On the Go – June 13, 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

This U.S. Airline Has The Worst Baggage Record (Source: SF Gate)
One of the worst ways to start or end a vacation is an airline losing your luggage, which has become a consistent attribute for one major U.S. carrier.  In a recent analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Report, MyBaggage.com found that between 2021 and 2024, American Airlines mishandled the most luggage of any U.S. carrier.

Airlines Double Down On Seatback Entertainment (Source: APEX.aero)
Some airlines flirted with removing seatback entertainment systems to cut costs and reduce weight, but most are now doubling down on those screens as technology gets better and lighter and passengers expect to be entertained as part of a comprehensive experience.  United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said that when he flies, two thirds of passengers watch entertainment content and rate every aspect of the airline’s performance higher when they are pleased with the offerings.

The Overhead Bin Rules To Follow To Avoid Being The Most Annoying Passenger On The Plane (Source: Travel + Leisure)
It happened to me on a flight from Toronto to New York. With the short flight time, I was on a Delta Connection carrier (a.k.a. a very small plane). Entering the plane with my Beis duffel carry-on, I realized I was one of the last in my section to board. Scanning the rows where my seat was located, I quickly noticed there was no overhead baggage space available. So, I did what any seasoned traveler would do: I found the first available space in my cabin class, slid my bag in, and made my way two rows back to my seat. Or so I thought.

Southwest Airlines Increases Prices For Early-Boarding Products (Source: Travel Weekly)
Southwest has increased the prices for its Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird check-in products.  Upgraded Boarding now costs $30 to $149 per segment. That’s up from the previous price range of $30 to $80, according to media sources. The product enables customers to secure an A1 to A15 boarding position beginning 24 hours before a flight’s scheduled departure.

Security

U.S. Reopens Online Passport Renewal Portal (Source: Travel Market Report)
U.S. citizens looking to renew their passports can do so now online. But the opportunity won’t last.  The U.S. State Department has officially reopened its online passport renewal option (OPR) as of June 12. The portal appears to be only open for a limited amount of time, and with limited availability, so those looking to do so should do so quickly.

TSA Now Accepts Digital IDs From Theses Nine States (Source: Forbes)
Nearly 70 million Americans are now eligible to fly within the U.S. with a digital ID stored on their phones.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Tuesday that it now accepts mobile driver licenses (mDLs) issued by New York, the ninth state whose digital IDs can be read by the agency’s Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) readers.

Airports

New Airport Terminals Feature Bathroom Upgrades (Source: USA Today)
New airport facilities are designing bathrooms with larger stalls that better accommodate luggage, as well as more accommodations for families, but upgrading will be a slow process. “You have to customize the stalls,” which “are manufactured for commercial office buildings, schools,” and are “not really designed for somebody bringing in the carry-on,” said Jamie Haviaris, chief technical officer of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, which oversaw the redevelopment of the New York City airport’s Terminal B.

Chicago Airport Ranked Most Stressful In U.S. (Source: Business Traveler)
The 2024 Stressful Airport Index found the Chicago O’Hare International Airport to be the most stressful major airport in the US, based on factors such as the overall passenger satisfaction score, car parking fees and total number of passengers. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport came in second and third place, respectively, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was deemed the least stressful.

The Best And Worst U.S. Airports For Summer Flight Disruptions (Source: TravelPulse)
Salt Lake City International Airport comes in on top of the list for the fewest flight disruptions, while busy airports in Texas and Florida have struggled in the first half of the year to get travelers to their destinations on time.

Hotels

76 Percent Of Hotels Still Are Understaffed (Source: Quartz)
The hotel industry says it’s having trouble finding workers. A new survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association revealed that more than three quarters of its members were having trouble hiring all the people they need to run their businesses, the industry trade group announced Monday.

Virgin Hotels Opening First London Hotel This Summer (Source: Travel Market Report)
Virgin Hotels will open its first property in London, Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, on Aug. 1.  The new hotel is the eighth of the Virgin Hotels brand and 17th in the Virgin Group started by Sir Richard Branson.  It comes on the heels of launching Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Virgin Hotels New York in 2023, and after recently announcing a new property in Kenya.

Marriott Plans Major Expansion In France (Source: The Points Guy)
While the Summer Olympics will conclude in Paris in August, Marriott is playing the long game when it comes to France.  The world’s largest hotel company plans to add 10 hotels and more than 1,000 rooms across France by the end of 2025. The planned expansion includes brands like 2023 TPG Award-winner Moxy, Residence Inn, Courtyard, Aloft and The Luxury Collection. The new hotels will boost Marriott’s existing French footprint of 69 hotels across 29 cities.

Denver Boutique Hotel With Meeting Space Gets Big Refresh (Source: MeetingsNet)
The Crawford Hotel in downtown Denver, opened in 2014 as part of the resurrection of Denver Union Station, will unveil in July an $11 million renovation coinciding with its 10th anniversary.  The project includes a design update to each of the three styles found across its 112 guest units, plus upgrades to the 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space and the addition of new lobby separate from Union Station’s Great Hall.

Leisure Travel

Don’t Believe The Doom Loop Hype: It’s Great Time To Visit San Francisco (Source: The Points Guys)
I’m so sick of hearing how terrible things are in San Francisco.  For the past several years, the media has been on a relentless campaign talking up the problems of the City by the Bay. Outlets from The New York Times to the Financial Times have written stories about how San Francisco is caught up in a “doom loop,” where rampant drug use, homelessness and street crime are driving out businesses and residents.

The Best Places To See Fourth Of July Fireworks (Source: The Points Guys)
It’s time to break out your best red, white and blue finery… and maybe some earplugs, too (including for pups!).  America’s birthday is nearly upon us, and cities and towns across the U.S. are celebrating with all-out parades, fun events and patriotic pyrotechnic parties that light up the night sky.

For Assistance with your upcoming vacation planning, please call Travel One: 952-854-2551

This industry news synopsis is intended for travel professionals and is provided as a news resource only. Travel One does not endorse advertisements that may be contained or pop up in the links. Please consider the environment before printing this email