In recent years, the global community has witnessed a resurgence of infectious diseases, starkly evidenced by the recent outbreak of mpox in Central Africa. This alarming scenario serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable disruptions posed by public health emergencies. Fortunately, the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic spurred innovation in public health infrastructure, particularly
Airlines
As Southwest Airlines gears up for a transformative 2024, customers are poised to witness an evolution in the airline’s seating configuration. Beginning in the first quarter of next year, select Southwest aircraft will be outfitted with extra-legroom seats, allowing passengers an increased level of comfort during their travels. However, the transition to a fully assigned
The introduction of the Protect Your Points Act by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse about consumer protections in airline loyalty programs. This legislation aims to bolster transparency and fairness for consumers who have invested significant time and resources into accumulating loyalty points. As the airline industry increasingly relies
American Airlines is set to reinstate its Corporate Experience benefits program, beginning October 10. This program is tailored to corporate travelers who maintain an active contract with the airline, affording them a suite of advantages designed to enhance their travel experience. Among these perks are complimentary selection of preferred economy seats, prioritized check-in and security
In a groundbreaking announcement, Southwest Airlines is set to forge its first-ever airline partnerships next year, marking a significant departure from its historically independent operational model. This monumental change comes in response to evolving market dynamics and competitive pressures. The inaugural partnership with Icelandair will enable Southwest to offer its passengers access to an expansive
In a significant transition set to take place in mid-2025, Southwest Airlines has announced its plans to introduce ‘Getaways by Southwest,’ a new brand for vacation packages that will be operated internally. This initiative marks a departure from its current practice of partnering with Apple Leisure Group, thereby taking full control of its vacation offerings.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the travel booking experience, Travelport has formalized a multiyear renewal agreement with Delta Airlines. This partnership marks a substantial step toward integrating New Distribution Capability (NDC) content into Travelport’s established platform. NDC is a game-changing technology in the airline industry that enables carriers to offer a more dynamic
In a bold move hinting at significant governance shifts in the airline industry, Elliott Investment Management is moving to catalyze change within the board of Southwest Airlines. The activist investment firm, which acquired an 11% stake in the company this past June, is undertaking a vigorous campaign to push for substantive adjustments in the leadership
On a recent evening, Alaska Airlines faced a significant disruption at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, an essential hub for its operations. The airline was compelled to ground its flights temporarily due to what was described as a substantial technological issue. Passengers hoping to travel experienced frustration as delays mounted, prompting the airline to engage transparently with
The airline industry in the United States is witnessing a transformative wave as carriers explore innovative merchandising models and make significant adjustments to their aircraft interiors. This dynamic shift includes notable players such as Southwest, Alaska, Spirit, Frontier, Delta, and JetBlue – each announcing plans that could reshape the experience of economy travelers. While these
In a financial landscape where credit card transactions dominate, travel agencies often find themselves equipped to handle seamless payments without worrying about delayed processing. However, as the market diversifies, agencies might encounter scenarios where prospective clients prefer alternative payment methods. This article explores the challenges and strategies associated with onboarding clients who do not utilize
The recent merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, presenting both an opportunity for financial recovery and a chance to redefine air travel between the U.S. mainland and the islands. This strategic partnership has heralded a new era for Hawaiian Airlines, which has been struggling to regain
JetBlue Airways is set to revolutionize its passenger experience by unveiling its first two airport lounges in late 2025, strategically located at New York’s JFK and Boston Logan International airports. This ambitious project represents a significant aspect of JetBlue’s JetForward strategy, which aims to restore the airline’s sustainable profitability while meeting the evolving demands of
Emirates is set to elevate air travel comfort and luxury with the introduction of its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft beginning in November 2023. These revamped jets mark a significant evolution in the airline’s offerings, particularly for passengers traveling to and from the United States. Notably, these Boeing 777s will introduce Emirates’ state-of-the-art business class featuring
In a significant strategic move, Alaska Airlines has finalized its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, a decision that has been swiftly approved by the Transportation Department. This acquisition not only enhances Alaska Airlines’ already robust operational framework but also places them in a pivotal position within the airline industry. With the completion of this
Recently, Washington D.C. became the focal point for the travel industry as over 250 travel advisors and supplier partners united for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Legislative Day. This event served as a platform for industry professionals to advocate for legislative changes essential to safeguarding the interests of travel agencies, particularly regarding the
The recent strike by Boeing machinists has cast a long shadow over the production of several aircraft models, notably the Boeing 737 Max. As negotiations unfold, the immediate repercussions are palpable, particularly for U.S.-based airlines that were anticipating new aircraft deliveries. As the major manufacturers and unions are locked in negotiations, the implications for the
The aviation industry is poised for transformation with Alaska Airlines’ recent announcement about its impending $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Recently receiving conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the merger is a critical development not just for both companies but also for the broader airline market in the United States. With