The Travel Top 10

AIRLINE NEWS

American Airlines Announces “Largest” Award Fare Sale

2024 is the perfect year to check off those bucket list adventures, and the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience is offering an exclusive chance to travel in style. Available for private charters from August 4th to 26th, this unique opportunity allows up to 48 guests to tailor a once-in-a-lifetime global itinerary. Highlights include hot air balloon rides over Teotihuacan, salsa dancing in Bogotá, and samurai lessons in Tokyo. For those looking to end their summer with unparalleled luxury and adventure, the Four Seasons Private Jet is ready to take you there.

Cathay Pacific is set to make JFK's new Terminal 6 its home starting in 2026, introducing its first dedicated lounge in New York and its second in the U.S. This move is part of JFK Millennium Partners' $19 billion redevelopment project transforming JFK into a state-of-the-art facility. The terminal will feature digital-first amenities, a boutique guest experience, and enhance the airline's offerings including a variety of New York City-inspired retail and dining options. This development marks a significant milestone in Cathay Pacific’s ongoing effort to enhance connectivity and service between New York and Hong Kong.

MARKETING NEWS

Travel Brands Expand To Capture More Business

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation unveils Fright Fest Extreme, a terrifying Halloween event featuring collaborations with iconic horror franchises like the Saw series, The Conjuring universe, and Stranger Things. Starting September 7, visitors to select Six Flags parks can immerse themselves in a nightmarish world of haunted houses and scare zones, enhanced by partnerships with major studios like Lionsgate, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Discovery. This year's Fright Fest promises to be the most immersive and terrifying to date, catering to thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts alike.

"BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE: The Afterlife Experience" is set to open in Los Angeles on August 23, offering fans a unique 11,000-square-foot immersive experience into the world of the awaited movie sequel. This interactive event at Ovation Hollywood will feature recreated sets, live entertainment, and various photo opportunities, plunging visitors into the universe of the iconic bio-exorcist ahead of the film's theatrical release on September 6, 2024. Tickets go on sale July 3, available exclusively through the Fever marketplace.

CRUISE NEWS

New Royal Caribbean Loyalty Program, and Other Cruise News

Royal Caribbean Group has introduced an industry-first Loyalty Status Match program across its family of brands—Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. This innovative program allows loyalty members from each brand to enjoy equivalent tier status across all three, offering an enhanced range of benefits and a unified experience on their global fleet. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance guest loyalty by allowing more flexible and rewarding travel opportunities across nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide.

Disney Cruise Line introduces exciting new dining experiences aboard the Disney Treasure, featuring "The Aristocats"-themed adult lounge, "Guardians of the Galaxy" dinner, and "Coco"-inspired menu items. These offerings are part of a flavorful journey that blends classic Disney storytelling with culinary delights, set to launch with the ship's maiden voyage in December 2024.

Sea Cloud Cruises, in partnership with Steinway & Sons, is set to offer a unique musical voyage featuring concerts both at sea and ashore during their November 2024 sailings from Malaga, Spain to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The cruise will transform the lounges of the Sea Cloud II and Sea Cloud Spirit into exclusive concert venues, showcasing a mix of renowned and emerging Steinway artists. This luxury musical experience highlights the craftsmanship and shared dedication to quality of both Sea Cloud Cruises and Steinway & Sons, promising an unforgettable journey for sailing and music enthusiasts.

STAYING IN STYLE

New Hotels Open Their Doors For Summer 2024

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has launched the "Written in the Stars" package, providing a zodiac-inspired experience complete with personalized spa treatments, birth chart readings, and a unique astrology cocktail menu. Guests can also enjoy the "Tour of the Stars" experience with a NASA Ambassador, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities from the resort's rooftop. Additional offerings include mixology classes and themed dining options, with rates starting at $1,200. This astrologically themed package is available throughout 2024, promising a celestial journey tailored to each visitor's star sign.

Andermatt, Switzerland is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film "Goldfinger," famously shot in the region. The celebration includes a light show on the Furka Pass, exhibitions of the actual Aston Martin DB5 used in the film, and Goldfinger movie memorabilia at The Chedi Hotel. Fans can also enjoy a Bond-themed afternoon tea and a special hotel package that includes driving a Morgan Car through the scenic Furka Pass. These festivities, which start on July 1 and run through October, offer a unique opportunity for Bond enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the cinematic history of the iconic spy.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is showcasing enticing summer offers in the city's vibrant Warehouse District, blending a unique mix of food, music, and culture. Available through September, the hotel features special packages like the "Stay More, Save More," offering up to 20% off for extended stays, and the "Sun-Kissed Summer" package, which includes dining credits, discounted valet parking, and a complimentary room upgrade. With rates starting at $160, these promotions are designed to enhance the summer travel experience, even during peak times like Labor Day Weekend.

The Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans is celebrating the Fourth of July with a special offer at their rooftop bar, Hot Tin. Guests who book a stay on July 4th receive a 20% discount on their room rate and guaranteed entry to Hot Tin, offering a prime view of the city's fireworks. This exclusive promotion is available for just 15 rooms and must be booked by July 3rd. The offer, which is limited to guests aged 21 and over, promises a memorable experience blending luxury, history, and a spectacular celebration of Independence Day.