On the Go – March 4, 2021

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

Study Finds Low Particulate Levels Onboard Aircraft (Source: Research Horizons)
Commercial aircraft cabins at altitude had the lowest levels of aerosol particulates in the air compared to restaurants, stores, homes, buses or private cars, Georgia Tech researchers found in a new study measuring both particle mass and number in commercial flights and other indoor spaces. “We wanted to highlight how important it is to have a high ventilation rate and clean air supply to lower the concentration of particles in indoor spaces,” said Associate Professor Nga Lee (Sally) Ng. “The in-flight cabin had the lowest particle mass and particle number concentration.” Throughout this global health crisis, US airlines have multiple layers of protection to prioritize the health and wellbeing of customers and employees, including industrial-grade HEPA filters.

Delta Extends Upgrade Certificate Expiration, Adds Online Availability Tool (Source: The Points Guy)
One of the best perks of Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion status is the opportunity to earn Upgrade Certificates. Upon hitting these status tiers, elites get to pick several “Choice Benefits,” including Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates. These certificates have a higher priority than Medallion Complimentary Upgrades and may be requested and (subject to availability), cleared as early as when you book your ticket.

American Frequent Flyers Can Swap Miles For COVID-19 Tests (SourceTravelPulse)
American Airlines announced loyalty program members can now redeem miles to order at-home COVID-19 testing kits. The carrier revealed that through a partnership with LetsGetChecked, AAdvantage members could redeem 12,000 miles and receive through the mail a coronavirus test accepted by nine countries and any city, state or territory in the United States that has COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Delta Moves Toward Final Approval of LATAM Joint Venture (Source: Delta News Hub)
Delta Air Lines has received approval from the governments of Brazil and Uruguay for its joint venture with LATAM, which still awaits approval from other South American governments. “This final approval in Brazil furthers our mission to provide customers in this important market with the world-class travel experience and options they deserve,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian.

General Interest

You Finally Got Vaccinated: Here’s What You’ll Need For a Digital Health Passport (Source: The Points Guy)
More than 49 million Americans have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly 25 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you’re one of the millions who has been vaccinated against COVID-19, you’re probably thinking, “now what?” — especially if you’re itching to hit the road.

Hotels

Loews, Omni Hotels Form Sales Partnership (Source: Business Travel News)
Loews Hotels and Omni Hotels & Resorts have formed a cross-selling partnership, the companies announced Tuesday. The deal allows for “increased distribution in markets where there is no crossover between the two,” according to the companies.

Thompson San Antonio Makes Ballyhooed Debut (Source: DSAT-TV)
The 20-story Thompson San Antonio opened last week in the River Walk area, offering what owners tout as “sophisticated experiences inspired by the rich history and culture of the area.” Four restaurants and bars, 162 guestrooms, including 33 suites and a penthouse suite, are featured along with a sweeping view of the city.

Ground Transportation

Business Travelers Facing a Potential Rental Car Shortage (Source: Business Travel News)
“Can you even get a reservation?” “How long are you willing to stand in a line?” Those are some of the questions business travelers may have to ask this summer if car rental suppliers don’t have enough vehicles available to service them, according to DK Consulting Group CEO David Kilduff. If travel resumes faster than expected, some car rental companies—managing already reduced fleets—may come up short due to ongoing small fleet orders and a global shortage of semiconductors, which are critical components in car manufacturing.

Hertz Devises Restructuring Plan After Private Equity Injection (Source: PhocusWire)
Hertz has put forward a reorganization plan involving private equity, giving it the chance to come out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Under the proposals, the car rental firm, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2020, could see investment of up to $4.2 billion from Knighthead Capital Management and Certares Opportunities.

Airports

Concourse Work Underway at Salt Lake City Airport (Source: KSTU-TV)
Stabilizing stone columns are being installed in the latest stage of an expanded concourse at the new Salt Lake City International Airport. The columns are needed to stabilize soil in an old lake bed and secure the concourse against seismic events.

San Francisco Airport Expansion Plans Adjusted (Source: SFGATE)
A $1 billion project to expand and upgrade San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 3 has been halted indefinitely due to the pandemic, while other improvement projects will continue. Ongoing projects include an AirTrain extension to long-term parking, the addition of more gates to Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and a connecting walkway to the International Terminal.