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News Roundup
This is a roundup of news and other interesting pieces that I’ve come across over the last few days. There’s a website selling airlines status, travel warning for Ubers in Cancun, new Hyatt hotel in Pakistan, use Aeroplan points for Emirates first class, JFK’s new solar rooftop, and Southwest’s costly mess.
Website Selling Airline Elite Status
The website airlinestatus.com claims to be selling airline elite status. The website is selling elite status with American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and United MileagePlus. Is it legit?
State Department Issues Warning for Travelers Taking Ubers in Cancún
Travelers to some popular Mexican tourist destinations should be cautious when hailing rides from apps due to conflicts between taxi and Uber Technologies Inc. drivers, the U.S. government warned this week.
On Monday, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a security advisory warning of disputes between drivers for ride-hailing apps and local taxi unions, which have in some cases turned violent. The alert is for the state of Quintana Roo, home to popular resort destinations including Cancún, the Riviera Maya and Tulum.
Hyatt Announces Plans for Hyatt Regency Lahore DHA
Hyatt today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with FP Global (Private) Limited for Hyatt Regency Lahore DHA, which will mark the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Pakistan and a significant step forward in Hyatt’s plans to expand its brand portfolio in Southwest Asia.
Currently under renovation, the 94-guestroom property will feature a range of exquisite dining options with six food and beverage outlets including all-day dining venues, two specialty restaurants, a lobby lounge, the Regency Club, and The Market, the cafe-style option where guests can grab a snack anytime. Thoughtful amenities like separate male and female fitness centers and swimming pools will help guests rejuvenate and stay on track with their health schedules; while approximately 8,600 square feet (800 square meters) of flexible events and meeting space, including a ballroom, will make the hotel the go-to venue for any occasion.
You can now use Aeroplan points for Emirates first class, but it isn’t cheap
Last month, Air Canada Aeroplan made waves when it expanded its partnership with Emirates. As part of the partnership, Air Canada announced that its Aeroplan members would soon be able to redeem Aeroplan points for Emirates first class, arguably the most luxurious product in the skies. These redemptions officially launch today, just over a month after the partnership initially launched with economy and business-class awards.
JFK’s New Terminal One to host New York City’s largest rooftop solar array
Source: AlphaStruxure
The largest rooftop solar array in New York City and on any U.S. airport terminal will illuminate John F. Kennedy International Airport’s future New Terminal One in just a few years, the firms behind the project announced on Thursday.
The massive photovoltaic system — of more than 13,000 solar panels — will help power an independent microgrid poised to transform the terminal “into the first fully resilient airport transit hub in the New York region,” according to the companies behind the project.
Southwest Says Holiday Meltdown Will Cost It More Than $1 Billion
Southwest Airlines said Thursday that its holiday meltdown last month would cost it more than $1 billion, including lost revenue from the canceled flights and refunds and reimbursements to passengers. The debacle also led some customers to cancel trips.
The breakdown over Christmas, which affected an estimated two million passengers, contributed to a $220 million loss in the final three months of last year despite the generally strong demand for air travel, Southwest said. The airline reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $6.2 billion and record revenue for the year. It reported an annual profit of $539 million.
Guru’s Wrap-up
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