Class Act 2020 by Global Traveler

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Class Act 2020

FIRST- & BUSINESS-CLASS UPDATE p. 8 PREMIUM ECONOMY-CLASS UPDATE p. 16 THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP p. 22 BUILDING THE AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE p. 28 ALLIANCE LOUNGES IN DEPTH p. 34 A LOOK AT AIRLINE LIVERIES p. 40 2021 HOTEL OPENINGS p. 46

CLASS ACT 2020 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TRAVEL THE WORLD IN STYLE

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LETTER ®

EDITORIAL Editor In Chief Kimberly Krol Inlander kim.krol@globaltravelerusa.com Vice President/Digital Director Katie Skrzek katie.skrzek@globaltravelerusa.com Senior Editor Janice Hecht jan.hecht@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor/Copy Editor Patricia Vanikiotis patty.vanikiotis@globaltravelerusa.com Associate Editor Angelique Platas angelique.platas@globaltravelerusa.com Social Media & Editorial Coordinator Mary Melnick mary.melnick@globaltravelerusa.com Contributing Writer Debra Bokur

ART Art Director Tracey Cullen tracey.cullen@globaltravelerusa.com Staff Photographer Christopher P. Ottaunick christopher@globaltravelerusa.com Special Events Video Editor Vance Piccin

Leisure Time: Tracey Cullen at Keuka Lake, New York PHOTO: © TRACEY CULLEN

Get Ready to Go

f 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we all have the ability to adapt. Airlines, airports and hotels adapted to stringent cleaning protocols and social distancing guidelines. People adapted to working from home while helping their children do their schoolwork from makeshift living room classrooms. Restaurants and stores also adapted, all in the name of survival. But people need to do more than just survive; we all need to thrive and enjoy life, and a big part of living your best life is getting out to explore the world. Everyone is feeling a bit stir-crazy, and the anticipation of traveling is overwhelming. I know I can’t wait to plan my next trip, and reading Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide 2020 offers a great place to start planning travel for the near future. In this issue you can read about some of the best first and business class cabins around. The airlines are going all out to make guests feel comfortable and safe on flights. One thing to look forward to is new dining options — American Airlines’ turkey and Swiss croissant looks like a great start to an early-morning flight. And the epitome of comfort, British Airways recently unveiled its newly branded Club Suite with more privacy and luxurious flat-bed seats. Look forward to starting off those premium

CIRCULATION Specialists John Wroblewski, Louie Atsaves Managers Jayhawk Evans, Mark P. Ford, Teresa Jackson, Anthony “Scraps” Dimera Circulation Director Michele Shannon Circulation Manager Anna Pudzianowski

flights with a visit to an alliance-branded lounge, also featured in this issue. If first- or business-class seats aren’t in the budget for your next trip, don’t fret. The increasing number of premium-economy options might just fit the bill. Delta’s Premium Select cabin offers plenty of extra room and even includes a stylish Tumi amenity kit. Also read about the airport of the future, and take a look at what goes into designing aircraft liveries. In case you’re not comfortable flying right now, check out our article about great American road trips. Who hasn’t dreamed of hopping in a car — or, even better, an RV — and taking off across the United States to take in all the great sights this amazing country has to offer? Last but not least, we look ahead to hotels slated to open in 2021 and beyond. These new hotels raise the bar when it comes to luxurious accommodations. Enjoy reading your copy of Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide 2020, and start planning your next trip now.

Research Consultant Sharon Sterne

ADVISORY BOARD Chairman Michael Donahue COO Michael Kiely President Carlos Cappuccio Executive Vice President Gary Oswald Deputy Vice President Aviation Edward Jefferson Deputy Vice President Accommodations Stephen Doherty Deputy Director Destinations Wayne Tallman Vice President Special Events/Photography Christopher Ottaunick Secretary Mark Lane Research Director Frank LoVerme Treasurer Kevin Ryan Director of Technology Bob Hancock Director of Digital Advancement Jared Torgan Vice President of Corporate Giving Jim Bolger

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Eager to Explore

“E

verything happens for a reason.” I have caught myself saying and believing in this adage. Most of us during these times have grown closer to our friends and family while reevaluating the essentials in life and harnessing the desire for travel. Travel is near and dear to all of us, and its absence only strengthens the eagerness to return. The current climate allows for further domestic adventures and explorations close to home, and this issue of Global Traveler’s Class Act Guide Long Distance: Lexi Holstin in London 2020 highlights U.S. road trips plus airline and PHOTO: © LEXI HOLSTIN hotel updates perfect for making upcoming travel plans. Pre-pandemic, I traveled around the country, to Mexico and the Caribbean frequently, and to Europe — so I’m intrigued to get back to my international adventures. For months I’ve anticipated the return of the travel industry and am eager to get back. In the meantime, my fiancé and I have been making the most of the time exploring more locally. We flew home to Kansas to spend the Fourth of July weekend with family; we took the train into New York City over Labor Day weekend; and we ventured through the Pocono Mountains and cherished those close times together as a couple, especially when planning our destination Cancún wedding for late November. We are hopeful, excited and ready for this next stamp in our passports. This may only feed our travel bug and inspire us to further plan upcoming vacations. I noticed in my recent travels, and through conversations with airlines, airports, hotels and tourist boards, that travel is cleaner than ever. The extra cleaning and disinfection procedures in place for each hotel room, flight and journey reflect a consideration for the safety of customers and passengers during the pandemic and into the future. I hope you enjoy this issue and upcoming issues with a look to clean and safe travels ahead. We are all ready for a little adventure — here, there or wherever your final destination may be.

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8 features

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Class Act 2020

FIRST- & BUSINESS-CLASS UPDATE p. 8

Sit Back and Relax in the Sky Airlines take customer comfort and experience to the next level in premium cabins.

PREMIUM ECONOMY-CLASS UPDATE p. 16 THE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP p. 22 BUILDING THE AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE p. 28 ALLIANCE LOUNGES IN DEPTH p. 34 A LOOK AT AIRLINE LIVERIES p. 40 2021 HOTEL OPENINGS p. 46

CLASS ACT 2020 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO TRAVEL THE WORLD IN STYLE

COVER PHOTO: SINGAPORE AIRLINES PREMIUM-ECONOMY SEATING PHOTO: © SINGAPORE AIRLINES

EXPRESS

P U B L I C AT I O N S , I N C .

On the Rise Premium economy soars in popularity and profitability for airlines.

The Open Road Get behind the wheel to take the most American of journeys.

Fast Forward Airports around the world take a leap into the future.

Great Expectations Look to new luxury properties opening soon for your 2021 travel inspiration.

Winning Concept Airports, airlines and customers all reap the benefits of alliancebranded lounges.

Soaring Symbols Whether landscapes or wildlife, airline liveries tell a story from nose to tail.

Global Traveler and Globility are registered trademarks of Global Traveler magazine and of its parent company, FXExpress Publications, Inc. Global Traveler is not affiliated with any commercial interests within the travel industry. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor can the publisher accept responsibility for errors or omissions. The magazine cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles, photographs or other material. AAM member 04-0361-2. AAM audited circulation 111,517. ISSN 1551-7187 ©2020 FXExpress Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of text, photographs or illustrations without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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PHOTO: © UNITED AIRLINES

Class Act 2020

CONTENTS

Generosity of space. Millions of twinkling lights. Thousands of ornaments. Hundreds of enhanced cleaning protocols. Boundless family-friendly holiday events, from tubing and gingerbread decorating to our brand-new I Love Christmas Movies™ immersive pop-up experience featuring ELF™, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and more! November 13 – January 3 | ChristmasAtGaylordHotels.com ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. (s20) · THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s20)

Dallas. Nashville. DenveR. Orlando.

