April 25, 2024 | View Online | Sign Up
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Be cautious before jetting off for vacation during the upcoming summer months, when travel will be hectic. A recent study revealed that this US airline had the highest number of delays and cancellations impacting over 30.7% of its flights last year.
That's not a risk I'm willing to take. It's a headache in itself just trying to juggle an overweight checked bag and triple-checking that my passport is on my person—adding delays on top of that is like asking for hell.
In today’s edition:
New airline rules mean you could get automatic refunds
The trending phenomenon of quiet life travel is going viral
National parks that will require reservations this summer
Cheers,
Kaylen
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| AIRLINES
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New Airline Transparency Rules Include Automatic Refunds
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The Biden Administration is cracking down on airline fees through new transparency rules and it feels like an older sibling confronting your schoolyard bully. The DOT has issued new regulations to clarify airline policies and protect passenger rights. Airlines will now be required to offer prompt refunds for delays or cancellations and guarantee transparent fee disclosure.
📃 What are the new rules?
The DOT's new rules specify a significant delay in flight schedules as a departure occurring at least three hours after the scheduled time for domestic flights and six hours for international ones. This used to be left to the discretion of the airline, but the new definition clears up any confusion.
If you're impacted by a significant delay, you'll also be eligible to receive automatic refunds if the airline cannot offer alternative transportation or travel credits. The refund rule also encompasses other significant flight changes like departure or arrival airport changes, passengers being downgraded to a different level of services, or added connections to a flight.
Impacted passengers will now have the option to decline travel credits or alternative flights offered by airlines. It also means that airlines will no longer default to vouchers or credits when passengers are entitled to cash. Airlines will have up to seven days to refund passengers on credit cards and twenty days for other payment methods.
🧳 What about luggage refunds?
Regarding baggage handling and refunds, carriers must return checked baggage within 12 hours for domestic flights and 30 hours for international ones, or travelers are entitled to a refund. Passengers also have the right to request refunds if airlines fail to provide advertised services like seat selection or internet connectivity.
Airlines and ticket agents will also be required to clearly disclose fees for baggage and reservation changes or cancellations on their websites along with ticket prices and scheduling information. The new rules are estimated to save American travelers more than $500 million annually.
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| INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY
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How an AI Startup is Transforming Hospitality
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Imagine a world where short-term and hotel rental management runs itself. No more late-night calls from demanding guests. No more scrambling to answer repetitive questions. Jurny and its new AI multi-agent tech is here to make this a reality.
Jurny’s property management system uses specialized AI agents to handle everything from concierge services and guest communications to quality assurance and upselling. These agents work together seamlessly, mimicking a real-world team, to provide guests with an exceptional experience and property managers with unmatched efficiency.
Companies like Jurny that are building the infrastructure to harness this level of next-generation AI will be the titans of tomorrow, who will change entire industries.
Check out Jurny’s stats: 5x growth last year, $35M in bookings processed, and over $12M raised from top VCs and 1,100 individual investors.
If you are interested in investing in this disruptive AI company alongside top venture capitalists, click here to learn more.
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| TRAVEL TRENDS
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The Rise of Quiet Life Travel This Summer
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This summer witnesses the rise of ‘quiet life travel’—a travel trend we didn't necessarily request, but one we're also not opposed to.
As summer vacation planning heats up, many travelers are seeking a break from the digital noise of life. Instead of choosing busy urban destinations, they're embracing quiet life travel, favoring calm landscapes and peaceful experiences to unwind and undergo a digital detox for their well-being.
The longing for simplicity extends to travel, with searches for quiet and calm places increasing by 50% and 42% respectively, according to Pinterest data. This trend is reflected in the whopping 530% rise in interest in Quiet Life travel compared to 2023, showing a growing need for a digital detox in nature destinations. In addition to searching for quiet life travel, Pinterest users also sought inspiration under tags like travel journals, glamping aesthetics, and wellness retreats.
🌴 The quiet life
A quiet life travel itinerary could feature forest walks, island retreats, charming village settings, cozy woodland cabins, national park visits, and serene rural landscapes. The best locations for a digital detox include Okinawa in Japan and the gorgeous English countryside.
With warmer months and Memorial Day weekend drawing near, there’s plenty of time to plan for and embrace the quiet life, whether traveling far to tranquil destinations or indulging in a peaceful staycation close to home.
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| NATIONAL PARKS
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Popular National Parks Requiring Reservations This Summer
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Every summer, national parks increasingly implement timed-entry reservations for park entry or securing spots for highly desired activities. Don't be left out of the loop—know which national parks require reservations this summer.
🏞️ Which parks have timed entries?
Arches National Park in Utah: Timed-entry reservations for vehicle access between 7 am and 4 pm through October 31, $2 per ticket, plus $30 vehicle entry fee.
Glacier National Park in Montana: Timed-entry reservations for North Fork and Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Entrance between 6 am and 3 pm from May 24 - September 8, costing $2, plus a $35 vehicle entry fee.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii: Reservations are required year-round for summit sunrise viewing, $1 per vehicle, between 3 am and 7 am, plus a $30 vehicle entry fee.
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington: Timed-entry reservations for Paradise Corridor from May 24 - September 2 and Sunrise Corridor between July 3 - September 2, costing $2, plus a $30 vehicle entry fee.
Yosemite National Park in California: Timed-entry reservations for vehicles entering between 5 am and 4 pm on certain days, peak hour reservations costing $2, plus a $35 vehicle entry fee.
Zion National Park in Utah: Permit system pilot for Angels Landing hiking trail, obtained through seasonal or daily lottery on Recreation.gov, lottery registration costs $6 for up to 6
people, permits cost $3 per person, plus a $35 vehicle entry fee.
Prepare for your summer adventures by making online reservations for these stunning national parks and explore the full list of parks with mandates to stay informed. If you’re looking for the best places to rest at night, check out these incredible national park stays.
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| TWEET OF THE WEEK
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
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*This link is sponsored.
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