The Skift Travel Podcast

Airlines Editor Gordon Smith joins Seth to discuss all things airlines. First, the growing prevalence of premium cabins and products in aviation. Secondly, the quiet but noticeable divestment from China by many western airlines, the subject of Gordon's recent feature story "Why Are Airlines Quiet Quitting China?".Key Points Airlines are enhancing brand positioning by investing in premium cabins like first class, business class, and premium economy. Western airlines are quietly reducing their presence in China due to geopolitical and economic pressures, without fully exiting the market. The restriction on using Russian airspace increases operational costs for European airlines flying to China. SummaryAirlines are increasingly investing in premium cabins, including first class, business class, and premium economy, to enhance their brand positioning and appeal to high-margin passengers. This move reflects a commitment to long-term enhancements despite the high costs and operational challenges involved. Meanwhile, Western airlines are adopting a 'quiet quitting' approach in China by reducing flight frequencies and cutting routes due to economic and geopolitical pressures, notably the restriction on using Russian airspace, which affects European carriers' operational costs.Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry

According to a new Skift Research report on U.S. travel trends, family travel constitutes the largest segment of U.S. leisure travel.The report’s lead author, Skift Research Manager Varsha Arora, joins Seth and Sarah to talk about what it means for the business of travel.Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry

The United Arab Emirates has moved quickly since 2022 to establish its very own gambling hub in the once sleepy emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with gaming resorts from big hitters MGM and Wynn Resorts in the works amidst a slate of regulatory action and marketing. Skift Middle East Reporter Josh Corder joins the program to discuss how this could be one of the biggest shifts in tourism in modern memory.Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry

The actions of governments can move markets as much, if not more than, any business or technological development. In this episode Sarah is joined again by Skift Managing Editor Lex Harris to discuss the implications of global immigration policies, the results of the upcoming U.S. presidential election and politics in general, on the business of travel. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry

Seth recaps some of the biggest impact speakers and moments from last week's Skift Global Forum 2024. Highlighting the intertwined nature of the business of travel, Seth covers stage sessions with Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, Jetblue CEO Joanna Geraghty, and Wyndham Hotels CEO Geoff Ballotti.See full videos of all the stage sessions from Skift Global Forum 2024 on the official Skift Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNewsConnect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry

Fresh off the heels of Skift Global Forum 2024, we present a conversation between Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, and Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal, that took place on stage at The Glasshouse in New York on the final day of the forum.Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry

Who’s the first phone call when a power player wants to make something big happen in the travel industry? Who moves markets and shapes trends with a single sound bite? Skift attempted to answer these questions and more in our first ever Skift Power Rankings.Seth and Sarah are joined by Airlines Editor Gordon Smith and Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill to discuss the methodology behind the rankings, who might make the list in the near future, and what power means to them.See the full Skift Power Rankings for 2024 here: https://skift.com/skift-power-rankingsConnect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry

Skift Global Forum returns to New York on September 17-19, featuring top travel industry leaders in exclusive interview sessions and talks. Skift's executive editor, Dennis Schaal, joins Seth and Sarah to preview the forum's themes and speakers.To purchase tickets or learn more about the agenda and speakers, visit https://www.live.skift.com.Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/X: https://twitter.com/skiftFacebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Join Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi and Research Analyst Ashab Rizvi as they delve into the airline industry's post-pandemic resurgence. They discuss how major airlines like Delta are thriving while budget carriers struggle. The contrasting dynamics of China's and India's aviation markets are highlighted, focusing on Air India's transformation. The conversation also touches on the shift from short-haul flights to trains in Europe and the impact of environmental regulations on travel preferences. Buckle up for a riveting look at the future of aviation!

Pranavi Agarwal, a Senior Research Analyst, and Sean O'Neill, a Senior Hospitality editor, share insights from the Skift State of Travel Report 2024. They discuss the evolving landscape of travel influenced by Gen Z preferences and economic challenges. Topics include how hotels are adapting to competition from online travel agencies and the role of loyalty programs. They also delve into the effects of consumer empowerment post-COVID and the rise of in-destination booking, highlighting the importance of unique travel experiences.