Sit Back and Relax in the Sky Airlines take customer comfort and experience to the next level in premium cabins.

W Personal Space: Air France La Première PHOTO: © AIR FRANCE

ith travel looking a little different this year and for the near future, airlines are making changes to cleaning, seating procedures and more. Many airlines ensure social distancing during each step of the flight process while also reducing food and beverage service on flights and requiring all crew and passengers to wear a mask. All of these changes will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but, pre-pandemic, airlines around the world made some big changes to their first and business class cabins. Airlines constantly evolve and change to be

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BY MARY MELNICK

the best and attract more customers. The industry frequently finds ways to keep up with the demands and needs of travelers. With the rise of budget airlines, competitors roll out attractive fares, new routes and big enhancements to premium class cabins — all competing to be the best. Although frequent travelers naturally have loyalty toward a certain airline, they also know while first- and business-class accommodations are all premium, some differences among the airlines put some above others. Each year Global Traveler honors the best overall airlines, as well as the best premium-class

services, in the GT Tested Reader Survey awards to help travelers get an idea of which airlines stand out to our readers. In addition, Skytrax, a U.K.-based consultancy organization that runs airline ranking and review sites, releases a ranking system of the World’s Best First-Class Airlines, a great tool to keep in mind while looking to book the perfect flight. American Airlines is introducing more dining options for passengers traveling in first class on most domestic flights and select shorter-haul international flights of more than 900 miles or more than 2.5 hours. Meals will be individually

Customer Comfort: Delta Air Lines' first-class seats (left), and American Airlines' fruit and cheese plate and turkey croissant (below) PHOTOS: © DELTA AIR LINES, © AMERICAN AIRLINES

packaged and served with silverware. For morning flights departing 5–9:45 a.m., passengers have a choice of a continental breakfast box or a turkey and Swiss croissant. On eligible flights departing 9:46 a.m.–9 p.m., first-class passengers can choose from the fruit and cheese tray or a turkey and Havarti sandwich. Attendants will serve all drinks, including alcohol, by request only and offer complimentary fresh snacks in addition to the snack bag passengers receive upon boarding. With these new changes in place, American Airlines will continue to listen to feedback from customers and work closely with flight attendants and catering partners to meet demands for in-flight food and beverage services in this ever-changing landscape. Along with dining changes, American Airlines takes comfort to the next level with Flagship First, only available on Boeing 777-300 aircraft, and Flagship Business. These cabins give passengers access to the most comfort and exclusive, personalized amenities and services on transcontinental and international flights between the United States, Asia, Europe, Australia and South America. American isn’t the only airline making changes to keep up with demand; earlier this year Delta Air Lines introduced new domestic firstclass seats for its Airbus A321neo fleet. The new Airbus is set to arrive late this year. The seats, designed with passengers’ comfort and experience in mind, include a new headrest that allows more privacy and better sleep

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‘AS AN INDUSTRY LEADER IN INNOVATION, WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE.' — MAURICIO PARISE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, DELTA

Suite Spots: British Airways Club Suite (above) and lie-flat bed (right) PHOTOS: © BRITISH AIRWAYS

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without compromising seat space. Power outlets and memory foam cushions provide convenience and added comfort. “As an industry leader in innovation, we are always looking for new ways to improve the overall customer experience,” said Mauricio Parise, managing director of product development, Delta. “Customer insights were instrumental to the new design, and we spent hundreds of hours listening to customers so that we could respond with thoughtful improvements. We’ve completely customized every feature on the seat to create a truly unique, premium seating product for domestic first class.”

Speaking of new, British Airways recently unveiled its highly anticipated businessclass seat. The airline’s newly branded Club Suite offers direct access to the aisle, more privacy and luxurious flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Amenities include an in-flight entertainment screen, more storage, a vanity unit with a mirror, WiFi and more. Club Suite is now available on select Dubai (DXB) and Toronto (YYZ) services on the Airbus A350 aircraft and select New York (JFK) services on the Boeing 777 aircraft, as well as select Tel Aviv (TLV) and Bangalore (BLR) flights and across the London Heathrow (LHR) long-haul

GLOBAL TRAVELERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

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Fly in Style: Air France La Première (right), and Turkish Airlines' business-class dining (below) PHOTOS: © AIR FRANCE, © TURKISH AIRLINES

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fleet. Travelers flying in the Club Suite enjoy faster check-in and boarding, room for extra bags, a space to relax before the flight and delicious cuisine. All airlines constantly redesign first and business class cabins with customer comfort in mind. Travelers flying business class on Turkish Airlines experience top-notch comfort with a fully lie-flat bed; a seat control panel; an in-chair massage feature; and an amenity kit filled with an eye mask, earplugs and socks, perfect for rest during the flight. It also seems more and more airlines enhance the onboard dining experience. Many carriers hire chefs to redesign their menus to cater to passenger needs and tastes. Turkish Airlines introduced Turkish dining into its business class cabins; depending on the flight and destination, passengers can choose dishes like shish kebap, karniyarik, manti and other traditional Turkish menu items. The in-flight dining on Turkish Airlines is a big reason passengers come back for more. United takes comfort to the next level on international flights with United Polaris business

Time to Unwind: United Polaris night lighting (top), and Fiji Airways' Tabua Club Lounge (bottom) PHOTOS :© UNITED, © FIJI AIRWAYS

class. The custom-designed United Polaris seat is perfect for passengers who want to sleep, work or relax throughout the flight; the seat features one-touch adjustability that lets you choose the perfect position and offers cabin lighting controls at your shoulder in case you need more or less light. Not only does Air France keep passenger comfort in mind, it mainly

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focuses on the overall experience. From the moment you pull up to the airport to the second you step off the plane, Air France is at your service. Guests flying La Première from Paris can access a private driver, private check-in, priority boarding and more, while on the flight passengers can enjoy their own private suite/living space, personalized service and great entertainment. Fiji Airways does not focus on in-flight dining but instead pre-flight, on-the-ground dining. Business-class guests will enjoy a hearty breakfast and dinner in the airline’s flagship Fiji Airways Premier Lounge before hopping on their mid-morning or late-evening flight. These meals include coffee, made-to-order breakfast items, a full bakery and a selection of fresh fruit juices. Passengers with a later flight enjoy hot meals designed by Fiji Airways’ executive in-house and guest chefs and can sip on delicious signature cocktails and mocktails at the full-service bar. Fiji Airways hopes offering before-flight meals will take the pressure off feeling the need to eat in the air. If passengers still want an onboard dining experience, select flights offer full-course meals. With technology constantly evolving and as demands from customers change, airlines will continue to bring new experiences and luxuries to their premium cabins. Given the new travel procedures and social distancing rules brought on by COVID-19, we may start to see airlines focusing on providing an even more private passenger experience; we can’t wait to see what comes in the future.

