On the Go – January 9, 2025

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

The Most On-Time Airlines (And Airports) In The World (Source: The Points Guy)
What was the most on-time airline — and airport — in the world in 2024?  New numbers released to kick off the new year offer some answers.  Aeromexico proved to be the global winner, according to data released Thursday by aviation analytics firm Cirium.  In 2024, nearly 87% of the Mexico City-based carrier’s flights arrived at their destination on time.

Delta Air Lines To Upgrade In-Flight Entertainment (Source: Variety)
Delta Air Lines has introduced a cloud-based in-flight entertainment system featuring 4K HDR displays, Bluetooth and advanced content recommendations, as well as a partnership with YouTube that will offer ad-free content for SkyMiles members. “Technology has the power to transform travel and create moments for our customers to enjoy the journey as much as the destination,” says CEO Ed Bastian.

Airlines’ De-Icing Crews Keep Planes Flying In Winter (Source: National Public Radio)
De-icing crews play a critical role as airlines work to keep planes flying in winter weather, a task that takes about 20 minutes for a small plane or 40 minutes for a larger one. “It’s kind of a big logistics task,” said Chris Manno, a retired pilot who spent 35 years at American Airlines, adding: “it’s a slow process, and it has to be done right.”

General Interest

What’s The Best International Phone Plan Right Now? (Source: The Points Guy)
On my first trip to Japan, I decided to forgo international data on my cellphone. I figured I could rely on public Wi-Fi, but I regretted not having data on my phone when I became lost. From that experience, I learned to download offline maps and a translation app beforehand if I know I won’t have data.

Security

Everything You Need To Know About Europe’s New Entry Requirements (Source: TravelPulse)
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System or EES is a new biometric system relying on fingerprints and digital photos for identification to improve the traveler experience while enhancing border security, combating identity fraud and helping authorities to identify overstayers.

Airports

California Airport Begins Renovations With Skybridge (Source: Simple Flying)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has begun a $1.3 billion improvement initiative with construction of a pedestrian walkway and parking garage.  Expansion of terminal A will follow this winter.

How Airport Design Speeds Passengers On Their Way (Source: The Wall Street Journal)
Architect Peter Ruggiero demonstrated how modern airport design uses elements like curved walls and ceilings to guide passengers through the space, lessening their dependence on signage to find their way. He also explained how configuring check-in kiosks in islands helps to speed travelers on their way.

Upgrades Underway At Iowa’s Commercial Airports (Source: Radio Iowa)
Iowa’s commercial airports are advancing with several construction projects funded by $100 million from the American Rescue Plan. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) received $59 million for a new terminal design and a parking garage, anticipating a 3-4% annual increase in traffic. The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids is expanding its terminal with $28 million to accommodate larger aircraft and more passengers.

Hotels

Radisson Brands Are Getting A Refresh (Source: Travel Weekly)
Choice Hotels International has unveiled new visual identities for several brands within its Radisson Hotels Americas portfolio, including the upscale Radisson and upper-upscale Radisson Blu and Radisson Individuals flags.  Choice Hotels acquired Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022.

San Francisco Hotel Opens As Part Of Hilton’s Curio Collection (Source: Travel Weekly)
Hilton’s Curio Collection has added the Timbri Hotel San Francisco, a new 236-room property in San Francisco’s Mid-Market district. The Timbri opened on Jan. 3.  Accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows as well as amenities like deep soaking tubs and minibars showcasing locally made products.

36 New Hyatt Hotels Where You Can Get 500 Extra Points Per Night (Source: The Points Guy)
I stayed at the Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa shortly after it opened. When I checked my account activity after my stay, I noticed an “opening bonus” of 2,000 points. Then I remembered that World of Hyatt offers 500 bonus points per night on qualifying stays at new hotels.  I unknowingly received the benefit since Hyatt doesn’t require members to register for this promotion.

Ground Transportation

Uber And Lyft Prepare To Offer Driverless Rideshare Cars (Source: The Hill)
Two popular rideshare companies are now preparing to offer a new feature: Driverless taxis.  Uber and Lyft are currently training staff on how to maintain the autonomous vehicles ahead of their public launch in the coming months.

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