Today's Hotels Pulse
FAA says Spirit’s LaGuardia slots belong with another low‑cost carrier
The FAA Administrator argues that the coveted take‑off slots Spirit Airlines holds at New York’s LaGuardia should be reallocated to a different low‑cost carrier. Meanwhile, Spirit is preparing to auction off those slots to the highest bidder.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Airbnb leads $58M Series C in WeRoad
AIRBNB RESTRUCTURING SERVICES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Airbnb is embedding large‑language‑model AI into every layer of its platform, from a conversational search that understands natural‑language requests to automated guest‑support workflows. In Q4 2025 the company reported that its in‑house AI now resolves roughly 30% of North‑American support tickets without human intervention, with a goal of reaching one‑third of cases globally within a year. Nearly 80% of Airbnb engineers are using AI tools daily, and former Meta AI lead Ahmad Al‑Dahle was appointed chief technology officer to accelerate the rollout. The initiative is positioned as both a user‑experience upgrade and a new revenue engine through AI‑driven promotions and ads.
Airspace Closures Across Middle East Cause Flight Cancellations After Strikes on Iran
Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, airspace across the Middle East was shut down, prompting widespread commercial flight cancellations. Major hubs—including Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, and Doha’s Hamad International—suspended operations until further notice. Gulf carriers and global...
JetBlue Checked Baggage Fees: Rates by Route, Peak Dates, And How To Avoid Paying Them
JetBlue’s checked‑bag fees vary by route, fare class, travel dates and when the bag is added, with peak‑season prices ranging from $50 to $70 for the first bag on domestic flights and $70 to $115 on trans‑Atlantic routes. Blue Plus...
Airline Birthday Freebies: Enroll to Get Bonus Miles, Award Discounts, and More
Airlines are increasingly rewarding members with birthday freebies, ranging from discount coupons to bonus miles. Programs such as AirBaltic Club, Aeroplan, and Qatar Airways offer 10%‑50% flight discounts, while carriers like Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa add up to 2,000 bonus...
Fire Breaks Out After Iranian Attack at Fairmont The Palm in Dubai
A fire erupted at Dubai's Fairmont The Palm on February 28, 2026, injuring four people but causing no confirmed fatalities. Authorities have not determined whether the blaze resulted from a direct Iranian strike or debris from intercepted missiles. The incident...
3 Numbers Every Restaurant Owner Must Know to Protect Profit
Restaurant owners must focus on three core metrics—prime cost, breakeven point, and weekly profit benchmark—to turn profit from a guessing game into a predictable outcome. Prime cost, the sum of food and labor expenses, should sit around 55% of sales...
Upgrading Your Insurance Playbook for 2026: Protecting Your Business When Costs Are Out of Your Control
Restaurant operators face rising food, labor, and utility costs, prompting many to trim insurance premiums. The article warns that focusing solely on price can create coverage gaps that jeopardize operations during claims, injuries, or closures. It advocates a smarter insurance...
The Busiest International Airport in the World Remains Indefinitely Shut Down Amidst Continuing Iranian Missile Attacks
Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest airport handling roughly 261,000 passengers daily, remains shut indefinitely as Iran’s missile and drone attacks force airspace closures across the Middle East. Emirates has halted all flights to and from Dubai with no...
Finnair Suspends Doha & Dubai Flights Through March 6, 2026
Finnair announced a temporary suspension of all flights to and from Doha and Dubai, effective February 28 through March 6, 2026, citing heightened safety concerns in the Middle East. Affected passengers will be rebooked on alternative carriers only if seats...
WestJet Drops Raleigh-Durham, Cuts 16 US Routes Amid Travel Decline
WestJet will discontinue 16 U.S. routes, cutting about 13 % of its transborder seat capacity for 2026. The airline cites a sustained decline in leisure travel demand, with Canadian departures to the United States down 12.5 % year‑over‑year in 2025. Political friction,...
IHG 25% Off New Zealand Sale For Stays Through December 31, 2026 (Book By March 24)
IHG announced a limited‑time promotion offering up to 25% off stays at its New Zealand properties through December 31, 2026. The discount applies to IHG One Rewards members and the general public for bookings made between February 24 and March 24, 2026. Two rate structures are...
