Travel Week in Review – October 27th, 2023

American Airlines is revamping its corporate loyalty program for small business, closing Business Extra, and launching a streamlined replacement, branded AAdvantage Business. The existing Business Extra program stopped accepting new members on Monday, and its benefits will be discontinued by January 31, 2024. In its place, American Airlines has introduced AAdvantage Business, tied to its broader AAdvantage frequent flyer. Read More…

The European Union has confirmed that the launch of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System for non-EU visitors has been further delayed until Spring 2025. Specialist website SchengenVisaInfo.com last month reported that ETIAS’s implementation was set for a further postponement into 2025 due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit Systems (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS. Read More…

When flying, two truths weigh heavy on the traveler’s soul. The first: Checking a bag is expensive and annoying. The second: Planes have a finite amount of overhead bin space. Fail to score some of that space, and you’re doomed to baggage claim purgatory. These truths ignite within us a gnawing sense of scarcity. They turn typically levelheaded people who don’t mind waiting their turn at, say, Starbucks into the type to elbow their way into the anxious swarm crowding the gate before takeoff. Read More…

The mayor of Maui announced the phased reopening of West Maui accommodations would continue on November 1 with the reopening of West Maui north of Lahaina, from Kahana to Kaanapali. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen told the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) that he worked with an advisory team, the Red Cross and other partners to understand community feedback following the first phase of reopening in West Maui, which began on October 8. Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Mayor Bissen stated. Read More…

Delta Air Lines is backtracking slightly on changes it previously announced in its frequent-flyer program, but it still plans to reshape SkyMiles to favor big spenders over customers who take the most flights. Delta outlined the revisions in an email from CEO Ed Bastian to SkyMiles members on Wednesday. “I have read hundreds of your emails, and what’s been most clear to me is how much you love Delta and the disappointment many of you felt.” Read More…