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
Amazon Prime Member? Here’s How To Get a Free Grubhub+ Membership
Amazon Prime members automatically qualify for a complimentary Grubhub+ subscription, which offers $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees, and a 5% credit on pickup orders. The benefit activates by linking the Prime account to Grubhub and remains active as long as the Prime membership is maintained. Canceling Prime immediately ends the Grubhub+ perks, though re‑joining restores them at no cost. The article also highlights related savings through Amex Gold and UK Prime’s Deliveroo Plus Silver offer.
LG Electronics USA Recognized for High Sustainability Performance by MindClick
LG Electronics USA has been awarded Leader-level recognition in the MindClick Sustainability Assessment Program for its hospitality TVs, digital signage, and commercial monitors. The evaluation highlighted top scores in guest health and responsible supply chain, making LG the only commercial...
Accor Points Expiry: When Do Accor Points Expire and How To Keep Them Active
Accor ALL points remain valid for 12 months from the last credit, resetting each time new points are earned. If no activity occurs within a 365‑day window, the balance expires. Members can extend validity through a variety of earn methods,...
Milan Malpensa (MXP) Runway Closure March 16 – May 9, 2026
Milan Malpensa Airport will close runway 35L/17R from March 16 to May 9, 2026 for full repaving, taxiway refurbishment, and LED lighting upgrades. During this period MXP will operate on a single runway, sharply reducing its handling capacity. The airport has arranged...
Reader Question: Daily Credit at Hilton Hotels?
Hilton’s daily food‑and‑beverage credit for Gold and Diamond members operates on a calendar‑day cycle, resetting at midnight rather than a 24‑hour window. Unused credit rolls over only to the checkout day, after which any remaining balance expires. The policy is...
Tour Operator Sets Aside $72m for Lodges Expansion
SafariCo Group is allocating $72 million to expand and refurbish its Tanzanian lodges, backed by a $50 million International Finance Corporation loan. The plan adds 184 rooms, pushing the portfolio beyond 1,000 keys across the Elewana, Explorer and Sopa brands. Tanzania’s tourism...
Emirates Takes a Pioneering Step Toward “Autism-Friendly” Travel in Istanbul
Emirates, the world’s first Autism‑Certified Airline, launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme at Istanbul Airport, allowing autistic children and families to experience a full flight journey in a supportive setting. The initiative is part of a broader rollout across 17 airports,...
Meliá Recognized in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the Ninth Consecutive Year
Meliá Hotels International has been listed for the ninth straight year in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026, placing it in the top 10% of the Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines sector. The company earned a 77‑point score, ranking first...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury & Lifestyle Footprint in Egypt
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with JADEER GROUP to develop a 140‑key Hotel Indigo in Cairo’s New Administrative Capital, slated for opening in 2033. The property will join IHG’s growing portfolio in Egypt, which already includes...
IHG Signs Holiday Inn Express Cockburn, Strengthening Western Australia Pipeline
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement for a 170‑key Holiday Inn Express in Cockburn, Western Australia, slated to open later this year. The hotel will be part of a mixed‑use development that includes a residential tower and sits near...
Stranded Overnight: Lufthansa Passengers Not Allowed To Deplane A320neo After Airport Closes
On February 19, 2026, Lufthansa flight LH2446 from Munich to Copenhagen was delayed, then cancelled shortly before midnight. With the aircraft still on the ramp, Munich Airport’s 12 a.m. curfew forced the terminal to lock down, and all apron‑bus drivers were...
ALL Accor Meeting Planner Double Points North & Central America Through June 30, 2026
Accor has extended its Meeting Planner double‑point promotion for North and Central America through June 30 2026. ALL members can earn two reward points per two euros spent for up to three qualifying events booked by May 31 2026. The offer applies to events...
Why the Proposed Tawau Tourism Jetty Is the Next Big Move for Sabah Travel
Local leaders and the Tawau Tourism Association have submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Environment for a dedicated tourist jetty in Tawau. The jetty is positioned as a maritime gateway that would convert the district...
