WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A brand new airline seat that’s sure to impress, ticket prices so low you have to check twice to make sure they’re legit, and a reality check for airports in the DMV. Here’s what you need to know this week:
How BWI, IAD, & DCA rank compared to other airports in the country
J.D. Power has released their 2022 North America Airport Satisfaction study, and it shows that all three of the DMV’s major airports trail most other airports in large U.S. cities.
It’s no secret that airports in the D.C.-Metro area are prone to delays and cancellations. In fact, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) consistently lands itself on the list of top airports in the country for travel disruptions, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. That’s one of the reasons why it ranked below-average on J.D. Power’s “Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Rating.”
J.D. Power surveyed over 26,000 U.S. and Canadian residents who traveled through at least one U.S. or Canadian airport during the past 30 days. According to the study — which is now in its 17th year — overall satisfaction is down 25 points (on a 1,000-point scale). The consumer research firm looks at six factors: terminal facilities; airport arrival/departure; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage and retail.
The study breaks airports down into three groups: mega, large, and medium. “Mega” airports are defined as airports with 33 million or more passengers each year. “Large” airports range between 10 to 32.9 million passengers, and “small” airports serve between 4.5 and 9.9 million passengers per year. IAD, BWI, and DCA all fall in the “large” category.
Dulles leads the way with 789 points, BWI isn’t too far behind with 784 points, and Reagan National trails with 771 points.
Tampa International Airport ranks highest among “large airports” with a score of 846. Philadelphia International Airport is the lowest, with a score of 729.
How about that for a seat?
American Airlines has revealed what the carrier’s new premium seats will look like. Starting in 2024, the “Flagship Suite” seat will come to certain long-haul aircraft.
Some of the highlights include a new privacy door (previously, none of American Airlines’ first class or business seating had doors), a “lounge seating” option, and more personal storage space. The refreshed business class seats will first debut on the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-9 when deliveries begin in 2024.
American is also introducing a new custom-designed Premium Economy seat with more privacy and storage options.
The Airbus A321XLR will feature 12 Premium Economy seats. (American Airlines) 
The Flagship Suite on the Boeing 787-9 offers more comfort with lie-flat seating and can also convert to a chaise lounge position. (American Airlines) 
Customers will be surrounded with comfort and expansive personal surface and storage areas that they can utilize to fit their personal needs in the Boeing 787-9 Flagship Suite. (American Airlines) 
The Boeing 787-9 will have 51 Flagship Suite® seats — 21 more than the current Boeing 787-9 that American has in its fleet. (American Airlines)
Back by popular demand: Frontier Airlines’ 100% off Mega Sale
No, you’re not reading it wrong — Frontier Airlines is offering 100% off base fares. All you have to do is pay the taxes and fees that are normally associated with booking a flight.
We found several reasonable prices: a Baltimore-Atlanta round trip flight in November for just $37.20. Some BWI-Las Vegas round trips came out to just $75.20!
There are a few things to note: the deal is only valid until 11:59pm on Monday, September 26. You must book flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday in order to qualify for the sale. Check Frontier’s website for more details.