Travel News, Airlines News, Hotels News, and Travel Updates

A recent congressional clash preventing the passage of a new stopgap Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill has led to significant repercussions, with the FAA issuing stop-work orders on approximately 80 airport engineering and construction contracts across the country. These contracts, amounting to over $790 million, have been affected due to the failure to pass a new authorization bill before the expiration of the previous one on July 22.

The impasse has also resulted in the freezing of an additional $2.5 billion in infrastructure funds, as the FAA has suspended the awarding of new grants from its Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Additionally, around 4,000 out of the agency’s 47,000 workers have been furloughed.

The halt in AIP grants is causing more significant challenges for smaller airports compared to larger hubs, which possess greater capacity to secure funding through the bond market for capital projects.

Furthermore, the FAA’s authority to collect the passenger ticket tax, which contributes to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, has been suspended. While FAA Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt indicates that the agency can rely on the trust fund’s balance temporarily, he notes the cessation of deposits is costing the FAA $30 million per day.

Jane Calderwood, Vice President for Government and Political Affairs at Airports Council International, North America, highlights the concerns raised by airport directors, with one expressing worry about the negative impact on the trust fund if the situation persists, questioning whether the FAA will have sufficient funds for future projects.

The lack of agreement on a long-term FAA authorization between the House and Senate, ongoing for over three years since the expiration of the last multiyear aviation statute on September 30, 2007, has resulted in a series of 20 short-term extensions. However, the 21st extension triggered a partisan dispute between House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.).

Mica’s extension proposal through September 16 included provisions to trim the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes flights to rural airports. Passed by the House on July 20, Mica’s bill sought to cap EAS subsidies at $1,000 per flight, potentially removing three airports from the EAS list. Rockefeller, a staunch EAS supporter, advocated for a clean stopgap and attributed the standoff to the House, while Mica placed blame on the Senate, citing financial concerns and the need to cut excessive subsidies.

SHOCKING Hotel Horrors: The Hidden Dangers Every Business Traveler MUST Know!

SHOCKING Hotel Horrors: The Hidden Dangers Every Business Traveler MUST Know! Read More »

Hotels

Business travelers, especially women, need to be extremely vigilant about their personal safety when staying at hotels for work. Recent high-profile cases of assaults and harassment at hotels have drawn attention to the risks, but attacks can happen to anyone, even in seemingly safe environments.

Women business travelers are very frequent targets of sexual assault, harassment, and other crimes. “Most women business travelers are just beginning to learn how unsafe they can be in hotels and other travel settings,” says New York-based safety consultant Paxton Quigley, author of “Not an Easy Target.” She explains that airports, planes, hotels, walking alone in unfamiliar cities, and conventions all pose major risks for women. Factors like wearing name badges and publicly sharing hotel room numbers at conventions make women particularly vulnerable to predators.

Even hotel spaces presumed to be safe, like business centers, can pose unseen dangers. In 2002, Jeanne Duwe was attacked while working late in a hotel business center in Reno, Nevada while traveling for work. She made the critical mistake of turning her back on a man who entered the business center, before he suddenly hit the lights and violently attacked her.

To stay as safe as possible, women travelers need to closely follow their instincts if any situation seems strange or off. When hotel staff make deliveries, leave the door wide open or politely tell them you’ll take the item from there, rather than letting them fully enter the room. Use door stoppers, keep all adjoining room doors tightly locked, and consider requesting room service be delivered by female members of the hotel staff if possible. Be very cautious around hotel bars, as they can frequently be harassment hotspots, and be extremely careful about accepting drinks from strangers that could be spiked with date rape drugs.

Many incidents stem from travelers allowing strangers into their rooms, but co-workers can also present risks on shared trips. Standard workplace harassment policies fully apply when sharing travel accommodations with colleagues. Hotels have cracked down on openly giving out guest room numbers after high-profile stalking cases, but predators can still find room numbers on door tags for deliveries or gym sign-in sheets.

The vast majority of troublesome incidents at hotels go completely unreported, so remaining constantly vigilant is key. Although some attacks or harassment may seem relatively minor in the moment, they still leave victims badly shaken. Maintaining awareness and caution can go a very long way toward helping travelers avoid becoming victims and staying safe.

Local Hotels Furious Over New Savannah Convention Center Hotel – Could Lose Millions!

