On the Go – February 29, 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

United Airlines Installs Upgraded Airport Signage (Source: Simple Flying)
After testing upgraded lobby signage at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, United Airlines plans to roll out the improvements at select locations. The update aligns with the updated branding that the carrier has introduced throughout its website, app and self-serve kiosks. “It’s another example of how we’re really blending the physical experience our customers have with the digital experience they’re having through the United app,” said Chief Customer Officer Linda Jojo.

Delta Expands South Pacific Schedule (Source: Delta News Hub)
Delta is expanding its record South Pacific winter schedule with a new seasonal route from Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia. Delta Senior Vice President of Network Planning Joe Esposito highlighted that “with this addition of Brisbane, Delta’s upcoming winter schedule will offer our customers up to 17 weekly flights between the US and Australia. This marks our most extensive schedule to the South Pacific to date, and as we build our presence in the region, we know our customers will enjoy the enhanced experience consistently provided by Delta.”

United Airlines Is Increasing The Cost Of Checked Bags (Source: Travel Market Report)
Just days after JetBlue and American Airlines announced their own increases for checked bags, United Airlines is following suit.  Effective immediately, all passengers on new bookings with United will be charged an extra $5 for their first and second checked bags—the first checked bag for United economy passengers on domestic flights will cost $40 while the second checked bag will cost $45 when paid in advance, and $50 when paid at the airport.

General Interest

The Best Carry-On Suitcases 2024, Tested And Reviewed By Travel Editors (Source: SmarterTravel)
Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to fit everything you need into a carry-on bag.  With increasingly strict airline baggage allowances and common occurrences of lost/mishandled checked bags, finding the right carry-on suitcase is key to avoiding expensive checked baggage fees and ensuring your stuff makes it to your destination.

Security

TSA PreCheck Travelers Will No Longer Have To Show ID Or Boarding Pass At Certain Airports (Source: The Points Guy)
As the Transportation Security Administration continues to implement its facial recognition technology at airports nationwide, United Airlines joins Delta Air Lines in offering TSA PreCheck customers a touchless ID experience during bag drop and security checkpoints. United is launching the service at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Global Entry Introduces Faster Enrollment Process For Travelers (Source: Business Traveler)
Global Entry enrollment just got easier, thanks to a new program debuted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) called ‘Enrollment on Departure.’ The program was rolled out in Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) in February.  It allows applicants conditionally approved for Global Entry to complete the interview process before boarding international flights.

Airports

JFK Airport’s Redeveloped Terminal 6 Is On Track To Open In 2026 (Source: Travel Weekly)
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provided an update on the $4.2 billion redevelopment of Terminal 6 at New York’s JFK Airport, saying that the first gates are on track to open in 2026. Construction began a year ago.

Airports Serving Up Food On The Fly (Source: Travel Weekly)
On a Wednesday afternoon in January, business was steady at Essex Burger in LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C as Dejan Mileski took a walk through the kitchen that supports Essex and three other restaurants.  As he peered at the griddle, Mileski, the regional executive chef of culinary operations for the airport food and beverage operator OTG, said that lines sometimes stack up for Essex’s popular smashed burgers.

Best US Airports For Business Travel Ranked (Source: Simple Flying)
People traveling for work may make up a small portion of airline passengers every year, but there is no question that they provide an impressive chuck of revenue. As the industry undoubtedly relies on business travelers, a recent study determined which airport ranked best for those hitting the friendly skies for work.

Hotels

In Austin, A 367-Room Sheraton To Rebrand As A Renaissance (Source: MeetingsNet)
Five blocks from the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Sheraton at the Capitol is in the final phase of a multimillion-dollar transformation to become Downright Austin, a Renaissance Hotel.  Mixing terracotta colors and textures, a checkerboard design, and lots of greenery, the property’s 367 guest rooms and lobby are being upgraded for a spring 2024 rebranding.

Leisure Travel

Easton, PA, Hotel To Celebrate Easter With Peeps Suite (Source: WHTM-TV)
Peeps has announced that they will be kicking off the Easter season with a brand new sweet experience.  The Peeps team has partnered with Home2Suites by Hilton Easton (not far from Allentown) to announce the Peeps Sweet Suite. The suite will feature an “Easter wonderland filled with playful Peeps decorations, whimsical furnishings, and an irresistible taste of the Peeps 2024 flavor lineup.”