The Layover Lowdown: Hidden Fees, Free Wi-Fi, and Sales Rise

In this week’s episode of Mileage May Vary, we cover key developments in U.S. travel, from policy changes to airline and hotel updates. Discover how these stories shape the business travellers' landscape. Key Stories: FTC Bans Hidden Hotel Fees FTC bans hidden hotel fees, requiring upfront disclosure of all charges. The rule aims to improve transparency and help travellers budget accurately. The ban, expected to take effect in 120 days, follows pressure from consumer groups and legal actions. Global Air Travel Booms Asia-Pacific dominates the top international routes, with Hong Kong-Taipei leading the way. Domestic travel surges on routes like Jeju-Seoul, the busiest globally. New York-London remains a key route for transatlantic travel. JetBlue Expands European Network The new seasonal route from Edinburgh to Boston starts in May 2025. JetBlue launches its first Spanish route with Boston-Madrid flights. Seasonal services to Dublin and Edinburgh extended through October. Air Canada Offers Free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members Free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members on North American and Sun destinations flights begins May 2025. The service will expand to international flights in 2026, sponsored by Bell. Non-members can access Wi-Fi at reduced rates. November Air Sales Rise, Corporate Travel Dips Total air ticket sales increased by 7% year-on-year, surpassing $7.2 billion. Corporate travel sales dropped 2.7%, signalling a potential slowdown. Rising fares hit a record average of $576 for domestic roundtrips. U.S. Hotel Rates and Occupancy Rise Average daily rate (ADR) increased to $152.70 in November, up 0.9%. Occupancy rates rose to 59.4%, with major markets like New York outperforming others. Despite the growth, forecasts for business travel remain cautious. Planning your next business trip? Businesses save time and money with Ortharize—the smarter way to manage corporate travel. Ortharize simplifies booking, offers a suite of business intelligence, and ensures compliance with company travel policies, all while giving your team access to exclusive deals on flights and hotels. Visit Ortharize.com and use the code MMVFREE for 3 months of Premier access for free! With Ortharize, you’ll streamline travel planning and get back to focusing on what really matters—growing your business!