Follow DDG on Facebook, Twitter and also subscribe to get all deals via one daily email.
News Roundup
This is a roundup of news and other interesting pieces that I’ve come across over the last few days. Air France and ITA status, Las Vegas tunnel network expansion, Ryanair abandons controversial Afrikaans test, ‘Floating’ airplane cabin, and classic Italian destination limits tourist access.
How Air France Robbed Me of SkyTeam Elite Plus Benefits From ITA Airways Status!
Earlier this year ITA Airways ran a status match promotion for their Volare program. A few years ago American Airlines and Hyatt gave some Globalist members Executive Platinum status and that could be used to match to Volare Club Executive which equates to SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
Las Vegas tunnel network will now be over 34 miles long with at least 55 stations
The Boring Company envisions a final network of tunnels underneath Las Vegas’s most congested areas that will span over 34 miles long and have over 55 stations, as presented by Las Vegas’ Executive Director of Infrastructure Mike Janssen at a city council meeting. Janssen stated that he has been working with the Boring Company on this project and further said that some of these stations would include commonly visited Las Vegas locations like Harry Reid Airport and Allegiant Stadium. Janssen said that the Boring Company will not be relying on taxpayer funds for the loop project, and will instead fund the project through its own money and any private land owners who are willing to pay for a station.
Ryanair abandons controversial Afrikaans test for South African travelers
Ryanair has confirmed that South Africans will no longer have to take an Afrikaans test to prove their nationality before boarding flights to the UK. The low-cost airline is abandoning the controversial requirement after receiving a huge backlash from South Africans, with some accusing Ryanair of racial discrimination. The apparent U-turn was announced by Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, during a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday.
‘Floating’ airplane cabin could be the future of travel
The prestigious aviation awards, which highlight innovation and creativity in airplane interiors, were announced at a ceremony at the 2022 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany.
Speaking to CNN Travel at the awards, president of the Crystal Cabin Award Association Lukas Kaestner said a team of industry experts spent a day interrogating each submission before arriving at their decision. Judges debated the creativity and ingenuity of the ideas, and also considered reactions from airlines and potential passengers.
Not all of the finalists’ products are on the market, or anywhere near, says Kaestner. Many are still just concepts. But “the underlying question of most decisions by the jury” is, he explains, “Is it something that has a realistic chance to fly?’
This classic Italian destination just limited tourist access
An alternate numberplate system has been launched, meaning that cars can only access the famous 22-mile stretch between Vietri sul Mare and Positano every other day, during peak hours in peak season.
Only vehicles with numberplates ending in an odd number can use the road on odd-numbered dates, while those with plates ending in an even number can drive it on even-numbered dates.
