The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it would launch a “broad public inquiry” into the state of competition in air travel — the government’s second inquiry into the airline industry in just the past two months.
25.10.2024 - 16:45 / thepointsguy.com / Patrick Quayle
Mongolia. Greenland. Senegal. Sicily.
First, though, is Morocco.
A United Airlines jet landed in Marrakech Friday morning, inaugurating the carrier's first regularly scheduled service to the country.
The flight comes just weeks after United garnered a flurry of headlines over an intriguing — and borderline obscure — series of new destinations unveiled for 2025.
Over the next year, the Chicago-based carrier will launch service to far-flung destinations from Greenland to Palau – staking out a claim among U.S. airlines as the leader for taking travelers beyond the most tried-and-trafficked overseas destinations.
United's strategy is now firmly taking hold, with Marrakech the latest milestone in the its bold international gambit.
Inside EWR's Terminal C Thursday night, the sounds, sights and smells of an airline inaugural flight filled the gate area, starting nearly three hours before this much-anticipated flight took off.
"We're making history," proclaimed Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of network planning and alliances, while speaking to an enthusiastic crowd ahead of the flight.
Marrakech is located in central Morocco, about 150 miles south of Casablanca, where most U.S. travelers have typically flown if they're headed to the North African country — the northern tip of which sits mere miles from the southernmost point in Spain.
The city is known for its bustling markets, or souks, inside its historic, walled-off Medina. There's also an up-and-coming, high-end hotel sector that saw the long-awaited opening of a Park Hyatt hotel this summer.
Travelers — and the travel industry — are taking notice; look no further than a Canadian airline's recently added service to Marrakech from Montreal, which this year was a finalist at an aviation event for the illustrious title of "sexiest new airline route."
Morocco is also set to be among multiple countries hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
That increasing allure of Marrakech to U.S. travelers is what landed the city a multiyear spot on Quayle's "shortlist," he revealed in March when United announced it would become America's first airline to serve the destination with regular nonstop service.
Passengers lucky enough to land a spot on UA Flight 628 Thursday evening didn't have to wait for arrival to get a taste of their destination's local cuisine.
Gateside, the airline's catering team served up Moroccan classics, from stuffed grape leaves to spiced lamb meatball sliders, chicken skewers and tea.
There were also plenty of spots to grab a photo or some United gear as keepsakes.
Fifty minutes before departure, after a ribbon-cutting to symbolize the start of the new route, it was time to board.
United is flying its "High J" Boeing 767-300ER on the
The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it would launch a “broad public inquiry” into the state of competition in air travel — the government’s second inquiry into the airline industry in just the past two months.
One of my biggest pet peeves when I am flying is people who cannot follow the rules when it comes to boarding (and disembarking, for that matter). I was thrilled to see that American Airlines is on my side and is testing a new boarding process technology that will crack down on people who try to board earlier than their assigned boarding group.
Finland's flagship carrier, Finnair, will expand in the United States next summer, launching its largest-ever schedule from the U.S. to Finland.
Rail company Eurostar is making it easier to travel around Europe spontaneously by offering up to 50 percent off last-minute and flexible tickets.
Planning where to go for your next summer Euro trip?
American Airlines is testing a new system to make sure travelers board with their designated groups.
DJs play thumping sets inside tiny taco joints as the fruity smell of shisha drifts past Turkish barbers and trendy crowds gather outside arthouse cinemas.
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While passport application and renewal delays are over and traveling internationally is—for the most part—easier than ever, did you know it’s totally possible to hop on a plane to a white-sand beach or streets that feel just like Spain with just your driver's license in hand? The best places to travel without a passport are within reach. You just need to know where to look. And one of the best options American travelers have at hand are the US territories.
This article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
An upgraded travel experience just got cheaper. Delta Air Lines recently released hundreds of flight deals in their premium cabins, such as Delta Comfort+ and Delta One for travel throughout the fall and winter. Many of the tickets are priced under $1,000, and travelers can also redeem miles from Delta's SkyMiles program for seats at a discounted rate as well. Some of the lowest-priced flight deals to Europe include New York-JFK to London-Heathrow for only $703 round-trip in Comfort+, or 59,000 Miles, valid on travel from January 7, 2025 through March 6, 2025.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, October 17, 2024, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.