On the Go – September 5, 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

US Flight Cancellations Down In 2024 (Source: Reuters)
The Department of Transportation reported that US airlines have canceled 1.6% of all flights in 2024 amid a summer travel season that has already notched travel records. The Labor Day weekend was expected to be the busiest ever at airports for the holiday, with 17 million passengers planning to fly through Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration said.

Delta Sync Now Available On More Than 330 Planes (Source: Delta News Hub)
In the past year, Delta Air Lines has installed its Delta Sync entertainment system on more than 330 aircraft, offering personalized content and travel information as well as free Wi-Fi on personal devices. Starting this month, Delta will add BBC News to its inflight entertainment lineup. “We have introduced customers to a seatback product that is meaningful and relevant to how they go about their lives,” says Julieta McCurry, vice president of in-flight entertainment and connectivity strategy. “SkyMiles Members have already logged in to Delta Sync seatback more than a million times, enjoying personalized content and seamless guidance through their travel day.”

United Airlines Opens New Miami Check-In Area (Source: Simple Flying)
United Airlines has opened its new check-in area at Miami International Airport (MIA), which features ten new ticket counters, 13 self-service kiosks and a Bag Drop Shortcut integrated with the carrier’s mobile app.

General Interest

Changing Rules Of Travel To Europe (Source: Newsday)
Recently, there have been significant shifts in European Union (EU) immigration policies that change the rules of travel to most European countries.  Effective November 10, a new digital system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into effect, transforming the way non-EU travellers enter and exit the Schengen Area. This high-tech upgrade aims to enhance security and streamline border-crossing procedures. The EES is a digital leap for EU borders that makes a significant shift from archaic passport-stamping to a more modern, computerised and biometric approach.

Airports

Denver Airport Adopts Facial Recognition Technology (Source: International Airport Review)
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the latest US airport to adopt biometric facial recognition technology, offering it at 15 gates with the goal of streamlining boarding for international flights. “Our investment in this state-of-the-art technology underscores our strong commitment to supporting our airline partners and aligns with federal initiatives to advance secure and efficient air travel,” said airport CEO Phil Washington.

Airports Spend Big On Tech Upgrades (Source: Skift)
Airports all over the U.S. (and the world) are investing tens of billions of dollars to modernize and expand.  It’s all meant to ease congestion and reduce wait times as air travel continues to grow.  The International Air Transport Association expects 7.8 billion air travel trips annually by 2040, double what it was before the pandemic — a major driver for airport expansions and modernization.

Hotels

Illinois Will Ban Mini Shampoo Bottles In Hotel Rooms (Source: The Hill)
When staying in a hotel, you may find yourself collecting a complimentary “souvenir” for your next vacation: the mini soap bottles.  Whether it’s the soap, shampoo, conditioner, or maybe even lotion, it can be hard to resist tucking those into your suitcase.

Strikes Start At Top Hotel Chains As Housekeepers Seek Higher Wages And Daily Room Cleaning Work (Source: NBC News)
Some 10,000 hotel workers represented by the UNITE HERE union walked off the job Sunday at 25 hotels in eight cities, including Honolulu, Boston, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego and Seattle. Hotel workers in other cities could strike in the coming days, as contract talks stall over demands for higher wages and a reversal of service and staffing cuts. At total of 15,000 workers have voted to authorize strikes.

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