On the Go – January 16, 2020

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

Airports

Chicago aviation chief says $8.5B O’Hare modernization is on track (Source: Chicago Tribune)
O’Hare international Airport’s $8.5 billion modernization project is on schedule with minimal disruptions, according to Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee.

Delta’s new check-in and bag drop area best tip for your next trip (Source: MSP Airport)
The rules have changed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport when it comes to dropping off travelers at Terminal 1.

Minn. airport opens new military service center (Source: StarTribune)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has inaugurated a new $2.2 million Armed Forces Service Center that provides a volunteer-staffed rest stop for members of the US armed forces and their families. 

San Diego airport plans $3B redevelopment (Source: The San Diego Union Tribune)
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has approved a $3 billion redevelopment plan that will replace the airport’s Terminal 1 with a facility three times larger.

San Francisco’s airport to expand 2 security checkpoints (Source: Passenger Terminal Today)
San Francisco International Airport will expand two security screening checkpoints in the departures hall, allowing for 33% more screening lanes to accommodate the airport’s growth in international passenger traffic.

Hotels

Atlanta’s Ellis Hotel offers boutique experience (Source: Travel Pulse)
The Ellis Hotel in Atlanta is a triple winner of the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards, with amenities to include a farm-to-table restaurant and in-room dining. 

Hilton makes guest-friendly changes in loyalty program (Source: Frequent Business Traveler)
This week, Hilton changed its loyalty program to allow guests to earn points from four rooms per stay rather than two, and points also may accumulate for incidentals at all Hilton brands, such as Tru, Home2 Suites and Hampton Inn.

London bustles with hotel openings (Source: Forbes)
The Zedwell, The Londoner and NoMad’s first property in London are recommended hotels coming to the city.

Security

Global Entry rolls out facial recognition (Source: Travel Pulse)
Global Entry, the paid program monitored by US Customs and Border Protection, has replaced fingerprint scanning with facial recognition at some international cities and 15 US airports.

Technology

Mobile passport app eases international travel (Source: My San Antonio)
Frequent traveler Eli London says the Mobile Passport app has saved him time whenever he travels abroad, and the data reflects mobile passport users spend 13 minutes in customs lines while those who do not spend an average of 29 minutes.

Travel Tips

How to minimize stress while traveling for work (Source: Fast Company)
Business travel can be mentally draining, as it represents a break from the regular routine.