Travel News: June 28 – July 4

Happy July 4th! This week’s round-up brings the latest airline travel news – from wearable in-flight “happiness” technology, World Cup tweets, and animal tracking, to airline alliances, flying with pets, uniform fashion and walking to O’Hare. Enjoy!

British Airways Debuts the “Happiness Blanket”

In a truly unique move, British Airways recently conducted a happiness experiment on passengers flying from London to New York. Using wearable technology that measures brainwave patterns as well as special fiber-optic blankets, they were able to assess the emotional state of their passengers during the in-flight experience.

How to Be Smart About Airline Alliances

Airlines continue to foster symbiotic relationships that allow them to have a worldwide presence. But are you truly taking advantage of these relationships? Read USA Today’s article to better understand who is working with who, how to still redeem miles and take advantage of the best benefits.

New Airline Safety Requirements for Flying Pets

Good news for anyone looking to fly with their dog or cat. The U.S. Transportation Department has expanded the number of U.S. airlines that must report on animals that were lost, injured or died during transport (from 14 airlines to 27 airlines). The new rules will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015. In the meantime, if you want to learn how you can safely travel with your furry friend, check out our “How to Fly with Your Pet” article on the Huffington Post.

More Airline-Related World Cup Outrage

You would think that the airline industry would have taken a cue from Delta’s social media World Cup faux pas last month, but no. KLM has angered Mexican fans with its own World Cup tweet, featuring a departure sign and a sombrero-wearing caricature.

New Tracking Technology will Leverage Airlines to Help Save Vanishing Species

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is working on a project called Partners in the Sky to create special animal tags that are small enough for birds. The idea is to then mount radio receiver antennas on commercial planes so that they can gather data about vanishing species like the American Wood Thrush. It seems United is already on board.

Chicago Travelers Walk to O’Hare

There was a strange sight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on July 1st – after travelers abandoned their rides and proceeded to walk along the side of the expressway (with luggage in tow) in a last ditch attempt to make their flight. The chaos was the result of flooding in the area.

Flight Attendant Fashion Over the Last 70 + Years

If you have been on Facebook recently, you might have seen friends post pictures for “Throw Back Thursday”. Here is the flight attendant alternative, featuring pictures showing airline uniforms since 1940. (Be sure to check out the Braniff International Airways 1966 Emilio Pucci uniform).

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Featured Image: Travel info in Newspaper (Shutterstock.com)

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