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On the Rise Premium economy soars in popularity and profitability for airlines. BY KIMBERLY KROL

ach year our Class Act features an article similar to this, taking a look at the premium economy cabins on airlines around the globe, comparing and contrasting seat specifics and amenities. What was once a matter of which airlines offer the “in-between” cabin is now a matter of which airlines do not boast the now much more commonplace premium economy class. Today the list of airlines offering a premium economy cabin is a who’s A Step Up: Premium economy on Qantas' Airbus A380 PHOTO: © QANTAS

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Creative Space: Britt Design Group-designed outdoor office space (top), library (middle) and workroom (bottom) PHOTOS: © MATT BATISTA

who of the world’s best and brightest, including Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, Air Canada and many more. According to a March 2020 Airline Passenger Experience Association report, it could all come down to a matter of money — both for the passengers who, for a little extra green receive a far more premium experience, and for the airlines. The article quotes Harry Hohmeister, head of commercial passenger airlines, Lufthansa Group, as saying premium economy is a “money-generating machine,” bringing in 33 percent more revenue per square foot than traditional economy and 6 percent more than business class. The sentiment was echoed by Robert Isom, president, American Airlines, in a 2019 earnings call, with premium economy dubbed the “most profitable use of square footage on wide-body aircraft.” With the financials in mind, airlines now add more premium-economy seats to new aircraft configurations: Qantas bumped the number of premiumeconomy seats on its Airbus A380 from 35 to 60, British Airways increased its number on the new A350, and Singapore Airlines eliminated economy class entirely on its A350, opting instead for a two-cabin configuration of premium economy and business class.

Of course, holdouts remain, such as Korean Air and Qatar Airways, who tout an already-generous and more-comfortable-than-most economy-class cabin. And you have airlines that reverse course, such as Turkish Airlines, who added and offered Comfort Class in 2016 only to remove the cabin that same year. And then there are the surprises, as when one of the holdouts created industry buzz last year with the announcement of a premium economy cabin: Emirates. The cabin would be the first of its kind among Middle Eastern carriers and

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

Enhanced Experience: Delta Premium Select cabin (top) and amenity kit (bottom) PHOTOS: © DELTA AIR LINES

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was big news … and then came COVID-19. Much uncertainty surrounded the details of the cabin, and now as a result of the pandemic, the debut date is a question mark as well. While originally slated to launch in June 2020 with the delivery of the Boeing 777X, it was pushed back to the end of 2020 with the arrival of new A380s. Now, as of June, Emirates still plans to debut

Stretch Out: Japan Airlines premium-economy seats (right), and Cathay Pacific premium economy (below) PHOTOS: © JAPAN AIRLINES, © CATHAY PACIFIC

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the cabin but at an unknown, delayed date and on a slower rollout. Plans to retrofit existing aircraft with the new cabin have also been scrapped. Mystery shrouded the specifics of the cabin from the beginning. In April 2019 HAECO Cabin Solutions announced its Eclipse Cabin as well as “an as yet unnamed Middle East-based airline” as its launch customer. According to HAECO, “The Eclipse Cabin transforms travel in short-haul business class and long-haul premium economy by utilising an innovative layout and design. This elevates the overall passenger experience by increasing privacy and comfort while maximising passenger places (PAX) for airlines. The Eclipse Cabin further enhances flying by providing more stowage space for amenities and crew baggage, freeing overhead bin space.” Tim Clark, president, Emirates, was also less than forthcoming with details, describing the cabin as a “superette” design that would cradle the legs in a “lazy-Z format.” The few details available, though, certainly made the premium economy cabin sound attractive. There’s no denying the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of travel, and some uncertainties still loom. As the current focus of all airlines, hotels and travel providers is cleanliness, safety and the health and well-being of consumers, announcements and new product launches are on the back burner; and dates and deadlines are fluid, delayed and to be determined. Just as the world waits on a more realistic timeline for the debut of Emirates’ premium economy cabin, we can only wonder what will come of the February 2020 announcement by Pieter Elbers, CEO, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, that the airline will introduce a premium economy cabin within a year. KLM

currently offers an Economy Comfort option, with about four additional inches of legroom and one to two extra inches of recline but with much the same service as economy. Elbers offered no further details on what would differentiate the new premium economy cabin, but headlines proclaimed this means KLM would finally boast a “proper” premium-economy option rather than a heightened, slightly more comfortable economy-class option. In 2019 Swiss International Air Lines announced plans to debut a premium economy cabin in spring 2021, marking the last airline of the Lufthansa Group to do so. Again, it remains to be seen if the world’s current situation will allow for an on-time unveiling of the cabin, slated to first appear on the Boeing 777-300ER, but details of the almost $44 million investment include 24 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration that offer 10 percent wider seats, 20 percent greater pitch and 25 percent greater recline. With more and more airlines offering premium economy, it’s not just about the seat anymore. Sure, enhancing the seat’s pitch, recline and width always wins over new customers, but travelers are also enticed by an enhanced overall experience, beginning at check-in and through to deplaning. Airlines today make sure all of the premium-economy extras make the additional monetary output more than worth it, with most offering premium access all the way and upping the ante even more with bonuses previously reserved for first- and business-class passengers. “Glorified economy class” is no longer an apt description of this cabin. On All Nippon Airways and Philippine Airlines, the premium economy

cabins feature mood lighting to mimic the time of day and enhance rest and relaxation for travelers. For airlines like Japan Airlines, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, the seat width creeps over 40 inches, some of the most spacious seats in the premium-economy game. British Airways recently overhauled the culinary offerings for its premium-economy passengers, while Singapore Airlines extends its first- and business-class Book the Cook service to premium-economy travelers. Delta Air Lines brings a luxe touch with GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

Attention to Detail: British Airways World Traveller Plus seating (top) and amenity kit (bottom) PHOTOS: © BRITISH AIRWAYS

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Deluxe Design: Air Canada premium-economy seating (top), and Singapore Airlines premium economy on the Airbus A350 PHOTOS: © AIR CANADA, © SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Tumi amenity kits and memory foam seats. On Qantas, calf rests deliver better ergonomic support for a more comfortable flight, and American Airlines’ partnership with Casper for bedding can also be experienced in its premium economy cabin. With so many options, the choice can be overwhelming. For

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those looking to accolades and awards before hitting the “book” button, Air Canada was named Best Premium Economy Class in Global Traveler’s 2020 Leisure Lifestyle Awards. The reputable Skytrax ranked Virgin Atlantic, one of the first airlines in the world to offer premium economy in the 1990s, the World’s Best Premium Economy Class in its 2019 ranking, followed by Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines (No. 1 for Best Premium Economy Class Airline Catering), Air Canada, Qantas, Lufthansa, Virgin Australia, Aeroflot, Air France, Philippine Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, EVA Air (another leader in the premiumeconomy movement), China Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Alitalia, British Airways and China Southern Airlines. The “in-between” cabin no more, it’s clear premium economy classes around the globe are soaring to the forefront of the flight experience.

