Upgrades tips

With fewer business travelers in the skies, Lufthansa is now allowing passengers to bid for an upgraded seat during a live auction.

California-based RedAwning has introduced updates to its communication features for Airbnb superhosts. 

Airbnb released a host of new upgrades and features in its summer release last week. Airbnb chief executive officer Brian Chesky has promised to work on more.

Travelers looking to visit several Ugandan national parks will soon have easier access to the popular tourist attractions. Uganda’s government recently announced that airfields at four national parks will be upgraded and equipped with immigration posts, making them better able to welcome international visitors.

Fitch Ratings has revised the outlook of Oravel Stays’ – the parent company of India-based Oyo Hotels and Homes – to “positive” from “stable.” Fitch estimates that Oyo is on track to generate positive (EBITDA) — a measure of profit — and cash flow from operations. “The rating reflects its asset-light business model that benefits from minimal capex needs, largely exclusive distribution rights, pricing control over storefront inventory, fixed revenue share and strong long-term growth potential,” a statement from Fitch said. The ongoing demand recovery in the industry is expected to drive revenue growth of over 20 percent. Fitch expects the cost-reduction measures Oyo undertook in recent years to support its improving profitability. Meanwhile, Chinese hospitality company H World Grouphas sold 10 million equity shares, which translates to one-fifth of its holding of Oyo to United Arab Emirates-based family offices and institutional investors for around $9 million, a source told Skift. Earlier this month, rating agency Moody’s Investors Servicealso said it expected Oyo to generate between about $50 million and $55 millionin EBITDA this fiscal year.

Air India, under government control until 2022, has long had a problem with its interiors: Broken seats and dysfunctional in-flight entertainment topped the complaints. 

Skiing and snowboarding were growing in popularity even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 gave a big boost to just about every form of outdoor recreation, including those on snow. As a result, the story of the past two winters has been crowds, often to the point that ski travelers who previously cared more about food, hotels, spas or terrain started to weigh lift lines and skier density on the slopes as suddenly important considerations.

The allure of flying first class comes with the reality of sticker shock—if you're looking to get from Point A to B on the same flight but with upgraded perks, a seat can cost as much as four times more than in the economy cabin. And since those added benefits differ by airlines, price tags can vary quite significantly.

Flying in first or business class might seem like it’s a privilege reserved only for ultra-wealthy travelers. But plenty of ordinary people fly in premium airline seats all the time. If you’re savvy about how you pursue an upgrade on a flight, you can score a spot in the front of the plane without paying exorbitantly.

For all their copious complaints about tight seating and sketchy service, consumers have proven themselves to be remarkably price-sensitive, willing to forego all manner of niceties to save a buck or two. Proof positive is the reliably robust financial performance of the likes of Southwest and Spirit.

Alaska Airlines has been much in the news lately, with its acquisition of Virgin America and the announcement that it will be severing ties with longtime marketing partner Delta.

Let’s be honest: We’d all fly first class if we could.