On the Go – March 28, 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

Airlines Adopt First 4K High-Def Seatback Screens (Source: Tech Times)
Passengers on a number of airlines will get 4K OLED seatback displays starting this year, with United Airlines adding the technology in 2025. Astrova screens from Panasonic Avionics come with a pair of USB-C ports for charging devices and Bluetooth headset connectivity.

United to Install Larger Embraer Overhead Bins (Source: Business Travel News)
United Airlines plans to install by year-end larger overhead bins on 50 Embraer E175 aircraft operated by SkyWest Airlines, United announced Tuesday.  The new bins will allow for up to 29 additional carry-on bags per flight, according to United, which said that figure represented “an 80 percent increase in space.” The affected planes seat 76 passengers, United said.

Southwest Airlines Plans To Offer Red-Eye Flights (Source: Simple Flying)
Southwest Airlines plans to offer red-eye flights for the first time in its history in about two years. Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Green said the airline’s first overnight flights will depart from Las Vegas and Hawaii, and he sees an opportunity for about 50 flights a day.

United Now Allows Pooling Of Miles Among Family And Friends (Source: Meetings & Conventions)
Don’t have enough airline miles for that free flight?  United Airlines is now letting people pool and share their frequent-flyer points with family and friends, a feature currently offered by some smaller carriers.  United said Thursday that a “pool leader” can pick up to four other people for a joint account in its MileagePlus program.

Airports

U.S. Airports With The Longest Trek To Departure Gates (Source: USA Today)
While travel disruptions and long security lines are things most travelers keep in mind when planning their arrival at the airport, many may not consider the distance from check-in to their gates.  With some airport terminals spanning over a mile in length, the walk can take more than 20 minutes – which means some late arrivers may be in for a hurried jog.

Hotels

IHG Rolls Out New Suites-Brand Prototypes (Source: Business Travel News)
IHG Hotels & Resorts on Tuesday unveiled new U.S. prototypes for its three suites brands, designed to allow for more guest rooms per property. IHG said the prototypes would be available in the second quarter, with the first properties to include new features set to open in 2025.

Millions Of Hotel Doors Vulnerable To Hackers (Source: Cybernews)
Security researchers have discovered vulnerabilities in dormakaba’s Saflok electronic locks, which would allow hackers access to rooms and residences in a matter of seconds.  Saflok, an electronic RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) lock, is installed on three million doors on over 13,000 properties worldwide, mostly hotels and multi-family housing environments.

Leisure Travel

15 Of The Most Beautiful Villages In Spain (Source: The Points Guy)
Spain’s greatest cities need no introduction. There’s regal Madrid with its art-filled museums, Barcelona’s fantastical architecture and Seville’s emotive flamenco, all iconic stops for first-time visitors to this vast, culturally rich and alluring Mediterranean destination.

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