In this edition of the Travel News Brief: United Airlines tests new boarding process, Will facial recognition speed up airport security lines, Airbnb appeals to the luxury market with 'Airbnb Plus', and more!
Improve Your Company’s Traveler Experience by Starting with These Challenges
When corporate travelers are happy and at ease, they bring their A game to every client meeting and conference. But positive traveler experiences require effective travel policies. Does your travel policy address these key challenges? Read More
The Importance of Having a Mobile App Policy
It’s been proven that companies who focus on their travelers’ comfort and safety benefit by seeing higher levels of employee satisfaction and retention...Read More
Trump Proposes Higher Fees for Air Travelers, Less Money for Amtrak
Travel Weekly — Trump Proposes Higher Fees for Air Travelers, Less Money for Amtrak. Read More
Airlines, Customs, and Immigration Fee Hikes on the Agenda for U.S. Travel
Travel Market Report —The budget proposal also calls for more money, up to $71 million, to be invested in new equipment to support TSA screening at airports around the country. Read More
Air Canada Debuts Economy Basic Fare
Travel Weekly — Air Canada has added an Economy Basic fare to compete with fares offered by ultralow-cost carriers. The fare includes a carry-on bag and is nonrefundable. Read More
United's New MAX 9 Routes Include Houston, Los Angeles & More
Travel Pulse — The MAX 9 aircraft will begin operating between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and five other cities on June 7. Read More
Lufthansa Group to Introduce Preferred Seating Zones
Business Traveller — Lufthansa Group has announced plans for a new preferred seating zone on long-haul services. The latest revenue-raising scheme will be introduced by three Lufthansa Group airlines, namely Lufthansa mainline, Austrian Airlines and Swiss, for flights on and after March 7. Read More
United Airlines to Test New Boarding Process
Frequent Business Traveler — United Airlines announced that it will implement a new boarding process at various airports as part of a trial program. Read More
American Airlines Starts New Route Trio
Airline Network News & Analysis — American Airlines on Thursday launched three new nonstop daily routes. The new services connect North Carolina's Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Arizona's Tucson International Airport; Pennsylvania's Philadelphia International Airport and Texas' San Antonio International Airport; and Virginia's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Florida's Tallahassee International Airport. Read More
Qatar Airways: Next-gen Qsuites for Airbus A380, Boeing 787,777X
Australian Business Traveller — With Qatar Airways now rolling out its business class Qsuites across its Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 fleet, the airline is turning its attention to a new version of the Qsuite for its Airbus A380 superjumbos and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, along with the world's first Boeing 777X due in 2020. Read More
Will Facial Recognition Speed Up Airport Security Lines?
Travel Market Report — In hopes of easing airport congestion, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing a new technology that confirms the identity of passengers through facial recognition at one of the nation’s largest airports, Los Angeles International. Read More
TSA Redesigns Screening Lanes at Houston Airport
KHOU-TV Houston (video) — Redesigned Transportation Security Administration screening lanes at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport provide travelers with their own work areas, so passengers who need more time to get through security won't slow down people in line behind them. Read More
Munich Airport and Lufthansa Start Testing of Humanoid Robot in Terminal 2
Webwire — She is 120 centimeters tall, with sparkling, round eyes and a pleasant voice: Starting, “Josie Pepper” the robot will be answering questions for passengers in Terminal 2. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Uber Launches New Cheaper Shared Ride Option
PhocusWire — Uber users in six cities will now have a new option when they open the app. Read More
Judge: Ads can run in Uber, Lyft vehicles in New York City
The Washington Post — A judge gave the green light Thursday to a Minnesota company that wants to put advertising in vehicles driven for companies like Uber and Lyft in New York City. Read More
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Expands into Finland
Travel Market Report — Enterprise Holdings will begin offering rental car services in Finland after appointing LänsiAuto Group as its franchisee in the country. Read More
IHG Takes Aim at Upscale and Luxury Markets
Travel Market Report — InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) is ramping up momentum after a strong 2017, particularly in the upscale and luxury segments. Read More
Airbnb Appeals to Luxury Market with 'Airbnb Plus'
USA Today — Airbnb says it has verified the best homes and hosts with their luxury option, Airbnb Plus. Read More
Hotel CEOs Talk Security, Tech, Room Service
USA Today — Four top-level hotel executives discuss challenges and opportunities facing the industry…Read More
Hyatt Making Major Investment in Miraval Expansion
Travel Pulse — The hotel company is capitalizing on its investment in wellness. Read More
Hard Rock Unveils Plans for New Orleans Hotel
Travel Mole — 350-room hotel will also feature condos…Read More
Quirky Hotel Rooms Inspired by Cartoons and Comics
USA Today — From Barbie to Tintin, hotels around the world are finding new ways to appeal to the next generation of traveler. Read More
Carlson Rezidor Is Rebranding Itself as Radisson Hotel Group
Hospitality-on — Carlzon Rezidor Hotel Group will change its name to Radisson Hotel Group on March 2018. This will also include the launch of a new global loyalty program replacing Club Carlson. Read More
American Airlines Rolling Out High-speed Satellite Wi-Fi
Frequent Business Traveler — American Airlines is rolling out high-speed satellite Wi-Fi service and says it will have retrofitted its A320 aircraft and legacy US Airways A319s with Gogo's 2Ku system by the end of 2018. Read More
The Best Way to Dine Alone
Eater — There can be good and bad experiences as a solo diner; it’s best to know when to go, where to sit, and when it’s time to leave. Read More
8 Travel Apps Under $5 That Will Make Your Next Trip Smoother
Business Insider — Business Insider provides information on eight apps that might be worth the spare change for business travelers — either because they get around the bugs and tweaks of unpaid versions, circumvent the "must-be-connected-to-internet" holdup, or make simple but tedious tasks easier and more simultaneous while traveling. Read More
Is it Flu or a Cold? In 'Particularly Challenging' Season, CDC Provides New Stats and Advice
Meetings & Conventions — This season's flu vaccine is about 36 percent effective overall, according to interim statistics published today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with better results for children. But while it is less effective than in past years, the vaccine is performing better than initially feared. Read More
Airlines Renew Investments in Lounge Experience
Business Travel News — Carriers around the world, including the three largest U.S. ones, have been developing and opening new airport lounges, including specialized products for the highest level of premium travelers. Read More
5 Airport Bars That Are Worth The Layover
Electrify Magazine — Airports behold a kind of pre- or post-journey for the travelers passing through the lines of security and suitcases; the air of mingling languages and peeks of the passports revealing nationalities of your fellow peers in that very moment, on that very day. Read More
Yoga Takes Off at the Airport
Travel Pulse — Airports are increasingly offering spaces that allow passengers to stretch, move and meditate. Read More