Flying is one of those activities where we always assumed the Internet was unavailable, no matter what. So for this reason, many people found “airplane time” to be the most productive as they were finally in an environment where they could stay focused on pumping out a lot of work without any distractions whatsoever. 

That long-standing condition may end, as airlines need a brand new incentive to get passengers back on planes…. and offering free Wi-Fi may be one of the ways to do it, according to news from TravelPulse:

“Delta Air Lines and Viasat Inc. last week announced a new collaboration for the California-based company to take Delta’s Wi-Fi connectivity to the next level. Delta will use Viasat’s proprietary Ka-band satellite in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution for more than 300 mainline narrow-body aircraft.

Might that vision be free? Granted, it’s a given that Delta is likely spending a pretty penny for this Wi-Fi enhancement, and onboard Wi-Fi is one of those ancillary fees that help bolster the bottom line for airlines.

Free Wi-Fi is certainly is something to ponder. Yes, airlines need every available dollar, but even a truncated plan would help. United, for instance, had four different tiers of Wi-Fi in 2019 ranging from $7 to $14 for one hour and $19 to $29 for a full day. Perhaps make the first hour free before charging passengers for the duration of the flight?”

I’m curious to know: Do YOU want to see free Wi-Fi on airlines? Why or why not? Let us know where you stand by replying to this newsletter!

TWO Negative COVID-19 Tests for Anybody Traveling to Germany

If you thought the United States requiring a negative COVID-19 test for all incoming travelers was strict, wait until you see what Germany is doing. According to Travel + Leisure, you need TWO negative COVID-19 tests before entering the country:

“…all of Germany’s 16 federal states enacted tougher lockdown measures, including new travel and gathering restrictions. Now, anyone traveling to Germany from a “high-risk area” (which includes the US) will be required to provide two negative COVID-19 tests before being allowed to move about the country” 

A quarantine period of five days is required between the two tests, even if the first test is negative.”

The article did not provide further details about when the tests are going to be done. It turns out that you have to do a test upon arriving, undergo a five-day quarantine regardless of whether you test negative, and then test negative for COVID-19 once more before you are allowed to roam the country freely. 

This is part of a larger lockdown initiative, where all nonessential businesses are closed and consumption of alcohol in public is forbidden.  Just like the rest of Europe, Germany has some very tough times ahead…

How Langham Hotels Is Adapting to a Post-Coronavirus World of Hospitality

Langham Hospitality Group’s CEO Stefan Leser firmly believes that no hotel company or chain is going to get out of the pandemic stronger… rather, they will get out of this mess “differently.”

From Bloomberg:

“Differently, in Langham’s case, means becoming more family-friendly, better able to cater to local guests, and increasingly protected by government; in 2020, Leser became involved in an effort to establish a Minister of Hospitality in the UK, in order to give greater visibility to his industry’s enormous economic impact. 

If hotels are essential to a city’s bottom line, Leser’s task has been to make them essential to its citizens even while travel is off the table.”

Given how people travel for the destination and NOT for the hotel, Leser realized he had to “flip the script” and reverse what travelers prioritize:

“You transform the hotel into a fantastical place completely removed from the grim reality outside.

In London [for example], a new program called ‘Resort in the City’ turns the staff florists and sommeliers into teachers who could offer workshops on ikebana or Champagne tastings. It’s also resulted in more family-friendly programming, such as ‘Behind the Scenes’ days or kids’ cooking classes that engage all ages within a controlled, COVID-safe environment.”

Very interesting perspective – something that can definitely be adapted by hotel chains worldwide. Sadly, the same can’t be said for mom & pop hotels that don’t have access to such a significant amount of capital or manpower…