On the Go – July 9, 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.

* * For the latest COVID-19 travel industry information, please click on this link:

https://traveloneinc.com/covid-19-industry-information/

Airlines

United Scales Back Plans to Add Flight Capacity (Source: USA Today)
United Airlines is scaling back its plans to boost flights in August, flying 35% of its previous schedule rather than 40%. The airline cited quarantines and other travel restrictions.

Southwest Eliminates Cash Payments at Ticket Counters (Source: Dallas Morning News)
Southwest Airlines no longer accepts cash payments for flights, upgrades or extra luggage at US airports as of July 1, as is the trend in the airline industry. Southwest will still accept cash at international ticket counters.

Air Canada Resumes European Service (Source: Business Traveller)
Air Canada has resumed service to Dublin, with cargo helping to support passenger service to the Irish capital. Dublin is one of several international destinations where the airline is resuming service, including Shanghai, Athens, Rome and Amsterdam.

Delta CEO: Air Travel Essential to Rebuilding Economy (Source: Delta News Hub)
Delta CEO Ed Bastian discussed how the airline has adapted to the coronavirus crisis during the Goldman Sachs Virtual Conference, noting that air travel is an essential service that is also a crucial part of rebuilding the economy. “Relationships don’t get formed through the phone. Air travel is how we’re wired as a country,” he said.

Airports

Denver Airport to Test Facial Recognition Tech (Source: KJBK-TV)
Denver International Airport is testing technology that will enable social distancing and contactless procedures, including the use of mobile apps for reservations and facial recognition. Pilot programs should begin in about a month, according to Denver International Airport COO Chris McLaughlin.

Hotel

Travel Looks Different As Hotels Work to Keep Guests Safe (Source: Yahoo)
Traveling during the pandemic looks much different, writes Michelle Gross, who recently stayed at a Hyatt, InterContinental Hotel Group and Marriott. Along her trip, Gross found different protocols at each hotel including different valet options, lack of decorative pillows and blankets, contactless check-ins and amenity masks and wipes.

What Changes Are In The Future For Hotels? (Source: Forbes)
Hotels are making changes so that they can continue to operate during the pandemic, and some of those changes may continue afterward. Hotels will likely have larger rooms, exercise bikes in each room, as well as no more minibars or extra linens.