D/R DOWNLOAD 9.20

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Top bachelorette destinations” trended +100% this week, highlighting consumer’s desire for group travel, especially for special occasions. 

02/ With Media

• This week, the media were interested in the best October travel deals, new family-friendly hotels, the best 2025 mother-daughter trips, affordable and adorable hotels, multigenerational family vacations, and more.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• Instagram is introducing new safety and privacy measures aimed at those under 18, focusing on limiting interactions with unknown adults by improving content control. These changes include restricted messaging requests from adults to teens they don’t follow, enhanced privacy settings, and educational prompts on sensitive topics. 

• There is a growing feeling of regret many feel about the role social media and smartphones play in our society, specifically its impact on mental health and social interactions. A recent study revealed that over 60% of Gen Z respondents believe social media has a detrimental impact, with individuals from historically marginalized groups experiencing these negative effects disproportionately.

• Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is now instructing corporate employees to work from the office 5 times a week, a change from the last requirement, which was 3 times a week. The company is giving employees until January 2nd to adhere to the new policy. 

• Tropical storm Helene made landfall near Myrtle Beach and other popular vacation destinations in the Carolinas on September 16th. Remnants of the storm were expected to reach the Northeast later this week.

Industry Insights

• A 2024 North American Airport Satisfaction Study highlights improving passenger satisfaction despite challenges like crowded terminals and flight disruptions. It displayed that customer satisfaction is highest at larger airports that offer amenities like an array of food and beverage options, with overall satisfaction driven by terminal facilities and baggage claim efficiency. 

• The 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels have been announced. Curated by experts, this selection highlights the most exceptional hotels worldwide, showcasing stunning architecture, unparalleled service, and unique experiences. Capella Bangkok placed first thanks to its location, Japan-esque design, and exceptional service. 

• AAA came out with its top fall domestic and international destinations, including places like Boston, Las Vegas, Rome, Dublin, and more. According to their booking data, flights and cruises are seeing increased demand compared to last year.  

• The TSA has delayed the enforcement of the Real ID requirement for air travelers until May 2027, marking the fifth deadline extension. This gives U.S. citizens more time to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card for domestic air travel.

• Weeks after the Crowdstrike software outage, travelers are sharing their horror stories, including poor customer service and communications, and are still experiencing ongoing issues with reimbursements. This widespread dissatisfaction has prompted class-action lawsuits against affected airlines.

• The State Department announced this Wednesday that Americans can now renew their passports online instead of through a mail-in process. The online renewal system is now fully operational and hopes to reduce overall wait times. 

• Wizz Air plans to introduce the Airbus A321XLR into service by March 2025, with long-haul budget flights between London Gatwick and Jeddah, and later from Milan to Abu Dhabi. The aircraft, boasting a range of 11 hours, is expected to revolutionize affordable travel, being the widest of any single-aisle aircraft. 

• Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have finalized their planned merger following approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which announced the decision on Tuesday. The airlines are required to uphold the value of their frequent flyer programs and retain several important routes, among other stipulations set by the DOT. 

• Long flights can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition that occurs due to prolonged immobility that would acutely affect those with health factors such as obesity, smoking, or previous clotting issues. 

• Uber announced a unique seaplane experience over Scotland’s Loch Lomond and Highlands for September 21-23. Requiring only a refundable £50 deposit, the scenic flight introduces an innovative travel option that enhances accessibility to remote areas while providing stunning aerial views–all while being bookable from the Uber app.

The Good

• Pizza Hut is offering ResZAmes, which delivers a pizza inside a resume box to job seekers' potential employers. The initiative leverages Pizza Hut's brand and the universal love for pizza to create a unique way for job applicants to make an impression, while also promoting the idea of sharing and connecting over food.

• Motel 6, the Official Sponsor of Opening Acts™, announced a songwriting contest created to help aspiring artists afford their next tour. Singers and bands are invited to write a song inspired by the hotel chain in hopes of winning $6,000 and 20 room nights at any Motel 6.