The DOT is considering new rules to regulate in-flight phone calls using an airplane's WiFi system. Delta Air LinesSkift Take: The DOT doesn't have as much regulatory power as other government agencies, so it's doing what it can to try to protect consumers. At the least, if an airline permits voice calls, it will have to tell consumers what it's doing — before they buy a ticket. — Brian SumersShould U.S.

Norwegian Air, which relies on the Boeing 787 for long-haul flights, will continue to offer low fares on trans-Atlantic flights. Norwegian AirSkift Take: It's nice that the DOT finally got around to approving Norwegian's Irish unit to fly to the United States. But this is not as big of a game-changer as some have suggested. Norwegian was going to grow in the United States and offer low fares on trans-Atlantic flights, regardless of whether this happened.

Yurts in the Andes Mountains, provided by Black Tomato's Blink. These pop-up "hotels" come with their own staff and can be commissioned by travelers with deep pockets. Black Tomato Skift Take: Is this the next level of personalization when it comes to hotels? Possibly, but more importantly: Can Black Tomato afford to do this for very long? — Deanna TingFor your next vacation, forget about taking inspiration from Instagram.

United is considering altering its order for new Airbus A350-1000s. It may prefer smaller widebody aircraft, the carrier's CFO said. AirbusSkift Take: Remember all those aircraft orders United placed over the past few years? Well, United has new leadership now, and the new team is reevaluating many of the deals. The one major exception? The Boeing 777-300ER. They will start arriving next year, on schedule. — Brian SumersUnited Continental Holdings Inc. is weighing whether to alter a $12.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y. in his office earlier this month. His latest travel consumer mini-crusade is against United's new Basic Economy Fares. Alex Brandon / Associated PressSkift Take: Sen. Schumer is one of the most outspoken travel consumer advocates on issues he never really understands. Luckily, he never shows much interest once the cameras stop rolling. — Jason ClampetU.S. Sen.

Visitors to Yellowstone snap a photo. Yellowstone National Park has seen incredible visitor numbers over the past few years. Deanna Ting / SkiftSkift Take: Overtourism is a very real challenge, especially for Yellowstone National Park, arguably one of the most popular national parks in the entire U.S. — Deanna TingThe superintendent of Yellowstone National Park expects visitor numbers to continue to grow, but he says he’s ready for the challenge.

Airbnb's newest product, Experiences, is just one part of the company's larger ambitions to become a 'super-brand of travel.' AirbnbSkift Take: If you want a deeper dive into Airbnb's larger strategy and vision, given the company's big product launch earlier this month, read on. — Deanna TingWhen Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced on Nov. 17 at the Airbnb Open in Los Angeles, that Airbnb would be entering the tours and activities market, we here at Skift, weren’t surprised at all.

Shibuya Crossing in downtown Tokyo. Toomore Chiang / FlickrSkift Take: As a rule we shy away from holiday travel, but Tokyo in winter is something we can get behind. — Colin NagyIf you haven’t booked something for the holiday break yet, here’s a provocative idea.

The new United Airlines Polaris Seat, which it introduced in late 2016. Upgrades to U.S. carriers' business classes are fewer these days. United AirlinesSkift Take: It's been a rough year for heavy business travelers as airlines slowly shifted towards revenue-centric products and loyalty programs. Five illustrations of this trend show how just how dramatically the landscape is shifting. — Grant Martin2016 was a banner year for disruptive changes to airline loyalty programs.

Ctrip CEO Jane Sun says the company's priority is domestic China but her international experience, including in Silicon Valley, will be put to use as it expands in Asia, Europe and English-speaking countries. CtripSkift Take: In its short history, Skift has talked about the balance of power in travel heading East, whether it is the influence of Chinese travelers, the rise of Ctrip and Alibaba, or the emergence of the Gulf carriers with their luxury long-haul flights.