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The Open Road Get behind the wheel to take the most American of journeys. BY ANGELIQUE PLATAS

rom the dark, infamous corners of Hunter S. Thompson’s years riding up and down the West Coast with the Hell’s Angels and John Steinbeck’s introspective Travels with Charley: In Search of America to Jack Kerouac’s legendary weeks On the Road, simultaneously creating a great American novel and wanderlust route with beatnik friends, there’s just something so quintessentially American about a road trip. Maybe it’s the renegade history of the first recorded cross-country journey when Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson packed his two-cylinder, 20-horsepower, roofless and windowless Winton automobile with 22-year-old mechanic and co-driver Sewall Crocker and a goggle-wearing bulldog

Looking for Adventure: Romantic road trip PHOTO: © EPICSTOCK | DREAMSTIME.COM

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named Bud and hit the open road from San Francisco to New York on a $50 bet in 1903. Years before his time — one decade before the National Park Service was founded, two decades before Route 66 was built and half a century before the Interstate Highway System existed — Jackson made the transcontinental drive, won his $50 and established a road map for a classic American travel practice with an exceedingly American origin story. Before Jackson, cross-country trips were only trekked in dire straits with covered wagons and high mortality rates. After, they became exciting explorations with the intention to reconnect, whether with one’s self or the country or to simply garner a feeling of being immersed in the great wide open, but all with the control and independence an automobile affords. The need for back-to-basics experiences ebbs and flows through the years as each generation circles back to some aspect of the one (or two) before. Whether by preference or necessity, travel styles can vary from a simple, grassroots, bare-bones variety to excessive, extravagant experiences and exceeding luxury. Through it all, road trips endure while remaining an important piece of Americana. Just the thought of a road trip elicits visions of an unfolded map strewn across the dashboard of a retro van or red convertible with wind and hair circling wildly — while a romantic idea, not the most sensible of techniques. This is where modernizing the classic road trip is a luxury in itself. Where travelers once had to use their wits, the elements and good fortune to get through, we can now utilize pre-planned routes on apps like Roadtrippers or solid resources like the National Parks Service website of helpful links and travel updates — an invaluable source for creating selfmade itineraries — all of which can be transcribed into a GPS, including enough time and space for a healthy mix of planned and impromptu stops. The great American road trip can be many things; that’s the beauty of it — that, and everything along the highways and byways of some of the more established routes. Beginning with the classic, tried-and-true quintessential road trip — the kind that feels comfortable, well-planned and a trustworthy course in times of uncertainty — nothing is more synonymous with Americana than traveling Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America or the Mother Road. Whether heading east to west or vice versa, the entire Route 66 venture can take a few weeks and bookends a whole lot of country between two iconic (and nearly opposite) cities, Chicago and Santa Monica. Passing through eight states — California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas Mother Road: Historic U.S. Route 66 with highway sign on asphalt and a panoramic view of Oatman, Arizona PHOTO: © MICHAELURMANN | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Peak Sights: Petrified Forest National Park (top), and a row of brightly painted Cadillacs at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas (right) PHOTOS: © LARRY KNUPP | DREAMSTIME.COM, © PEEK CREATIVE COLLECTIVE | DREAMSTIME.COM

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(briefly — if you blink, you’ll miss it), Missouri and Illinois — Route 66 unfolds at the driver’s feet, revealing everything from kitschy stops like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas; ghost towns from a bygone era; and the scenic Turquoise Trail in New Mexico to natural wonders like Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert and easy access to the Grand Canyon — not to mention countless quirky neon-lit motels, diners and obligatory stops along the way. Built in the 1920s, Route 66 certainly aged quite a bit, but it’s part of the charm and pioneering character of the road’s 85 percent drivable distance. Few road trips plan themselves as easily as Route 66, but there are many other iconic paths travelers can follow. Jack Kerouac’s journey from New York City to San Francisco, with an added diversion north to North Cascades National Park in Washington, boasts America’s wild terrain, big-city dreams and all the small-town life in between. See firsthand what Kerouac meant by “Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” Other trips may be more about key points of interest and less about the historic road or iconic journey — these courses are of the most formidable road trip style but require a bit more work en route. When travelers create a list of what they want to see and do, the route begins to reveal itself, simply requiring a steady guide to make sense of the path as to where to stop and in what order.

JACK KEROUAC’S JOURNEY FROM NEW YORK CITY TO SAN FRANCISCO, WITH AN ADDED DIVERSION NORTH TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON, BOASTS AMERICA’S WILD TERRAIN, BIG-CITY DREAMS AND ALL THE SMALL-TOWN LIFE IN BETWEEN. A New Day: Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park at sunrise PHOTO: © TOMAS NEVESELY | DREAMSTIME.COM

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Go West: Red rock tunnel near Bryce Canyon National Park (top), and Joshua Tree rock formations (bottom) PHOTOS: © PIX569 | DREAMSTIM E.COM, © STEVEN CUKROV | DREAMSTIME.COM

While offering more freedom, creativity and spontaneity, this route also requires some loose planning, like finding a hotel, campground or RV park along the way. But what’s a road trip without a sense of wild and on-the-fly adaptability? Then there’s the national park road trip,

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the road trip dedicated to seeing as much of America as possible with the occasional treat-yourself stops in between for modern comforts. Visualize hitting the road, venturing from Acadia National Park to Glacier National Park, visiting Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and the Badlands along the journey. Hop on long stretches of highway heading from the Rocky Mountains to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or check a dozen parks off the list heading farther west from Zion National Park to Joshua Tree National Park, with stops at Bryce Canyon, Arches, Death Valley and any of the many national parks peppered in this densely beautiful region. Imagine hitting the road in good company, music playing, watching the vast countryside of rolling hills and desert plains whiz by, with plans for as many landmark stops and photo-worthy pull-over moments as possible. The journey leads everywhere and nowhere, en route to the nearest town to eat, explore and sleep, knowing the day ahead will be filled with scenic ventures and unique experiences, just like today, before getting back in the car toward civilization (or

camp) for the night, to do it all over again tomorrow. The great American road trip may look different to everyone, but the through line for all is the country’s true soul, its heartland, and the need to be immersed in it — even if only for a few days at a time before seeking modern comforts. Whether one national park or dozens are on your list, it’s the sole facet that unites nearly all noteworthy road trips. Within a country founded on the concepts of freedom and equality, the fabric of Americana is woven with a diverse thread of cultures, customs, perspectives and lifestyles while representing one group of people, all living on the same patch of dirt. While our routes and destinations may vary, the sights and sounds we see along the way differ, and the twists and turns we make range drastically, the ground beneath us is all the same, and many of the roads even connect. It may not be something a Canadian-born physician who earned his medical degree in Vermont before driving from California to New York on a whim could have ever predicted, but honestly, what’s more American than that?

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Fast Forward Airports around the world take a leap into the future. BY JANICE HECHT

uch as 9/11 triggered increased security in the wake of terrorist attacks, the aviation industry responded rapidly to the global COVID-19 pandemic, with priorities changing to ensure the health and safety of passengers, employees and service providers. Airports explored ways to offer a contactless environment. New technologies arrived, such as the Collins Aerospace Kiosk Connect, offering touch-free access via mobile phone. Autonomous cleaning robots equipped with UV light began to roam terminals. Hong Kong International Airport was the first in the world and Pittsburgh International the first in the United States to deploy these robots. And at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, staff donned Smart Helmets with infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence and an augmented reality display to check the temperatures of travelers. Changing the Face of Travel: IDEMIA check-in kiosks at Changi Airport PHOTO: © RAPHAEL OLIVIER / IDEMIA

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Many changes will likely remain in place in the near term but will evolve to permanently transform the airport experience to a more passenger-centric process. Industry stakeholders long anticipated a digital transformation in an effort to create a faster, safer and more secure airport process — and allow aviation the flexibility and resilience to meet future demands without relying on ever-bigger airports. In this moment, the future is upon us. In 2013 The Future of Travel Experience Global Think Tank’s “Vision 2025” report envisioned an airport walk-through experience with automated check-in, permanent bag tags and passenger identification tokens to be used at every checkpoint. The report predicted, “Historically, the industry has had an engineering focus all about flying aircraft — the future is about flying customers and providing customeroriented service.” Similarly, “The Future of Airports: a Vision of 2040 and 2070” — presented earlier this year by the Airport Think Tank of ENAC Alumni (the French National University of Civil Aviation) — foresees the transformation of airports from facility providers to mobility providers

and hosts. In accommodating world population growth to about 9 billion in 2040 and 10.5 billion in 2070, future airport concepts will need to “go beyond grand architectural designs and get back to the roots of terminal design: providing a straightforward, seamless, and pleasant access to the aircraft from the curbside.” IDEMIA, the technology company behind TSA PreCheck, believes biometrics — using a traveler’s face, iris or fingerprints as a GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

