‘Fire incidents’ cited by Southwest in new policy applying to wheelchair travelers
Southwest Airlines will be making a change to its boarding process that impacts travelers with wheelchairs and scooters. In a recent message sent to employees, Dave Hunt, vice president of safety and security at the airline, said there will be a new safety requirement regarding lithium-powered mobility devices. “Beginning Sept. 25, customers will be required to take out removable lithium batteries from their mobility device(s) before boarding and carry them into the cabin,” according to the memo. Read More…
AI is shortening Allianz’s insurance claims process
AI is helping Allianz Partners shorten its claims process significantly. According to Allianz, since it began using AI to help process claims, the average lifecycle of a claim has dropped to four days. Before AI, the average lifecycle of a claim was 19 days. Additionally, Allianz said 71% of claims are processed in 12 hours or less. More than half of claims — 65% — are eligible for claims automation processes. Read More…
IHG Plans to Introduce Ruby in U.S.
IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to import Ruby, the lifestyle brand it acquired earlier this year, to the United States, the company announced Tuesday. IHG, in a statement, said it was targeting U.S. city centers for the upscale “urban micro” European brand it acquired in February for about $116 million. “Much like its European foothold, IHG’s strategic growth plan for Ruby will prioritize major U.S. urban markets and accommodate a range of project types, including new build, conversion, and adaptive reuse,” IHG said. Read More…
San Diego Airport Opens New Terminal 1
San Diego International Airport has opened its new Terminal 1 and closed the previous Terminal 1, the airport announced Tuesday. The first phase of the $3 billion project features 19 gates, 17 new concessions, 23 restrooms, 13 security lanes and seven baggage carousels, according to airport terminal and facility design company Gensler. A second phase, scheduled for completion in early 2028, will include 11 additional gates. Read More…
Venice daytripper fee to return in 2026: When will visitors have to pay?
In 2026, daytrippers will be required to pay from Friday to Sunday in April, May, June, and July. Venice’s council has confirmed that its daytripper fee, introduced in summer 2024, will return once again in 2026. Next year, the number of days that the levy will be in place has been extended to 60, compared to 54 in 2025. The tax aims to curb ‘hit and run’ daytripper tourism that frequently overwhelms the small city during its busiest months and brings little benefit to its inhabitants. Read More…
