Coronavirus Travel News

American is cautiously optimistic about the summer ahead with plans to fly more and boost fares on its way back to profitability. But when the airline can hit that is still anyone's guess with business and long-haul international travel still largely absent in the recovery.

Not every hotel company is cruising into summer with accelerated springtime bookings like those for Marriott and Hilton. Accor needs greater vaccine access in Europe as well as lockdowns to lift before recovery is possible.

There may be momentum behind the travel industry's recovery, but plenty of uncertainty is still ahead. Now is not the time to drive customers away with sneaky, overnight devaluing of loyalty points.

Naysayers might say subscriptions don't work in the travel space, but proponents say it's about execution. The keys to being successful are adaptability with the changing times, customer needs, and authentic relationship building — easier said than done, of course.

The pandemic has taken a toll on airports. If airports are to thrive, they need to get creative — and fast — to increase revenue streams.

Just because the risk is low for surface spread of coronavirus doesn’t mean hotels are going to back away from door seals and hourly lobby cleanings. There’s still a psychological and confidence factor at play in bringing back more travelers.

Airline executives like to talk about "inflection points," but throughout the pandemic they have seen their hopes dashed as the virus resurges. United CEO Scott Kirby is committed this time.

Major travel companies like Hilton Grand Vacations are pumping millions, if not billions, of dollars into the idea travelers favor the familiarity of a brand. If it pays off, the vacuum of boutique offerings will be the next travel investment opportunity.