On the Go – March 20, 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: No Competitive Advantage From Free Bags (Source: Travel Weekly)
Long known for its unique, customer-friendly commercial model, Southwest Airlines is now on a final course toward alignment with its main rivals after deciding to introduce bag fees starting May 28.  “It’s the slaying of a sacred cow,” United CEO Scott Kirby said of the Southwest policy change during comments at the J.P. Morgan Industrial Conference on March 11.

Airline Carry-On Luggage Size: Everything You Need To Know (Source: The Points Guy)
The packing process can be one of the most stressful parts of flying, especially if you’re trying to cram everything into a carry-on to avoid checking a bag.  Regardless of whether you are flying with a U.S. or international carrier, the size and amount of bags you can bring on board depends on the specific airline’s policy. We’ve outlined many of those policies in this guide, including size requirements and weight restrictions.

Spirit Emerges From Bankruptcy, Plans Premium Focus (Source: Business Travel News)
Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2024, has emerged from its financial restructuring, and will pursue a more premium experience. President and CEO Ted Christie will continue to lead the airline, according to Spirit.

Security

Why Domestic Air Travelers Need A REAL ID (Source: The Hill)
The REAL ID requirement will take effect on May 7, 2025, in which all air travelers will need a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to travel domestically. Travelers are encouraged to check their ID today to ensure they are REAL ID ready before the deadline!

Airports

Minneapolis Airport Begins Next Phase Of Expansion (Source: Future Travel Experience)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has started the next phase of the $305 million Concourse G expansion at Terminal 1, which is scheduled to finish in 2028, adding 157,000 square feet, increasing gate seating by 52 percent and extending international arrival access to 13 gates. The Metropolitan Airports Commission aims for LEED Gold certification by using sustainable materials and expanding water reclamation. 

US Pilot Program To Ease International Flight Connections (Source: Airports Council International)
A pilot program called One-Stop Security has been authorized by Congress to streamline the process for international travelers connecting to domestic flights at six US airports. The program eliminates the need for passengers to collect and recheck luggage and go through security again after clearing customs. “It is ridiculously inefficient,” said U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman.

Boston Logan Airport’s Rideshare Fees Set To Increase In July (Source: Travel Market Report)
Under a new deal between the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and Uber and Lyft, travelers using rideshares to Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) will soon face higher fees.  Massport announced Wednesday that the agreement will increase the current $3.25 airport surcharge for drop-offs and pick-ups at Logan to $5.50 each way, a significant jump for those choosing Uber or Lyft for airport transportation.

Hotels

Choice Hotels Refresh Comfort, Country Inn & Suites (Source: Hotel Dive)
Choice Hotels has introduced new prototypes and brand identities for its Comfort and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson brands, aiming to drive revenue and reduce costs for franchisees. The updates, based on franchisee feedback and traveler preferences, include adding more rooms within existing footprints and modernizing designs.

Marriott Debuts City Express Brand In US With Georgia Hotel (Source: Upgraded Points)
Marriott International has opened a City Express by Marriott hotel in Duluth, Ga., marking the midscale brand’s entry into the US. Marriott, which acquired the City Express brand in 2023, has plans for more than 45 hotels in the US and Canada, with 12 expected to open this year.

Leisure Travel

MNA Nation Plans $2B Hotel-Casino On Las Vegas Strip (Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal)
The Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, also known as MHA Nation, is advancing plans for a hotel-casino project on the Las Vegas Strip, having purchased 23 acres for $115 million. The tribe’s vision includes a resort with a theater and convention center, and they are in talks to secure $2 billion in funding.

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