Week in Review

GBTA was deeply saddened to hear the news of the terrorist attacks in Brussels Tuesday morning. Dozens of innocent people were killed in an attack that was more than just an attack on an airport and a metro system, but an attack on all of us and our way of life. We have updated the latest news from Brussels as well as risk management resources in a separate blog post. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of those impacted by the attacks.

According to Skift, U.S. and foreign carriers flew more than 895 million passengers through U.S. airports in 2015 – a new record. In another record, Business Traveler reports that the 1 millionth customer went through the U.S. Preclearance facility on March 17 at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Frequent fliers on Alaska Airlines can now use their Alaska Airlines miles to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck screening making the risk-based program accessible to more travelers, writes the Alaska Dispatch News.

In more aviation news, Skift reports on a new business class seat that creates a responsive environment, tailored to passenger travel preferences, which seamlessly links to passenger personal electronic devices. Meanwhile, Business Traveller reports that United Airlines will implement a tight ten-abreast seating configuration in economy class in 19 of its aircraft that previously featured a nine-across layout.

CNN’s Business Traveller discusses how low-cost airlines have become not only a fixture of the travel industry but an essential element of contemporary life and asks what’s next now that the market has matured.

In hotel news, Starwood accepted Marriott’s amended $13.6 billion buyout offer and Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson believes there is a tremendous opportunity for a combined loyalty platform. Travel Agent Central also reports that both Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Marriott International have announced plans to open hotels in Cuba.

Hugo Martin of the Los Angeles Times writes about how hotels are using perks to battle online travel agencies and push guests to book directly on their websites. Skift asks what AccorHotels’ entry into the sharing economy means for the future of hotels?

I leave you with two lists for this week:

Avoid These 6 Situations When Traveling on Business – Forbes
5 Companies That Are Changing The Dynamics of Business Travel – Huffington Post