clear: it will also be used by those who have lost their ID. TSA previously allowed individuals who lost their IDs to undergo a free identity verification process. That will end next month.
Delta Expands Partnership With Uber
Last year, Delta and Uber announced their partnership, and I’ve truly enjoyed earning miles on Uber rides to the airport and on all Uber Eats orders.
Yes, if you didn't know, you can collect miles through your Uber Eats account once you opt in to this program via the Uber app.
The partnership is now expanding to offer “Express Drop Off, Checked-In.”
This is a pilot program currently operating at LGA, with plans to expand. Basically, when you take an Uber to the airport, you’ll have an option to be dropped off at the Express Drop Off area, where you’ll be greeted curbside by a Delta Air Lines employee and receive concierge-like service.
Also, if you fly United Airlines, they have a partnership with Lyft. It’s not as rewarding as the Delta-Uber partnership, but it still offers benefits.
These purchases add up quickly, and you can use the miles you collect for baggage fees and even flights.
Airports Allow Non-Traveling Public Past Security
I saw this headline over the break and wanted to clarify a few points. This isn’t a new process, and not every airport in the U.S. allows it. These are essentially Gate Passes, which airlines issue to non-travelers who have a reason to go beyond security. Think of a child flying by themselves or an elderly relative who needs assistance. These are credible instances in which Gate Passes are typically provided.
However, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) has a new program that allows anyone to visit the airport at any time upon registration.
I see this as a signal that airports want more foot traffic to increase vendor sales, but it could add stress to security lines for everyday travelers, depending on how popular this gets.