Local Hotels Furious Over New Savannah Convention Center Hotel – Could Lose Millions! Read More »

Hotels

New Hotel Proposed in Savannah, Existing Hotels Concerned About Loss of Business

A new 500-room convention center hotel has been proposed for Hutchinson Island in Savannah, Georgia. If built, the hotel would aim to attract large conventions and meetings to the city. However, existing hotels in the area are worried about the impact on their business.

Mark Spadoni, general manager of the nearby 400-room Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, estimates that area hotels could lose $11 million in revenue the first year the new hotel opens. He calls this a conservative estimate and says the losses would be “significant” for local hotels.

Spadoni, who has managed the Westin for 10 years, spoke at a recent meeting of the authority that oversees the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. It was the first time he publicly addressed the proposed hotel.

“We’re in a very fragile industry now that’s reeling from one of the most difficult times in the last 40 years,” Spadoni said, referring to the pandemic’s impact on travel and hospitality. He argues that increasing meeting space by over one-third with government-backed financing would hurt existing hotels that were built without such support.

Currently, Savannah has around 1,400 group and meeting rooms. The new hotel would add 500 more.

Spadoni describes the Westin as a “group and convention hotel in a resort location.” He says over 70% of their 100,000 annual room nights are occupied by group and convention attendees. The Westin’s main competitors are other Savannah hotels catering to this market like the Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton.

While new convention space may attract new larger events, Spadoni argues the Westin and other area hotels will likely see declines, at least initially. He hopes local officials will consider the potential impact on existing businesses that have served Savannah’s hospitality industry for many years.

💰Fueling Frustration: Navigating the High Skies of International Travel Costs!

💰Fueling Frustration: Navigating the High Skies of International Travel Costs! Read More »

Travel

Reconsider your plans for a spring weekend in Paris if you’re contemplating a European getaway. The cost of traveling to Europe has surged dramatically, primarily due to escalating surcharges and fees that can tack on an additional $500 or more to round-trip airfare.

Rising oil prices have played a significant role, with travelers to European cities facing an additional $420 fuel surcharge, as reported by BestFares.com. In addition to this, taxes and other fees can contribute another $100 or more to the overall expenses.

Unlike domestic travel, where fuel costs are often included in the base ticket price, international travel bears a heavier burden, partly due to the extended distances involved. “Fuel is killing us,” emphasized John Lampl, a spokesperson for British Airways, attributing the spike in fuel costs to the turmoil in Libya. The situation has compelled airlines to pass on some of the fuel surcharge to avoid substantial losses.

While fuel surcharges are not a new concept, their recent exponential increase is noteworthy. Airlines began incorporating fuel surcharges on international routes five years ago during a spike in oil prices. Even though oil prices have decreased by nearly $40 per barrel from the record high in 2008, fuel surcharges have risen by more than 25%.

The financial strain on many airlines has forced them into a riskier fuel procurement strategy. Unable to afford multi-year “futures” contracts that lock in oil prices, airlines now purchase fuel on the volatile spot market, where daily fluctuations are influenced by changes in global oil futures markets.

Tom Parsons, a travel pricing expert at BestFares.com, highlighted fuel as the major airlines’ primary challenge, noting that it rapidly erodes profits. Despite a 13% increase in industry revenue last month compared to the previous year, it has not kept pace with the more than 30% rise in jet fuel costs. The Air Transport Association of America’s chief economist, John Heimlich, warned of potential losses of up to $1 billion in the first quarter of 2011 due to increased fuel costs.

Consumer impact is inevitable when airlines face financial setbacks, as costs are often transferred to passengers. Despite the surge in extra charges, passenger traffic has remained resilient, rising 1% in March, even as the average price to fly one mile increased by 12%, according to the Air Transport Association. While some marginal customers may be deterred by soaring airfares, carriers continue to retain high-yield business travelers, their primary revenue source.

Soaring or Sinking? The Untold Story of Airlines Weathering Japan’s Perfect Storm

Soaring or Sinking? The Untold Story of Airlines Weathering Japan’s Perfect Storm Read More »

Airlines

A massive winter storm wreaked havoc across the United States on Wednesday, causing widespread flight cancellations and severe traffic disruptions. FlightAware, a flight tracking service, recorded nearly 6,000 cancellations on Tuesday, with more expected on Wednesday. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport experienced a two-hour shutdown due to ice, impacting air travel operations. American Airlines faced challenges in Dallas, where high winds made it unsafe for de-icing employees to work.

