Week in Review

According to TechCrunch, the U.S. has lifted laptop bans from passengers flying with Etihad, Emirates and Turkish Airlines.

CNNMoney reports that the laptop ban was also lifted from Qatar Airways, since the airline meets all of DHS’ new security guidelines.

GBTA unveiled its Media Day line-up for GBTA Convention 2017, July 15-19 in Boston. More than two dozen companies will release their breaking news from the GBTA Broadcast Studio in the North Lobby on Sunday, July 16.

According to Skift and a new report by SITA, airline passengers prefer interacting with employees instead of technology, even though 98 percent of passengers fly with at least one mobile device.

4Hoteliers notes that hospitality’s contribution to the UK economy grows faster than any other sector.

USA TODAY reports that TSA Precheck has eclipsed five million members. The program initially began in December 2013 and offers expedited screening for travelers.

According to Business Traveller, Singapore Airlines has unveiled a Highflyer business loyalty program designed to reward small and medium-sized enterprises and their employees.

The same source claims that TSA has begun trialing fingerprint identification at select U.S. airports.

Skift reports that robots at South Korean airports are helping passengers find their gates. The robots also assist with keeping airport floors clean.

According to 4Hoteliers, KAYAK launched a new feature that enables users to search by emoji.

Travel Weekly notes that Sabre has unveiled a personalized flight search capability.

According to Bloomberg, pilots can be grounded at 65. The EU Court of Justice said that “physical capabilities essential to the profession of an airline pilot diminish with age.”

TravelDailyNews International reports that Lufthansa and Fraport signed an agreement on short-term cost savings and further growth.

The same source also shared news of Aeroflot’s partnership with Alipay.