The discourse on air travel competition in the United States has intensified, particularly following the recent call for public input from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). While both the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the U.S. Travel Association acknowledge the significance of the issue, their responses reveal
In an exciting move for both the airline and travelers, Southwest Airlines is poised to launch a new vacation-package brand called Getaways by Southwest in mid-2025. Aimed at simplifying travel for its customers, this new initiative is expected to shift the landscape of how vacation packages are marketed and sold, favoring direct consumer engagement over
The travel industry has always been subject to a variety of regulations, each impacting how agencies operate and serve their clients. With the recent implementation of new refund rules by the Department of Transportation (DOT) set to take effect on October 28, it is crucial for travel agencies to understand the nuances of these changes
Spirit Airlines has announced a significant shift in its operational strategy as the airline attempts to stabilize its financial standing amidst ongoing challenges in the aviation industry. The budget carrier recently disclosed plans to cut jobs and sell off a number of older Airbus aircraft, a move that has resulted in a more than 20%
Spirit AeroSystems is currently navigating an increasingly fragile situation as a consequence of the protracted strike by Boeing machinists. As the strike enters its sixth week, Spirit is contemplating laying off or furloughing hundreds more employees if the labor dispute extends past November 25. The strike has already halted the production of most Boeing aircraft,
G Adventures is making waves in the travel industry with its plan to launch five new sailing yachts configured specifically for intimate excursions in the stunning Greek islands starting in 2025. These 57-foot vessels, accommodating only 10 passengers each, promise an immersive and personalized experience that contrasts sharply with the bustling large cruise liners. Each
In recent months, the landscape of international aviation has dramatically evolved, particularly concerning routes to and from China. Major global airlines are re-evaluating their presence in this crucial market, with some completely withdrawing their services. The reasons behind this significant shift are multifaceted, encompassing rising operational costs, decreased demand, and geopolitical factors that exacerbate the
As November approaches, Bar Harbor, Maine finds itself at a pivotal crossroads regarding its cruise tourism policies. The town’s residents will soon cast their votes on whether to maintain or overturn an existing limit of 1,000 cruise passengers per day—a regulation established during a referendum two years prior. The meaning of this decision extends beyond
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) continues to redefine the cruise experience with the upcoming launch of its Prima Plus class ships, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, set to sail in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Building on the foundation laid by the Prima class that debuted in 2022, these new vessels promise an enhanced blend of fun
Southwest Airlines recently disclosed its financial performance for the third quarter, revealing that profits fell compared to the same period last year, yet managed to surpass Wall Street predictions. This outcome illustrates the airline’s ongoing efforts to boost revenue streams in a dynamic market while navigating the challenges posed by activist investors, most notably Elliott
In a transformative move aimed at revitalizing its tourism sector and capitalizing on the booming whisky market, Hong Kong has drastically reduced its spirits tax from an exorbitant 100% to a mere 10%. This pivotal change beckons questions about its broader implications for the Asian whisky industry and beyond. The region’s whisky market is already
Hilton Worldwide’s latest earnings report reveals a complex picture for the hotel chain, as its revenue per available room (RevPAR) showed a modest gain of 1.4% year-over-year during the third quarter. Nonetheless, this growth fell short of internal expectations. CEO Christopher Nassetta cited several factors affecting performance, including a slower ramp-up in business activity following
In the heart of New York City’s East Village, one restaurant has rewritten the script on how vegetables can be perceived and consumed: Dirt Candy. This establishment, launched by Amanda Cohen in October 2015, has long since transcended the traditional view of vegetarian cuisine. Before the term “plant-based” became prevalent, Dirt Candy stood out by
In a strategic move to enhance its travel services, Southwest Airlines is set to launch a new vacation-package brand called Getaways by Southwest in mid-2025. By navigating the complexities of modern travel needs, this initiative aims to streamline the booking process and provide customers with an enriching travel experience. However, the brand is positioning itself
The Boeing Company stands at a crucial juncture as it navigates fallout from a major labor dispute. With machinists at the aerospace giant recently voting against a labor agreement that promised a significant 35% wage increase over four years, the implications of their decision extend far beyond the immediate ramifications of the strike. Fueled by
American Airlines has recently shared an optimistic forecast for its profitability in the upcoming year, a move that reflects the benefits of a significant pivot in its business model. CEO Robert Isom attributes this positive outlook to an overhaul of the airline’s sales strategy that was initiated earlier this year. The adjustment appears to be
As the airline industry navigates an ever-evolving landscape of consumer preferences and technological advancements, American Airlines finds itself in a crucial phase of recovery and re-engagement with corporate clients. After experiencing significant setbacks due to aggressive strategies favoring direct and New Distribution Capability (NDC) bookings during 2023, the airline is now focused on regaining lost
In a surprising turn of events, Elliott Investment Management, a prominent shareholder of Southwest Airlines, has decided to withdraw its proxy challenge intended to alter the airline’s board of directors dramatically. Initially demanding a proxy vote on December 10 to usher in its slate of eight nominees, Elliott has instead opted for a less confrontational