Rolling Along: Autonomous UV cleaning robot at Pittsburgh International Airport (top), and close-up of its ultraviolet light (bottom) PHOTOS: © BLUE SKY NEWS/ PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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Disinfection Devices: Hong Kong International Airport's cleaning robot sterilizing restrooms (top) and CLeanTech full-body disinfection booth (bottom) PHOTOS: © HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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travel document — will forever change the travel experience. Sooner rather than later, by tying their biometric identity to their ticket, travelers will enjoy contactless bag drop, streamlined security and health screens, and faster boarding times. And by pre-enrolling using biometrics, travelers can anticipate individualized experiences once they arrive at the airport. In a recent interview, Donnie Scott, senior vice president and general manager, Public Security, IDEMIA, acknowledged, “These conversations started pre-COVID, but they’ve really been accelerated during the last two quarters, as people look to a return to normalcy.” Airports are at varying stages of biometric use — Dubai Airport’s Smart Tunnels, for example, recognize passengers as they walk through, completing immigration checks in just 15 seconds, and Singapore’s Seletar Airport implemented an IDEMIA biometric immigration system following its installation at Changi Airport. Here in the United States we are still on that journey. The TSA anticipates “a biometrics capability, built with strategic partners, that enhances aviation security, streamlines operations, and simplifies the user experience.” IDEMIA has worked with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to test a biometric entry/exit system for all international travelers, with some airlines trialing this technology. It’s in the process of rolling out nationwide, with EWR, LAX,

ATL and others already deploying the technology. The case for the biometric solutions is strong, as most biographic information — date of birth, social security number, mother’s maiden name — has often been compromised, but as Scott said, “your self is your self.” And as the CBP reports, biometrics can process passenger identification not only faster but with greater consistency and accuracy than the in-person process. Nonetheless, some people raise concerns about privacy and cybersecurity. “IDEMIA focuses on enabling mobile devices to be an authoritative use of, and a repository for, the self,” explained Scott. “We don’t centrally house anything. We’re the connective tissue that enables a secure transaction to occur between a citizen and a commercial or government entity. Our goal is to build that privacy into the architecture. We’re used to double-clicking our phones to make a payment at a vending machine that we trust, and we see the same vision for travel.” IDEMIA envisions a fully integrated biometric security system which manages a passenger’s journey in a process it dubs “couch to gate,” rather than the traditional curb to gate. In this future vision, your journey begins in the comfort of your own home using your mobile device to enroll as a passenger, capturing your own biometrics. A unique, secure and digital travel document is created. Either your biometrics are stored securely in your boarding pass, or your fingers, iris and face are your boarding pass.

The pre-enrollment of passengers enables airports and airlines to better understand who their customers are and direct them when they show up. It establishes a digital relationship that allows a high level of trust and communication in advance of their arrival. It allows for a contactless process with social distancing in place. And it means security agents can focus on the high-risk exception case and spend less time looking at people who have a high level of trust because they started that process at home. In the vision of future terminals, where both the security and the passenger experience are built naturally into the infrastructure, airport management can essentially recognize on the go, without passengers ever stopping to interact with anything. IDEMIA’s newly launched MFace Flex enables that process by using a multicamera identification infrastructure that recognizes people of varying heights — for example, a family with children or people in wheelchairs — without their having to stop in front of a specific camera. The power of pre-enrollment and a digital travel document will also make the airport experience more pleasant. When you arrive as an anticipated guest, the biometric data can be used to optimize your mobility through the individual components at the airport. “The goal, whether you talk to a car rental place, a hotel, an airline or the parking infrastructure at airports,” said Scott, “is they’re all trying to get GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

Fast Passage: IDEMIA automated clearance at Changi Airport PHOTO: © RAPHAEL OLIVIER / IDEMIA

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It's a Match: IDEMIA biometric scan at Changi Airport PHOTO: © RAPHAEL OLIVIER / IDEMIA

better at timing and queuing the passenger experience. If you break down each one of those individual components, the airports themselves and the travel providers that serve the community both on the government and commercial side are all working to understand each of those individual pieces, the time that each takes, to make a predictive travel time estimate for each traveler that’s individualized for that traveler.” According to Scott, we’ll likely see security lines and check-ins reimagined, lounges and restaurants reimagined — not just as we come out of COVID but as we better use technology and better understand how the time is spent in the airport, at the individual traveler level on an individual day. With the airport acting as a mobility provider, the goal is that nobody ever misses their flight and that nobody ever has to arrive more than a couple of minutes prior to the expected departure time. So imagine that on your couch-to-gate journey, you arrive at the airport already checked in. You have an estimate of the time it will take to get from the car park to the plane. You can drop off your checked bag at a contactless kiosk which recognizes your biometrics and prints a bag tag. You’re pre-enrolled, so the TSA knows you, your carrier knows you, and they can direct you to the right security checkpoint and the right check-in area by your status. You know how many minutes it will take to get through the TSA checkpoint based on historical volumes and the known

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travelers that day. As you walk through security, the biometric scanner recognizes and verifies you (you do not have to remove shoes or jackets or take your laptop out of the bag). You know how long it will take to walk from the security area to the gate, so you’ll know if you have time to visit the lounge, where you can biometrically gain access. When you receive a boarding alert on your phone, you head to the e-gate where the camera verifies you as a passenger on the departure manifest, and you’re on your way to your seat. Then, once you arrive at your destination, you receive a specific time to pick up your checked bag, without having to wait in a crowded baggage claim area. The future biometric vision assumes a collaboration of travelers, airports, airlines and governments. Scott envisions a time when, “If you start back on your couch, and we know who you are before you get there, and your willingness to share information or the sources of record become something you control and you enable it, then we start dialing way down on the risk profile of who you are when you show up. And because you’re the only one with your face and you’re the only one with your fingerprints, you’re the only one with your travel documents, you’re the only one with your cellphone, you, the traveler, pick how you’re comfortable in sharing and granting use of those things, and we can make a really nice travel experience.”

