Ovation's weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of November's top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. AMERICAN, BRITISH AIRWAYS TO BEGIN COLOCATION AT JFK'S TERMINAL 8 IN DECEMBER
American Airlines and British Airways have announced the unveiling of the newly renovated Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as part of a $400 million joint investment to co-locate operations. The terminal is set to open on December 1 and marks the completion of the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s redevelopment of the airport. The renovated Terminal 8 includes a new check-in area, three traveler lounges, five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, and an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system. In addition, the terminal has about 130,000 square feet of new space. Premium customers on both American and BA flights will have a new cobranded premium check-in area, with "concierge-style services," according to the carriers. The three lounges will be available for eligible travelers based on cabin of travel and loyalty program status. Additionally, Iberia plans to move into Terminal 8 on December 1, while Japan Airlines expects to move its operations to Terminal 8 in May 2023.
2. UNITED, ARCHER PLAN ELECTRIC AIR TAXI SERVICE FROM MANHATTAN TO NEWARK AIRPORT
3. ENTERPRISE, NATIONAL CAR RENTAL EXTEND LOYALTY BENEFITS
Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental have announced the extension of several loyalty benefits that were set to expire soon, reports Travel Pulse. The free rental days in National's Emerald Club program were previously set to expire on December 31, but the company revealed they would extend the program through September 4, 2023. National also extended the elite tier status for qualifying loyalty program members, which includes Emerald Club Executive and Executive Elite, whose status was set to expire on February 28. If those members make at least one qualifying rental by the end of 2022, their elite status will be extended until February 28, 2024. Meanwhile, Enterprise is extending its “Plus Your Points” promotion that allows registered Enterprise Plus members whose status was set to expire on February 28, 2023, to extend elite-tier status for one year if they register for the promotion and make or already have made one qualifying rental by the end of 2022. Membership in both loyalty programs is free and open to anyone 21 years and older.
4. HEATHROW AIRPORT ENDS PASSENGER RESTRICTIONS THIS CHRISTMAS
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will not re-introduce a cap on passenger numbers this Christmas as it works to minimize the impact of the recent strike at the airport ahead of the holiday season, reports BBC. In July, Heathrow introduced a daily limit of 100,000 passengers to try to reduce the disruption travelers were facing, forcing several airlines to cancel flights to ensure compliance. The cap was extended until October 29, but has now ended. Heathrow says it has a "good plan" developed, which would not require a cap on capacity during the Christmas season. It is still in discussions with individual airlines about the details, but it is understood that some flights might be moved to quieter times and others might be consolidated. John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow's CEO, said: "We have come so far since Omicron grounded Christmas travel plans last year. Heathrow, our airline partners, and their handlers are all working together to make sure everyone can be reunited with their loved ones this Christmas." British Airways, the carrier with the largest operation at Heathrow, has already reduced its winter schedule to a level it believes it can run.
5. UNITED UNVEILS NEW CLUB CONCEPT IN DENVER
United Airlines has announced that it has opened a new club concept at Denver International Airport (DEN), reports Business Travel News. Located in the airport’s Concourse B, the new United Club Fly has a smaller footprint than a traditional United Club and gives qualified customers access to grab-and-go food and beverages. These include non-alcoholic drinks, sandwiches, salads and wraps, yogurt, vegetables and fruit, and barista-made coffees; there is also a water bottle filling station. United noted that more than 54 percent of its club and lounge visitors like to take food or drinks to go. United Club members, passengers flying internationally in premium cabins, and United Club one-time pass holders will have access to United Club Fly.