Kufri Winter Wonderland: A Tourist Hotspot Reviving the Local Himachal Economy
Kufri’s 2025‑2026 winter season delivered an unexpected snowfall surge, with three to four feet of snow covering the hills for the first time in five years. The heavy snow attracted between 300,000 and 500,000 visitors between December and February, reviving...
Is It Worth Joining Point A Hotels ‘A List’ Programme?
Point A Hotels operates a small chain of 11 city‑center properties across the UK and Ireland, targeting budget‑conscious travelers with well‑equipped micro‑rooms priced from £50‑£60 per night. Its free ‘A List’ programme replaces traditional points‑based loyalty with a flat 10%...
Traveling This Weekend? Here’s What to Know About the Snowstorm.
A major winter storm is set to hit the Northeast on Sunday and Monday, bringing blizzard‑like conditions and widespread travel disruptions. Major airports from Boston to Washington, D.C., including JFK, LaGuardia, Logan, Dulles, and Reagan, have warned of significant delays....
Lufthansa Traps Passengers On Plane All Night After Flight Cancels, Airport Closes
Lufthansa flight LH2446 from Munich to Copenhagen was delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving passengers aboard the Airbus A320neo after the aircraft was parked at a remote stand. With Munich Airport’s midnight curfew in effect, no ground staff or buses were...
THE NON-HOTEL ACCOMMODATION SECTOR IN MAURITIUS IS RISING RAPIDLY
Tourism in Mauritius hit a record 1.44 million arrivals in 2025, generating Rs 103.4 billion in receipts. While hotel guests spend more per night, the non‑hotel accommodation segment—seasonal rentals, villas and apartments—offers longer stays, averaging 15 nights and a higher economic multiplier. Occupancy...
THE FASTEST-GROWING TOURISM DESTINATIONS REVEALED
Emerging markets in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Egypt led 2025’s fastest tourism growth, with global arrivals hitting 1.52 billion, a 4 % rise. Brazil saw a 37 % surge to 9.3 million visitors, driven by new air routes and Embratur marketing. Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum...
CROATIA PLANS TO LIMIT THE EXCESS OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Croatia is tightening rules on short‑term rentals in Dubrovnik to curb overtourism and protect housing affordability. Amendments to the 2025 Hospitality Law now require registration, higher taxes and neighbour consent, prompting thousands of owners to shift toward long‑term leases. Parallel...
Why It’s Time to Switch to Red Gold Barbecue Sauce
The episode highlights how barbecue sauce has become a pivotal menu driver for independent restaurants, now appearing on everything from burgers to flatbreads. It explains that health‑conscious diners are demanding lower sodium and no high‑fructose corn syrup, making sauce composition...
Hmm… How I’m Playing the Choice Privileges Program Update
Choice Privileges announced a January 2026 update that lets co‑branded credit‑card spend count toward elite qualification, introducing Elite Qualifying Credits (EQCs). The new Titanium tier requires 110 k EQCs, which can be earned with $22 k of spend in the 5× bonus categories....
Delta’s $1.3 Billion Profit Sharing Day Was So Big Even IT Had DJs—Inside The Culture Keeping Employees Flying High
Delta Air Lines paid $1.3 billion in profit‑sharing bonuses on February 13, representing 8.9 % of employee salaries – roughly a month’s pay. The payout exceeds the combined profit‑sharing amounts of all other U.S. airlines and marks the ninth year since 2014 the...
Florida Tourism Hits Record Highs Despite Drop in Some Foreign Visitors
Florida’s tourism industry posted a record 140 million visitors last year, the highest ever, driven largely by domestic travelers. While overall arrivals surged, Canadian and some European visitor numbers fell amid political tensions and economic pressures. The state responded by adjusting...
Southwest Priority Credit Card Review: Earn 4X Points, Free Bag, Free Seats, Priority Boarding, And More
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card carries a $229 annual fee but offers a hefty welcome package that includes a Companion Pass through Feb 2027 and 40,000 bonus points after $5,000 spend. Cardholders earn 4X points on Southwest purchases, 2X at gas stations...
