Business Travel News: May 2023

Experts say a new partnership between Bell and Air Canada offering Aeroplan members free Wi-Fi messaging on flights will help strengthen the rewards program’s brand after being largely grounded during the pandemic.

Avelo announced that it will fly from central Oregon to California’s wine country starting this summer.

Etihad’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will feature one of the world’s best business-class products and a slew of other improvements.

JetBlue is one of multiple carriers to take advantage of the FAA’s voluntary 10% slot reductions for the peak summer period, particularly for the New York region.

The Qantas Hong Kong Lounge makes a very welcome return to the HKG loungescape.

Spirit this summer will begin flying from Boston to Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Houston Bush Intercontinental and Phoenix.

More biometrics are coming to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The Transportation Security Administration has now installed 36 Credential Authentication Technology units at that airport which check one’s face against their identification card and flight status.

You can now book connecting flights on alaskaair.com from destinations along the West Coast to the San Juan Islands, located north of Seattle.

Gulf carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways plan to expand interline pact to provide additional itinerary options to the UAE.

Three weekly services will connect Honolulu and Fukuoka as Japan scraps its strict entry requirements.

Lufthansa will commence new long-haul services to destinations to the US and India as part of the upcoming 2023 winter season.

Star Alliance member Scandinavian Airlines will launch a new route to Bangkok from its Copenhagen hub.

IHG Hotels & Resorts dual-brand property offers flexible, guest-friendly options for short- and long-term stays

The U.S. will end its COVID-19 vaccination requirement for inbound travelers next week.

Delta’s new route from Boston to Mexico City is just the latest in a series of boosts for the airline’s Boston hub.

United continues to be the only U.S. airline directly connecting Hong Kong and the U.S.

Air New Zealand’s new SkyNest product will feature economy class bed bunks on non-stop flights connecting its Auckland hub with two U.S. destinations

A reverse-herringbone suite with direct-aisle access and sliding doors will await you on Flydubai’s newest jets.

One of the overlooked parts of commercial aviation is the ground operation airlines must coordinate while aircraft are on the ramp. From loading bags to fueling aircraft, ramp agents use a wide variety of vehicles to assist them with such tasks. These ground service vehicles have traditionally been powered by fossil fuels. Delta Airlines, however, is beginning to replace them with more environmentally sustainable alternates.

The updated partnership includes six new destinations in the United States.

If variety is the spice of life, it’s also a great thing to have when selecting something to eat on your next flight on Alaska Airlines. Our guests told us they enjoy our fresh food options but were eager for more to choose from. That’s why, beginning today, we’ve increased the variety of our food offerings, from doubling the number of pre-order options in the main cabin to giving our First Class guests up to five different entrees to pick up on their flights.

Qatar Airways has announced plans to resume its operation of scheduled non-stop flights between its Doha Hamad International hub and Auckland Airport in New Zealand.

Delta’s first-of-its-kind platform curates the onboard experience for customers and will soon be available on flights equipped with free Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile.

From 15th May, Air Canada will offer free messaging for all Aeroplan members worldwide on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft across Air Canada’s fleet, including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights. This offering will enable customers to send and receive text-based messages via onboard Wi-Fi using popular messaging apps including iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and Messages by Google.

Taking a step forward in its drive to offer customers the convenience and assurance of digitally enabled travel journeys, Emirates will require most passengers departing Dubai to use a mobile boarding pass instead of a printed paper version, from 15 May onwards.

Hawaiian Airlines is debuting an all-new passenger experience in business class and economy on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Qatar Airways is re-introducing a direct Doha to Auckland flight, which commences on 1 September 2023 and will operate seven times a week/departing daily at 01:50 local time.

Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club opened at Boston Logan International Airport on May 16, 2023.

Six Senses, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo hotels to more than double IHG’s luxury and lifestyle presence in Italy from four to 10 properties.

Delta Air Lines cut some of its flights from LaGuardia and JFK Airport in New York City in response to an air traffic controller staffing shortage.

Alaska Airlines is strengthening its position in Southern California with the addition of two new routes.

Finnair (AY) will no longer offer complimentary carry-on baggage on short-haul flights.

JetBlue Airways has unveiled new perks for less-frequent flyers who are striving for elite status, the latest carrier to rethink its loyalty program to reflect shifting travel habits.

Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, but you can purchase an upgraded boarding spot.

Just in time for summer, Lyft is making it easier for you to get from here to vacation, and back home again. With our Summer Travel Release, we’re launching new features within the app that help make travel simply simple.

The TSA continues to roll out self-service TSA facial recognition software at 16 additional airports.

United announces plans to significantly grow its position as Denver’s leading airline, adding 35 flights, six new routes, a dozen new gates and three clubs, including the largest ones in the carrier’s network.

China Airlines expects the relaxation of border restrictions in Taiwan and South Korea to boost Taiwanese tourism and business travel to Korea.

Qantas (AF) has revealed that it aims to return to full capacity by March 2024 and lease a pair of Finnair Airbus A330s to fulfil the goal.

Türkiye’s flag carrier has unveiled new Business Class menus on its domestic and international routes.

New features from Uber designed for groups and family travelers.

The railway operator and Italian luxury hospitality company Arsenale have signed a deal to bring ‘rail cruising’ to the Emirates

Apple’s new digital driver’s license and state ID is now live on iPhone and Apple Watch devices, and it can be used to clear TSA security in lieu of presenting a physical card.

Air New Zealand has partnered with the M?ori skincare company Aotea – introducing its products into new amenity kits for Business Class (Business Premier) and Premium Economy passengers.

Simply join Emirates Skywards, even while inflight
Emirates latest Wi-Fi enhancement sees an additional 30,000 Economy Class passengers connect weekly for free.

The “World’s Best Airline” and the “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline” team up to offer exciting inter-island travel and more.

Effective immediately, Lufthansa Group Airlines Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings’ HON Circle Members and Senators can enjoy the new service at BER.

Hilton launches a lower-midscale extended-stay apartment-style hotel brand that goes by the working title Project H3.

One of IHG One Rewards’ Milestone Benefits is food and beverage rewards. Here’s how to earn and redeem IHG’s food and beverage rewards at select hotels.

Where is Global Entry Accepted? Guide to airports around the world where you can use the program.