Ovation's weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of May's Top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Car Service Pick-Up Update
As part of LaGuardia Airport's ongoing construction project to modernize the airport, beginning Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 6:00 a.m., travelers arriving at LGA will meet their for hire vehicles, including Uber and Lyft, on the second level of the Terminal B parking garage. The pick-up area is accessible via a pedestrian walkway from the departures level of Terminal B; the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey recommends travelers wait to request their ride until they enter the pedestrian walkway. During this time, the Green Bus Line, which has been used to transport travelers to pick-up areas during construction of the parking garage, will discontinue service. To find out which airlines operate out of Terminal B, click here.
2. TSA PreCheck Expands to Include 6 Additional International Airlines
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the expansion of its TSA PreCheck program to six additional international carriers, bringing the total number of participating airlines to 52 domestic and international carriers. The six new airlines are Air Serbia, Condor Airlines, Porter Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) and Thomas Cook Airlines (Scan.). In order to join TSA PreCheck, carriers have to meet all TSA security requirements and upgrade reservation systems to sync with the U.S. government's Secure Flight prescreening system. To read the full press release, click here.
3. Baggage, Ticket Fee Collections Reached $7.5B Record in 2017
U.S airlines set a new record last year, reaching $7.5 billion between baggage and ticket fees collected in 2017, reports Transportation Today. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics report, airlines collected nearly $4.6 billion in baggage fees and another $2.9 billion in reservation and cancellation fees. In terms of baggage, this represents a $400 million increase from 2016. While airlines are benefiting, airports have been losing out on potential revenue. The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) pointed out that due to bag fees not being taxed at the same 7.5 percent tax rate as base airline tickets, airports lost out on $343 million in potential revenue in 2017, which could have been used for airport and air traffic control upgrades. To read more, click here.
4. Airlines Expect Record Breaking Summer Travel
Airlines are preparing for a record summer travel season, expecting a record 236.1 million travelers to fly between June 1 and August 31, reports CNBC. According to industry trade group Airlines for America, summer air travel is expected to increase 3.7 percent from last summer. The combination of low airfares along with a strong economy have led to an increase in flights booked, prompting airlines to add more flights. Airlines for America calculates carriers will add 116,000 seats per day this summer to accommodate the additional daily passengers. To read more, click here.
5. New Airport Security Bill Introduced in the U.S. Senate
A new bipartisan bill that aims to strengthen the safety and security for airport travelers and visitors outside of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened areas has been introduced in the Senate, reports Airport Technology. The Secure Airport Public Spaces Act would empower airports to use existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds for upgrading their security infrastructure such as pick up and drop off areas, in addition to baggage claims. Additionally, the bill would allow airports to invest funds in surveillance cameras in public areas such as baggage claims or pick-up and drop-off areas. To read more, click here.