Chicago O’Hare reported delays exceeding two hours, with United Airlines planning around 300 cancellations in anticipation of increasing snowfall in the afternoon. The storm, affecting a significant portion of the U.S. population, brought blizzard conditions from the southern Plains to the upper Midwest, paralyzing transportation and threatening record snowfall.

The National Weather Service issued storm alerts in over 30 states and blizzard warnings for eight, including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Moderate to heavy snowfalls, ranging from 8 to 15 inches, were forecasted for the central and northern Midwest, with some areas expecting up to 20 inches. Chicago anticipated accumulations of up to 2 feet, while the U.S. Northeast faced the possibility of 12-18 inches of snow in Boston by Wednesday.

After the snowfall subsides, affected regions are expected to experience freezing temperatures until the weekend, accompanied by dangerous wind chills. While Wall Street operated normally on Tuesday, officials made preparations for potential disruptions on Wednesday due to hazardous icing.

The federal government in Washington granted unscheduled leave or telecommuting options for workers on Tuesday due to treacherous travel conditions. The storm prompted the Federal Emergency Management Association to deploy personnel and position essential supplies in eleven states, from Oklahoma to Rhode Island.

Agricultural operations in Plains states, particularly in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, faced significant threats to winter wheat crops, cattle herds, and grain deliveries. Meat processor Cargill announced production reductions at Midwest pork plants, while Chicago soybean futures rose over 1% due to increased feed demand.

The storm’s impact extended beyond transportation and agriculture, causing states of emergency in Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma. While the storm is not expected to significantly affect first-quarter U.S. economic growth, it poses additional challenges for state and local governments already grappling with budget constraints after a series of storms in January depleted snow removal budgets.

Flight Nightmare Unleashed: How a Monster Storm Shuts Down America!

Flight Nightmare Unleashed: How a Monster Storm Shuts Down America! Read More »

Airlines

United States — A massive winter storm wreaked havoc across the United States on Wednesday, causing widespread flight cancellations and severe traffic disruptions. FlightAware, a flight tracking service, recorded nearly 6,000 cancellations on Tuesday, with more expected on Wednesday. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport experienced a two-hour shutdown due to ice, impacting air travel operations. American Airlines faced challenges in Dallas, where high winds made it unsafe for de-icing employees to work.

SHOCKING Revelation: The Untold Truth About the Sudden Halt in Global Travel Trends!

SHOCKING Revelation: The Untold Truth About the Sudden Halt in Global Travel Trends! Read More »

Travel

United states — Since the 1970s, the volume of passenger travel by vehicles and airplanes has experienced significant growth in industrialized countries. The International Energy Agency had previously projected a continuous, albeit slower, expansion in travel until 2030 and beyond. However, a recent study conducted across eight industrialized nations reveals that passenger travel likely reached its zenith in the early 2000s, just before the notable surge in fuel prices. This development suggests a potential saturation point in the demand for travel, challenging previous expectations of escalating carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption.

The research, led by Lee Schipper from the University of California, Berkeley, and Adam Millard-Ball, a doctoral candidate at Stanford University, scrutinized travel patterns in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia from 1970 to 2008. Their analysis encompassed various modes of transportation, including cars, pickup trucks, buses, planes, trains, light rail, streetcars, and subways, comparing the distance traveled per capita per year with each country’s gross domestic product per capita.

The study identified a correlation between rising prosperity and passenger travel from 1970 to 2003. After this period, passenger travel ceased its growth trajectory, even as GDP per capita continued to rise. At the peak of travel in the early 2000s, the GDP per capita was $37,000 in the US and ranged between $25,000 and $30,000 in the other seven countries. Subsequently, motorized travel in the US plateaued at around 26,000 km/year per person, 10,000 km/year per person in Japan, and between 13,000 and 17,000 km/year per person in the remaining six countries.

In recent years, the study noted a leveling off or decline in motorized travel demand in most of the countries analyzed, with a decrease in travel via private vehicles. Despite an increase in car ownership, these vehicles are being driven less frequently. The researchers attributed this travel plateau to various factors, including saturation in vehicle ownership, time constraints, high gas prices, and an aging population less inclined to commute.

