More Screening of Carry-On Powders

The U.S. now requires additional screening of powdered substances begin carried onto international flights bound to that nation. The new testing and inspections cover quantities of more than 50 millimeters - about the size of a soda can, and includes ground coffee and food.

TRAVEL GEAR

Robotic Luggage

Would you prefer to have your suitcase follow you around, instead of lugging it? The Airwheel SR3 will do just that, using visual tracking and sensor technology to identify you as its owner, along with obstacle-avoidance capabilities, a mobile app and a removable battery to power it all. Airwheel calls its latest suitcase “robotic luggage,” and it’s not too far from the truth. It can be set to sound a voice alarm when it gets too far away from you (and ring your mobile), and includes automatic locking and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, the battery is a power bank that can charge USB devices. The suitcase is a standard 20-inch carry-on with a lightweight, hard outer shell.

Photo courtesy Airwheel

Hyatt Hotels launched a new World of Hyatt credit card with Chase. The card offers bonus points for spending on Hyatt hotel purchases, restaurants, airline tickets, local transit and commuting, as well as the new bonus points category of fitness club memberships.

Marriott Caribbean & Latin American Resorts launched a new augmented reality app , named Portal to Paradise, which allows users to virtually walk around the company's resorts in the region, with 360-degree views of rooms, restaurants, beaches, pools and spas.

Beginning in September, plastic straws and drink picks will only be available by request in Hyatt hotels around the world.

IHG launched a new upscale brand, Voco , which it will initially launch in Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Marriott unveiled a planned revamp of its Sheraton hotels, which will include revamped public spaces with soundproof booths, a community table, areas with partition screens and studios, as well as a designated community manager for each property.

AccorHotels will acquire 50% of hotel, restaurant, nightclub and residences developer SBE Entertainment Group.

Amazon launched Alexa for Hospitality , which will allow hotel guests to use its Alexa digital assistant (via devices in their rooms) to obtain hotel information, contact guest services, play music in their room, control lights and more. It will initially launch at select Marriott International properties. 

United Airlines opened a new United Polaris lounge for international business class travelers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Located in Terminal E next to Gate E12, it includes private working spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets and USB ports, valet services, a private dining area, private daybeds and showers. 

United updated its mobile app to offer more flight status information, including information on flight segments booked on other Star Alliance airlines.

Global jet charter marketplace Victor launched a frequent flier program for private jet charter flights, called Alto. The company’s customers earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for future flights through the company.

Private jet services company JetSmarter introduced non-member access (it had been available only by membership) for booking seats on shared charter flights. Non-members must purchase a flight's minimum number of seats, but can then re-sell them to others who want to join the flight.

JetBlue flights to Puerto Rico have returned to pre-Hurricane Irma levels, with as many as 48 flights daily to the island from the U.S. and other Caribbean nations. 

Polaris Seating Lounge courtesy United Airlines