The Weekly Travel Alert

What are the biggest travel trends of 2026? As we reach the halfway point of the year, Executive Travel President Steve Glenn shares his expert insights into the changing world of travel and what every business and leisure traveler should know before planning their next trip. In this special mid-year travel update, Steve breaks down the **Top 10 Travel Trends of 2026**, including how artificial in...

Is the famous **Southwest Airlines $69 Fare Sale** actually one of the greatest travel deals in America—or one of the most successful airline marketing campaigns ever created? For decades, travelers have seen Southwest Airlines advertise ultra-cheap fares with eye-catching promotions like "$69 Airfare Sale" and "Fly for as low as $69 each way." But how often can real travelers...

For years, finding Business Class award flights to Europe during the summer was nearly impossible unless you booked 10-11 months in advance. But a surprising trend is emerging in 2026: airlines are releasing massive amounts of frequent flyer award space for August travel to Europe. In this video, we break down why Business Class award availability is suddenly flooding the market, how travelers are...

Confused about tipping while traveling? You’re not alone. From hotel housekeeping and airport shuttle drivers to cruise staff, bartenders, tour guides, and even shoeshine attendants — tipping etiquette can make or break your travel experience. In this episode, Steve breaks down the REAL rules of travel tipping in 2026 and explains: ✅ How much to tip hotel staff, Uber drivers, bartenders & air...

Airlines are warning travelers that the “sky is falling” as rising jet fuel prices and the escalating Iran conflict push the airline industry toward higher operating costs. United Airlines and other major carriers are now forecasting airfare increases of up to 20%, but are ticket prices really exploding the way the headlines suggest? In this week’s Executive Travel Travel Alert, we break down the...

Summer travel is heating up… literally. In 2026, the smartest travelers aren’t chasing the sun—they’re escaping it. Welcome to the rise of “coolcations”: destinations with perfect weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences you won’t get in 100° heat. In this video, Steve shares his Top 10 Coolcation Destinations for Summer 2026—from Arctic adventures to Southern Hemisphere escapes. 🌍 Fe...

Airline travel is about to get chaotic. In this video, we break down why millions of airline schedule changes are expected over the next 90 days and what it means for business travelers, vacation travelers, and corporate travel managers. With rising jet fuel prices, major airlines like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest, and JetBlue are already cutting flights, adjustin...

Is face-to-face business travel making a comeback? The answer is yes—and it’s becoming a serious competitive advantage. Click here to watch the United Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU2rpcAABbA In this video, we break down why business travel, corporate travel, and in-person meetings are resurging in 2026—and why companies that get back on the road are winning. After years of relying...

Business class travel is changing—and not necessarily in the way travelers expected. In this video, we break down the latest airline industry news for 2026, including United Airlines introducing “Basic Business Class” fares and what it means for business travelers, corporate travel programs, and premium cabin pricing. If you book business class flights, manage corporate travel, or follow airline t...

Airline baggage fees are rising fast—and travelers are starting to feel it. In this video, we break down the latest travel news for 2026, including why airlines like United and JetBlue are increasing checked bag fees and how rising fuel costs are impacting airfare, airline pricing, and the overall cost of travel. If you’re booking flights, planning a business trip, or searching for cheap airfare,...

Travel is BOOMING in 2026—but many travelers are making costly mistakes when booking flights, hotels, and vacations. These common travel mistakes can lead to higher airfare, missed flights, sold-out hotels, and unnecessary stress. In this video, we break down the 6 biggest travel mistakes to avoid in 2026 so you can save money, travel smarter, and have a stress-free trip. Here’s what you’ll learn:...

Travel in 2026 is still going strong—but the developing Middle East conflict is starting to impact global travel trends, airfare prices, and airline operations. If you're planning a trip to Europe, booking domestic flights, or traveling internationally, here’s what you need to know. In this video, we cover the latest travel updates and how current world events are affecting: ✈️ Cheap flights,...

Hello from Italy 🇮🇹 I’m heading home today after a short business trip and wanted to share a few quick observations for anyone planning a trip to Italy this year: 1. Demand for Italy is stronger than ever Hotels, guided tours, and top restaurants are filling up fast as summer approaches. Italy continues to be one of the top European destinations for Americans, with 6–7 million U.S. visitors each y...

