Travel Technology

JetBlue really needs to devote more resources to its tech capabilities. It is finally getting around to it with its imminent satellite-based Wi-Fi, but the airline needs to stay on top of its game.

The controversy about in-flight voice calls on U.S. airlines may be overstated. Foreign airlines have been allowing it for years, and there hasn't been a huge problem. Most passengers prefer texting and email anyway.

Google has the resources, but not necessarily the focus, to become a go-to resource for airport images and information.

Airline brands are way ahead of the game in digital effectiveness in travel, followed by hotel brands. Tourism still has a long way to go, as do other sectors in travel.

Maybe the country is more ready for in-flight calls -- or just doesn't care one way or the other -- than the protests would have you believe.

Instant translation with seamless back-and-forth communication in any language is the holy grail and wearables should theoretically enable it. The Word Lens app for Google Glass is the first useful step towards it.

Travel companies slow to set up mobile functionality may be comforted by this news, but mobile usage will only continue to rise due to changing consumer habits and the growth of travel in emerging economies where mobile devices are more common than desktops.

Jeffery Boyd doesn't want to meddle in Priceline's business on a day to day basis, which may provide angst to some investors. Still, incoming CEO Darren Huston has capably led Priceline's prized asset, Booking.com, over the last two years, so he's got the pedigree in what promises to be a fascinating new era in online travel.