United just announced its biggest international expansion ever, adding 10 cities next summer, including new nonstop routes from Newark to Luxembourg, Ibiza, Valencia, Sardinia, and Sicily. Denver will also get new nonstop service to Paris, while Los Angeles gets a daily flight to Osaka. Eight of the 10 new cities won't have another U.S. airline serving them nonstop, and many of the new routes will be operated by United's new A321XLR, with lie-flat seats and Starlink Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile, JetBlue's second BlueHouse lounge opens at Boston Logan on Aug. 27, and Mint and Mint Flex passengers, including those flying domestically, will gain complimentary lounge access. At the same time, JetBlue is introducing a basic Mint fare with fewer included perks, including no lounge access, giving travelers another fare option but more to consider when comparing business-class prices. American is also expanding Flagship Dining access to Flagship Business and Flagship Business Plus passengers on qualifying routes, giving more travelers access to its sit-down airport dining experience.

Finally, Delta is offering new SkyMiles members up to 5,000 bonus miles for completing three simple tasks within three months. It's a refreshingly easy way to start building a SkyMiles balance, especially if you don't already have a Delta account (though hopefully that doesn't apply to you!).

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I’ve got a bunch of airline updates for you today.

Welcome back to Departure Digest. Today we’re talking new lounges, new routes, and a few changes you’ll want to know about before your next flight.

Remember that new JetBlue lounge we hinted was coming to Boston last week? Well, it’s officially opening tomorrow.

BlueHouse at Boston Logan opens Thursday morning in Terminal C, with a full kitchen, cocktail bar, game room, library-style workspace, and even a candy closet. It’s giving high-end New England clubhouse, with wood paneling, a fireplace, the whole cozy Boston vibe.

JetBlue is also making it easier for more people to get in. Here’s the good part first. Starting tomorrow, lounge access expands to everyone flying Mint or Mint Flex, including on domestic flights.

But buried in that same announcement was another important change if you’re booking Mint.

Starting tomorrow, JetBlue is also introducing a new Mint Base fare. They claim it’ll be cheaper, but it won’t include BlueHouse access or complimentary advance seat selection, and changes and cancellations will come with fees. Think of it as basic economy, but for business class.

Here’s the catch. When you’re comparing Mint fares, look at what’s actually included, not just the price. A cheaper business-class ticket can get a lot less attractive once you add back the perks you want.

Speaking of airport experiences, American just gave Flagship Dining a big glow up.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, Flagship Dining is basically a full sit-down restaurant inside select airport lounges, and everything on the menu is free.

Starting Sept. 15, eligible Flagship Business and Flagship Business Plus passengers on qualifying long-haul international, transcontinental, and Hawaii routes will get access. Previously, it was limited to international first class passengers, but that’s going away.

Flagship Dining is available in Dallas and Miami, with Los Angeles expected to reopen later this year after being closed for a while.

American is also launching a new four-course menu with dishes like cauliflower steak, burrata salad, and a wine and chocolate pairing. Thankfully, the Flagship burger and fries are still on the menu, because they’re absolutely delicious.

One thing to keep in mind: Flagship Dining is space-available. These dining rooms aren’t huge, so I’d expect a wait during busier times.

It’s another sign American is putting more money into its premium experience and trying to catch up to United and Delta.

Now, if you’ve already started thinking about next summer, United just dropped some pretty interesting new routes.

United is adding 10 new international cities starting as early as March, calling it the biggest expansion in its history. Eight of those cities won’t have another U.S. airline flying nonstop from the United States.

Newark is getting new nonstops to Luxembourg, Ibiza, Marseille, Valencia, Sardinia, and Sicily. Denver is getting a new nonstop to Paris, and Los Angeles is getting a new daily flight to Osaka.

This is the part I find most interesting. United isn’t just adding more flights to the places everyone already goes. It’s adding more ways to get to places that have traditionally required a connection.

Several of the routes will use United’s new A321XLR, a single-aisle plane designed for long international flights, with lie-flat seats and Starlink Wi-Fi.

Tickets are already on sale, so if you’re thinking about Europe or Japan next summer, put these on your radar.

Last but certainly not least, if you don’t have a Delta SkyMiles account yet, this one’s for you. Hopefully that doesn’t apply to most of you listening, but if you’ve got a friend who’s been putting it off, send this their way.

Delta’s offering new members up to 5,000 bonus miles for completing three things within 90 days.

That’s up to 1,400 miles for joining SkyMiles Dining and spending $30, up to 1,500 for booking and completing a Delta flight through the app, plus a small bonus for opting into marketing emails. Do all three, and Delta tacks on an extra 2,000 miles on top.

Airlines don’t really hand out sign-up bonuses like this anymore. Most expect a credit card application or an actual flight before giving you miles, so if this is someone’s first SkyMiles account, I’d take advantage of it before the offer expires.

The flight is only part of the experience. From lounges to new routes and loyalty perks, there’s a lot happening before you even get on the plane.

And if you check out the new JetBlue lounge or Flagship Dining, tag us in your photos. We want to see what you think.