On the Go – March 13, 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

Southwest To Charge For Checked Bags, Adds Basic Economy (Source: CBS News)
Southwest Airlines will start charging for checked bags for bookings made on or after May 28, except for top loyalty members and premium ticket holders. The airline is also introducing a basic economy fare with restrictions and reintroducing expiration dates for flight credits.

Airlines Cut Q1 Forecasts (Source: CNBC)
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Jetblue and Southwest Airlines have reduced first-quarter profit and sales forecasts. American Airlines cited the impact of a collision involving a regional jet and the airlines also noted a decline in travel by government employees and contractors under the Trump administration. However, Delta CEO Ed Bastian saw “green shoots” in the performance of premium products and loyalty programs and predicted that the airline would still turn a first quarter profit.

The Airlines With The Most And Least Amount Of Legroom (Source: SmarterTravel)
If you’ve ever boarded a flight only to find your knees jammed against the seat in front of you, you’re painfully aware of how tight legroom has gotten in the economy cabin of most US airlines.  Airlines are prioritizing profit over passenger comfort by cramming in extra rows of seats into already constricted cabins to maximize the amount of tickets they can sell.

General Interest

Safe Travels: How Firms Can Limit Risks For Women On Work Trips (Source: Raconteur)
A majority of women feel that business trips are more dangerous for them than for their male colleagues. What additional support should employers provide to female staff travelling for work?  Global business travel has bounced back since the pandemic, with corporate travel spend poised to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year. The trend has been driven by a renewed emphasis among executives in face-to-face interaction. For employees, more corporate travelling means more opportunities for networking, development and career progression.

Houston Convention Center Plans $2B Transformation (Source: Greater Houston Partnership)
The George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston will undergo a $2 billion transformation to create a pedestrian-friendly convention and entertainment district. The project, announced by Mayor John Whitmire and Houston First Corp., includes a 700,000-square-foot building, GRB Houston South, and aims to boost tourism and sustainability.

Security

What Does TSA Do?  How The Agency Keeps Travel In The US Safe (Source: USA Today)
Any traveler who has flown within the U.S. over the last 20 years knows the Transportation Security Administration is a standard part of the air travel process.  This agency inspects all passengers and their belongings before they board a plane at one of the nation’s approximately 440 airports. Last year, TSA security officers screened over 2 million passengers each day, discovering an average of nine firearms.

Airports

Appleton, WI Airport To Open New Gates (Source: Spectrum News)
Wisconsin’s Appleton International Airport (ATW) is set to open three gates in its new concourse in time for the NFL Draft, which brings an influx of travelers to nearby Green Bay in April. The $66 million project, which doubles the terminal’s size, is expected to be completed by early 2026.

Pittsburgh Airport To Open $1.57B Terminal In Fall (Source: WESA-FM)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is set to open a $1.57 billion terminal this fall, featuring additional parking, shorter security wait times and outdoor plazas. The project, which is more than 80% complete, aims to enhance efficiency and passenger experience, reducing operational costs by $23 million annually.

Hotels

New Hotel Redefines Salt Lake City’s Culinary Landscape (Source: Forbes)
The Asher Adams Hotel has opened in Salt Lake City as part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, integrating the historic Union Pacific Train Depot. The hotel features 225 rooms and four unique dining venues, including the signature restaurant Rouser and the No. 119 bar. Chef de Cuisine Emilio Camara aims to attract acclaim from the James Beard Foundation with innovative dishes and a beverage program that emphasizes local ingredients.

IHG Opens Its First Zero-Carbon Hotel (Source: Hotel Investment Today)
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first branded zero carbon hotel in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality. The voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy.  The 142-room hotel has earned a BREAM Outstanding rating as the first building in the U.K. that has utilized vertical photovoltaic panels as a rainscreen cladding system.

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