El Al Israel Airlines Breaks Shabbat Tradition To Evacuate Airplanes Out of Tel Aviv As Iranian Missile Strikes Continue
El Al Israel Airlines broke its Shabbat grounding policy on Saturday to launch an emergency evacuation of its fleet from Ben Gurion Airport amid ongoing Iranian missile strikes across the region. Twelve aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and a 737...
It's Time for Banh Mi to Go National, Says This Vietnamese Sandwich Pioneer
Vietnamese sandwich pioneer Bun Mee, founded in San Francisco in 2011, operates five Bay Area locations. The brand is launching its first New York City outlet through a franchisee, marking its inaugural entry into the East Coast market. This move...
Check Flight Status Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has adviced passengers travelling to, from, or transiting to through parts of the Middle East to check their flight status directly with their respective airlines before going to the airport. The airport operator said airspace...
Malaysia Airlines Cancels Middle East Flights, Reroutes Europe Routes
Malaysia Airlines has announced that its flights to and from Doha, Jeddah and Madinah have been cancelled from 28 Feb - 1 March due to the closure of airspace in parts of the Middle East. Flights from KL to London &...
Cranky on the Web: United Only Likes You If You Have the Credit Card, Spirit in Vegas
Spirit Airlines is reportedly considering the termination of several West Coast flights to Las Vegas, a move that could include shutting its Las Vegas crew base. The airline’s shifting priorities suggest a focus away from short‑haul leisure routes. Meanwhile, United Airlines announced...
Geopolitics Turns Middle East Hotel Diversification Into Risk
Big hotel groups like the Middle East growth story. But geopolitics can turn diversification into concentrated risk overnight. Owners can insure buildings against damage, but not traveler confidence. via @skift https://t.co/hg8LnBTgHd
Major Explosions Rock Riyadh: Saudi Tourism, Air Travel & Regional Conflict Impact
Massive explosions rattled Riyadh, prompting immediate safety alerts and disrupting air traffic at King Khalid International Airport. Authorities have not confirmed causes or casualty numbers, but flights face delays and possible rerouting amid heightened regional tension. Western governments issued travel...
The Airport as a Broader Transport Hub
Airports are no longer judged solely by runway capacity or airline connections; they are now evaluated on how seamlessly they integrate with rail, metro, road and emerging modes like eVTOLs. Multimodal hubs enable passengers to book door‑to‑door journeys, as exemplified...
Holland America Line Unveils 2027/2028 South America & Antarctica Season
Holland America Line announced its 2027‑2028 South America and Antarctica cruise season, running from October 2027 through March 2028. The program features 14‑day‑plus itineraries on Nieuw Amsterdam and Zuiderdam, including a 26‑day Inca Coast voyage, a 28‑day Amazon Explorer, and a 22‑day South...
PRINCESS GRAND JAMAICA TO REOPEN MARCH 1, MARKING FULL RETURN OF PRINCESS HOTELS & RESORTS JAMAICA
Princess Grand Jamaica will reopen on March 1, 2026, restoring the full two‑resort portfolio of Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica after the February launch of Princess Senses The Mangrove. The family‑focused resort features 590 ocean‑view suites, an aquatic park, kids...
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi Drives Over 100 Million USD in Savings
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) partnered with Ivalua to overhaul its procurement function, delivering over 400 million AED (more than 100 million USD) in savings across 2024‑2025. Streamlined contract‑lifecycle management and a centralized repository cut procurement cycle times by 23 %...
Stretch Your Stay with Affordable Road Trip Adventures This Spring in North Dakota
North Dakota Tourism is promoting affordable spring road‑trip itineraries that emphasize slower travel and extended stays. The agency highlights three main corridors—the I‑94 Badlands route, the U.S. Highway 2 northern corridor, and the Enchanted Highway—each paired with budget‑friendly lodging and cultural...
FIRST LIGHT RESORTS ANNOUNCES THREE NEW REASONS TO LOVE YOSEMITE
First Light Resorts announced three visitor‑focused upgrades for Yosemite: a 2026 shift from peak‑hour reservations to real‑time traffic management, an online ticket‑purchase system that speeds entry, and new Wi‑Fi at the Big Oak Flat entrance. These changes aim to reduce...
China Shatters Tourism Records as Millions of International Travelers Descend on Iconic Cities and Hidden Paradises During Spring Festival 2025...
