In the Air Today: Airline News
Planners, here's some airline news that may impact your clients' meeting and incentive journeys in the coming year.
Atlantis The Royal Maldives to Open in 2029
Atlantis The Royal Maldives, with two distinct islands, promises to be a stunning incentive destination.
GBTA Foundation Honored for Advancing Sustainable Procurement
The GBTA Foundation has been awarded the SPLC's 2025 Leadership Award in the Public Interest Advocate category for its sustainability work.
Turkish Airlines & Samsung Launch SmartTag Baggage Service
Beyond Apple AirTags: Turkish Airlines is the first to use Samsung SmartTag baggage tracking, offering cross-platform compatibility.
TSA Sets $45 Penalty for Non-REAL ID Travelers Beginning Feb. 1
TSA has announced that air travelers not carrying a REAL ID will be charged $45 starting in February of 2026.
Hyatt Regency Austin’s Top to Toe Redo
A property-wide transformation of the Hyatt Regency Austin includes abundant meeting space.
No ETA, No Travel: UK Enforcing Rule in 2026
No permission, no travel: that's the bottom line for going to the UK next year.
Thanksgiving Air Travel: Good News & Bad News
There's good news and bad news about holiday travel following the government shutdown, depending on who you ask.
6 Big-Picture Meeting Trends
Venue and hospitality professionals weigh in on accessibility, international attendance, shifts in meeting formats and other big-picture meeting trends.
RIU Hotels: Jamaica Reopenings by Year’s End
Following the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on Oct. 28, Jamaica's Riu properties have either reopened or are about to.
Allegiant Pilots Demand More Pay, Better Schedules
With a strike looming, Allegiant Air pilots picketed earlier this week, demanding commensurate pay and better scheduling.
Trump Kills Consumer Flight Delay Compensation Plan
First proposed in September, Trump has followed through in denying passenger compensation for preventable airline delays.
Brand USA Funding to Be Restored
The VISIT USA Act restores funding to Brand USA—the U.S. destination marketing org.—as the nation prepares for upcoming global events.
Airline Group to Petition Senate to Protect Controller Pay
The trade group Airlines for America will address a Senate aviation subcommittee on Wednesday about permanently protecting controller pay.