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Winning Concept Airports, airlines and customers all reap the benefits of alliance-branded lounges. BY PATRICIA VANIKIOTIS

remium travelers know the benefits of holding a first- or businessclass ticket extend beyond those front-of-the-craft cabins boasting lie-flat seats, fine dining and top-shelf wines and liquors. Yes, extra baggage allowances and access to priority check-in, security, boarding and luggage retrieval also make the travel experience more pleasant. Perhaps the perk experienced flyers most appreciate, however, is access to airport lounges. From 1939, when American Airlines opened its first Flagship Club (later renamed the Admirals Club) at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, until late in the last century, airport lounges were hosted by individual airlines for their premium passengers and a limited number of partners. The 1990s saw

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the introduction of third-party lounge operators such as Priority Pass, and since then a mix of other options including public and credit card-affiliated lounges (think American Express’ popular Centurion lounges) have come into play. Shortly after the introduction of airline alliances (Star Alliance in 1997, oneworld in 1999 and SkyTeam in 2000), another choice for elite and

Room to Relax: Oneworld LAX lounge managed by Qantas PHOTOS: © ONEWORLD

first- and business-class passengers arose: the alliance-branded lounge. Star Alliance led the way in Zürich in 2001, and its 26 member airlines and their customers now enjoy access to eight lounges around the world. Richard Carret, director of Marketing & Communications, Star Alliance, explained the rationale for these collaborations: “It creates a win/win/win outcome for customers, the airline member of the Alliance and the airports, in that a ‘classier’ lounge is developed than could otherwise be afforded by carriers individually.” Mauro Oretti, vice president, Marketing and Commercial, SkyTeam, also points to the benefits of alliance-branded lounges. The alliance opened its first lounge at London Heathrow in 2009 to serve its 19 member airlines and now operates six lounges in all. They provide a clear cost-saving benefit to the members but only if, he qualified, “we can maintain or increase the quality of the lounge experience, together with customer satisfaction.” For the alliance itself, “Creating lounges under our name is a great way to extend the reach of the brand, associating it with a physical touchpoint that tangibly showcases what the alliance stands for.” Airports which host alliance-branded lounges also see benefits beyond the income

generated through rent and sales. Star Alliance asserts its highly regarded global brand helps an airport position its own brand, and positive customer experiences in the lounge spaces boost visitors’ perceptions of the overall airport experience. Clearly, creating these lounges calls for a considerable investment in

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money, time and resources. The process can take a year or more, beginning with identifying suitable locations, researching and collecting input from member airlines and consumers, developing a concept and then working through to design and construction.

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Perhaps the biggest consideration is location. As oneworld seeks to launch its own branded lounges, Ghim-Lay Yeo, vice president, Corporate Communications, oneworld, identified the factors to be considered. “These include the network presence of member airlines, the existing lounges, the availability of airport real estate, and collaboration with airport partners and other stakeholders.” For oneworld, identifying Moscow Domodedovo as the site of its first lounge makes sense with these factors in mind. Home to member airline S7 Airlines, the airport is also served by five other oneworld member airlines but with far less volume. Here, as Yeo said, “By consolidating resources we [will] create enhanced customer facilities and comfort.” She went on to suggest the impact COVID-19 has had on air travel demand may increase the importance of these factors in choosing locations. “For example, a reduced network at a specific location could potentially provide greater impetus for the optimization of lounge facilities.” Both Star Alliance and SkyTeam indicate they tend to choose non-hub destinations which are nevertheless an important city to the network, served by multiple member airlines. SkyTeam’s Mauro Oretti also identified other

criteria which come into play, such as “fit” — whether the physical space suits members’ and customers’ needs and provides the elements (infrastructure) needed to deliver exceptional service and a high level of customer satisfaction. There must be a suitable volume of Elite Plus, first- and business-class passengers as well as a competitive landscape in terms of existing lounges at the targeted airports. If you build it, they will come … but only if it fulfills their needs. With that concept in mind, alliances constantly assess what their members and their customers seek in terms of amenities, service and ambience. SkyTeam consults with experts in fields such as industrial design and customer experience and solicits passengers’ ideas and input. Oretti remarked that over the past 10 years the greatest evolution in the customer experience has been in technology. “Customers demand a more seamless, personalized experience. We have seen demand rise for fast and accessible WiFi, more charging points, contactless payment and smart ordering.” The alliance also has adapted to shifts in eating habits, providing more locally sourced and sustainably produced food and drink.

In terms of ambience, Oretti stressed, “Each lounge must have an individualized sense of place while still communicating to the lounge guests that this is a SkyTeam lounge. We want to develop diverse spaces suitable for all travelers.” Design elements, such as the locally sourced turquoise-blue tiles used in the recently opened lounge in İstanbul, draw inspiration from the area and the culture where lounges are located. The same philosophy carries through in food and beverage offerings and locally sourced menu GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

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A look at alliances ONEWORLD Member airlines: 13 First lounge: Announced for Moscow Domodedovo Alliance-affiliated lounges: 650 In the pipeline: Possible sites include São Paulo, Beijing Daxing, Frankfurt, JFK Highlights: Co-managed by Qantas, British Airways and Cathay Pacific, the LAX International Terminal lounge features showers, self-service wines, a DIY juice bar and a children’s play area.

items, from a noodle bar in Hong Kong to made-to-order pide (Turkish pizza) in İstanbul. In addition to offering all the usual amenities such as speedy, complimentary WiFi and plentiful power outlets and USB charging ports, Star Alliance prides itself in designing unique, “curated” spaces which reflect the character of the country and city in which they are located in order to immerse the traveler in the destination. Local architects design the spaces, and well-known designers and artists help establish that sense of place in the furnishings and decorative elements incorporated. And, of course, regional cuisine and beverages are well-represented, from made-to-order pizzas and barista coffees in Rome to fine wines, cheeses and desserts in Paris. And customers do appreciate all this attention

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to detail. Of Star Alliance’s 17,760-square-foot lounge at LAX’s Thomas Bradley International Terminal, Global Traveler’s Globility Board member Eric Chiang said, “Whenever I have a long layover at LAX, I will visit this lounge even if it requires walking more than 15 minutes each way from another terminal,” and called it “one of the best lounges in the country.” He noted its extensive buffet, hot entrées, showers, outdoor terrace and abundant seating. Fellow board member Mike Russo noted he has visited the SkyTeam lounges in Hong Kong, Heathrow and Sydney “multiple times,” finding London and Sydney to offer pleasant stays and good service, while Hong Kong came up short in ambience and hot food options and was often overcrowded. The general consensus among the board’s well-traveled members is alliance-branded lounges overall offer a superior product to domestic airline lounges, especially as regards food and beverage choices. As of publication, due to the pandemic, a number of alliance-branded lounges were still closed, but some reopened over the past few months. Following local health directives and the alliances’ own enhanced health protocols, food and beverage offerings may be limited, masks and maintaining physical distance are required, and shower facilities remain closed.

SKYTEAM Member airlines: 19 First lounge: 2009, LHR T4 Alliance-branded lounges: 6 Locations: Dubai, Hong Kong, İstanbul, London, Sydney, Vancouver In the pipeline: Santiago, estimated opening in 2021 Highlights: The two-level, 17,222-square-foot LHR lounge offers spa treatments, an oxygen bar, showers, a living wall, wine bar and relaxation rooms. STAR ALLIANCE Member airlines: 26 First lounge: 2001, Zürich Alliance-branded lounges: 8 Locations: Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, LAX, Nagoya, Paris (CDG), Rio de Janeiro, Rome (FCO), São Paulo In the pipeline: Guangzhou, the first alliance-branded lounge in China Highlights: LAX’s 17,760-square-foot, awardwinning lounge includes a separate First Class Lounge, showers, an extensive buffet and an outdoor terrace with fire pit and water features.