China’s 2025 Spring Festival set a new record for international tourism, with millions of visitors flocking to both iconic metropolises and lesser‑known regions. Streamlined visa policies, including a 240‑hour visa‑free transit, and a surge in cultural‑focused itineraries drove a 21.29%...
Sri Lanka Launches Digital Nomad Visa in 2026, Offering Remote Workers a Paradise Destination: All You Need To Know
Sri Lanka officially launched a digital nomad visa in February 2026, offering remote workers a one‑year stay that can be renewed annually for a €425 fee. Eligible applicants must earn at least €1,700 per month, with an additional €425 required...
RIU Hotels Deepens Travel Safety Commitments in the Americas
RIU Hotels & Resorts announced an expanded child‑protection programme across the United States, the Dominican Republic and Quintana Roo, Mexico. The chain has signed new agreements with PACT USA, MAIS‑ECPAT and ECPAT Mexico, elevating its status to a “Changemaker for...
This Hidden Heritage Boutique Hotel in Sighisoara Is Being Called Transylvania’s Most Magical Stay – And You’ll Want to Book...
Heritage Boutique Hotel, tucked inside Sighisoara’s UNESCO‑listed medieval citadel, is being hailed as Transylvania’s most magical stay. The 18‑room property blends restored stone walls and wooden details with modern comforts such as high‑speed Wi‑Fi, air‑conditioning and complimentary breakfast. Rates in...
Dining Trends Forecast for 2026
The 2026 dining outlook emphasizes cleaner, lighter cuisine that puts high‑quality ingredients front and center. Restaurateurs are pivoting from flashy indulgence to relationship‑driven hospitality, offering personalized service, non‑alcoholic pairings, and curated take‑out experiences. Trends such as mushroom‑centric menus, fermentation, plant‑forward...
LAST DAY: Get a 25% Bonus on HSBC Premier Credit Card Points Conversions to Avios
HSBC is offering a limited‑time 25% bonus on converting HSBC Premier credit‑card points to British Airways Avios, ending at midnight on 28 February 2026. The bonus applies only to transfers into a BA Avios account and the bonus points usually arrive instantly,...
12 Reasons Why Early Morning Flights Are Preferable
Early morning flights offer several practical advantages, including lower ticket prices and reduced airport congestion. Travelers benefit from shorter security lines, more available parking, and higher on‑time departure rates. While the schedule demands an early wake‑up and limited services, the...
TAP Air Portugal to Launch Lisbon to Orlando Service This October
TAP Air Portugal will start nonstop service between Lisbon (LIS) and Orlando (MCO) on October 29, operating three times a week. The new flight uses the airline’s Airbus A330‑900 and adds Orlando as the ninth U.S. destination in TAP’s long‑haul...
Women Travelers Find New Freedom with Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises is launching a Zero Single Supplement program on seven South Pacific itineraries, eliminating extra fees for solo travelers starting March 2026. The small‑ship m/s Paul Gauguin, refurbished with private balconies and upgraded amenities, will sail to destinations...
United Flight Attendants Haven’t Had A Raise In 5 Years—Airline Promises March Deal, But Demands Concessions
United Airlines has resumed contract talks with its flight‑attendant union in March, after a previously rejected agreement was voted down by 71% of members. The airline emphasizes it will offer the highest industry pay rates but seeks cost‑saving concessions such...
Wynn Rewards Members Can Save 30% on Sailings With a New Partner Cruise Line — Here’s How
Wynn Rewards has switched its exclusive cruise partner from Holland America to MSC Cruises, offering members up to a 30% discount on select MSC sailings. The benefit can be self‑activated online or via the Wynn app, with vouchers required by...
Scooters Coffee Reaches 900 Stores Nationwide with 83 New Locations Added in 2025 Across 32 States
Scooter’s Coffee announced it has reached 900 stores nationwide, adding 83 new locations in 2025 across 32 states. The expansion represents a 10% increase over the prior year, following a 16% growth spurt in 2024. The company attributes the growth...
Ice Dam Prevention Tips for Restaurants
Society Insurance released a guide for restaurants on preventing ice dams, a common winter hazard that can cause roof leaks, structural damage, and costly insurance claims. The advice emphasizes pre‑winter attic insulation and ventilation, regular gutter cleaning, safe snow removal,...
