JetBlue rebuffs American Airlines with merger aversion
JetBlue will stick with its grow-it-alone strategy, which is a smart move given American's challenges and poor track record when it comes to mergers and acquisitions.
News
United Airlines joins three other airlines in support of sustainable biofuels
This group of airlines is working towards the commercialization of aviation biofuels, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10%, but it will need government support to offset costs of this expensive alternative.
Travel fees becoming part of negotiations during the hiring process
If vacation packages and compensation are up for negotiation, then why not travel expenses, too? With the growing importance of ancillary services when traveling, these perks logically are entering the conversation.
Hotels refocus on direct bookings to avoid paying a commission to OTAs
In an effort to reduce costs, hotels wanting travelers to skip OTAs have increased marketing through social media to build brand awareness and attract travelers before they ever consult search engines.
Hotels and booking sites now face suit in U.S. over hotel price-fixing “conspiracy”
This suit could get really interesting, although only the courts or regulators will ultimately decide if the anti-competition claims pass legal muster. If the plaintiffs prevail, then hotel-OTA rate-parity practices in the U.S. could get tossed out the window.
JetBlue fined $90K for 2.5 hour gate delay infraction
JetBlue's 2007 string of delays have gone into business history books as one of the biggest corporate PR disasters. Clearly, the lesson here is more nuanced: over communication, way better than under comunication.
New NYC law requires a permit for intercity buses to operate curbside
Some of these bus companies are notorious for unloading passengers on random street corners and running buses at crazy hours, and they’ll have to get their services in order to get approved for the permit.
China gives travelers little notice about new rules for tourist and business visas
The vague guidelines that require a letter of invitation from within China may drive tourists to tour operators for an easier application process and to avoid making reservations before visa approval.
The rise of extreme commuters
Did we heard the phrase virtual working? For some, this means way more business travel, though less instances.
Microsoft’s Bing chooses partnerships over acquisitions in battle over local
Microsoft/Bing's approach to content is indeed more open than Google's, and Bing has done a great job incorporating a lot of Yelp restaurant content on Bing.com without having to acquire the company.
Airlines are monetizing on legroom by adding more seats but offering less space
The disparity between haves and have-nots is seen on a micro level as airlines continue to squeeze seats in the back of the plane to offer more rows where passengers, who can afford it, pay to actually fit.
The majority of surveyed business travelers say their trips are worth the cost
Businesses who can't afford to cut out travel rely on technology to help save money and increase productivity, which is why 90% of business travelers say free hotel Wi-Fi is an important hotel amenity.