Sometimes it is about the destination and getting there is the hurdle to overcome in order to march triumphantly into that ballroom to learn about the latest advances, meet your next best partner and reconnect with friends. This week we look at some of the speed bumps to traveling by car and plane and consider the jump in Bonvoy access happening around the world this year.
Smart Travel is here to provide you with the latest must-read travel and tourism news you need to get everyone where they need to be.
Global Rideshare Drivers Strike on May Day
Did you or your attendees have to wait longer than usual Thursday watching the progress bar on the Uber app to find a driver? It may have something to do with the number of times your driver has asked you how much you are paying for the ride only to find out they are receiving about a third of that amount, but responsible for all risk and costs.
In an attempt to call attention to the shrinking percentage of fares Uber and Lyft drivers receive from passenger fares, DMV Drivers Alliance called for drivers to shut off their app on International Workers Day and attend rallies to call attention to the issue and tell stories from the road.
In addition to higher pay, demands include pay transparency to let drivers know how much they are making per trip and protections against unfair account deactivations.
Read More: Dubai Gears Up for Major Travel Convention
United Cancels 35 Daily Newark Flights Due to FAA Shortcomings
After years of discussions and repeated FAA air traffic control failures and loss of staff at its Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) hub, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced this week that the airline would cancel 35 daily flights, 10% of the airlines traffic at the New Jersey airport.
“While we enthusiastically support the efforts underway to permanently and structurally fix the FAA, the long-simmering FAA challenges boiled over this week,” Kirby said in an open note to customers on Friday.
Read More: Why is Newark EWR?
Technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on failed—resulting in dozens of diverted flights, hundreds of delayed and canceled flights and thousands of customers with disrupted travel plans. Technology issues were compounded as over 20% of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job the same week.
Kirby stressed that the problems are not new. “Keep in mind, this particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, it’s now clear that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,” he said. “We feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers.”
Prepare Attendees for REAL ID Deadline on May 7
After a two-year extension, Transportation Security Administration officials said agents will be enforcing the requirement that travelers show certified REAL IDs starting Wednesday, May 7, for all adult passengers.
“The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports,” according to the statement.
TSA estimates that 81% of travelers are already using REAl ID. A growing percentage are also opting for digital identity solutions such as mobile driver’s licenses and facial recognition technology.
What to do if an attendee hasn’t been able to get the compliant card? A passport can be used as an alternative approved identification.
Marriott Acquisitions and Partnerships Expand Bonvoy’s Footprint on the Map
The news that Marriott International paid $355 million to purchase citizenM, a hip brand popular with “mobile citizens” with mobile check-in and value pricing, was one more step toward the ubiquity of Bonvoy points opportunities on every global corner.
While the brand only counted 36 hotels, including the chic Menlo Park citizenM in California shown here, they were located in 20 cities, including New York, London and Paris. The press release teased that more citizen properties are coming with the backing of the world’s largest hotel brand.
The telling number was not the price tag, but the fact that “Marriott now expects full year 2025 net rooms growth to approach 5 percent.” When you consider that about 1.7 million hotel rooms fly some Marriott flag, a 5% increase is huge.
That could also mean a corresponding increase in the number of people at younger ages logging Bonvoy loyalty points, even at non-Marriott properties. The same week, Marriott announced that the existing loyalty partnership with MGM Resorts International would be expanded to reward event planners and attendees with points and Elite Night Credits.
