- Current Events
- Travel Tips
- Supplier News
- Regional
- International
- Government/Legislation
- Technology
- Industry Trends/Innovation
- Supplier Spotlight
- Supplier Promotions
- Spotlight on Leisure Offers
Industry Trends/Innovations
-
Checkpoint friendly laptop bags available soon
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has approved a number of newly designed laptop bags that will allow passengers to pass the bags though security without having to remove the computer for inspection.
The bags—constructed of nylon and foam—are designed to enable security officers to have a clear view of the laptop as it passes through the X-ray machine. Currently, laptop bags are too cluttered with power cords and extra equipment that block the view of the laptop.
The hope is that the new bags will improve customer service while also improving security. Early assessments indicate a positive response from travelers, who hope the bags will reduce the risk of damage, loss, and theft of laptops at the checkpoint.
Pathfinder Luggage and Targus are the two largest luggage manufactures producing the latest designs to conform with government requirements and specifications. Testing will occur at airport checkpoints in various airports around the United States. Both manufacturers expect to release the bags by late September or early October. The TSA predicts the bags will be in wide use by the 2008 winter holiday season.
Sources: USA TODAY, New York Times, Aviationweek.com
Hotels continue to strive for environmental sensitivity
Balancing a great-guest-experience with environmental sensitivity is an ongoing process for the lodging industry. While surveys show an increasing awareness of traveler concerns for eco-friendly practices, they also reveal a number of those who want clean sheets and towels daily and don’t want to pay extra for “green” stays.
Environmentally friendly efforts showing up include carpets backed with recycled tires, furniture stuffed with recycled materials, filtered rather than bottled water, body wash and shampoo in dispensers rather than personal-size plastic bottles, and non-chlorinated saltwater pools.
Facility owners are seeing the benefits of water-saving products, and energy-efficient appliances and air conditioning on their operating costs.
Source: usatoday.com
