Articles tagged “covid-19”

August is normally a bumper month for destinations in the northern hemisphere. The fact that the Skift Recovery Index remained flat indicates that seasonality is still in play even today, and that travel volumes have indeed increased over the past month, but we can’t yet speak of a full recovery.

Not long ago, many U.S. airlines were focused on business travelers. They often neglected the leisure traveler. But Covid-19 changed everything.

Supported by a WTTC Safe Travel Stamp, Costa Rica’s borders have slowly re-opened to international tourism. We chat to hotel operators on the ground about the fresh protocols, and the path to recovery.

In a pandemic, with few people flying, you might think it would be bad business to fly empty airplanes to squat on airport slots. But if that's what is required for airlines to keep access to key airports, they'll probably do it.

In the near future, airlines expect fewer business travelers will fly. That means they need to attract people going on vacation. And a lot of those consumers do not like change fees.

For low-cost-carriers, loyalty programs often have been an afterthought. That's why Spirit's isn't worth much, compared to legacy carrier schemes.

Because these are airlines, consumers will want to know: What's the catch. But there probably isn't one. Times are tough in the airline industry, and this is as good a time as any to end unpopular fees.

In normal times, giant global network airlines don't cancel many flights for low load factors. They don't want to annoy high-value passengers, and they might need the airplane or crew at the next destination anyways. But United is now watching every penny.

JSX might be an option for people who want to fly but don't feel comfortable flying through a big airport terminal.

Airlines are using all the leverage they have to persuade Congress to extend their bailout. Congress will probably bite. But is that the right move?