Research News
The St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater is set to host an 'erotic room crawl' on October 26th, raising questions about whether guests should be informed of such events prior to booking. The event reportedly includes a topless pool area, which has surprised some observers given the hotel's brand image.
In the realm of air travel, seat selection often elicits numerous questions from passengers. While preferences vary widely, one frequent traveler has articulated a particular inclination towards bulkhead seats in business class. This choice is unconventional, given the general unpopularity of these seats for two primary reasons.
GE Aerospace has announced the successful demonstration of a new hypersonic dual-mode ramjet. This achievement, which could enable high-speed flight and longer range across various multi-mission aircraft, represents a significant milestone in GE Aerospace's portfolio of hypersonic programs.
News and notes from around the internet:
Fiji Airways will launch non-stop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Nadi, Fiji. This route aligns with the carrier's recent full membership in oneworld and its adoption of American Airlines' AAdvantage as its frequent flyer program. Speculation suggests that Seattle, home to oneworld member Alaska Airlines, may be added as a future destination.
Chase has introduced its most significant offer to date for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, allowing new cardholders to earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This offer surpasses last year's 100,000-point initial bonus, which had been considered one of the best credit card offers.
Avfuel has announced that C.R. Sincock, II, Executive Vice President for Avfuel and President and CEO of its sister company Avflight, has been elected to serve a second term as a board member for the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). The three-year appointment was made official during NATA’s annual meeting on June 25.
The possibility of hydrogen-powered flight suggests greater opportunities for fossil-free travel, with technological advances progressing rapidly. Studies from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden indicate that nearly all air travel within a 750-mile radius (1200 km) could be achieved using hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2045. A novel heat exchanger currently under development could extend this range further.
A woman traveling in business class on a long-haul flight was approached by a flight attendant before departure, who requested that she switch seats with a six-year-old child seated in economy. The child's mother, also seated in business class, cited a booking glitch as the reason for the seating discrepancy and insisted on sitting next to her child.
Mainline Aviation is partnering with SAS Scandinavian Airlines to provide in-flight catering services for the airline's transatlantic route from Atlanta to Copenhagen. The route operates daily during the summer months, utilizing an Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
When flying, passengers are the airline's customers, not the airport's. Airports often do not know individual passengers but view them as products. Their real clients are airlines and local politicians. This perspective influences decisions such as the removal of moving walkways at airports like Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare to encourage shopping rather than convenience.
When booking a hotel, confirmation is typically instant. However, Airbnb operates differently, often requiring host approval before finalizing a reservation. Hosts may reject requests for various reasons, including information gleaned from social media profiles.
A recent incident involving Hertz has raised concerns about the company's billing practices. A customer who redeemed Hertz points for a free rental was charged $400 on his employer’s corporate card.
Southwest Airlines flight attendants have reported injuries caused by 'exploding' Coca-Cola cans. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of beverage containers on flights.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express now features an initial bonus offer. Historically, the card has rarely included such offers. "Frankly, the card is too good, and extra points should get you to pay attention," the source states.
Japan Airlines business class awards are now widely available from several cities, with booking options using American Airlines or Alaska Airlines miles, as well as points from various credit card transfer programs. Availability spans winter months, with flights departing from Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York JFK, Dallas, and San Diego. Most dates offer two business class award seats, though some dates provide up to four.
A passenger on American Airlines flight 2213 from Los Cabos, Mexico to Dallas – Fort Worth reported that upon arrival, they were allowed to enter the terminal without undergoing the expected immigration and customs checks.
Iran has closed the Turkish Airlines office in Tehran after local female employees defied the country's mandatory headscarf requirements. This move follows a 'first warning' issued by police, which reportedly led to confrontations with the staff. The office closure is temporary, and it will be allowed to reopen.
An evangelical pastor attacked his wife on Alaska Airlines after she received an upgrade and he did not. The incident occurred on Alaska flight 275 from Seattle to Anchorage last Tuesday. Seventy-five-year-old Roger Allan Holmberg Sr. reportedly "flipped [his wife] the bird" and assaulted her upon learning of her Mileage Plan elite status.
Nearly 400 SLH hotels are now accessible through the Hilton Honors partnership, allowing members to earn points on paid rates and redeem them for stays at luxury properties. This development enhances Hilton's offerings in the luxury redemption market, making their points more attractive.