Dennis Schaal

TripAdvisor's substantial ad spending in the fourth quarter was expected, but it doesn't appear to have triggered the gains that the hotel review site expected.

Air New Zealand's air safety video featuring Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention from admirers and critics. Whether more passengers will learn how to find the exit rows and their life preservers remains to be seen.

It would seem prudent to at least let the airlines make a decision on the wisdom of in-flight phone calls rather than unilaterally banning them. A ban could hurt airlines competitively among business travelers as some international airlines allow calls.

Blackstone had a superb 2013 with several high-profile hotel and other IPOs, but the stock markets are more dicey so far in 2014. Still, Blackstone has shown that it is a highly skilled hotel-chain owner, and this IPO will attract great interest.

There will be a lot of conscientious objectors among passengers who don't want to be bothered with networking when flying, but social media fans will love the ability to keep getting social during the flight, and other airlines will follow Virgin America's lead.

Expedia has been the most aggressive big travel band in corralling travel bloggers, and although their proselytizing can at times be clumsy, it has mostly been very effective.

Wearables, tablets or both? Which will end up providing more robust and personalized service for passengers? Either way, customer service for passengers, whether at the departure airport, onboard or at the destination, will undoubtedly undergo a revolution in the not-so-distant future.

Orbitz Worldwide gets new flexibility in who it can be friends with in the future in a series of new contracts that go into effect in 2015. And, Orbtiz Worldwide's enhanced relationships with Amadeus and Sabre mean consumers may be able to access additional ancillary services such as premium seats.

In a December interview, TripAdvisor CEO Steve Kaufer said, "Lord, I hope it works," referring to the ad campaign. It's possible that some divine or earthly intervention may be called for early this year to resurrect the campaign.

We agree with Gil Beyda, founder of Genacast Ventures, who says that managed travel is starving for innovation. Whether or not Rocketrip is ultimately successful, the startup finds itself in the right place at the right time.