A significant factor contributing to the observed travel plateau, according to the researchers, is traffic congestion. Lee Schipper emphasized that the limited road space in densely populated cities worldwide impedes further growth in car usage. While acknowledging the importance of fuel efficiency and hybrid vehicles in addressing emissions, Schipper highlighted that even zero-emission cars contribute to traffic problems.

One potential advantage of the apparent peak in travel is that if passenger travel remains stable while vehicles become more fuel-efficient, the challenge of reducing transportation emissions may be less daunting than previously anticipated. Presently, the average American car consumes one-third less fuel per mile than in 1973, despite consumer preferences for larger vehicles.

Despite the study’s findings not being conclusive, the researchers urge caution in assuming that travel demand will inevitably continue to rise. They recommend further research to refine our understanding of these trends and their implications.

Christmas Travel Nightmare: Airlines Cancel Hundreds of Flights, Cities Brace for Record Snowfall

Christmas Travel Nightmare: Airlines Cancel Hundreds of Flights, Cities Brace for Record Snowfall Read More »

Travel

In the midst of the holiday season, a rare white Christmas turned into a logistical challenge for many travelers across the Southern United States as airlines grappled with the need to cancel hundreds of flights due to unexpected snowfall. The situation unfolded against the backdrop of an unusual weather forecast, predicting snow in regions that don’t typically experience such wintry conditions.

The National Weather Service issued alerts for the Washington, D.C. region, anticipating a significant snowstorm with projections ranging from 6 to 10 inches beginning on Sunday. This wintry weather extended its reach to New York and Boston, where overnight temperatures were expected to drop into the 20s, accompanied by brisk wind gusts of up to 30 mph.

Airlines, such as Continental Airlines, were quick to respond to the impending weather challenges, preemptively canceling 250 flights departing from Newark Liberty International Airport near New York City. In a joint release, Continental and United Airlines acknowledged the likelihood of weather-related delays and cancellations, particularly at United’s hub at Washington Dulles International Airport and other northeastern airports. Both carriers demonstrated flexibility by waiving fees for one-time changes in affected areas, encouraging passengers to utilize online channels for making necessary adjustments.

While the South rarely experiences a white Christmas, the Carolinas saw a picturesque holiday landscape with snowfall in Asheville, N.C., extending to Raleigh and eventually reaching the coast. Winter storm warnings were issued, projecting up to six inches of snow in central North Carolina, more in the mountainous regions, and a lesser amount on the coast. South Carolina, too, braced for a transition from rain to snow after nightfall. This marked a historic event, being the first Christmas snowfall for the Carolinas since 1989 and a notable occurrence for Columbia, the first significant Christmas snow since weather records began in 1887.

Asheville faced particularly challenging conditions with heavy snowfall at a rate of about an inch per hour. Mountain roads became impassable for all but four-wheel drive vehicles, and the National Weather Service warned of the potential for up to 10 inches of snow by Sunday morning, surpassing the previous Christmas Day record set in 1969.

North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, Walter Dalton, declared a state of emergency as the state’s Highway Patrol reported numerous calls, primarily accidents, due to snow and icy conditions. In the South Carolina Upstate, a mix of rain and light snow in the late afternoon did not immediately pose road problems, according to Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Bill Rhyne.

In Nashville, where travelers were anticipating smooth Christmas journeys, some were met with unexpected challenges. Flights, including those through Atlanta, were canceled, leaving passengers like Heather Bansmer and Shawn Breeding to spend much of Christmas Day in separate airports.

The impact of the rare white Christmas extended further up the Eastern Seaboard, with Delaware preparing for a substantial foot of snow. Winter storm warnings were issued in various parts of the state, with forecasts indicating accumulations of eight to twelve inches. Eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and its suburbs, braced for similar conditions, with predictions of 8 to 12 inches of snow, accompanied by strong winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts exceeding 40 mph. Authorities strongly advised against unnecessary travel, emphasizing safety precautions.

Emergency management officials in Washington, D.C., urged residents to prepare for the approaching snowfall. The D.C. transportation department initiated pre-treatment of roads, and the Metro system placed crews on standby to handle potential snow removal from rail station entrances and platforms.

As the snowstorm traveled south from the Midwest, motorists faced challenges on Christmas Eve. Winter weather advisories were in effect from western Tennessee to the Carolinas and from West Virginia to Alabama. Delta Air Lines, a major carrier, announced plans to cancel 500 weather-related flights nationwide, with a significant impact on the Atlanta hub. Passengers were notified in advance, resulting in relatively empty terminals as many chose not to risk travel.

