The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized a groundbreaking rule to ban hidden “junk fees” in the hospitality and live events industries, a significant move aimed at improving pricing transparency for consumers. This rule targets mandatory charges like hotel resort fees and ticket service fees, which are often tacked on at checkout, leaving customers frustrated with higher-than-expected costs.

As the travel landscape evolves and the holiday rush winds down, a new consumer survey from Go City, released [Dec. 12, 2024], highlights the challenges frequent travelers face when planning trips for 2025. The world’s leading sightseeing and attraction pass brand, which polled 2,000 U.S. residents who travel at least three times per year, found that affordability and strategic planning remain top concerns.

Allegiant Air has announced a significant expansion, introducing 44 new seasonal routes this summer and adding service to three new destinations: Chicago, Houston, and Boston. This growth brings the airline's total offerings to over 500 routes. The new flights are set to commence in May and June, operating twice weekly.

American Airlines is expanding its European offerings for the summer 2025 season, introducing two new daily routes to Italy. Beginning May 6, the carrier will launch daily flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Naples, marking O'Hare as American's second U.S. gateway to the Italian city after Philadelphia, which launched summer service in 2024. The following month, on June 5, American will also begin a daily route from its Dallas/Fort Worth hub to Venice.

Norse Atlantic Airways has announced plans to introduce a new seasonal route between Los Angeles (LAX) and Rome starting next summer. Beginning May 22, the budget transatlantic airline will offer flights three times per week on this route.

The airline operates Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which feature both premium economy and economy seating. This new service will put Norse in direct competition with Italy's ITA Airways on the popular transatlantic route.

American Marketing Group (AMG) has announced that its travel agency networks—Travelsavers, Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel, and the Affluent Traveler Collection—are the first in the industry to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. This move opens doors to a growing market of cryptocurrency holders, who tend to lean towards premium and luxury travel experiences.

Alaska Airlines is set to enhance its Mileage Plan program in 2025 by introducing milestone perks for members who reach specific thresholds between elite status levels. These perks, which include bonus miles, free meals, WiFi, lounge access, and even the ability to roll over Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), will offer added rewards for members beyond standard elite status achievements.

Four prominent hotels on the Las Vegas Strip have been flagged for bedbug infestations following inspections by the Southern Nevada Health District between February and August. The affected hotels include The Cosmopolitan, Resorts World, Bellagio, and Hilton Grand Vacation Club, each with one confirmed case of bedbugs in a single room, as reported by KLAS-TV and confirmed by health district spokesperson Jennifer Sizemore.

Southwest Airlines has launched its new Cash + Points booking option for its Rapid Rewards members, enabling them to purchase flights using a blend of points and currency. This new feature, which went live on Monday, allows passengers to use as few as 1,000 Rapid Rewards points in combination with money to secure their travel arrangements.

InsideJapan has unveiled a new self-guided travel package, the "Hidden Zen" itinerary, which offers an exclusive 14-night journey through some of Japan's most secluded and culturally rich areas. The tour utilizes the newly opened Hokuriku bullet train route, connecting Kanazawa and Tsuruga, to introduce travelers to the western coast's lesser-known locales.