Here's what's happening in the world of travel today.
* UNITED TO INTRODUCE SLIMMER SEATS, MORE CHANCES TO UPGRADE (Chicago Tribune). United Airlines, which has been struggling since a merger with Continental in 2010, outlined yesterday its plan for boosting revenue. The big news for price-sensitive travelers: by the end of the year, the airline will introduce "basic economy" entry-level fares, similar to a program Delta offers (American Airlines is expected to add basic economy fares soon, too). United hasn't yet explained what you'll get for these no-frills tickets, but it looks like the plan is to get more money out of you by offering optional upgrades for perks such as access to priority security lanes and a free checked bag. Before we can determine whether the new fares are truly a bargain, we'd have to know what comes with them and what counts as a perk. For instance, will United start charging for something that used to be free, like being able to pick your own seat?
And speaking of seats on United planes, there will soon be more of them and they'll be slimmer—another aspect of the company's efforts to squeeze as much revenue as possible out of every flight.
And in other sitting-related news . . .
* SOUTHWEST UNVEILS WIDER SEATS (Dallas Morning News). You might find a little more legroom on Southwest Airlines flights by the end of the year. The carrier has announced that it's installing what the company calls the "widest economy 737 seat" available on 28 of its 737-800 planes as part of a redesign of cabin interiors. It's the latest step in Southwest's ongoing brand refresh, which has included the introduction of a new logo and new staff uniforms as well.
* LGBT TRAVEL AFTER ORLANDO (New York Times). In the wake of the Orlando shooting, which took place at a gay bar and appears to have been motivated by homophobia, the Times spoke with several leaders in LGBT tourism to see what effect the massacre is having on the willingness of gay, lesbian, and transgender people to travel this summer. What they found: a mixture of nervousness and resilience. The consensus seems to be that while some LGBT travelers might avoid big events like Pride parades for fear of copycat attacks, plenty more will feel compelled to attend, whether in solidarity with the victims or defiance of homophobia. Says one activist: "If you're visible and you're out, we're strengthened as a whole." Pride parades are scheduled for Sunday, June 26, in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle.
That's all we've got for now. Check back throughout the week for fresh updates.
And in other sitting-related news . . .
* SOUTHWEST UNVEILS WIDER SEATS (Dallas Morning News). You might find a little more legroom on Southwest Airlines flights by the end of the year. The carrier has announced that it's installing what the company calls the "widest economy 737 seat" available on 28 of its 737-800 planes as part of a redesign of cabin interiors. It's the latest step in Southwest's ongoing brand refresh, which has included the introduction of a new logo and new staff uniforms as well.
* LGBT TRAVEL AFTER ORLANDO (New York Times). In the wake of the Orlando shooting, which took place at a gay bar and appears to have been motivated by homophobia, the Times spoke with several leaders in LGBT tourism to see what effect the massacre is having on the willingness of gay, lesbian, and transgender people to travel this summer. What they found: a mixture of nervousness and resilience. The consensus seems to be that while some LGBT travelers might avoid big events like Pride parades for fear of copycat attacks, plenty more will feel compelled to attend, whether in solidarity with the victims or defiance of homophobia. Says one activist: "If you're visible and you're out, we're strengthened as a whole." Pride parades are scheduled for Sunday, June 26, in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle.
That's all we've got for now. Check back throughout the week for fresh updates.