Europe Grapples With Extreme Heat
Skift Take
Key Points
- European destinations are struggling with extreme heat, resulting in tourist fatalities and insufficient preparedness.
- There has been a significant increase in Asian tourists traveling to Germany for Euro 2024, facilitated by more direct flights from China.
- JetBlue's new baggage policy aligns it with other major airlines, leaving United Airlines as the only major carrier charging Basic Economy passengers for carry-on bags.
Summary
European destinations are grappling with extreme heat, leading to tourist fatalities and highlighting insufficient preparedness among governments. Meanwhile, there is a surge in Asian tourists traveling to Germany for Euro 2024, spurred by increased direct flights from China. Additionally, JetBlue is making a notable change to its baggage policy, allowing all passengers to bring a carry-on bag for free, which leaves United Airlines as the only major carrier still charging Basic Economy passengers for carry-ons.
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Episode Notes
Destinations across Europe are grappling with extreme heat, with soaring temperatures contributing to the deaths of five tourists in Greece. Authorities on the continent are struggling to develop strategies to combat the heat, writes Travel Experiences Reporter Jesse Chase-Lubitz.
Chase-Lubitz notes policy experts in the European Union believe governments are unprepared for the heat despite having access to information about possible heatwaves. European Climate Pact Ambassador Cinzia de Marzo said countries are responding to emergencies instead of putting plans in place to deal with extreme heat.
The World Meteorological Organization released data recently showing that five of the most severe heat waves since 1950 took place in just the past three years.
Next, a large number of Asian sports fans have traveled to Europe for the Euro 2024, the continent’s soccer championships, reports Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia.
Online travel company Trip.com Group reported a 125% increase in bookings to Germany from Asian tourists. Bookings from Chinese tourists have registered the largest jump — 132%. A Trip.com executive cited a growing Asian middle class with disposable income as one reason Asian fans are interested in traveling to Germany for the tournament.
In addition, flying to Germany has gotten easier for Chinese travelers, in particular. The number of direct flights from China to Germany has increased by 70% compared to last year.
Finally, JetBlue is making a big change to its baggage policy. From September, the airline will allow all passengers — even those on its most restrictive ‘Blue Basic’ fare — to bring a carry-on bag for no extra charge. Airlines editor Gordon Smith gets into the impact.
The policy change brings JetBlue in line with most of its peers. American, Delta, Southwest, and Alaska all allow ‘free’ carry-on bags, plus a smaller underseat personal item, across all fare categories.
The move leaves United Airlines as the only major U.S. network carrier to charge its Basic Economy passengers for a carry-on.
Come September, United will find itself squeezed on two fronts. Along with all of its more upscale counterparts offering complimentary carry-ons as standard, even ‘ultra-low-cost airlines’ are making big customer service improvements.
Producer/Presenter: Jane Alexander
Photo Credit: Tourists around Paris’ Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre. Skift
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