AirTags to Directly Share Bag Location with Airlines
Image: Apple
Apple is rolling out a handy new feature aimed at making it easier for passengers—and airlines—to reunite with misplaced bags. The feature, called Share Item Location, is currently available in the public beta of iOS 18.2 and will soon launch as a free software update for iPhone X and newer models.
Through a secure link, passengers can share their AirTag locations with more than 15 airlines, including American, Delta, and United, allowing both travelers and airline staff to track down delayed or misplaced bags more efficiently. Apple says more airlines are expected to join over time.
"Each link will be accessible to a limited number of people," Apple explained. "Recipients will need to authenticate via their Apple account or a partner email address to view the shared location."
According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, United Airlines had one of the higher baggage mishandling rates, with 0.73% of its 75 million checked bags—about 551,000—going astray. Delta, however, performed better, with a mishandling rate of just 0.47% out of 99 million bags, or around 467,000 mishandled bags.
It’s always nice when things get a little easier, especially when it comes without added fees (beyond the cost of an AirTag or two). Well done, Apple.
Airlines Must Automatically Refund Passengers for Long Delays
Image: Adobe Stock
New consumer protections are now in place requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers for lost luggage and unusable Wi-Fi. As of November 2024, thanks to a new Department of Transportation (DOT) rule, passengers can expect their money back without having to submit claims when an airline fails to deliver on its promises. While this may not ease the pain of flight delays and cancellations, it does guarantee that your wallet won’t take an extra hit. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted that the rule is also meant to push airlines to keep disruptions to a minimum.
Significant Delays Defined
For the first time, there’s now a uniform standard for what qualifies as a “significant change” to a flight. A delay of three hours or more on a domestic flight, or six hours or more on an international flight, now meets this standard. Additionally, if an airline changes your departure or arrival airport, or adds an unplanned connection, that counts as well.
Changes to Itineraries
If a passenger is downgraded to a lower class of service, or moved to a plane that doesn’t provide the same accessibility for passengers with disabilities, they are also entitled to an automatic refund.
Refunds for Wi-Fi and Seat Selections
The rule covers smaller but still frustrating fees, too. If you paid for Wi-Fi that didn’t work or a specific seat but got reassigned, you’re entitled to a refund for those services as well. These charges might be less than the flight cost, but they still add up.
The DOT’s final rule aims to make refunds simple and immediate. Airlines must issue these refunds automatically, without requiring customers to jump through hoops. The refunds must be given promptly, in full, and in the same form of payment used for the purchase.
Florence Tackles Overtourism
Image: Citalia.
The historic Italian city of Florence is taking decisive action to curb overtourism. Amid growing concerns about the unsustainable surge in visitors, the city has introduced a series of measures, including a ban on key boxes used by short-term rental landlords and tour guide loudspeakers.
Renowned for its stunning Renaissance art and architecture, Florence has long been a popular destination for travelers. However, the city has experienced a dramatic increase in tourism in recent years, straining local resources and upsetting residents. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, over 7.8 million people visited Florence.
As the city prepares to host G7 tourism ministers this week, Mayor Sarah Funaro unveiled a 10-point plan to address the issue. Key measures include:
- Limits are to be placed on “atypical vehicles” like golf carts which have become increasingly popular for tour guides to take visitors around the city in areas where car traffic is restricted.
- Banning the use of amplifiers and loudspeakers by tour guides.
- A total ban on key boxes — frequently vandalized — used for short-term rentals.
Florence joins a growing number of destinations implementing measures to combat mass tourism. Last week, Pompeii capped daily visitors at 20,000 and introduced personalized ticketing. Venice will reintroduce an entrance fee in 2025, increasing it to 10 euros for last-minute bookings. Rome is also considering charging a fee to access the Trevi Fountain after its upcoming renovation.
While Mayor Funaro's initiatives are a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether they will effectively curb overtourism. The ban on key boxes could lead to increased costs for short-term rental hosts, which may ultimately be passed on to visitors.