How to Move Avios Points Between British Airways, Qatar, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Finnair and Loganair (Video)
Frequent Miler explains how to move Avios points among British Airways, Qatar, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Finnair and Loganair. The guide walks users through signing up for each program, ensuring identical profile details, and using the “Move Avios” tool on Avios.com. Transfers...
$5.2 Million NYC Restitution Deal Signals Tougher Oversight of Delivery Platforms
New York City officials announced a $5.2 million settlement with Uber Eats, Fantuan, and HungryPanda for violating the city’s Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers, compensating over 49,000 workers and requiring Uber to reinstate up to 10,000 deactivated couriers. Mayor Zohran Mamdani...
Frontier Airlines Largely Abandons New York John F Kennedy International Airport
Frontier Airlines is cutting nine of its ten routes that serve New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, leaving only a daily flight to Atlanta. The eliminated city pairs include Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Juan and Tampa, with cancellations...
Reader Question: No Lounge Access Before Midnight on Cathay Itinerary With an Overnight Connection @ HKG?
A LoyaltyLobby reader with Oneworld Emerald status was denied entry to Cathay Pacific’s Pier First Class and Wing lounges in Hong Kong at 22:00 during an overnight connection, despite a single‑ticket itinerary. Cathay’s customer service cited lounge operating hours (05:30‑~03:00)...
The Secret Side of Mozambique: Why Everyone Is Suddenly Talking About Nampula
Mozambique’s Nampula Province is emerging as a strategic tourism hub, leveraging its location along the northern development corridor and proximity to the deep‑water Nacala port. A World Bank‑financed masterplan is converting the Mossuril district into a high‑end resort destination, while...
Santorini Targets Overweight Tourists With Donkey Weight Limit
Greek authorities enforce a 100 kg weight limit on donkeys, horses, and mules used for tourist transport in Santorini. The rule, part of 2018 animal‑welfare legislation, aims to prevent spinal injuries and exhaustion caused by overloaded animals. Enforcement has been uneven,...
American Airlines Expands Digital Self-Service for Baggage to Streamline the Airport Journey
American Airlines is rolling out digital self‑service options for checked baggage across its website, mobile app, and airport kiosks. Customers can now prepay for up to three bags at booking, make same‑day changes without agent assistance, and receive automatic refunds...
Lufthansa Elevates Short-Haul Comfort with A320 Cabin Modernisation Programme
Lufthansa is retrofitting 38 Airbus A320s with Geven ergonomic seats, larger overhead bins and dual USB‑A/USB‑C ports, bringing short‑haul cabins in line with its long‑haul product standards. The new bins are 40% larger, allowing vertical luggage stowage and faster boarding....
EL AL Leaves 140 Suitcases Behind At LAX Over “Free Palestine” Stickers
On February 16, 2026, EL Al flight LY6 from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv was delayed after airport staff discovered "Free Palestine" stickers on 140 checked suitcases. The airline deemed each bag a security risk, requiring individual explosive screening, which extended...
Eye on Travel — Park Hyatt Cabo Del Sol — February 21, 2026
In this episode of Eye on Travel, host Peter Greenberg reports from the new Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol, covering fresh airline routes, emerging travel scams, and the TSA’s unpaid staffing situation, plus an investigation into the legality of the...
United Airlines Strengthens Loyalty Proposition with Accelerated Miles and Exclusive Polaris Saver Access
United Airlines announced a suite of new MileagePlus cardholder perks designed to accelerate mileage earnings, lower award‑ticket costs, and unlock exclusive Polaris Saver inventory. Starting 2 April 2026, primary cardholders will earn up to double the miles on United flights and receive...
GOL Partners with Anuvu to Redefine Inflight Entertainment Experience with Premium Content
Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas has appointed Anuvu as its new inflight entertainment partner, aiming to digitize and upgrade its content offering. The partnership brings premium libraries including HBO Max and Formula 1, while promising seamless technical integration with zero service...
