On the Go – September 2, 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

United Extends Unused Ticket Validity Through 2022 (Source: Business Travel News)
United Airlines has extended the validity of wholly unused tickets through the end of 2022, the carrier announced. Wholly unused tickets issued from May 1, 2019, through the end of this year are now valid through Dec. 31, 2022. Any unused tickets issued after Jan. 1, 2022, will remain valid for 12 months.

Delta to Offer Spotify Content Onboard (Source: Delta News Hub)
Delta Air Lines is partnering with Spotify to offer some of the streaming service’s curated playlists and podcasts in its onboard entertainment system. “Our customers expect the very best in-flight entertainment when flying on Delta and Spotify is the very best in music and podcasts,” said Ranjan Goswami, senior vice president of brand experience.

Southwest Trims Schedule In Effort To Solve Flight Problems (Source: Travel Weekly)
Southwest Airlines will reduce flights for the rest of the year as it tries to restore an operation that stumbled over the summer and now faces lower demand because of the rise in coronavirus cases. Southwest said Thursday it will cut its September schedule by 27 flights a day, or less than 1%, and chop 162 flights a day, or 4.5% of the schedule, from early October through Nov. 5.

General Interest

European Union Announces New Travel Recommendations (Source: The New York Times)
The European Council removed the US from its “safe list” of countries this afternoon, officially advising Member States to bar unvaccinated American travelers from nonessential travel. The announcement comes as the US continues to see a significant uptick in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. Member States do not have to accept the recommendations put forward by the EU bloc and will now individually determine how, or if, they will adjust travel policies and restrictions. Airlines for America noted that, “US airlines remain in routine communication with the EU, member states and appropriate authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of all travelers, while continuing to reunite friends, families and colleagues across the globe.”

Hotels

Vaccine Proof Demands Arise Among US Hotels (Source: The New York Times)
Some US hotels are requiring proof of vaccinations by guests and staff in light of the resurgence of coronavirus infections. The move follows mandates elsewhere, particularly in island resort destinations.

Hyatt Enables Free Gopuff Delivery At 13 Properties (Source: Business Travel News)
Hyatt Hotels Corp. through Feb. 28, 2022, is offering guests at 13 U.S. Hyatt Place properties free delivery of toiletries, snacks and other convenience-store-type products through a pilot program with delivery service Gopuff, the hotel chain announced. The agreement illustrates the tentative but noteworthy bond between growing delivery services and hotel chains.

L.A. Hotels Renovate As Demand Returns (Source: TravelPulse)
The Los Angeles Airport Marriott and the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach have completed renovations to welcome guests back and prepare for upcoming concerts and events. Both hotels offer guests easy access to the new SoFi Stadium as the 56th Super Bowl in February approaches, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Langham, Boston is Now State Of The Art After Refit (Source: Travel Weekly)
While the exterior of the Langham, Boston hotel may not have changed much, returning guests might not recognize the interior, following an extensive $200 million renovation. The hotel reopened its doors on June 30 after being shuttered for more than two years while the renovation took place. Originally planned as an $85 million project, the owners decided to increase the investment and make additional changes during the pandemic.

Leisure Travel

11 Must-Do Activities When Visiting Chicago (Source: The Points Guy)
Chicago is a gem in the Midwest with so much to offer. Yes, this city offers great food (you don’t want to miss the classic deep dish pizza), but there’s so much more to explore. Chicago has something for everyone — a great mix of nature, art and culture. With two airports — both accessible by public transportation and serviced by all major airlines — flight options abound. Here’s a list of 11 must-dos when visiting the Windy City.