Welcome to Mileage May Vary, the business travel podcast that helps companies navigate the world of corporate travel with efficiency, sustainability, and cuttin...
The Layover Lowdown: Hotel Hopes, Airline Records & New IATA records
In this week’s Layover Lowdown, we break down the latest developments shaping business and leisure travel in 2025. From record-setting air demand to hotel industry optimism and JetBlue’s financial struggles, we cover the key trends to watch in aviation, hospitality, and corporate travel.
Hotel CEOs & Corporate Travel Growth – Hotels expect modest corporate travel growth in 2025 but stress that regulatory stability is key to long-term demand. Luxury and upper-upscale segments are holding strong, while economy hotels face challenges.
Southwest & Boeing's Bumpy Relationship – After a rough year of delivery delays, Southwest remains "pleased" with Boeing and expects moderate fleet growth. The airline plans to retire 51 aircraft while focusing on operational efficiency.
Global Air Travel Demand Surges Past 2019 Levels – 2024 was a record-breaking year for global air traffic, with total demand exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 3.8%. Asia-Pacific led the surge, and airlines achieved record efficiency with an 83.5% load factor.
JetBlue Faces a Rough 2025 – JetBlue’s stock tumbled after announcing a weak outlook for 2025, with rising costs and slim profit margins. Despite a major turnaround plan, the airline is holding capacity steady and launching premium services to attract customers.
Icelandair Expands to Miami – Icelandair will launch seasonal service to Miami in October, marking its 19th North American destination and a key expansion in Florida.
Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!
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18:46
The Layover Lowdown: Green Travel Trends, Corporate Comebacks & Controversial Policies
This week on Mileage May Vary, we dive into the trends, transformations, and policies shaping the future of business travel. From greener loyalty rewards to American Airlines' path to corporate recovery, we cover it all.
Key Topics:
Business Travel Trends for 2025
Greener choices rewarded with loyalty points for eco-friendly travel decisions.
Decline in blended business and leisure trips due to duty-of-care concerns.
AI's growing role in travel planning and its implications for TMCs.
Focus on sustainable destinations, eco-certified hotels, and green transport.
Challenges for extended stays in certain cities amid local pushback.
Virtual reality enhancing pre-booking experiences.
The Middle East’s rise as a business travel hotspot.
Surge in Monday-night hotel bookings due to hybrid work patterns.
Introduction of all-inclusive trip management fees.
Hyper-personalised in-flight entertainment for travellers.
American Airlines' Corporate Business Recovery
Strategic pivot from NDC-exclusive bookings back to legacy GDSs.
30 new corporate travel agency agreements with tailored incentives.
8% year-over-year increase in Q4 corporate travel revenue.
Efforts to rebuild trust and secure long-term partnerships with affected clients.
'X' Gender Passports and Policy Shifts
Trump executive order eliminates "X" as a gender option on U.S. passports.
Concerns for existing passport holders and broader implications for inclusivity.
Impact on international travel for non-binary and third-gender individuals.
U.K. ETA Fee Hike
U.K.’s ETA cost may increase from £10 to £16, affecting travellers from 54 countries.
Projected an additional £269M annually raises concerns from IATA about potential tourism decline.
ETA allows multiple U.K. trips for up to six months within a two-year period.
Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!
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13:04
The Layover Lowdown: Lufthansa's Big Move, Flight Delays, and Delta's Sky Club Upgrades
This Week on Mileage May Vary 🎙️
In this episode, we cover some of the biggest headlines in travel:
Lufthansa Acquires ITA Airways StakeLufthansa completes a €325M deal for a 41% stake in ITA Airways, paving the way for future growth and eventual full ownership.
U.S. DOT Takes Action Against Delayed FlightsSouthwest Airlines faces a lawsuit, and Frontier Airlines is fined for chronically delayed routes. What does this mean for travellers?
2024 Airline Industry Records BrokenPassenger capacity hits an all-time high with 5.85 billion seats, while fewer flights mean larger aircraft dominate.
Delta Expands Sky ClubsDelta announces five new or upgraded Sky Clubs for 2025, including major updates in Atlanta, Seattle, and Salt Lake City.
Tune in now for the full breakdown and insights into how these changes affect you as a traveller!
Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!
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21:23
Rome - A Business Travel Guide
In this episode of Mileage May Vary, we take you through the Eternal City—Rome—one of the world’s most historic capitals and a major business hub in Italy. From navigating the city’s transport system to finding the best spots for business lunches and networking, we cover all you need to know to make the most of your business trip to Rome. We also dive into the city’s cultural landmarks and provide tips for balancing work and leisure in this iconic destination.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Getting Around Rome: Tips on public transport, taxis, and walking through Rome’s historic districts.
2. Key Business Districts: Overview of EUR, Prati, Centro Storico, and Parioli as vital areas for business meetings and events.
3. Business Etiquette: Learn about formalities, language tips, and what to expect in a Roman business setting.
4. Best Places for Meetings and Networking: Discover co-working spaces, conference venues, and casual areas for networking.
5. Cultural Highlights: Take a break to explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and Piazza Navona.
6. Health and Safety Tips: Stay fit and safe while travelling through Rome with helpful advice on eating healthy and avoiding common travel pitfalls.
Takeaways:
- Rome provides the perfect mix of modern business infrastructure and ancient culture, ideal for professionals looking to balance work with leisure.
- From formal meeting spaces to informal networking venues, Rome offers options for all business types.
- Don’t forget to explore Rome’s historic landmarks and immerse yourself in the city's timeless charm between business engagements.
Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!
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21:35
The Layover Lowdown: What's the ETA on the UK ETA scheme
In this episode of Mileage May Vary, we cover critical updates shaping global travel, from the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements to Delta's AI-powered travel assistant and trends in global air travel demand.
UK ETA Requirements: What Travelers Need to Know
Starting January 8, 2025, US travellers will need a UK ETA for entry.
Costs £10, valid for two years, and allows stays up to six months.
Required for transit passengers and must be applied for before arrival.
Application involves submitting a valid passport, digital headshot, and travel details online.
Delta’s AI Concierge and SkyMiles Enhancements
New Delta Concierge: AI-powered travel assistant launching in 2025 to provide personalized insights, alternative transport options, and travel notifications.
Uber Partnership: SkyMiles members can now earn miles on Uber rides to and from airports.
Ending Lyft Partnership: Delta ends its Lyft collaboration on April 7, 2025.
Global Air Travel Demand: Growth and Challenges
Strong Demand: International travel grew 11.6% year-over-year, led by Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Capacity Constraints: Supply chain issues are delaying aircraft deliveries, causing record load factors.
Domestic Trends: India leads domestic air travel growth at 1.5%.
British Airways Revamps Loyalty Program
Introducing British Airways Club: Tier Points now based on spending rather than distance.
New Tier Point thresholds for Bronze, Silver, and Gold status.
Changes effective from April 1, 2025.
Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!
Sobre Mileage May Vary - A Business Travel Podcast
Welcome to Mileage May Vary, the business travel podcast that helps companies navigate the world of corporate travel with efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech. Each episode dives into the latest innovations in travel management, cost reduction strategies, Ortharize updates and solutions to improve traveller safety, reporting, and sustainability. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or managing company travel, we’ve got tips, insights, and expert advice to make your business trips smoother.
Brought to you by Ortharize, the platform revolutionising business travel management.
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