On the Go – December 5, 2019

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 to update travel rules on emotional support animals (Source: Chicago Tribune)
The Department of Transportation is updating the federal rules guiding airline policies on emotional support animals and the rules are likely to be more stringent.

United Airlines announces leadership transition (Source: CNBC)
United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz will step down as CEO in May and transition to executive chairman of the board, succeeding retiring member Jane Garvey, and current United President Scott Kirby will succeed Munoz as CEO.

United Airlines to buy Airbus A321 long-haul jets (Source: Frequent Business Traveler)
United Airlines has placed a $7 billion order for 50 long-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which will begin deliveries in 2024 and are expected to figure in expanded service from hubs in New York and Washington, D.C.

Airports

Holiday skating rinks among passenger perks at airports (Source: USA TODAY)
Denver International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport are opening ice skating rinks for the holiday season.

Hotels

Hyatt to debut more than 20 luxury properties by end of 2020 (Source: RTT News)
Hyatt Hotels will expand its luxury offerings worldwide, adding more than 20 properties by the end of next year. 

Marriott plans 54 additions to India portfolio (Source: The Hindu)
Marriott International says it will open 54 new hotels in India by 2025, adding to the 120 properties it now manages in the country.

Security

DHS proposes extending facial recognition to US citizens (Source: Digital Trends)
The Department of Homeland Security is proposing an end to its facial recognition exemption for US citizens, with the goal of preventing “persons attempting to fraudulently use US travel documents.

Wash. airport to use facial recognition software for Delta flights (Source: The Seattle Times)
Delta Air Lines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will start using facial recognition software on international travelers by the end of the year.