On the Go – October 19, 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

Delta Backtracks On Some Loyalty Thresholds, Add Benefits (Source: Business Travel News)
After facing significant criticism for changes announced in September to its SkyMiles loyalty program, Delta Air Lines has stepped back parts of its revamp as well as will be offering new “Choice Benefits,” the carrier said Wednesday.

United Airlines Reports Record International Demand (Source: Simple Flying)
United Airlines reported record-breaking demand for transatlantic and transpacific flights as part of a strong third quarter. United CEO Scott Kirby explained the carrier is not seeing any slowdown in the consumer. “Demand is strong and steady,” he said.

The U.S. Airports Where Flight Prices Have Surged The Most (Source: Thrillist)
Say goodbye to boring airline food and cramped economy seats and hello to an elevated in-flight experience. These top international airlines provide exceptional service, comfort, and a memorable flying experience across cabins.

Southwest Announces Changes To Loyalty Program (Source: USA Today)
Southwest announced changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program. Beginning January 1, the airline is making several enhancements to its schedule, including lowering the requirements for an A-List and A-List preferred status. Southwest’s Vice President of Marketing, Johnathan Clarkson, stated, “We’re making our award-winning Rapid Rewards program even stronger by adding new enhancements to our loyalty program, making it even easier for Members to earn and enjoy their benefits.”

General Interest

The Travel Industry Is One Step Closer To The End Of Junk Fees (Source: Travel Market Report)
You may recall that I have written two previous articles about the possibility that the federal government would join a few states in prohibiting so-called “junk fees,” defined essentially as mandatory charges added late in the buying process as a, usually, unwelcome surprise to the buyer. In travel, the most common examples are hotel “resort” or “destination” fees.

Airports

Miami International Airport Plans Renovations In 2024 (Source: Miami Today)
Miami International Airport is planning to complete four infrastructure projects in 2024. The airport plans to renovate both its South and Central terminals.  Miami International Airport’s array of multi-billion-dollar upgrades is taking off, with four major projects ready to go aloft next year, Aviation Director Ralph Cutié told the county’s Airport and Economic Development Committee last week.

The Best Airport Food In The US (Source: SmarterTravel)
Airports are busy, and no one enjoys standing in the long security lines. If you’ve got a long layover, you’ll probably want to find a place to enjoy a snack or a meal. Here is a list of the tastiest airport destinations—and some apps you can use to locate good airport food.

Hotels

Choice Bids $7.8B For Wyndham (Source: Business Travel News)
Choice Hotels International has proposed to acquire Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for $90 a share in a cash and stock offer of $7.8 billion, the hotel company announced Tuesday. Wyndham’s board of directors in a Tuesday statement spurned Choice’s offer.

Hilton Opens First Spark-Branded Property (Source: Business Travel News)
Hilton Worldwide has opened its first property under the flag of its “premium economy” brand Spark, the company announced Tuesday.  Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton opened last week, the company said. Located in Mystic, Conn., the conversion property—formally a Days Inn—includes 120 guest rooms, complimentary breakfast and a 24-hour market, the company said.

Leisure Travel

Five Greek Islands To Avoid – And Five To Visit Instead (Source: SmarterTravel)
Despite their shared Mediterranean climate, not all islands are equal. Here are some traveler-inspired recommendations for the five Greek islands to avoid—and the five best to see.

10 Cheapest Destinations To Eat Out In Europe (Source: Travel Daily Media)
Budapest stands out as the most affordable city for dining out in Europe in 2023 with an average cost of $56.04 including meals from different restaurant categories.  Sail Croatia experts’ latest study compared the average costs of eating out in different restaurant categories in 10 most searched travel destinations in Europe by assessing data from 2023 Google Flights. For each destination, the study calculated prices of cheap eats, three course meals in a mid restaurant and a tasting menu in a Michelin star luxury restaurant for 1 person and then ranked cities by the affordability.