Dennis Schaal

Hyperbole or reality? American Airlines thinks its upcoming basic and premium economy will be huge, akin to its launching bag fees in 2008.

Whether hospitality or booking, Africa presents an enormous opportunity for first-movers right now.

When Priceline.com decided to try to reinvigorate the brand, it studied the data: Travelers are taking shorter, more frequent trips, and many are booking them on mobile at the last-minute. Their customers are heading to Rome, Georgia more frequently to that other Rome where Vatican tours are available. The data called for a streamlined site and app emphasizing "deals near me," pay at the hotel, and easier-to-book products.

Don't downplay the importance of intangibles and narratives in the online travel business. Expedia won 2015. Booking.com won't sit back in 2016. In this transitional year in online travel and lodging on so many levels, you can expect that Booking.com will be heard from.

American Airlines has a long way to go to catch Delta in operational and financial performance but we'll find out in the next two years, now that many of the merger hurdles are behind American, whether Doug Parker is the right guy to do it.

It’s a great time to be a consumer as brands will do what they can to get you to be loyal to them first, even if it means foregoing some fees on the process.

When a company such as BCD Travel talks about an "asset purchase agreement" with a startup, you can be sure that the startup's investors aren't popping champagne. Like many recent travel startups, GetGoing pivoted from a consumer to a business focus. At least GetGoing's assets have found a new home.

This likely will be a year of building out what TripAdvisor already has in hotel Instant Booking, vacation rentals and tours and activities. One big challenge will be how to focus effectively in so many huge areas simultaneously without some getting short shrift.

Starwood's decision to follow Marriott into TripAdvisor Instant Booking begs the question: How long with InterContinental Hotels Group and Hilton Worldwide continue to be conscientious objectors? Hint: TripAdvisor officials say they are talking to everyone.

Investors from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia are salivating at the prospect of breaking into the long-closed Iranian travel and tourism market. The CAPA Iran Aviation Summit is the first look for a broad base of business interests. They will have to gauge the risks that come along with Iran's foreign policy.