On the Go – August 31, 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

New Partnership Plans To Boost SAF Production In Minnesota (Source: Business Travel News)
A coalition of companies including Delta Air Lines has created a “hub” in Minnesota to drive production of sustainable aviation fuel, with the aim of bringing “commercial-scale volumes” of the fuel to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as soon as 2025, Delta announced.

Security

The World’s First Digital Passports Have Arrived (Source: Thrillist)
Finland is the first to try something new with immigration and border control this week—and the change marks the official beginning of a shift towards a digital passport process. The Finnish Border Guard announced that all Finnish people on Finnair flights to and from the UK will be able to test a new digital travel document starting on Monday.

TSA PreCheck Program Adds Four New Airlines (Source: Travel Industry Wire)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the expansion of its TSA PreCheck expedited screening program with the addition of Cayman Airways, French bee, Titan Air and Zipair. With these additions, there are 90 TSA PreCheck participating domestic and international carriers.

Airports

Delta Sky Way Opens At Los Angeles Airport (Source: Delta News Hub)
Delta Air Lines has completed the final major phase of a $2.3 billion Delta Sky Way connecting Terminal 3 at Los Angeles International Airport to the Tom Bradley International Terminal and eliminating the need for buses. “This modern, state-of-the-art facility has been at the center of Delta’s efforts to become the premier airline of Los Angeles, and now, as we as we celebrate this years-long project being finished much earlier than expected, we are better equipped than ever to provide Angelenos and all of our customers traveling through LA with the truly seamless and elevated experience that they deserve,” said Scott Santoro, vice president of global sales.

Austin, TX, Airport Begins Work On $164M Expansion (Source: KVUE-TV)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has begun work on a $164 million terminal expansion project that will add three new gates. The construction, to be completed in 2026, is part of a multi-year expansion program at the airport serving Texas’ capital.

Hotels

European Hotel Prices Continue Rising This Summer (Source: Business Travel News)
Global hotel prices have continued to accelerate this summer led by higher rates in Europe, according to the latest data from hotel analyst STR. Worldwide average daily rate rose by 6.3 percent in July compared with the same month last year, with prices in Europe seeing an even bigger year-on-year rise of 13.4 percent during the month.

Leisure Travel

The 7 Most Stunning Hotels In America (Source: TravelSmarter)
These stunningly beautiful hotels are a destination in their own right. Incredible architecture, lush landscaping, and gorgeous details make these properties restful retreats worth traveling for.

How To Spend 48 Hours In Charleston (Source: The Points Guy)
Charleston, South Carolina, consistently ranks on “best of” lists, including TPG’s own 18 best places to travel in 2023, and for good reason. It’s home to historic sites and landmarks, a number of eclectic art galleries, and varied shopping opportunities.  Foodies flock to Charleston for its fresh from-the-dock seafood, soulful Gullah-inspired Lowcountry cuisine, restaurants helmed by James Beard Award-winning chefs and a thriving cocktail scene.