This article may contain paid links where we make a small commission for purchases you make from links that you click from this article. For more details, read the disclosure page.Barcelona is one of the top destinations worldwide. Catalunya’s capital city has a vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Europe. Besides its distinctive character, there are at least 10 reasons to visit Barcelona. With … [Read more...]
Etihad COO Mohammed Al Bulooki Steps Down
Skift Take Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves sent an internal memo to staff late Thursday. Josh Corder Etihad Airways chief operating officer Mohammed Al Bulooki has stepped down from his role, confirms an internal document seen by Skift. The internal memo was signed by Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves and shared with staff Thursday evening. John Wright will serve as … [Read more...]
Which Hotel Free Night Certificate Is the Most Powerful?
Each of the three main hotel loyalty programs – Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt – have their own version of a free night award certificate, which go by different names. While free night certificates are not technically free since each one comes with an acquisition cost, they remain one of the most valuable benefits offered by hotel loyalty programs through co-branded credit card … [Read more...]
Luxury travel gifts and accessories for your next trip – UK & Europe edition
Spring is in the air and with it comes our latest round-up of travel gear and accessories! Wherever your travels may be taking you next, we hope these guides continue to provide you with a dose of inspiration to make your next trip that little bit more convenient or enjoyable. From innovative tech solutions such as translator earbuds (how cool are they?!) and some great luggage pieces, to items … [Read more...]
First look: Tulum’s new airport finally welcomes US flights — and it’s no Cancun
There's a new airport option for U.S. travelers hoping to make the trek to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula — one that doesn't involve the packed terminals and dense crowds of Cancun.On Thursday, Tulum's brand new Felipe Carrillo International Airport (TQO) welcomed the first flights from U.S. airlines. It was an occasion marked by music, dancing and decor on both sides of the border.Previous slideNext … [Read more...]
27 airlines that allow families to pool miles
Frequent flyer programs were historically designed so that the person who is sitting in an airplane seat on an eligible paid ticket would be the one who earns the miles toward elite status and that next sweet award ticket redemption.But the origins of frequent flyer programs are now 40 years behind us, and the way people travel has changed. Families are able to fly much more frequently together … [Read more...]
Starlux debuts Seattle flights, its third US destination
Taiwan's self-proclaimed "luxury" airline will touch down in its third U.S. gateway later this year.Starlux Airlines will commence flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from its hub at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) on a thrice-weekly basis beginning Aug. 16.The Taipei-based carrier will deploy an Airbus A350-900, which features four first-class suites, 26 … [Read more...]
Cheap round-trip flights to New York starting at $399 for business class and $137 for economy
Looking to make a trip to the Big Apple? Of course you are. New York is one of the most iconic cities in the U.S. — and for good reason. From its awe-inspiring landmarks to its world-class hotels and trendsetting dining scene, the city that never sleeps has plenty to offer.Here's a roundup of some of the best flight deals to New York (originally shared by Going, a paid membership program with both … [Read more...]
U.S. Ambassador Garcetti Wants More Americans Traveling to India: Full Video
The first time that Eric Garcetti stayed at the U.S. Embassy in India was during his college years. A friend’s father had been appointed the U.S. Ambassador, and Garcetti was invited to join on a trip. He had no idea that the embassy would become his home years later. Garcetti, who was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to India in 2023, shared that story and more during a conversation with Skift … [Read more...]
United adds wheelchair accommodation filter to its flight search results
United Airlines began rolling out a new tool Thursday aimed at making travel easier for passengers who rely on wheelchairs for mobility.The airline introduced a new filter on its search results page that allows passengers to enter their wheelchair's specifications, and prioritize flights on aircraft that can accommodate that particular mobility device.Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for … [Read more...]
There’s a new option for a river cruise through Portugal’s wine country
Avalon Waterways is the latest river cruise line to launch sailings on the Douro.The Denver-based brand on Thursday unveiled its first vessel on the vineyard-lined river in Portugal, which has been one of river cruising's fastest-growing destinations in recent years.Dubbed Avalon Alegria, the 102-passenger ship will sail seven-night voyages on the Douro out of Porto, Portugal, starting next … [Read more...]
Crystal, cocktails and a chic crowd: My stay at the Baccarat Hotel New York
"The limit does not exist," Cady Heron of the North Shore Mathletes famously said in the 2004 smash hit movie "Mean Girls."In that scene, Lindsay Lohan's character might have been solving a complex math problem — but the answer also seems to apply to New York City's luxury hotel scene, where the buildings keep getting taller, the rates more expensive, the amenities more opulent, the guests more … [Read more...]
Air India CEO on the 180-Degree Transformation — Full Video
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is undertaking a massive project: completely overhauling India’s newly privatized 92-year-old flag carrier after decades of underinvestment by the Indian government. The average age of an Air India employee was 54 years old. The airline had such a dated email system that its employees started using Gmail. But that’s the old Air India, according to Wilson. Wilson, … [Read more...]
Major Changes to the Amex US Hilton Honors Business Card
Last fall, Amex US implemented significant changes to the Hilton Honors Surpass Card and Hilton Honors Aspire Card. At the time, the Hilton Honors Card and the Hilton Honors Business Card were spared from any amendments. However, Amex US has made some major changes to the Hilton Honors Business Card, including a large increase to the annual fee, as well as the addition of new benefits and … [Read more...]
How to avoid overpaying for a travel visa on an airline website
Jay Raman says booking his family's recent flight to Auckland, New Zealand, on Delta Air Lines was a snap. He was particularly impressed by how easy it was to apply for the required New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority visas directly through a portal on the airline's website.That portal took Raman from the Delta website to Sherpa, a third-party travel visa processor. After entering the details … [Read more...]
Book now: Fly to Puerto Rico from the Pacific Northwest from $311 round-trip
Puerto Rico is an island full of rich culture, vibrant nightlife and delicious food. Throw in the wonderful beaches, the fact that Americans can travel there without a passport and the fact that it's not far from the mainland, and it's easy to understand why it's such a popular destination. Now American Airlines and United Airlines are making it even more enticing with a sale on flights from the … [Read more...]
The best ways to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan
The yearslong, $8 billion makeover at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is paying off. Once much maligned, LaGuardia is now winning awards for its upgraded facilities and services.Just about every area of the airport has been improved, including the pathways to the parking garages. If you use ride-hailing services, you have to walk a bit to get to the Terminal B garage, but the walk is all indoors and quite … [Read more...]
Italy deal alert: Enjoy Rome with nonstop flights from NYC for as low as $189
There is never a bad time to visit Rome. From the iconic sites to the incredible food, the city is always a fantastic place to visit any time of year.However, spring is truly a special time in the Italian capital. The shoulder season tends to have moderate temperatures, and there are fewer eager crowds than there are in summer.This new fare sale offers great flight prices to Rome during this ideal … [Read more...]
Oberoi Group CEO Vikram Oberoi on India’s Future in Hospitality – Full Video
Skift Take The Oberoi Group understands its position among competitors and strives to differentiate itself through quality. The future of India's hotels and economy relies largely on a shared mission to empower the country's workforce and travelers. Elizabeth Casolo, Skift Vikram Oberoi, CEO and managing director of the Oberoi Group, knows luxury inside and out. … [Read more...]
Budget carrier Avelo gives Florida’s tiny Lakeland airport its first commercial airline service in 12 years
A Central Florida airport within a short drive of Orlando and Tampa is getting commercial air service for the first time in more than a decade.Ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines on Wednesday announced plans to add Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) in Lakeland, Florida, as its 51st destination.In June, the Houston-based airline will launch a twice-weekly, nonstop route to Lakeland from … [Read more...]