Travel News

Industry news round-up: January 2026

January's travel news underscores rapid change—from corporate travel lessons after a major winter storm to TSA’s touchless ID expansion and Southwest’s shift to assigned seating. Meanwhile, hotel cost-cutting trends are colliding with traveler expectations, as guests push back hard against the growing elimination of proper bathroom doors.
February 2, 2026
Industry news round-up: January 2026

From weather disruptions to airport security and evolving airline and hotel policies, the business travel experience continues to change in ways that directly impact travelers and travel managers alike. Here’s a look at January's top stories shaping smarter planning, better expectations, and more informed decisions across the corporate travel landscape.

5 corporate travel lessons from January's massive winter storm

Christopherson experts break down 5 key corporate travel lessons from last weekend’s massive winter storm—from weaving weather risk into trip planning to the power of real-time visibility and clear traveler communication. Whether it’s travel waivers, proactive monitoring, or refining travel policies post-disruption, these insights can help your organization stay resilient when conditions change fast.

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TSA plans major expansion of touchless ID screening in 2026

The TSA is significantly expanding its Touchless ID program, with plans to roll it out to 65 airports by the end of the spring—up from just 15 today. The technology is designed to speed up checkpoints using biometric identity verification, signaling continued changes to the airport security experience for business travelers.

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What travelers need to know as Southwest Airlines launches assigned seating

Southwest Airlines has officially ended its more than 50-year open seating policy and launched a new assigned-seating system with a group-based boarding process that lets passengers see their exact seat on their boarding pass and board in order based on fare type, loyalty status, or purchased perks like extra-legroom seating. The change also includes priority boarding for travelers needing assistance or those with premium fares

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Hotels are getting rid of proper bathroom doors,and guests are revolting

Many hotels are ditching traditional, solid bathroom doors in favor of sliding panels, frosted glass, curtains, or even leaving the entrance open as a way to cut construction and maintenance costs, but this trend has sparked widespread guest outrage over the loss of basic privacy and comfort. Travelers have taken to social media and even launched “Bring Back Doors” campaigns to protest the change and pressure hotels to restore fully enclosed bathroom doors.

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