In this week’s episode of Mileage May Vary, we cover key developments in U.S. travel, from policy changes to airline and hotel updates. Discover how these stories shape the business travellers' landscape.

Key Stories:

FTC Bans Hidden Hotel Fees

Global Air Travel Booms

This week on Mileage May Vary, we’re covering the latest developments in the business travel and aviation industries. Tune in for insights into airport fees, air traffic congestion, sustainable aviation, airline tech, and mergers reshaping the global aviation landscape.

Heathrow’s Planned Fee Hike Draws Criticism

In this episode of Mileage May Vary, we explore the latest developments in corporate travel, aviation, and global air traffic. From essential updates to travel policies to new routes and airline innovations, here’s everything you need to know:

Creating Robust Corporate Travel Policies

In this episode of Mileage May Vary, we cover the latest updates shaping the travel industry—from transparency in airline revenue to cutting-edge in-flight entertainment and sustainable travel options.

Episode Highlights:

U.S. Senate Investigates Airline Seat Fees:
The U.S. Senate is scrutinizing $12.4 billion in seat selection fees collected by five major airlines over the past five years. We discuss calls for greater transparency, potential legislative changes, and what this means for passengers and airlines.

Sixt’s Bold U.S. Expansion:
German car rental giant Sixt is aiming to disrupt the U.S. market with a focus on exceptional customer service, strategic airport locations, and innovative solutions like EV adoption and streamlined rental processes.

Lufthansa’s Sustainable Travel Push:
Lufthansa Group expands its Green Fares to long-haul flights, allowing passengers to offset CO2 emissions with sustainable aviation fuel and climate projects—complete with perks like free rebooking and extra loyalty points.

Japan Joins Global Entry Program:
Japanese citizens can now benefit from expedited U.S. customs processing through the Global Entry program, boosting business and travel convenience between the two nations.

Lufthansa Trials VR In-Flight Entertainment:
Lufthansa is testing Meta Quest 3 VR headsets in its A350 business-class cabins, offering travellers an immersive entertainment experience. Could this signal the future of in-flight entertainment?

British Airways’ First-Class Overhaul:
British Airways unveils a luxurious new first-class seat design as part of its A380 retrofit, emphasizing privacy, comfort, and a state-of-the-art travel experience.

In this episode of Mileage May Vary, we dive into the latest innovations and trends shaping corporate travel and hospitality. From the transformative role of AI in travel management to exciting airline benefits and lounge openings, here’s what we’re covering this week:

- Discover how AI is streamlining tasks like data analysis, itinerary adjustments, and customer service in corporate travel.

- Learn about the benefits of chatbots, dynamic itinerary creation, and AI-driven cost reductions, along with tips for getting started with AI.

- Explore how American Airlines is using technology to simplify boarding processes, improve gate agent insights, and ensure seamless passenger experiences.

- Find out about new perks for AerClub members traveling on American Airlines and British Airways, including priority check-in, lounge access, and Avios earning opportunities.

- Flight Centre’s corporate brands are thriving despite global market stagnation, with significant account wins and international airfare growth.

- Star Alliance unveils its first branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, offering 24/7 amenities for premium and Gold status passengers.

- PwC forecasts steady U.S. hotel occupancy rates but muted demand growth due to economic challenges. Meetings and group travel, however, are on the rise.

Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!

In this episode of Mileage May Vary, we’re uncovering the ins and outs of split ticketing for UK rail travel. With rail fares on the rise, split ticketing is a handy trick to help you save on long-distance journeys, offering real benefits for frequent and occasional travellers alike. Join us as we break down how to use split tickets to your advantage, potential pitfalls, and essential tips to make the most of this cost-saving hack.

Episode Highlights:

Whether you're a regular rail commuter or planning a one-off trip, this episode will equip you with the know-how to start saving on UK rail journeys with split ticketing.

In this episode of Mileage May Vary: Layover Lowdown, we unpack the latest trends and developments shaping business travel, hospitality, and aviation. From environmental challenges to innovative airline strategies, here’s what we’re covering this week:

2. IAG’s Strong Transatlantic Performance

3. Southwest Airlines Reimagines Business Travel

4. Europe’s Summer Business Travel Slowdown

5. CBRE Revises 2024 Hotel Forecast

6. Icelandair Expands with Istanbul Service

Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!

In this week’s Mileage May Vary, we dive into what happens when an airline suddenly goes bankrupt, leaving passengers stranded mid-journey. With recent high-profile closures like Czech Airlines and Air Malta, we explore how these airline collapses impact travellers and what steps are taken to get them home safely.

Episode Highlights:

Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to be prepared, tune in to learn how to handle the worst-case scenario while traveling. Don’t miss this essential episode!

Special Offer: Ready to take your travel rewards to the next level? Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! Start optimising your business travel today.

In this week’s episode of Mileage May Vary, we explore the latest trends and updates shaping the world of corporate travel, from rising profits in aviation to the steady growth of blended travel. Join us as we dive into how these developments impact business travelers and the travel industry as a whole.

Episode Highlights:

In this episode of Mileage May Vary, we unpack some of the most compelling insights from the latest developments in corporate travel. From shifts in TMC sourcing and gender disparity in leadership roles to key moves by major airlines and hotel giants, this episode delves into what’s shaping business travel as we look toward 2024.
Episode Highlights:

A new BTN survey reveals that one-third of travel managers are prioritising technology capabilities over service when choosing a TMC. We discuss the increasing integration of tech solutions in travel programs and how companies are balancing direct sourcing with TMC-provided tools.
At the GBTA Foundation’s WinIt Conference, new data highlighted a persistent lack of women in senior travel industry roles. We explore what this means for the future of gender equality in the travel sector and the push for stronger career development initiatives for women.
American Airlines is working to regain corporate business after a failed push for direct and NDC bookings left some agencies and travellers dissatisfied. We discuss the airline's new corporate agreements, incentives, and what this means for travel managers in 2024.
Hilton’s Q3 results indicate a resurgence in business travel demand, with growth in group bookings and corporate events. We dive into how Hilton’s performance is impacted by regional trends, labour challenges, and shifts in leisure travel demand.
As global business travel spend is projected to hit $1.5 trillion in 2024, we discuss what’s driving this growth—namely, the return to face-to-face meetings, with the US and China leading the way. We also look at how blended travel and the MICE industry are contributing to this rebound.
Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!