Traveling Blog: Hotel CEOs Talk Amazon + FAA Faces Southwest Scrutiny + Flybe Tries Steep Turnaround

June 21, 2018

Editor's Note

On Tuesday, Amazon announced it had reached agreements to put Alexa into hotel rooms in a move that could certainly be interpreted as the tech giant's first significant move into the travel business since withdrawing in failure from hotel booking a few years ago. Or it could really just be an opportunity for Amazon to sell more gadgets.

Either way, the looming threat of Amazon in travel as a great disruptor has been quite the buzz lately. Senior Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting had the chance several weeks ago to ask some hotel CEOs about what Amazon and Google could do to their businesses. Reactions were mixed, as you will read in her story below. But rest assured, it's not just that tiny Echo device on a hotel nightstand that is stirring anxiety. It's the prospect of Amazon pushing into all levels of travel, from online travel agencies to advertising and search.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

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Why Context Is Key in the New World of Airline Retailing

Disruption in the travel industry is a universal constant, and we can certainly expect Amazon and Google to continue that tradition. An even more interesting question to ask ourselves for the moment: Why aren't Google and Apple doing more to get their smart devices into hotel rooms like Amazon is?

Federal Auditor To Investigate FAA's Safety Oversight of Southwest Airlines

The Department of Transportation's inspector general has several ongoing audits trying to measure the effectiveness of the Federal Aviation Administration. That's probably a nuisance to the FAA, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Oversight is important.

Time Is Against UK Regional Airline Flybe as Challenges Mount

Flybe's management team will be hoping the airline's latest turnaround strategy works, where others have failed. The carrier has plenty of challenges and is operating in a very tough environment. Might it find things easier as part of a bigger aviation group?

Skift Table: Washington, D.C. Voters Chose to Eliminate the Tipped Minimum Wage

Regardless of whether you support the legislation or not, this decision will deeply affect the state of D.C.'s restaurant industry.

Selling Event Tickets on Social Media Is Here to Stay

Instagram already offers ticketing services in its app, and it seems like Snapchat is well on its way. Beyond selling tickets, though, both platforms are also jockeying to become the premier platform for augmented reality technology and content as the sector develops.

Should Major Carriers Be More Transparent About Their Relationships With Regional Airlines?

PSA Airlines has been in the news lately. But do travelers have any idea what PSA is? Is this a problem? Should passengers have a better idea what regional airline they're flying? Or doesn't it matter?

In three years, Embrarer will be able to deliver new regional jets to U.S. airlines that could significantly reduce their fuel bill. But U.S. airlines may not be able to take them because of restrictions in collective bargaining agreements with pilots. It's easy to blame pilots for their stance. But they have leverage. Why shouldn't they use it?

Amazon Wades Into Travel as Hotels Turn to Alexa in Rooms

The next big questions hoteliers might soon be asking themselves: "Alexa, how do I make sure you recommend my hotels when they ask you where they want to stay?" Or, on the flip side: "Why did I invest so much into the modern-day version of the iPod docking station?"

How Sheraton Lost Its Way and Marriott's Plans to Bring It Back

Before you read this, ask yourself: What exactly does Sheraton stand for? For example, Westin is synonymous with wellness, St. Regis with luxury, W with lifestyle. And at the end of this article, ask yourself that same question again. If you struggle to come up with an answer, it's clear Marriott has a lot more work to do with the Sheraton brand.

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