On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what traveler media can do that retail media can’t, what makes travelers more receptive to personalized ads, and the possibilities that emerge once fast, free WiFi becomes ubiquitous on planes. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Principal Analyst Sarah Marzano, and the CEO of MileagePlus, United Airlines Richard Nunn. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
Tariffs wreak havoc on travel demand: Airlines say demand for domestic travel has fallen off a cliff as more consumers opt to stay home amid uncertainty.
Delta SkyMiles members can now earn points on Uber and Uber Eats: The tie-up aims to cement loyalty at a time when consumers are increasingly price-sensitive.
International boycotts of US brands and travel could cost the economy up to $90 billion: Rising anti-American sentiment caused by Trump’s policies is making it harder for companies to operate at home and abroad.
Delta expects 2025 to be a bumpy ride: Travel demand is cratering as the Trump administration’s policies create chaos and consumers brace for a recession.
Microsoft’s AI assistant now handles bookings, shopping, and podcast creation, aiming to close the gap with ChatGPT by delivering real utility, not just enterprise hype.
Backlash builds against US brands as more tariffs loom: Global consumers are shunning US products, posing a threat to retailers, CPG companies, and the travel sector.
Amazon’s AI can track prices and book trips, pushing advertisers to prep for automation and agent-optimized experiences.
Sluggish spending in February signals a challenging year: Consumers are curbing discretionary spending as sentiment plunges to the lowest level in over two years.
Research and planning across retail, travel, and finance are increasingly filtered through AI, making chatbots central to the customer journey.
50% of US adults are likely to cut back on spending at fast food restaurants if tariffs lead to higher prices, according to a February 2025 CivicScience survey.
Rivals set their sights on Southwest Airlines customers: Frontier is temporarily offering perks that consumers associate with Southwest, including a free checked bag and no-fee flight changes.
We look at how issuers can adjust their strategies to match millennial and Gen Z travel behaviors.
By blocking bad bookings and prepping personalized travel planning tools, Airbnb is turning its data into both a policy enforcer and a future revenue engine.
Domestic travel demand weakened considerably in Q1: Government spending cuts, safety fears, and macroeconomic concerns dragged down both leisure and corporate travel.
News and magazine apps have the highest engagement score in North America, with 29% of monthly active users coming back daily, according to a September 2024 Airship survey.
Travel holds up amid headwinds: Consumers continue to prioritize trips, aiding hotel performance and expansion.
By now, all the largest airlines and hotels have mature credit card portfolios. Delta Air Lines, for example, had upward of 7.5 million cardholders in 2023, per View from the Wing. But even airlines with smaller US footprints have gotten in on the action. Low-cost carrier Breeze, founded in 2021, launched a co-brand in partnership with Barclays in March 2024.
China manufacturing activity contracts ahead of Lunar New Year: While the blip may stem from holiday closures, it’s a worrying sign as the threat of tariffs looms large.
Airlines expect robust travel demand in 2025: United and Alaska echoed Delta’s bullish forecast following record Q4 performances.