On the Go – February 6, 2025

Industry News – Click on the title to read the full article. Many of the sources below require a free registration to gain access to the article. If a paid registration is required, the individual source will be noted.

Airlines

United Airlines Announces Return To Tel Aviv (Source: Travel Market Report)
United Airlines has set dates for its return to Tel Aviv.  The airline will relaunch daily service from Newark Liberty International Airport to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on March 15. A second daily flight will be added on March 29. Both routes will be operated on United’s Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

Delta Air Lines To Anchor New Terminal In Tampa, FL (Source: Business Observer)
Delta Air Lines has signed a 20-year agreement with Tampa International Airport (TPA) to anchor the western Florida airport’s new Airside D terminal, slated to open in 2028. Delta will use at least six gates and operate a lounge in the $1.5 billion terminal, which is the airport’s first new terminal in 20 years.

A Flying Phobia Affects More Than 25 Million Americans.  Here’s How To Manage It (Source: CNN)
When air travel accidents such as the fatal midair collision near Washington, DC, occur, the consequences can reach much further than those directly affected by the tragedy. It can also give rise or increase people’s fear of flying, also known as aerophobia or aviophobia.  Many people have sat through plane delays due to mechanical issues, weather or other reasons, perhaps a bit concerned at the holdup but not terrified of what could happen.

United Airlines To Add 16 Cities In 2025 (Source: Simple Flying)
Airlines will add 16 destinations in 2025, including 13 that are new to the airline’s route map and also new to the larger Star Alliance network. Eleven of the new routes are international, including such noteworthy additions as Nuuk, Greenland; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Bilbao, Spain; and Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

Southwest Airlines To Start Premium Cabins Midyear (Source: Simple Flying)
Southwest Airlines plans to begin retrofitting aircraft with premium cabins “midyear” in 2025 as it transitions to assigned seating. The upgrade will start with Boeing 737-800s followed by 737-700s and will feature extra legroom and updated seats.

Airports

AUS Airport Opens New Concessions As Part Of “Commitment To Delivering A Seamless, Memorable Journey” (Source: Future Travel Experience)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has announced three new concessions in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Half Moon Empanadas is a Miami-based, fast-casual, minority-owned eatery making a splash in airports across the U.S. Known for its menu of high-quality, handcrafted empanadas, Half Moon offers authentic Latin flavours ranging from savoury classics to sweet indulgences to travellers on the non-secure side of the airport. The space was made possible through recent construction updates to improve the passenger experience and through a joint-venture partnership with AUS concessionaire, Delaware North Company.

Top Baggage Trends To Watch In 2025: Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, Bag Tracking & More (Source: Future Travel Experience)
The baggage space is ripe for innovation, with new ways of operating using innovative technology needed to meet growing passenger volumes. New tech such as robotic loading aids and autonomous vehicles is actively being tested and will soon become more prevalent, alongside increased bag tagging, tracking, and more. In this article, Air Canada, Avinor, Barich Inc, Lufthansa, Harry Reid International Airport, BEUMER Group, Southwest, SITA, Isavia – Keflavik Airport, Brock Solutions, United, Hamad International Airport, ControlTouch Systems, and more share their insights into the top baggage trends to watch in 2025.

Hotels

Omni Receives Go-Ahead To Build Convention Center Hotel In New Orleans (Source: Travel Weekly)
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority has approved the development of an Omni hotel across the street from the convention center.  Omni will own and operate the 1,000-room Omni New Orleans, which is expected to open in 2029.

New Hyatt Regency Times Square Set To Open Later This Year (Source: Travel Market Report)
Hyatt is opening its first Regency branded hotel in Manhattan later this year with the Hyatt Regency Times Square. The 795-room hotel is taking the place of what used to be the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, a four-star hotel on 50th street and Broadway that closed a few weeks ago.

Leisure Travel

The Most Romantic Hotels Near Major US Cities For A Weekend Getaway (Source: The Points Guy)
There’s a common misconception that you need to book a flight to experience honeymoon-worthy romance. Often, when couples envision a dreamy getaway (think: overwater bungalows, waterfront dinners and unforgettable views), they assume such wow factors can only be found overseas.

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