Despite some skepticism and chuckles from passengers in Atlanta, where snowfall began Saturday afternoon, airlines like Delta and AirTran extended flexibility by waiving ticket-change fees for affected flights. The unpredictable weather also impacted cities like Pensacola, Florida, where Jena Passut faced uncertainties about her return trip amid the snow.

The unexpected white Christmas, with its logistical challenges and travel disruptions, unfolded against the backdrop of an overall increase in holiday travel. The Air Transport Association anticipated 44.3 million people on U.S. flights between December 16 and January 5, reflecting a 3 percent increase from the previous year. However, this remained below pre-recession travel volumes. The AAA predicted a 3 percent rise in overall holiday travel, with more than 92 million people planning trips of more than 50 miles by January 2, with the majority opting for driving.

High-Fly Drama: Spirit Airlines Soars into Uncharted Territory with Pilot Strike!

High-Fly Drama: Spirit Airlines Soars into Uncharted Territory with Pilot Strike! Read More »

Airlines

UAL Corp.’s United Airlines has made headlines with a monumental announcement on Monday, unveiling plans for a merger with Continental Airlines in a transformative deal valued at $3.2 billion. This strategic move solidifies the position of the newly-formed entity as the largest airline globally, a title previously held by Delta Air Lines after its merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008.

The amalgamated company, flying under the United banner and featuring the Continental logo, is poised to become a formidable force in the airline industry, projecting an impressive annual capacity to serve over 144 million passengers and connect to 370 destinations spanning 59 countries. The merger, hailed as a strategic maneuver to navigate the ever-evolving and fiercely competitive airline landscape, aims to leverage the complementary strengths of both carriers.

Jeff Smisek, the Chief Executive Officer of Continental, underscored the synergies between the two companies, stating, “Continental is strong where United is weak; United is strong where Continental is weak. Putting these two carriers together is a match made in heaven.” The sentiment resonates with the notion that the union is poised to address operational gaps and enhance overall efficiency.

Under the terms of the agreement, Continental shareholders stand to receive 1.05 shares of United common stock for each share of Continental common stock they hold. The ownership structure post-merger is expected to tilt in favor of United shareholders, who will command approximately 55% of the combined entity, leaving Continental shareholders with around 45%.

Forecasts for the merged company include robust annual revenues of $29 billion and ambitious cost-saving targets ranging between $1 billion and $1.2 billion over the next three years. The financial stability and improved performance of United, evidenced by a narrower first-quarter loss of $82 million and a notable 15% increase in revenue to $4.2 billion, have played a pivotal role in shaping the negotiations.

Assuming regulatory approval, the merged airline will be headquartered in Chicago, the current base of United, with Houston set to serve as its largest hub, reflecting Continental’s existing headquarters. The holding company will adopt the moniker United Continental Holdings, while the airline brand itself will retain the familiar United Airlines name. Jeff Smisek is slated to lead the newly consolidated company as its CEO.

Addressing concerns about potential fare increases, Glenn Tilton, UAL’s CEO, emphasized the competitive nature of the airline industry, stating that individual carriers do not unilaterally set airfares. Industry observers, however, speculate that the merger could impact pricing dynamics, particularly on international routes and flights to and from smaller cities, where the combined entity may exert more significant pricing control.

Despite potential challenges, industry consultants express overall support for consolidation within the airline sector, citing the necessity for a financially stable industry to best serve the needs of consumers. Recent discussions between United and Phoenix-based US Airways hint at further consolidation possibilities, although analysts caution that the likelihood of additional mergers may hinge on the trajectory of fuel prices, which could exert additional pressure on the industry. The evolving landscape of the airline sector promises both challenges and opportunities, with this historic merger poised to shape the future of air travel on a global scale.

A Billion-Dollar Love Affair: United and Continental Merge to Dominate the Skies!

A Billion-Dollar Love Affair: United and Continental Merge to Dominate the Skies! Read More »

Media and PR

New york — UAL Corp.’s United Airlines has made headlines with a monumental announcement on Monday, unveiling plans for a merger with Continental Airlines in a transformative deal valued at $3.2 billion. This strategic move solidifies the position of the newly-formed entity as the largest airline globally, a title previously held by Delta Air Lines after its merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008.