Travel Week in Review – February 19, 2021

United Airlines is providing another way for its passengers to head to Hawaii. Starting May 6, United will be launching a new route from Orange County, Calif. to Honolulu, Hawaii “Given the requirements that have been put in place for people that are outside the United States — getting tested prior to coming back — we’ve seen a shift in U.S. passenger demand,” United’s vice president of international network and alliances, Patrick Quayle said. Read More…

Thousands of flights were canceled and airports shuttered as a winter storm blasted the South and Midwest, complete major snowfall, a deadly tornado, and widespread power outage across the country. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, in Houston, announced on Twitter that it will remain closed until at least the late afternoon on Tuesday, more than a day after ice had begun accumulating on the runways. Read More…

As a region, the Americas have been especially hard-hit by COVID-19, with South America home to some of the worst outbreaks in the world. Four of the top 15 worst outbreaks have taken place on the continent—in Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru—leading to drastic lockdowns and border closures. In Central America, the outbreaks were less severe, though economies shut down in much the same way. Read More…

Under the new policy, the airline will allow flyers in the premium cabin to not use a face covering if their seat is fully reclined. The carrier claims that because of the high walls around their first- and business class suites, flyers have more personal space and less exposure to one another. The combination of factors serves as a natural barrier, which potentially reduces the risk of transmitting the novel Coronavirus. Read More…

Premium economy. The two words might seem a weird combination in airline terms since it’s a rare airline where economy seats feel premium these days. But these seats between coach and business class on international flights were heating up even before Covid-19, and as we all start to travel again in 2021, they’re set to be a must-fly for many passengers. Why? It’s a combination of factors. Read More…