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Soaring Symbols Whether landscapes or wildlife, airline liveries tell a story from nose to tail. BY DEBRA BOKUR

ay back when, Leonardo da Vinci made a written, slightly dismissive notation that a poet would likely be overcome by sleep and hunger before being able to describe with “mere words” what a painter or artist could convey, in a single instant, through an image. Over the ensuing centuries, this sentiment has become a staple in the world of marketing — including the aviation industry, where meticulously designed liveries deliver a quick flash of branding-meets-possibility. In 1911 newspaper editor Tess Flanders expanded upon Da Vinci’s rhetoric when she was quoted as saying, “Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.” A few years later, in 1927, Fred R. Barnard used the phrase in the advertising trade journal Printer’s Ink (later called Marketing/Communications), driving it firmly into the global psyche of branding. The adoption of liveries was a natural progression not only in the evolution of brand awareness but also in the concept of using the body of a plane

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as a canvas. The French early embraced the painting of planes, introducing camouflage colors and patterns to confuse enemy pilots in World War 1. Later, custom nose art, often depicting voluptuous pin-up girls, appeared on wartime aircraft, serving the dual purpose of intimidating foes and boosting the morale of comrades in arms. Today, any traveler gazing out the window of a plane at craft lined up at gates or queuing for runway time can see how this concept has taken hold in the aviation industry. Plane liveries have become a convenient way to provide not only brand recognition but also a quick visual link to a destination. Examples include TAP Air Portugal’s use of the country’s national colors — green and red — and Icelandair’s stunning visual recreation of Icelandic natural features including waterfalls, glaciers and the mystical northern lights. The eye-catching livery of Icelandair’s Hekla Aurora plane wreathes the body of this singular aircraft in a simulated northern lights experience, a move that provides a titillating hint of what’s waiting to be

discovered there. “We try to embody the spirit of Iceland from the moment you see our planes and step on board,” stressed Michael Raucheisen, communications manager–North America. “All of our planes are named after volcanoes, and there is a large selection of Icelandic treats and in-flight entertainment selections on board. It is a great way for Icelandair to share the spirit and beauty of Iceland with the world.” Depending upon your home airport and how frequently you fly, some liveries may be more familiar to you than others. Blue has always

been a component of the liveries at United Airlines, from the dramatic blue masked cheatline on the Mainliners of the 1940s through 1958 to today’s new design that sports a trio of blues: Rhapsody Blue, United Blue and Sky Blue. The powerful eagle symbol appearing on American Airlines’ fleet has been a fixture through numerous painted designs, including the newly updated exterior of a white body and a flashy, stylized American flag on the tail. American’s eagle, which originally appeared in a brochure for a Scottish hotel, was a design created for a logo contest by Goodrich Murphy, an employee of the airline. The distinctive bird logo that appears on the tails of the Singapore Airlines fleet derives from the silver kris (or keris), a dagger embedded in the destination’s rich folklore and legend. Wings and birds are a fairly common motif within the liveries of multiple airlines. The brush-wing logo of Cathay Pacific remained a fixture through multiple livery updates, including the special Spirit of Hong Kong liveries, while the elegant crane created by graphic artist Otto Firle has been a recognizable symbol on Lufthansa aircraft since Firle first designed it in 1920. Keen observers will note the color yellow is absent from the newly updated Lufthansa livery, the result of a process that involved more than 800 designs and extensive color development, including a modern, deeper blue that contrasts beautifully with the white bodies of the fleet’s aircraft. These days, the excitement and adventure of traveling to a distant location can be dimmed considerably by everything leading up to it: traffic, luggage, crowds, security procedures and stress over health issues. A plane’s livery and/or logo design can help redirect some of that stress in a more positive direction, helping travelers shift their mood while suggesting a certain kind of travel experience. That’s the case with the new Etihad Airways’ livery, designed by leading brand consultants Landor Associates in partnership with Etihad.

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Elegant Designs: Etihad Airways livery (top), and Lufthansa livery (bottom) PHOTOS: © ETIHAD, © COLICARANICA | DREAMSTIME.COM

“The new livery,” explained Amina Taher, vice president, Brand, Marketing & Partnerships, Etihad Airways, “inspired by the culture, geography and innovation of our U.A.E.’s capital, brings together the shapes and different colors of the desert landscape, the elegant preci-

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sion of Islamic design motifs and the geometric patterns inherent in the local architecture, whilst drawing on the powerful equities of the Etihad name itself.” The result, said Taher, “is yet another bold step away from just placing a symbol or logo on

a tailfin to creating something that is meaningful, extraordinary and remarkable. With a proud cultural image that will stand out at our international destination airports, the Etihad livery shows a striking ‘heritage-bound’ design using these traditional patterns alongside national emblems.” Designs and visual components can certainly elicit powerful responses from viewers — including a sense of fun and environmental stewardship, as in the “spokesanimals” that decorate the fleet at Denver-based Frontier Airlines. Animal mascots include Lance the Ocelot, Trixie the Red Fox Cub, Carl the Coyote and Mickey the Moose. “The animals have always been an integral part of our story,” said Juliette Hemingway, senior manager, Branding & Creative Strategies, “dating back to the mid-1990s. It is an attribute of our brand that automatically evokes an emotional response in people. The animals

foster brand recognition, and this is important because it helps us to connect to our customers and communities we serve on a deeper level. Also, a plane with an animal on its tail will grab your attention; you take note, and hopefully it evokes a conversation. They can inspire, connect and unite. It is also a great distinguisher from other airlines.” According to Hemingway, Frontier recognizes the power of its platform for both spreading awareness and educating consumers about conservation and endangered species. To that end, the airline’s most recent animal addition was Chinook the Gray Wolf — named for a wolf-dog hybrid rescued by Darlene Kobobel in 1993, who founded the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide, Colorado.

Like Frontier, Norwegian’s graphics appear on the tail. The airline’s impressive collection of tailfin heroes, introduced with the airline’s launch 20 years ago, features not only on the tailfin but also throughout the aircraft via cabin artwork. “It has become our tradition to celebrate iconic and historical figures,” offered Anders Lindström, director of communication, North America, “all of whom embody Norwegian’s spirit of pushing boundaries, inspiring others and challenging the status quo. Once we’ve identified a historical figure that we would like to honor and celebrate, we check if the person is a public domain and/or approach their estate. The U.S. team, for instance, were behind the majority of our eight

GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

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American tailfin heroes including Sojourner Truth, Harvey Milk, Babe Ruth, Clara Barton and Benjamin Franklin, who was our very first American tailfin hero back in 2017.” Visibility, of course, is key. Often covering an entire aircraft, unique liveries created to celebrate or promote particular events are always a popular attention-drawing tactic. Those who fly in and out of Asian or West Coast international airports may have caught a glimpse of Japan Airlines’ display of colorful, cartoon-enhanced liveries emblazoned with the slogan “Tokyo 2020.” The distinct liveries appear on a Boeing 777-200 and Boeing 767-300ER and were created specifically to commemorate the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At ANA elaborate themed liveries

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featured films from the Star Wars franchise and Pokémon (Pocket Monsters) products, as well as the ANA Flying Honu sea turtle craft. Delta Air Lines’ exclusive themed liveries included the Boeing 757 Pink Plane for breast cancer awareness, a Habitat for Humanity Boeing 767-300ER and Olympic-themed décor for both the 1996 and 2002 Olympic Games. “The livery chosen for TAP’s recent retro aircraft was the iconic livery of the Lockheed Constellation received by TAP in July 1955,” said Carlos Paneiro, vice president, sales for North America. “The Lockheed livery was TAP’s corporate image until 1979. The logo and design were chosen to be on the ‘retro’ aircraft in response to the many requests from

customers and employees who have longed to see the classic paint job on one of our newest aircraft. The Airbus A330 CS-TOV, named Portugal, was chosen to have a special tribute to this iconic TAP image during the ’70s. The airline faithfully recreated it on this aircraft with the ‘Transportes Aéreos Portugeses’ logo and the icon of the airline at the time, popularly known as ‘Passarola.’” Next time you’re taxiing from your gate to the runway, take a moment to gaze out the window to admire the multitude of emblems, crests and insignias that make up the airline industry’s modern-day heraldry — and let the pictures they paint inspire you, without words, with the cultures and destinations they represent.

