Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Biz of Airline Amenities + Chase-United Showdown + Caribbean Cash Crunch

October 16, 2017

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Note From the Editor

In two of our stories today, we examine how brands want to be associated with airlines, but to varying degrees. In a fascinating story about the business of pajamas — or sleep suits, in industry parlance — and assorted amenities in first- and business-class cabins, airline business reporter Brian Sumers details how carriers such as Emirates and Qatar spend $8 to $9 per premium passenger on PJs, and brands vie for the business because of the elite clientele.

Meanwhile, credit card companies have traditionally competed aggressively to co-brand with airlines to win the allegiance of their frequent flyers. But, as Sumers points out, Chase Sapphire Reserve is now getting so popular on its own that United may not be able to pull off as lucrative a deal as it hoped when it comes time to renew with the credit card company. Suddenly, United may need Chase more than the reverse. Give Chase credit where credit is due.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

CEO Interview: AIG CEO on the Rise of Traveler Concerns [SPONSORED]

What we learned from this story: Jessica Alba is one reason airlines improved pajama quality, and passengers steal pillows and blankets from airplanes. Plus, not everyone is sure why airlines give premium passengers amenity kits on every long-haul flight.

Looking at the World Through Anxious Eyes

The world has always been a complicated place, but shifting geopolitical tensions and the echo chamber of social media have contributed to a culture of anxiety affecting travelers around the world.

Emerging Markets Upended the Balance of Power in Tourism Spending

As the developed markets reach their saturation point in outbound travel, emerging markets are moving in to become the dominant contributors to international tourism expenditure.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Buzz Could Be a Problem for United Airlines

Yes, a lot of people have ditched their airline-branded credit cards. But even people who have snazzy new cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, like to redeem points for free travel on United and other airlines. For that reason, United MileagePlus miles are still valuable to Chase.

Caribbean Destinations Hope for Marketing Campaign if They Can Find the Money

The Caribbean was suffering from a man-made marketing-funding crisis even before Mother Nature brought destructive hurricanes to its doorsteps this year. Tourism officials are pleading with the travel industry to get involved and help build its fund for this year and the future.

Disney-Universal Theme Park Wars Are Going to the Dogs

Universal is working to get vacationers to spend more time at their hotels and parks, and they likely had an advantage with dog owners. It's smart for Disney to make some of its hotels dog-friendly — and we wonder what this trial will lead to.

This is a good development for passengers, who must wonder why they still have to check in for flights in 2017. But for many airlines, check-in still serves a valuable purpose.

Airbnb Experiments With Hotel-Like Concept Outside Orlando

Airbnb is partnering to develop ersatz hotels replete with front-desk staff and keyless entry. The area outside of Orlando, which is known for periods of intense lodging demand, seems a good enough place to test this new concept.

14 Apps to Calm Your Travel Mind

Permanxiety is now a sad fact of life. But you may be able to stress less if you lean on a handful of smartphone apps that can help you avoid health risks, security threats, and other potential travel snafus.

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