News from October 2024
Bank of America is bringing back its More Rewards Day for the third consecutive year. On November 7, cardholders will have the opportunity to earn additional rewards on their purchases. This offer applies to all Bank of America credit cards, including those that typically do not earn rewards.
With the right techniques, capturing the northern lights in Iceland is within reach for photographers.
Disney World has announced an increase in ticket prices for the 2025 holiday season, with the most expensive tickets approaching $200. This marks the first base price increase since 2018. Ticket prices for a single day at Disney's parks will now range from $119 to $199, depending on the park and date.
Hilton has announced significant growth in its loyalty program and hotel expansion, indicating its competitive stance against Marriott International. The Hilton Honors program now boasts over 200 million members, a notable achievement as analysts speculate if it could surpass Marriott Bonvoy, which had over 210 million members at mid-year. With Marriott's upcoming earnings call, this number is expected to increase.
Citi's Double Cash Card is gaining attention for its straightforward cash back rewards. The card offers a simple earning structure, providing 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when buying and another 1% upon payment. This uncomplicated approach makes it an appealing option for those new to credit card rewards.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) reported stable flight operations during the Swiss autumn holiday period, carrying over 1.3 million passengers. This marks an increase of approximately 82,000 passengers compared to the same period last year. Despite facing unfavorable weather conditions at Zurich Airport and air traffic control capacity shortages, SWISS worked closely with its system partners to enhance internal processes and improve punctuality.
Delta Air Lines has once again partnered with Breast Care International (BCI) for the annual "Walk for the Cure" event in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, Ghana. This marks the eighth consecutive year of collaboration aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and promoting early detection and treatment.
Andre Woodson, a spokesperson for Amazon, said Amazon's Air Hub in Kentucky is "deploying our resources to deliver essential items" in support of hurricane relief efforts after Hurricane Milton.
O'Hare International Airport's (ORD) $8.5 billion expansion will impact Chicago's role in global aviation, despite rising costs and delays.
The Biden administration has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the current state of air travel competition in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that they are conducting a "broad public inquiry into the state of competition" within the airline industry.
For the first time in Minnesota and Michigan's aviation history, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has been delivered via pipeline to Delta hubs at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). The shipments, each exceeding 7,000 gallons, were produced from winter camelina grown in Minnesota and North Dakota.
As Michigan's Right to Work law was repealed earlier this year, workers across the state are taking steps to counteract union bosses' influence. Despite polling data indicating that a majority of Michigan voters, including over 70% from union households, wanted the law to remain, it was repealed in February following a party-line vote.
The Emirates Group, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has established itself as a leading force in global aviation. Emirates stands as the largest all-international airline worldwide, while dnata ranks among the major providers of air transport-related services. The group's operations span six continents.
Customers at Salt Lake City International Airport can now experience a more streamlined airport journey with the introduction of Delta Digital ID. This touchless technology, which began on October 24, aims to expedite the travel process for eligible Delta customers.
Emirates Group and Dubai Airports have published a study conducted by Oxford Economics, highlighting the significant role of aviation in Dubai's economy. The report outlines the direct, indirect, and induced economic activities generated by the sector, as well as its impact on tourism spending.
Patricia Whittaker, a 911 operator in Chicago, has successfully halted union dues payments to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 21. This follows her legal battle with support from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, after she was allegedly misled about her rights by union officials. Whittaker filed charges with the Illinois Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to assert her rights under the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision.
The aviation sector in Dubai has made a significant impact on the city's economy, contributing 27% to the GDP in 2023. According to a report released by Emirates Group and Dubai Airports, this contribution amounted to AED 137 billion (USD 37.3 billion) and is expected to rise to nearly one-third of Dubai's GDP by 2030. The report highlights that the aviation sector supported over 630,000 jobs last year, with projections indicating an addition of another 185,000 jobs by the end of the decade.
Hyatt Hotels is set to lose one of its notable properties, Tommie Hollywood, to Marriott Bonvoy. The 212-room hotel, part of the JdV by Hyatt collection and a sister brand to Thompson Hotels, will rebrand as Hollywood Volume, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel later this month.
If you're planning a stay at one of IHG's many hotel brands, including Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, you might consider their cobranded credit cards. These cards offer substantial welcome bonuses that could help save on travel expenses.
FedEx Corp. has released its annual economic impact report, which highlights the company's influence on global economies during the 2024 fiscal year.