On The Radar: Delta’s New Rules, Real Travel Lessons & Flight Deal Hacks
Read today's edition of Gate Access • April 9th, 2025
Happy Wednesday. I know many of you love the On The Radar section, and today, I’m bringing it back with a special takeover. What makes On The Radar unique is that it’s not just about travel news for clicks. It’s about the news that directly affects your travel experience.
Sometimes, those updates aren’t as frequent, so when they build up, I think it’s worth sharing. Here are the latest updates I believe you should know—and a few extras, too.
—Caleb Harmon-Marshall (Harmony)/ Editor & Founder
On The Radar
On The Radar is a roundup of essential travel news—airlines, airports, policies, and tools—designed to inform you about what truly matters.
📉 Delta CEO Highlights Economic Concerns
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian reports that global trade uncertainties and recent tariff implementations have led to a slowdown in domestic travel bookings. In response, Delta is reducing capacity growth plans and has withdrawn its full-year financial forecast.
⏰ Delta Adjusts Domestic Check-In Times
Effective as of April 8th, 2025, Delta Air Lines now requires passengers on domestic flights to check in their baggage at least 45 minutes before departure, an increase from the previous 30-minute cutoff.
✈️ Tools to Secure the Best Flight Deals
Travelers seeking affordable flights can utilize platforms like Google Flights and Going. Google Flights offers features such as price tracking and a "Cheapest" tab to identify low-cost options for free. Going, a paid service formerly known as Scott's Cheap Flights, provides subscription-based alerts for discounted fares, potentially saving users significant amounts on airfare.
🚨 Travelers Share Robbery Experience in Costa Rica
Two women have come forward with a cautionary tale after being robbed during their trip to Costa Rica. They emphasize the importance of vigilance and offer advice to fellow travelers on staying safe.
👨👩👧👦 Faye Travel Insurance Introduces Family-Friendly Pricing
Faye, the digital-first travel insurance platform, has unveiled budget-friendly plan rates for families traveling with children under 18. Adults can now include their kids on policies at reduced rates, making comprehensive travel coverage more accessible for families. These new rates are currently available to residents in select states, with plans to expand nationwide.
💰 Points & Miles: Want to Learn How to Travel for Less?
Now that I work at The Points Guy, I’ve picked up some strategies for using points to book flights, upgrades, and even luxury hotels without paying out of pocket. I’m thinking of weaving more of that knowledge into Gate Access—but want to hear from you first.