On the Go – May 17, 2023

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

Pilots At Canada’s WestJet Airlines Give 72-Hour Notice As Strike Looms (Source: Reuters)
Pilots at Onex Corp’s (ONEX.TO) WestJet Group gave notice on Monday that could allow for strike action as early as May 19, raising the possibility of travel disruptions during Canada’s Victoria Day holiday next weekend.  “Today the WestJet Pilots MEC (Master Executive Council) issued a 72 hours strike notice. If no progress is made, we could withdraw our services at 0300 MT May 19th, 2023. Our negotiating committee remains available 24/7 to reach a deal,” the WestJet ALPA Pilots union said in a tweet.

Delta Air Lines Boosts European Schedule (Source: Simple Flying)
Delta Air Lines has boosted summer service to Dublin, Paris and Geneva, Switzerland, and will start flying year round between Boston and Lisbon, Portugal. “We strive to build our schedule by listening to where our customers tell us they most want to fly, and these extensions are a result of exactly that,” Delta said.

Travel Between U.S., U.K. Nearly At Pre-Pandemic Level (Source: Simple Flying)
It won’t be a shock to see the transatlantic segment smash records and overtake 2019’s numbers soon. It’s all systems go heading into the summer, especially with no more COVID-era conditions on international travel.

Delta Starts Deploying Its Sync Platform (Source: Travel Weekly)
Delta has begun rolling out its Delta Sync Exclusives cross-promotional platform on domestic mainline aircraft. Plans call for the platform to be available on 540 Delta planes by the end of July.  The carrier announced the Delta Sync initiative in January. Coupled with the recent rollout of free WiFi for SkyMiles members, it’s part of a broader strategy at Delta to drive new SkyMiles memberships, enhance the inflight experience and generate new revenue opportunities from brand partnerships.

General Interest

Five Cyber Safety Strategies For Business Travelers (Source: Spice Works)
Business travel is on the rise, which means business travelers are accessing sensitive data in areas vulnerable to cyber threats. Kevin Roundy, senior technical director for Norton, explores how business travelers can protect themselves with five cyber safety tips.

Security

TSA Pilots A Program To Test Facial Recognition Technology (Source: The Associated Press)
TSA is piloting a program in 16 airports to assess the use of facial recognition technology. “What we are trying to do with this is aid the officers to actually determine that you are who you say who you are,” said Jason Lim, identity management capabilities manager.

Hotels

Another New Property In The Works for Salt Lake City (Source: MeetingsNet)
A major redevelopment of the city’s 1909 train station is on track to deliver 225 new guest rooms near the Salt Palace by late next year.  Salt Lake City, Utah, has seen a boom in hotels around the Salt Palace Convention Center and Vivint Arena, and the growth isn’t over.

Contemporary Flair And Luxe Lifestyle Amenities: My Stay At Hilton’s New Morrow Hotel In Washington, DC (Source: The Points Guy)
Between two new Canopy hotels, the Conrad Washington, D.C., the Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C. and The Morrow Hotel, a Curio Collection property — all opening within the past five years — Hilton means business when it comes to the Washington, D.C. hotel scene.  In particular, The Morrow represents a new foray for Hilton in the city, opening as part of the 3rd Street District development project in the up-and-coming Union Station/NoMa neighborhood, which is brimming with new apartment buildings, restaurants and grocery stores.

Leisure Travel

The Best Hotel Pools In Las Vegas (Source: The Points Guy)
Las Vegas is known for its flashy hotels and casinos, but did you know it’s also home to some of the best hotel pools in the U.S.?  Whether you’re planning a family trip to Las Vegas or just looking for a fun place to soak up the sun from about March to October, these hotels have some of the most impressive pools in the city. From rooftop oases to lavish day clubs, there’s something for everyone (even if you are just a day guest).