The resurgence of international visitors in the United States after a challenging four years has sparked optimism among destination marketers. However, this revival appears to be fragmented, with certain regions benefiting more than others. The U.S. Travel Association’s annual IPW conference highlighted that overall international travel to the U.S. is projected to reach 98% of
Airlines
The position taken by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is crystal clear: travel agencies should not be held responsible for air ticket refunds if they do not have the necessary funds. Unfortunately, the Department of Transportation (DOT) recently finalized regulations in late April that expand the circumstances in which air passengers are entitled
The U.S. Travel Association is raising alarms about a proposed amendment that could restrict the use of biometric facial recognition technology in airports. Senators Jeff Merkley and John Kennedy have introduced an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that has the potential to cause significant travel delays. According to the association, if this
JetBlue is set to introduce its business class Mint cabin to three new destinations this summer and fall. The airline will be offering year-round Mint service between New York and Vancouver, as well as between New York JFK and San Juan. Additionally, lie-flat cabins will be added seasonally on flights from Boston and New York
Southwest Airlines has recently been ranked as having the highest economy class customer satisfaction among North American airlines in J.D. Power’s 2024 North America Airlines Satisfaction Study. This study also found that Delta Airlines took the top spot in both the first/business class and premium economy categories. According to Michael Taylor, J.D. Power’s senior managing
Spirit Airlines is undergoing significant changes to its merchandising strategy, with a focus on attracting higher-end flyers. CEO Ted Christie has hinted at these upcoming shifts during the Q1 earnings call, stressing the need for Spirit to appeal to a broader range of travelers beyond its traditional discount base. This move is essential to adapt
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturing giant, is once again under scrutiny as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launches an investigation into the company’s practices. The investigation comes after reports surfaced that workers at a South Carolina plant falsified inspection records on certain 787 planes. This revelation has raised concerns about the safety and quality control measures
The recent finalization of refund regulations by the Department of Transportation (DOT) has spurred a mix of reactions in the airline industry. These regulations, set to take effect in late October, have been both praised by consumer groups and criticized by airlines. One key concern raised by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is
The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently finalized a rule that has significant implications for travel agencies. This rule requires agents to be responsible for refunds in cases where an airline delays or cancels a flight. While the initial proposal was met with criticism for being overly burdensome on travel agents, the final rule has been
After a long and successful career spanning 25 years at Southwest Airlines, Dave Harvey, the vice president and chief sales officer at Southwest Business, recently made the announcement on LinkedIn that he will be departing from the airline. Southwest Airlines confirmed that Harvey’s last day with the company will be on May 17th. However, just
The Treasury Department has recently finalized guidance that will allow ethanol-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to qualify for a federal tax credit program. This program, which is part of the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, aims to incentivize SAF production by providing tax credits ranging from $1.25 to $1.75 per gallon to fuel producers
Alaska Airlines has recently taken a groundbreaking step in the world of flight searches by implementing generative AI technology. This innovative tool, which has been in pilot mode since April 19, aims to revolutionize the way users interact with the airline’s website. By allowing users to input their travel preferences in plain language, such as
The recent regulations established by the Transportation Department regarding airline refunds have sparked a controversial debate within the airline industry. These regulations mandate that airlines must issue refunds by default in cases of cancellations or significant flight delays, unless passengers specifically opt for a rescheduled itinerary or a voucher. However, a clause in the upcoming
The recent agreement reached by the House and Senate on the FAA reauthorization bill is a significant milestone that ensures funding of $105 billion through September 2028. This deal paves the way for crucial floor votes on the reconciled bill before the latest FAA funding extension expires on May 10. The comprehensive bill covers various
The European Commission has raised concerns regarding the proposed acquisition of Spanish airline Air Europa by International Airlines Group (IAG). The EC argues that this merger would harm competition, particularly in the markets between Spain and the Americas, as well as in the domestic Spanish market and short-haul international markets from Spain. This could potentially
American Airlines recently faced scrutiny regarding its distribution strategy and the steps taken to optimize it. The airline’s executives outlined their efforts to enhance efficiency during an earnings call, emphasizing the importance of maximizing revenue and profit. While the initiatives may have had drawbacks, such as a potential impact on business revenues, the company remains
Recent changes to refund requirements by the Department of Transportation have sparked backlash from airlines. The Airlines for America (A4A) trade group has strongly criticized the new rules, claiming they will lead to increased costs for air travel. A4A argues that these regulations will result in confusion for consumers, limited choices, and reduced competition, ultimately
Southwest Airlines has been known for its unconventional approach to air travel, particularly its policy of not assigning seats or charging bag fees. However, the airline recently announced that it is reevaluating its customer experience, hinting at potential changes to its onboard seating and cabin design. This shift comes as the carrier faces pressure to