Quick Hugs Only: New Rule at Dunedin Airport
New Zealand's Dunedin Airport has taken a rather huggable approach to airport etiquette. The airport has recently implemented a three-minute limit on hugs in the drop-off zone, with a sign suggesting, "For fonder farewells, please use the car park."
While some have found the time limit excessive, others argue that it's a practical solution to keep traffic moving. Airport CEO Daniel De Bono had a scientific take on the matter. Citing research on the power of hugs, he argues that a 20-second embrace is enough to get a burst of the "love hormone," oxytocin. By encouraging quicker goodbyes, the airport aims to accommodate more passengers and, argued that moving customers along quickly allows more people to get more hugs.
Dunedin Airport’s parking lot, where De Bono admits “our team have seen interesting things go on … over the years,” allows a 15-minute visit for free.
So, the next time you're dropping off a loved one at Dunedin Airport, remember to hug tight and say your goodbyes swiftly. After all, every second counts!
Channel Your Inner Gladiator: Airbnb's Announces The Colosseum Experience
Airbnb's Gladiator Experience at the Colosseum in Rome. Image: Airbnb.
Ever dreamt of battling like a gladiator? Airbnb is turning fantasy into reality, just in time for the November 22nd release of "Gladiator II," the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott's epic. Partnering with the film, Airbnb is hosting a unique "Gladiator II" experience inside the Colosseum after dark – a first for the iconic landmark.
This limited-edition event joins Airbnb's "Icons" series, granting adventurous travelers access to famous fictional abodes like the Deetzes' house from Beetlejuice or the X-Mansion. Unlike typical listings, it's not an overnight stay, but a three-hour immersive experience.
Prepare to step into history. Guests will don "historically accurate armor," according to Airbnb, and test their skills in a mock battle. Imagine the Colosseum bathed in flickering orange light, reminiscent of torches, with a dazzling array of shields and weapons displayed. After sunset, a master of ceremonies welcomes participants, guiding them through the underground chambers to prepare for their fight.
Airbnb describes the evening as a descent into the "torch-lit, labyrinthine passageways of the Colosseum where countless warriors walked before." Witness seasoned gladiators in a thrilling showdown before learning the "art of gladiator combat" yourself. Who knows, you might even face off against a fellow aspiring gladiator!
To fuel your battles, a feast fit for the big screen awaits – think grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts. The best part? This once-in-a-lifetime experience is entirely free (though travel to Rome is on you). However, landing a spot is the real challenge. Only two, three-hour experiences are available on May 7th or 8th, with each accommodating 16 guests.
The booking window opens November 27th at 6:00 AM PT and closes December 9th at 11:59 PM PT. Head to airbnb.com/gladiatormovie to secure your chance to enter the arena!
Flights, Deals, and More
Chase Sapphire Lounge, Phoenix. Image: Chase.
KLM will introduce a new year-round route between Amsterdam (AMS) and San Diego (SAN) starting May 8, 2025. The flight will operate three times weekly.
Air France will launch a new year-round service between Paris (CDG) and Orlando (MCO) on May 21, 2025. This route will operate four times weekly.
Spirit Airlines is reportedly preparing for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The airline's failed merger attempts with JetBlue and Frontier, coupled with significant losses and looming debt, have led to this decision. According to the Wall Street Journal, a bankruptcy filing could occur within weeks.
For frequent travelers, the Chase Sapphire Lounge at Phoenix Airport is now open in Terminal 4's South 1 Concourse. Open daily from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, it caters to American and Southwest Airlines passengers.
Another exciting development is the upcoming opening of the Chase Sapphire Lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) on December 6, 2024. Located in Terminal 2 West, it will operate daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. The 10,000-square-foot lounge will offer a la carte dining curated by Oscars Mexican Seafood, coffee from Groundwork Coffee, and a curated wine list from Parcelle.
Frequent flyers with American Airlines can now redeem their Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs) online, eliminating the need to call customer service. This convenient change benefits AAdvantage members who reach select Loyalty Point Reward levels, starting at 175,000 points. SWUs allow members to upgrade most Business fares and most economy or premium economy fares to the next class of service on American Airlines flights. This includes upgrading from basic or premium economy directly to the business cabin, as well as from Business to First Class.