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Great Expectations Look to new luxury properties opening soon for your 2021 travel inspiration. BY KATIE SKRZEK

WHETHER YOU’RE INTERESTED IN DOMESTIC OR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, FOR BUSINESS, LEISURE OR A COMBINATION OF THE TWO, THERE’S A NEW PROPERTY FOR YOU.

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rom New York and Raleigh to Addis Ababa and Kyoto, 2021 brings travelers new lodging options around the world. Big brand hotels and small boutique properties will be available for intrepid travelers in the coming months. Whether you’re interested in domestic or international travel, for business, leisure or a combination of the two, there’s a new property

for you. North Carolina looks toward expansion with new offerings for 2021. Several new properties will open in Charlotte next year. JW Marriott Charlotte, the city’s first of that brand, will open with 350 guestrooms and suites. The hotel will also feature meeting space, multiple food and beverage outlets and a rooftop deck. Another first for Charlotte: its debut InterContinental hotel, also the first in the state. The luxury property will be built atop a 1927 theater that has been closed for 40 years. The five-story

On the Rise: JW Marriott Charlotte exterior artist's rendering (left), pool deck (top right) and guestroom (left); and Marriott Dallas Uptown rendering (below) PHOTOS: © JW MARRIOTT CHARLOTTE, © WDG ARCHITECTURE

theater building will be restored and the hotel will be housed in a brand-new, 20-story addition. A Moxy property will debut in Uptown Charlotte in 2021. The 200-room hotel will also feature ground-level retail and a rooftop bar. Look for The Willard in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a spring 2021 target opening. The building will house condominiums, retail space and a 150-room AC Hotel by Marriott. In Texas guests can choose from new properties in Dallas and San Antonio. The Marriott Uptown will open in that Dallas neighborhood. The 255room hotel will offer 13,000 square feet of meeting space, a restaurant and rooftop pool. The 14-story building is aiming for a 2021 completion. Thompson San Antonio Hotel and The Arts Residences in San Antonio will open on the San Antonio River Walk in early 2021. The mixed-use construction includes a 162-room Thompson property along with luxury apartments. The boutique hotel amenities GLOBAL TRAVELER’S CLASS ACT GUIDE 2020

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California Dreaming: Alila Marea Beach Resort outdoor bar (top), and Stanly Ranch cottage patio (middle) and public living room (bottom) PHOTOS: © ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT, © STANLY RANCH, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

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include a restaurant, rooftop bar with panoramic downtown views, pool deck and bar, fitness center, spa, valet parking and 24-hour concierge. Hyatt Hotels brings its first newly built Alila property in the United States to California. The oceanfront Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will feature 130 rooms, including 16 suites. The resort will also feature an ocean-view restaurant, pool complete with pool bar and infinity hot tub, and the signature Spa Alila. The property is expected to open in early 2021. Located in northern California, Stanly Ranch will open in 2021 on the banks of the Napa River. Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, the property will offer airy cottages nestled among the vineyards, allowing guests to enjoy an up-close experience of California wine country. Daxton Hotel is set to open in January 2021. Located in Birmingham, Michigan, the property lies a 30-minute drive from Detroit. The award-winning design group Simeone Deary designed the 151-room luxury property. Expect to see curated artwork, sleek glass walls, avant-garde furniture in public spaces and colorful décor accents. Jasper Hotel in Fargo, North Dakota, will open in a new, mid-rise, mixed-use building in the city’s downtown. The hotel will feature 125 rooms, dining options drawing inspiration from Nordic cuisine and a bar offering guests classic cocktails with a NordicMidwestern spin. Jasper Hotel will open in January 2021. Outdoor enthusiasts head to Montage Big Sky in 2021. Located in Montana an hour’s drive from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the luxury resort will feature 150 guestrooms and suites. Guests can take advantage of ski-in, ski-out access to 5,800 acres of trails during the winter. Fishing, hiking and mountain biking are available during the warmer months. Six Senses will make its North American debut in early 2021. Six Senses New York, situated between the Hudson River and The High Line in Manhattan, will feature two

restaurants and a Six Senses Spa. The property will boast a modern design with high-tech amenities. Moving on to the Caribbean, in the British Virgin Islands, Saba Rock looks to debut in early 2021. Originally a dive shop and rum outpost in the 1960s, the property was destroyed by the 2017 hurricane season. The brand-new Saba Rock will feature seven guestrooms and two suites, two bars and an open-air restaurant. Take advantage of on-site watersports and off-site excursions. Several hotels will open in Thailand in 2021, including four under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts brand. The Wyndham Queen Convention Centre Hotel & Residences in Bangkok will feature 120 guestrooms and suites, an infinity pool, restaurant, executive lounge and fitness center. Conveniently located steps away from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the property boasts panoramic views of the city. Wyndham Garden Sukhumvit 42 will open in the heart of Bangkok’s hip Ekkamai neighborhood. The property will feature 120 rooms, a rooftop garden, restaurant, terrace coffee bar, pool and fitness center. Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Sukhumvit 48 will feature 100 rooms, a sky bar, restaurant, spa and pool. The location, close to a metro stop, offers guests easy connections to other parts of the city. Ramada by Wyndham Sukhumvit 87 is situated between two metro stations. The 85-room hotel offers guests a dedicated yoga room, rooftop garden, pool and coffee bar. LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s brand for independent luxury properties, will debut in Kyoto with the opening of LXR Shozan Resort Kyoto. Slated for a fall 2021 opening,

Linger in Luxury: The exterior of The XI, location of Six Senses New York (top); and artist's renderings of Saba Rock guestroom (middle) and exterior (bottom) PHOTOS: © SIX SENSES, © SABA ROCK

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the 114-room resort is located in the northern part of the city at the foot of the Takagamine mountains. It sits within walking distance of the iconic Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion). Avani Hotels & Resorts will debut several new properties in 2021 and beyond. Set for Q1 2021 openings are Avani Doc Let Resort, Vietnam, and Avani Muscat Hotel, Oman. Avani Doc Let Resort offers guests direct access to the adjacent Doc Let Water Park. The property will also feature 273 guestrooms and villas, ideal for traveling families. Avani Muscat Hotel is the first Avani property in Oman. In addition to 161 rooms, the property offers 45 apartments. Three other Avani properties are set to open later in 2021. The all-suite Avani Nairobi Residences in Kenya will offer guests access to restaurants, bars and meeting spaces. Located on Fares Island in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort will boast 200 guestrooms and villas. The resort is ideal for water activity enthusiasts. Avani+ Khao Lak Resort in Thailand is set for a late 2021 debut. The beachfront property will feature 328 rooms. Expect to hear additional announcements of properties in the Avani pipeline soon. Radisson Hotel Group will open its fifth hotel in Ethiopia in 2021. Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa will lie less than three miles from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The 114-room property will offer guests a variety of dining outlets, including one specializing in traditional Ethiopian cuisine. Get away to nightlife hot spot Ibiza, Spain, at the Six Senses Ibiza. Scheduled to open in 2021, the 134-room property will offer townhouses, pool suites and beach cave units. Situated on 25 acres, the resort aims to provide luxurious wellness experiences. With so many new properties around the world to choose from, travelers have plenty to look forward to in 2021.

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Deluxe Debuts: Avani Doc Let Resort artist's rendering (top), Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort (middle), and Avani+ Khao Lak Resort (bottom) PHOTOS: © AVANI HOTELS & RESORTS

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