Author: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY

Southwest’s three-day fare sale, held twice a year, ends Thursday. Act now to snag $49, $79, $99 and $129 for late summer and fall travel.

Southwest said the move, spurred by more travelers using mobile boarding passes, will eliminate waste. Most U.S. airlines ditched them years ago.

Unlike other major airlines, Southwest opens it schedule in shorter increments. On Thursday, it will start selling tickets through Jan. 5.

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Summer travelers can expect busier airports, higher bag fees and seat selection fees, more basic economy tickets and potentially longer TSA lines.

Travelers can now buy Sprinkles Cupcakes, Uniqlo down coats, CVS sundries, Stance socks and Dollar Shave Club kits from airport vending machines.

American Airlines will now charge standard checked bag fees for items including bikes, surfboards and skis.

American Airlines says a slowdown by mechanics led to nearly 2,200 flight cancellations, delays since February and has intensified.