On the Go – August 22, 2024

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

Alaska And Hawaiian Clear A Big Hurdle Toward Their Airline Merger (Source: Travel Weekly)
Antitrust regulators at the Department of Justice won’t challenge Alaska Airlines’ proposed acquisition, and the two airlines will work to close the $1.9 billion deal.  The merger review period passed without action on Tuesday, and the two airlines will work to close the $1.9 billion deal.  “This is a significant milestone in the process to join our airlines,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement. “During the DOJ’s review, Alaska worked closely with the Hawaii attorney general to reinforce and expand upon our commitments for the future of Hawaiian Airlines and to Hawaii consumers.

General Interest

GSA Increases Lodging And Meals Per Diem Allowances For FY2025 (Source: Business Travel News)
The GSA increased per diem rates for federal travelers and those traveling on federal contract work for FY2025, raising lodging to $110 and meals to $68 for standard areas and higher for non-standard areas. The U.S. General Services Administration has raised standard allowable per diem rates for federal travelers in the 2025 fiscal year by $12, largely due to the first increase in meal and incidental costs in several years., GSA announced on Friday.

Security

TSA Expects Busiest Labor Day Ever For Air Travel (Source: TravelPulse)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 17 million people at airports over Labor Day weekend, which would make it the busiest Labor Day on record. “People are traveling more than ever this summer, and TSA along with our airline and airport partners stand ready to close the busiest summer travel period on record during this upcoming Labor Day weekend,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

Flying In The U.S. Will Soon Require A REAL ID (Source: CBS News)
Starting May 7, 2025, any U.S. traveler who is 18 years or older will be required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID, in order to fly domestically. Visit the DHS website and check your state of residence for instructions on how to apply for a REAL ID.

Airports

This London Airport Is About To Expand, Making It Easier For Europe-Hopping Travelers (Source: Travel + Leisure)
A small London airport is about to expand, making it easier to fly to destinations across Europe.  London City Airport (LCY), which is located just east of the city, will be allowed to expand from 6.5 million passengers to 9 million passengers each year, according to the Department for Transport. It will also be able to add three extra early morning weekday flights.

New Main Terminal Opens At Portland International Airport (Source: Travel Weekly)
Oregon’s Portland International Airport has opened the first phase of its new main terminal.  The $2.15 billion terminal features new check-in areas, wider TSA security screening areas with new equipment, and bigger public spaces — including a pre-security area with stadium seating.

Hotels

Hyatt Acquires Standard Hotels Parent Company For Up To $335 Million (Source: Travel Market Report)
Hyatt is continuing its rapid growth, this time with another acquisition.  On Tuesday, the hotel company announced that it had agreed to acquire Standard International, the parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands, for up to $335 million. The deal is expected to close later this year.

Alabama’s GunRunner Hotel Named Best Boutique Hotel In US (Source: USA Today)
The GunRunner Hotel in Florence, Ala., which offers 10 suites and an upscale spa, earned the top spot in USA Today’s 10Best survey of the best boutique hotels in the US. Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort, N.C., came in second place, followed by Illinois’ Staypineapple Chicago, The Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem, N.C., and Bottleworks Hotel in Indianapolis.

8 Things You Should Always Do When You Check Into A Hotel Room (Source: SmarterTravel)
Your long journey is over and you’re finally alone in your hotel room.  Before you flop down on the bed or run to the window to check out the view, make sure you do these eight important things first – they could save you from a ruined night of sleep or an expensive mistake.

Leisure Travel

Best Hotels And Resorts Across The U.S. (Source: USA Today)
Whether you’re planning a vacation, honeymoon, or business trip, choosing your hotel is about so much more than just a place to sleep. The best hotels and resorts offer a variety of amenities, activities, and dining options to ensure you have a stellar experience.

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