On the Go – February 2, 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

Delta Begins Offering Free Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights (Source: TravelPulse)
Delta Air Lines began offering free Wi-fi on many domestic flights Feb. 1, with the service available on 500 aircraft. The carrier plans to expand free internet to 700 more aircraft by the end of 2023 and to international and regional flights by the end of 2024.

Atlas Air Takes Possession Of The Last 747 (Source: Simple Flying)
Boeing executives and some of the team members who designed the iconic plane were on hand Tuesday as Atlas Air took possession of the last 747 to be produced. “She’s a darn good-looking airplane,” said Atlas CEO John Dietrich, who said it is “an incredible honor for me.”

Delta To Extend Four Seasonal Routes To Year-Round (Source: Business Travel News)
Delta Air Lines will operate four of its upcoming summer seasonal routes, originally slated to end Oct. 27, as year-round routes, the carrier confirmed Monday.  Those changes include flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and each Berlin, starting May 25, and Geneva, Switzerland, beginning April 10, as well as flights between Los Angeles International Airport and each London Heathrow, starting March 25, and Paris Charles de Gaulle, starting May 8. The seasonal routes initially were announced in September. All four routes will operate daily.

Southwest Posts Q4 Loss After December Disruptions (Source: Business Travel News)
Southwest Airlines executives gave a remorseful fourth-quarter earnings call Thursday, where they again apologized for last month’s significant operational disruptions. Meanwhile, managed business revenue “continues to be strong.”

General Interest

Jetlag Affected People Differently (Source: The Conversation)
When it comes to jetlag, some people get it bad … and some people don’t. This article explores the causes of jetlag. It also offers 6 tips for coping with or diminishing the feeling of jetlag. And for all you “Die Hard” fans out there, standing barefoot on carpet and ‘making fists with your feet’ is not one of the tips!

Airports

Chicago Opens 10 More Gates in Re-Done Terminal 5 (Source: Travel Weekly)
The Chicago Department of Aviation has opened 10 new gates in the East Concourse of O’Hare Airport’s Terminal 5. The new gates are part of a broader $1.3 billion expansion and renovation of the terminal. Officials hailed the expansion at a ribbon-cutting on Jan. 31.

Sacramento Airport Plans $1.3B in Improvements (Source: KCRA-TV)
Sacramento International Airport is planning six infrastructure improvement projects worth $1.3 billion, the largest construction initiative in the California airport’s history. The airport plans to expand both of its concourses with new gates, ticket counters, baggage claim facilities and office space, as well as building a pedestrian walkway between terminals, a new parking garage and new facilities for rental cars and ground transportation.

Airports Rely On Technology To Get Lost Items To Owners (Source: NBC News)
More and more airports are turning to technology to help them reunite travelers with items lost at airports or left on aircraft. “When an item is turned in, our team writes down the details. And we keep the items in a variety of drawers and cabinets at the airport information desk,” said Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport spokesperson Harold Mester.

There’s A New Secret Upscale Restaurant Hidden In Newark Airport (Source: nj.com)
It looks like United Airlines is taking a page out of New York City’s secret dining culture.  Last week, I received an email inviting me to dine at Classified, United’s hidden fine-dining restaurant tucked inside Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport and reserved only for United MileagePlus members.

Ground Transportation

National Car Rental Adds Features To Mobile App (Source: Business Travel News)
National Car Rental has redesigned its mobile app with new features that make the car rental experience “even more frictionless,” National’s parent Enterprise Holdings announced this week.  The updates include one-click reservations for authenticated users; Emerald Club members’ profile details automatically applied to reservations; easier access to past, present and future trip information; the ability to search National locations.

Leisure Travel

The 9 Best Beach Destinations For Families (Source: Forbes)
As we’re fully in the throes of winter, planning for a seaside vacation somewhere beautiful and bright is an instant mood booster. And just because you’re a new parent, with a little one in tow, doesn’t mean that you can’t go on an adventure and indulge in some vitamin sea. Keep reading to learn about the best beaches for traveling families.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Toronto (Source: SmarterTravel)
Many people may not realize that two of the five largest cities in North America aren’t in the U.S. – Mexico City is number one, and Toronto, Canada comes in at number four.  Toronto is a booming tech city and has a lot to offer – from great shopping, sightseeing, museums, and even some spectacular day trips.  We’ve got all you need to know about visiting Toronto.