On the Go – April 1, 2021

Industry News – Click on the title to read the full article. Many of the sources below require a free registration to gain access to the article. If a paid registration is required, the individual source will be noted.

Airlines

Delta to End Middle Seat Policy, Extend Ticket Validity (Source: Business Travel News)
Delta Air Lines has mapped out its plans for an expected boost in travel demand over the next few months, including an end to its capacity-control measures, a faster track to elite status and extended expiration dates for ticket vouchers. Delta’s policy of blocking middle seats now will expire on May 1, according to the carrier.

Alaska Airlines Officially Joins Oneworld Alliance (Source: Travel Weekly)
Alaska Airlines has joined the Oneworld alliance. The move comes a quick eight months after the carrier’s formal invitation to the alliance and as international air travel continues to be stunted by Covid-19 border restrictions.

Delta Fast-Tracks 2022 Medallion Status For SkyMiles Members With Unprecedented Ways to Get Rewarded, More Flexibility to Enjoy Card Benefits (Source: Delta News Hub)
Delta’s most loyal customers will soon get more out of their travel, thanks to industry-leading new offers that kick off April 1. For the remainder of the year, SkyMiles Members can earn up to 75 percent more toward Medallion Status on nearly every Delta flight, including Award Travel – a first-ever for the industry.

Major US Airlines Extend Deadlines For Using Flight Credits (Source: Bloomberg)
Major US airlines have extended deadlines for using flight credits and vouchers, giving customers more flexibility in recognition of the pandemic’s impact on travel. About 11% of outstanding, unused tickets will expire in 2021, dropping from 55% after American and United recently extended deadlines.

American’s Bag Drop Stations Exemplify Touchless Trend (Source: Dallas Morning News)
American Airlines is adding nine new touchless baggage stations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, an expansion towards technologies that automate the air travel experience. “Eventually, we would like to use our mobile app for the entire process to move through the airport,” said American’s Preston Peterson, adding: “We aren’t there yet, but the pandemic has given us the chance to test some of these technologies with fewer people and smaller crowds.”

Delta, United to Swap Locations at Seattle Airport (Source: The Business Journals)
The forthcoming opening of a new $1 billion International Arrivals Facility at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will require a $102 million project that will relocate the operations of United and Delta so that Delta’s incoming international flights have access to customs clearance.

General Interest

Why You’ll Need A Vaccine Passport (Source: The Points Guy)
If you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you’re probably wondering, “can I travel yet?” Travel is definitely beginning to pick back up, but depending on where you’re headed and what type of trip you want to take, you may need to pack more than just your photo ID and wallet. Now, you might also need a vaccine or digital health passport before you hit the road.

Security

TSA: Here’s What To Do Before Resuming Travel (Source: WFXR-TV)
As travelers begin preparations to fly again, the Transportation Security Administration recommends updating a regular driver’s license to a REAL ID license, before it becomes mandatory on Oct. 1. The TSA also suggests installing the free MyTSA app to stay current on security policies and weather conditions and enroll in the TSA Precheck program for a faster and smoother airport experience.

Airports

Google Maps Uses AR For Navigating Airports, Malls (Source: CNET)
Google Maps has been updated with the Live View augmented reality feature, which uses arrows and icons to help people find their way around indoor places such as airports, grocery stores and malls. Google will also be adding eco-friendly driving routes, as well as air quality and weather updates, in the coming months.

Nebraska Airport Plans $54.8M Terminal Project (Source: Lincoln Journal Star)
A $54.8 million terminal modernization project is set to get underway this summer at Lincoln Airport in Nebraska’s capital. The project will expand the terminal, consolidate gate and security areas and move more passenger services to the area past security checkpoints.