Back to the grind.
Now that we remember how to do our jobs (sorta), we’re jumping back into our routines… which includes searching for our next trip. We’ve got data on car rental trends, how to enter for a winter sweepstakes and a little something to keep you entertained. Up first: here’s this week’s latest travel headlines.
The pre-check
The week’s latest travel stories and news.
- Stop traffic.
Flights across the US are slowly starting to get back on schedule after the FAA experienced a system outage that led to delays and cancellations.
- Welcome to the internet.
Delta Airlines announced that it will be launching “full, fast and free” wifi for all SkyMiles members on domestic flights Feb 1st.
- Mo’ money, mo’ problems.
After issues with canceled flights over the holidays, Southwest Airlines may be shelling out $825 mil for lawsuits and reimbursements.
- Having a meltdown.
Legendary ski locations across Europe have been seeing unseasonably warm temps, causing many resorts to close due to lack of snow.
- A TSA PSA.
We love carry-on hacks… so long as they’re legal. TSA recently released a list of the weirdest stuff they saw last year and we have so many questions.
Trending travel
What’s all the rage for rented rides?
In this week’s edition of “things we expect to see in ‘23,” we took a closer look at our rental car data to pull predictions for the year. If you missed it, we wrote a blog alllllll about travel trends for 2023 – including what to expect for rented rides. One takeaway was that travelers are more interested in renting EVs: searches for electric car rentals increased 136% compared to the year prior*. Looking to rent an EV soon? Here’s how to get started:
- Filters make everything easier.
Stopping for gas is so last year… jump on this trend by narrowing your search results using our Filters. Scroll down to “Eco-friendly options” then select the “Electric” box.
- Prices are down.
You can expect to pay a little less for daily rates – domestic rental car rates decreased 12% compared to the year prior**. To make sure you get an even better deal, set a Price Alert to track prices so you know when to book.
Get the recap on our travel predictions by checking out our travel trends for 2023 blog.
Tricks of the trade
Your chance to win with the Ski Smarter Sweeps.
That winter destination that’s been on your mind for years? Yeah, it’s time to finally go – and we can help make that happen. We teamed up with our partners at Smartwool to give one lucky traveler the grand prize of two gift cards – one for travel accommodations and one for new snow gear. Here’s how to enter.
What we’re watching
Yeah… you’re going to want to find a new secret meeting spot. See the conspiracy we’re exposing in our latest ads.
Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.
*KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For YoY comparison of car categories, the same search dates in 2021 and the same travel dates in 2022 were used.
**KAYAK US considered rental car searches between 7.1.2022 and 11.30.2022 for travel dates 1.1.2023-12.31.2023. For year over year percent change, the same search dates in 2021 and travel dates in 2022 were used. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.