Nashville International Airport Partners with The Boring Company to Launch Zero-Emission Music City Loop
Nashville International Airport (BNA) has partnered with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to build the Music City Loop, a zero‑emission underground high‑speed transit system linking the airport with downtown and key transit hubs. The all‑electric loop is designed to accommodate...
Melbourne Airport Deploys Veovo Intelligent Airport Platform to Enhance CX and Operational Efficiency
Melbourne Airport has rolled out the Veovo Intelligent Airport Platform, a web‑based system that unifies flight, resource and operational data into a single source of truth. The platform leverages management‑by‑exception alerts and continuous integration to improve real‑time coordination among operations...
Marriott Bonvoy® Rewards Program Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty arm of the world’s largest hotel chain, spans more than 9,300 properties across 144 countries. The program features six elite tiers, offering bonus points, late‑checkout guarantees and exclusive upgrades, while a suite of co‑branded credit cards...
Florida Lawmakers Vote To Rename Palm Beach International Airport After Donald Trump
Florida lawmakers approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald J. Trump, pending Governor Ron DeSantis' signature and FAA approval. The change could take effect as early as July 2026, making it the first major U.S. airport...
Ryanair Passenger Says Gate Agent Threatened to Boot Him From Flight Because He Complained About Pro-Hamas Pin Badge
A Ryanair passenger claimed a gate agent at Stansted Airport threatened to remove him from a flight after he objected to the employee’s pro‑Hamas pin badge. The passenger posted the encounter on X, where it quickly went viral and drew...
FAA Slammed in New Report That Found It Relied Upon ‘Virtual’ Inspections During United Airlines Safety Probe
A U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General report criticizes the FAA for using virtual inspections to oversee United Airlines’ maintenance during a 2024 safety probe. The audit found the FAA’s Certificate Management Office was severely understaffed, with 33% of positions...
Minor Hotels Elevates Italy’s UNESCO Designated Culinary Heritage
Minor Hotels is promoting Italy’s UNESCO‑listed culinary heritage through a curated series of high‑end restaurants across its Italian properties. Each venue, from Venice’s Da Lorenzo to the Amalfi Coast’s Dei Cappuccini, is led by Michelin‑starred chefs who reinterpret regional traditions...
From Corporate Iftars to Deep Discounts, Ramadan Reshapes Dubai Business
Ramadan slows Dubai’s relentless pace, trimming private‑sector workdays by two hours and compressing school schedules. Evening becomes the new business hub as hotels and convention halls host corporate iftars and late‑night suhoor gatherings that double as networking platforms for Muslims...
Undervalued Malaysian Hospitality Stock Sees 35x Profit Surge
Is this the most undervalued hospitality play in Malaysia right now? 🇲🇾 While everyone is chasing speculative tech, a "quiet" company just reported a 35-fold quarterly profit jump. This isn't just growth—it’s a total operational takeover. 🧵 (1/5)
Volcano‑view Suites with Private Hot Tub and Natural Springs
My stay at the Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa this week is up there 🤩 Located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica with prime volcano views, a hot tub in the room, naturally sourced thermal hot springs and 8 soaking pools.
Gategroup Elevates Lufthansa Long-Haul Dining with FOX Collaboration
Lufthansa has teamed with catering giant gategroup to roll out the Future Onboard Experience (FOX) across its long‑haul fleet, marking a major upgrade to in‑flight dining for all cabin classes. The program, launched as part of Lufthansa’s 100‑year anniversary, introduces...
GWR’s Bizarre IT Upgrade on Tuesday Will Wipe Out Your Future E-Tickets!
Great Western Railway (GWR) is rolling out a new mobile app on Tuesday, requiring all users to reset passwords and, crucially, to retrieve or export their existing e‑ticket data before Monday night. Bookings for travel on or after 24 February...
Servair Sends Culinary Creations by Anne-Sophie Pic to Space
Servair is sending a curated menu created by Michelin‑starred chef Anne‑Sophie Pic to the International Space Station for astronaut Sophie Adenot’s first long‑term mission. Over a year of R&D, the team adapted gourmet recipes to meet the constraints of microgravity,...