How a K-Shaped Economy Is Rewriting the Rules for Restaurants
Independent restaurants are feeling a K‑shaped economy where high‑spending guests continue to splurge while price‑sensitive diners cut back, creating a mismatch between busy dining rooms and shrinking profit margins. Rising labor and food costs, combined with lower check averages and...
Turkish Airlines Denies Reports of Iran Flight Cancellations Amid Regional Tensions
Turkish Airlines publicly refuted claims that it had halted all flights to Iran, confirming that daytime services remain operational. Evening departures from Istanbul to Tehran were cancelled, but the airline framed these as routine operational adjustments rather than a strategic...
Celebrating Women Who Shape Travel Advisor Success
Travel advisor platform Travelsavers highlighted two senior women executives for International Women’s Day. Chief Sales Officer Kathryn Mazza‑Burney credits crisis‑driven customer service and agency‑focused consulting for reshaping the business model. Marketing head Nicole Mazza says the pandemic taught her that...
IHG Platinum Elite: Room Upgrades, Late Checkout, Award Discounts, and More
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite offers a balanced mix of perks and accessibility, delivering a 60 % points bonus, space‑available upgrades and Milestone Rewards. Travelers can earn the tier by completing 40 nights or accumulating 60,000 qualifying points, or obtain it...
This Viral ‘Cheek Splitter 9000’ Airline Seat Looks Like A Torture Device—Is It The Future Of Passenger Misery?
Japan Airlines has permanently deactivated the aisle seat in row 15 of its domestic Boeing 737‑800s by installing a custom cushion, effectively turning the seat into a fixed bulkhead. The row, normally three‑seater, now seats only two passengers, prompting viral online attention...
This Week in Travel: Top Stories You Can’t Miss
Travel industry updates this week include Marival Group’s COO detailing how the hotel chain protected guests during the Jalisco cartel‑related unrest and confirmed that flights to western Mexico have fully resumed. TSA PreCheck will remain operational despite a partial federal...
El Pollo Loco Launches a Protein Menu
El Pollo Loco unveiled a "Protein Packed Menu" featuring 24 items priced under $15, each delivering 23 to 74 grams of protein. The lineup includes burritos, bowls, salads and a chicken side, all built around the chain’s citrus‑marinated, fire‑grilled chicken....
NRF’s Retail’s Big Show Is Driving the Next Wave of Restaurant Innovation
The National Retail Federation’s Retail’s Big Show in New York is now a proving ground for restaurant technology, showcasing AI, automation, and data‑driven loyalty tools that were once retail‑only. Sessions highlighted Dine Brands’ 34% cut in ticket‑resolution time and the...
AAHOA Shares Details of 2026 HYPE Conference
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association hosted its 2026 Helping Young Professionals Evolve (HYPE) conference in Miami, gathering emerging hospitality leaders for two days of education and networking. Sessions covered leadership, extended‑stay performance, AI‑driven operations, financing through AAHO Lending, and...
Hotel Executives Highlight Benefits of Asset-Heavy Ownership at Industry Event
Hotel executives at a recent industry forum championed asset‑heavy ownership, citing control over development, favorable debt terms, and stronger ESG execution. Whitbread, Fattal and Essendi disclosed that a majority of their portfolios are owned outright, enabling rapid market entry and...
What to Tip When Traveling—And How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off
Travelers face a complex tipping landscape as customs vary worldwide, from modest European gratuities to mandatory U.S. percentages. Google searches for travel‑tip guidance jumped 121% this year, highlighting growing anxiety. In the United States, digital payment presets push tip rates...
HVS Las Vegas Casino & Hotel Market Outlook 2026 - By Shannon S. Okada
Las Vegas’ casino and hotel market showed modest declines in 2025 visitation compared with 2024, yet resilience persisted thanks to a robust calendar of major events and sports‑driven traffic. Per‑visitor spending rose, shifting performance drivers from sheer volume to premium...
Industry Excellence Honored At AX Awards Gala
The Airport Experience (AX) Awards Gala celebrated top performers in airport concessions, hospitality, and property management, drawing more than 450 North American executives. The ceremony recognized excellence across nearly 40 categories, including best passenger service, sustainability initiatives, and DE&I leadership....