Traveling Blog: New Social Reality for Airlines + JetBlue's Private Jet Strategy + Hyatt CEO Courts Middle Class

April 25, 2018

Editor's Note

Anybody who watched Marty Martinez's Facebook Live video from the Southwest flight last week knows the terror passengers felt as the crippled plane prepared for an emergency landing in Philadelphia. The ubiquity of social media feeds like Martinez's once again raises new challenges for the aviation industry, both airlines and regulators. The FAA told Skift it has no plans to change its policies at this time regarding electronic devices.

That's a good thing. Photos and Martinez's video from Flight 1380 are tough to look at, but social media, in cases like these, can play a role in helping regulators solve the mysteries that often shroud airline tragedies.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

Skift Forum Europe Is Tomorrow

In just one day, we'll be mingling with the brightest minds in the industry at Skift Forum Europe! Seats are almost sold out — only 3 are left — so act quickly to join the 210 companies and 400 attendees who have already secured their place in Berlin.

The Southwest accident shows how bold passengers have become in using social media. For now, the FAA isn't taking steps to curb their activities.

Six Flags Is Planning More China Parks as International Growth Accelerates

Six Flags is finding opportunity across China, with seven parks now in the works — but will the company and its partners run into pushback from government officials who have recently voiced concerns about rapid theme park growth?

Hyatt CEO Wants to Woo the Global Middle Class

Hyatt knows that its business is heavily skewed towards affluent and experienced travelers and it's done well to establish itself as a dominant player in many gateway destinations. But the combination of hotel consolidation and a rising middle class has made it think differently about how and where it wants to position itself.

JetBlue to Help Sell a Private Jet-Style Experience to the Masses

JetBlue's move to sell seats on a tiny airline with scheduled service to smaller airports is a really smart idea that may help popularize private aviation.

Marriott Shows Strength in Loyalty But Skift Research Underscores Hospitality's Challenges

Consumer sentiment towards the majority of hotel loyalty programs has been improving over the past five years and the breadth of programs is also growing, but the path to real customer loyalty isn't that simple.

An Inside Look at the Forbes Travel Guide

With so many hotel ratings systems out there, who can you trust? Should ratings systems be open to all, a la the People's Choice Awards, or do more accurate results come from a system of professionals judging professionals, a la the Oscars or the Tonys? We take a look at one of the world's top rating guides for luxury properties.

Listicle Platform Culture Trip Raises $80 Million to Build Online Travel Agency

Who knew that adding affiliate booking links to the hotels mentioned in articles and videos could earn record levels of investment?

Popular Now

Marriott Experiments With Homesharing

Leave it to Marriott to figure out a way to make homesharing work for the hotel industry. But as we've noted before, this space has its challenges, and figuring out the logistics and differences between managing homes and hotels will be crucial.

Why Everybody Now Wants a Piece of the Tours and Activities Sector

Large travel corporations can't seem to get enough of the tours and activities space. It's one to watch as the year unfolds. Deals can be a great way to get a foot in the door, but don't forget to make sure there is a strategic fit — and, of course, that the price is right.

Airline Upgrades Lead to a Purloined Pillow Problem

Why can't business class passengers have nice things? Here's one problem: When airlines upgrade their amenities, passengers often steal them.

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