On the Go – August 3, 2023

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

DOT Rule Requires More Accessible Aircraft Restrooms (Source: The Hill)
The US Transportation Department announced a finalized rule that will require new single-aisle aircraft carrying at least 125 seats to have an accessible restroom for passengers with disabilities. “U.S. airlines fully support accessible lavatories on single-aisle aircraft and have been voluntarily working with the disability community, the Department of Transportation and industry stakeholders for seven years on solutions,” Airlines for America released in a statement. The rule will apply to new aircraft ordered in 2033 or delivered in 2035 or later and will not require retrofitting.

Higher Temperatures, More Turbulence: How The Heat Impacts Your Flight Plans (Source: CBS)
Travelers have been suffering through a record number of flight delays this summer and while one reason for delays is a shortage of flight crews but there is another reason for those delays and it’s climate change.

Southwest To Revamp Schedules To Match Shifting Corporate Traffic (Source: Business Travel News)
As business travel continues to lag leisure demand, Southwest Airlines will revamp its 2024 flight schedules, executives said Thursday. “While our network is largely restored at this point, it is not optimized, especially for post-pandemic shifts in business travel,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said.

General Interest

Travel ‘Junk Fee’ Crackdown (Source: Skift)
President Biden has publicly called out travel companies as part of a crackdown on so-called junk fees, a campaign that takes aim at companies across the sector, looking at their fee structures and how they are displayed.  The White House first raised concerns over these fees in October and has kept the conversation going, specifically targeting airline and hotel resort fees.

Airports

These US Airports Had The Most Delays And Cancellations (Source: Frommer’s)
Remember the days when you could book an airline ticket and be reasonably confident that you’d reach your destination on time? Nowadays, clicking the “purchase” button for tickets feels more like you are sending a message (along with your money) to the airline informing it of the itinerary you would really, really, really like to travel — if the airline would be so kind.  Or perhaps, like yesterday’s story about morality, the decline of air travel certainty is just an illusion. Either way, this article outlines the airports you might want to avoid if you want to dodge delays and cancellations.

Ground Transportation

Hertz: ‘No Softening On Demand’ (Source: Business Travel News)
Hertz reported strong second-quarter demand in the United States, Canada and Europe “as each of leisure, corporate and rideshare continued to demonstrate momentum, with international travel benefiting both our U.S. and European businesses,” Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr said on a Thursday earnings call.  “Volume across our business in the quarter was up 18 percent sequentially and 12 percent versus Q2 of last year,” Scherr said. “As we open the third quarter, there is no current evidence of softening demand.”

Leisure Travel

10 Best Places To Visit In Canada If You Love Nature And Outdoor Adventures (Source: The Travel)
Canada is a massive country with many things to offer. For those who love nature and outdoor adventures, this country is the perfect choice. Here, one will find everything from towering mountains to massive lakes, charming towns, picturesque coastlines, and every other thing needed for an unforgettable adventure.