Ever checked out of a hotel only to realize hours later that you forgot something important? It happens more often than you think. From phone chargers to laptops, hotel staff around the world deal with a surprising number of forgotten items every day. In this video, we break down the Top 10 items travelers most commonly leave behind in hotel rooms, based on what hotels report finding most often. Y...

If you’re planning international travel in 2026 or early 2027, this is your warning: international airfares are in a sustained upward cycle. Global demand for business travel and leisure travel remains strong, while airline capacity is constrained due to aircraft delivery delays, maintenance backlogs, and supply chain disruptions. The result? Higher airfare pricing across economy and business clas...

Mexican security forces have eliminated Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico. Following his death, cartel retaliation, transportation disruptions, highway blockades, and regional instability have already been reported in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and surrounding areas. When a cartel leader of...

Let’s be honest—some husbands think a “vacation” involves chasing deer, gutting fish, or wandering fluorescent-lit convention halls full of camo jackets, beef sticks, and bass boats. This video breaks down 7 time-tested, wife-approved strategies for stealthily booking a real vacation—one with great food, stunning views, and zero camouflage. Here’s what you’ll learn: 1️⃣ The Cruise Bluff – Aim big,...

Airlines and hotels are quietly using AI to get smarter—and sneakier—about pricing, and frequent travelers are starting to feel the impact. From loyalty members paying more than casual bookers, to airlines fighting turf wars at major hubs, the travel landscape is shifting fast. In this video, we break down: ✈️ How airlines and hotels are using AI to dynamically price—and why loyalty doesn’t always...

In this episode, Steve Glenn delivers his final travel predictions for 2026, covering predictions 46–60, plus several bonus forecasts that impact travelers, airlines, hotels, and travel advisors alike. With over 40 years of travel industry experience, Steve breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes — from airline seating and lounge overcrowding to hotel occupancy, car rental fees, and...

Travel in 2026 won’t just be more expensive — it will be more complex, unpredictable, and intentional. In Part 3 of Steve Glenn’s 2026 Travel Industry Predictions, Steve shares Predictions #31–45, continuing his four-part crystal ball series. With more than 70% of his predictions coming true over the past 23 years, this episode focuses on where reliability, calm, and smarter decision-making will m...

The travel industry isn’t just changing — it’s being reprogrammed. In Part 2 of Steve Glenn’s 2026 Travel Industry Predictions, Steve delivers Predictions #16–30, continuing his four-part crystal ball series. With more than 70% of his predictions coming true over the past 23 years, this episode dives deeper into what travelers and travel managers will really face in 2026. In this episode, you’ll l...

The travel industry is changing faster than ever — and 2026 will be a turning point. Over the past 23 years, more than 70% of Steve Glenn’s travel industry predictions have come true. Now, he’s unveiling 60 bold predictions about where travel is headed next. In Part 1 of this 4-part video podcast series, Steve shares the first 15 predictions that will reshape how we travel, book trips, and experie...

The travel industry is entering one of the most disruptive and exciting eras in modern history. Over the next 24–36 months, powerful forces like artificial intelligence, dynamic pricing, sustainability, airline consolidation, and personalized travel experiences will completely reshape how we travel—and how travel companies deliver value. In this video, we break down the 10 megatrends redefining th...

In this week’s travel podcast, we reveal the story behind AmoreItaly.com, Executive Travel’s brand-new, all-inclusive private driver Italy tour designed specifically for American travelers. After decades of listening to post-trip frustrations, we created a small-group Italy experience that eliminates the seven biggest pain points people face when visiting Italy — including hidden costs, stressful...

Are staff-free hotels the future of travel? A major shift is already underway, and by 2026 more hotels may operate with little to no on-site staff—often keeping only housekeeping and moving guest support to remote teams or AI chat. In this video, I break down the biggest hotel industry trends 2026 and why “self-service hotels” are arriving sooner than most travelers expect. You’ll learn the 8 key...