Week in Review

Start your Monday off by catching up on last week’s business travel news. In a show of continuing evolution of the airline industry, American Airlines is modifying its AAdvantage program according to The Motley Fool. Joining rivals United Continental and Delta, American Airlines confirmed that it will move to a revenue-based earning system for its AAdvantage loyalty program in August.

While business travelers may or may not appreciate the changes that airlines are making to their rewards programs, a majority of travelers say that they enjoy their airport experience according to 4 Hoteliers. Traveler’s airport experiences may get better this summer, as well. USA Today reports that Congress has approved funds to add more TSA agents to help alleviate the long lines many travelers have experienced this year.

TSA lines may be improving, but according to The Chicago Tribune, a shortage of air traffic controllers is now causing delays, as well. Internationally, the transportation strike in France continues to disrupt international business and leisure travelers as additional strikes loom, per Buying Business Travel.

Despite a rise in a new segment of competitors from ride share services, USA Today reports that rental car companies continue to do well by expanding their fleets and seeing an increase in revenue. Although rental car companies are booming, taxis are struggling as more and more business travelers opt for ride sharing services, according to The Economist.

Skift reports the findings of a study that found that Millennials are more likely to use an agent than any demographic group of older travelers. Not only are Millennials more likely to use travel agents, but their behaviors are changing the hotel industry, as well. CNN reports that many hotel chains no longer sell rooms, but sell experiences to keep up with customer’s changing demands.

I leave you with two lists for this week from Small Business Trends and Skift.

25 of the Top Business Travel Destinations – Small Business Trends

The Business of Hotels Vs. Short-Term Rentals in 4 Charts – Skift