On the Go – January 23, 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

Higher Airfares Expected In The First Half Of 2025 (Source: Travel Weekly)
Domestic flyers are likely to pay higher airfares during the first half of this year than they did in 2024. But deal-seekers might have better luck on long-haul travel.  Consumer Price Index data released on Jan. 15 showed that airfares in December were up 7.9% year over year, having jumped 3.2% between November and December, adjusted for normal seasonal price trends.

American Airlines Shares Tumble As Outlook Falls Short (Source: CNBC)
American Airlines reported record revenue for Q4 and full-year 2024, reaching $13.7 billion and $54.2 billion, respectively. “As we look ahead to this year, American remains well-positioned because of the strength of our network, loyalty and co-branded credit card programs, fleet and operational reliability, and the tremendous work of our team,” CEO Robert Isom said.

United Airlines Posts Record $3.5B Net Income For 2024 (Source: CNBC)
United Airlines reported a record net income of $3.5 billion for 2024, driven by strong demand across ticket categories from basic economy to premium. The airline carried 173.6 million passengers, a 5.3% increase from 2023, and operated its largest-ever flight schedule.

Security

The U.K. Government Moves To Raise ETA Visa Price By 60% (Source: Travel Market Report)
Just 10 days after the U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program went into effect, the U.K. government has proposed an increase in the application fee.  Under the proposal released Thursday, U.S. citizens traveling to the U.K. would have to pay £16 (about $19.50 USD), up from £10 (just over $12 USD), to apply for the ETA. The ETA is required for all North American travelers entering the U.K., and starting in April, the requirement will extend to all non-British and Irish European citizens.

Airports

Houston Airport Closes Terminal For Major Renovation (Source: Simple Flying)
The lobby of Terminal B at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will be closed through 2026 for a United Airlines-led renovation. The project will add 22 gates and the world’s largest United Club lounge, and will expand the baggage processing system.

Pittsburgh Airport Terminal Now 80% Complete (Source: DKDA-TV)
Pittsburgh International Airport’s (PIT) new landside terminal is 80% complete and is expected to open by September or October. The $1.5 billion project features 12 TSA lanes, outdoor terraces, advanced baggage systems and accommodations for those with special needs.

Hotels

Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Is Getting A $300 Million Makeover (Source: Travel Market Report)
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is undergoing $300 million in renovations that should be completed in December 2025.  The remodeling encompasses all the 4,212 rooms and suites in the hotel’s main tower, including the addition of 111 suites for a total of 753. The first phase of renovated rooms will be available to book starting March 1.

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