Travel Week in Review – March 15, 2024

by Nancy Collins in Travel Week in Review. Posted March 15, 2024

Report: DOJ Launches Criminal Probe into Boeing Max Blowout

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the Jan. 5 door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 that occurred shortly after takeoff from Portland, Ore., the Wall Street Journal reported, citing documents and people familiar with the matter. Boeing declined to comment, and the DOJ did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation or comment.” Read More…

The 8 Safest Islands in the Caribbean

Do you dream of sinking your toes into soft, warm sand, or swimming through clear, azure blue waters? The Caribbean is a tropical paradise that beckons visitors from all over the world to come and enjoy its many colorful islands. But remember, even the most beautiful places have potential risks. Read More…

What A U.S. Tiktok Ban Could Mean For Travel Industry

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday in a lopsided fashion that would compel TikTok parent company Byte Dance to sell the popular video app to non- Chinese owners within six months or see it banned in the United States. The lawmakers — plus President Joe Biden, who has said he would sign the bill — contend that China’s relationship with Byte Dance poses a national security threat. The prospect of TikTok’s 170 million users in the United States being barred from the site could have far-reaching ramifications for travel companies that seek to build brand recognition among travelers through the site’s wildly popular short videos. Read More…

Hilton to Acquire Graduate Hotels for $210 Million

Hilton announced on Thursday that it will acquire the Graduate Hotels brand for $210 million, adding the portfolio of unique hotels in college towns to its growing lifestyle portfolios. Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners will remain the owner of the properties, each operated under long-term Hilton franchise agreements, though the future of the brand’s expansion will be under the direction of Hilton. Read More…

TSA Facial Recognition Is Being Rolled Out at More US Airports

One of the most unpredictable aspects of flying these days just might be how long the security line will be when you get there. There’s nothing worse than arriving at the airport to an endless string of passengers snaking through the terminal, as officers go through the essential but tedious task of ensuring that each flier’s boarding pass, government ID, and face all match up. Read More…