On the Go – May 26, 2022

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

Data: Domestic Flight Prices Are On The Rise (Source: Quartz)
A multitude of market forces, such as higher costs for jet fuel, airline worker shortages and skyrocketing demand among pent-up travelers itching to get away, are causing a significant rise in airfares for domestic flights. Ticket prices have jumped by one-third in the past year, and 18.6% just in April.

Delta Joins United in Rolling Out Bluetooth Headphone Support on Latest Jets (Source: The Points Guy)
You’ll soon have one less dongle to pack for your upcoming Delta trip, as the Atlanta-based carrier is working to add wireless Bluetooth connectivity to its inflight entertainment systems.  This frequently requested feature is being tested alongside the introduction of the airline’s first Airbus A321neo. The jet’s 20 first-class recliners each feature a 13-inch high-definition entertainment system that supports Bluetooth connectivity.

Delta to Debut New First-Class Cabin on Initial A321neo Flight (Source: Business Travel News)
Delta Air Lines on Friday morning will launch its inaugural commercial flight of the Airbus A321neo narrowbody aircraft on a flight from Boston to San Francisco, which will feature a newly designed first-class cabin.

Airports

Sarasota, FL Airport Plans $54M in Upgrades (Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune)
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is planning $54 million in improvement projects, including a new, five-gate terminal. The biggest project is a $42 million new baggage handling system. Construction of a new baggage handling system, expansion of the commercial apron and a new cell phone lot will begin in early fall, according to airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo. Additional projects, including a boat and RV storage lot and expansion of the west apron, are expected to be approved in early to mid-June.

Jacksonville, FL Airport Plans $300M Concourse (Source: WTLV-TV)
Jacksonville International Airport plans to begin planning and construction of a $300 million concourse in October. Airport officials said the new concourse will add six new gates and two ground board positions for smaller planes as well as increase the number of TSA screening positions for passengers.

This Airport Has The Longest Lines In The U.S. (Source: SmarterTravel)
If you’re flying out of Miami International Airport, you better leave yourself plenty of extra time to get through security and passport control. Luggage storage company Bounce analyzed data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to determine the airports with the longest wait times for both security and passport control.

Hotels

April U.S. Hotel Rates Push Higher (Source: Business Travel News)
April U.S. hotel performance continued its rally from an early 2022 slump, according to hospitality research firm STR, and the average daily rate reached another record high. The overall April U.S. ADR was $149.90, up 14 percent from April 2019 levels and up from $146.61 in March 2022. The April ADR was a record high, according to STR, and when adjusted for inflation, it’s 0.7 percent above the 2019 figure.

Hilton-Branded Historic Hotel in NYC Gets Big Refresh (Source: MeetingsNet)
Set in a 125-year-old Beaux Arts building in Midtown Manhattan, Martinique New York has unveiled a renovation of public space, meeting space, guest rooms, F&B outlets, and more. Early 2022 saw the reopening of the 531-room Martinique New York after a multi-million-dollar renovation that brought contemporary elements to an aesthetically striking, landmark 1897 building that’s always been a hotel.

New Hotel Opening: Hilton’s Slate Denver, The Mile High City’s Newest Property (Source: Travel Market Report)
Next week, Hilton will open its new The Slate Denver, a new, and historic, hotel that will bring a new flavor to Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. In total, the 4-story hotel will offer 251 guest rooms in downtown Denver, just a few blocks from the city’s Civic Center Park and just north of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Ground Transportation

A First Look At Amtrak’s Spiffy New Acela Trains (Source: The Points Guy)
Though the rollout of Amtrak’s next-generation high-speed Acela trains has suffered from lengthy delays, progress is finally being made. The new trains were initially set to debut in the Northeast Corridor in early 2021, but have since been delayed until fall 2023 due to pandemic-induced challenges and the need for more testing. In addition to being 10 mph faster and more efficient than current cars, they’ll feature a slew of improvements to the passenger experience, ranging from new seats to faster Wi-Fi, contactless restrooms and more convenient food service.

Leisure Travel

The 16 Best Las Vegas Hotels (Source: SmarterTravel)
The right Las Vegas hotel can make or break your vacation, more so than in other destinations. In Vegas, you can hit the casino, catch a show, party poolside, and dine at some of the city’s best restaurants without ever leaving your hotel. So don’t gamble with your hotel choice—stay at one of the best Las Vegas hotels.