In today’s safe travel briefing: Marriott opens its 800th hotel in Asia-Pacific; United tells travelers it is swapping larger aircraft to increase space on flights when possible; and the city of Chicago adds Kansas to its mandatory quarantine list.
Today Marriott opened its 800th hotel in Asia Pacific, the JW Marriott Nara in Japan. The hotel is Marriott’s 50th property in Japan.
Marriott Group President for Asia Pacific Craig Smith said that the company’s new hotel deal pipeline is on-par with its pre-pandemic level, showing the long-term focus of the hotel sector.
Earlier this week, Marriott announced it will require all guests to wear face masks at its U.S. hotels when in indoor public areas (like the lobby, hallways, and elevators).
The face covering requirement starts on July 27.
United is using larger aircraft on some full flights to encourage physical distancing.
The airline has faced criticism for selling full flights as COVID-19 continues, while some other US carriers block middle seats on planes through September and beyond.
United does notify passengers if their flight is fairly full and allows them to change to a different flight for no fees.
And in an email sent to customers this week, the airline communicated it is swapping larger aircraft on full flights to increase space between passengers on board.
United has done this on 60+ flights a day over the past few months, resulting in “most” flights being less than half full.
Chicago has added the state of Kansas to its mandatory quarantine order.
The city requires visitors and people returning to Chicago from seventeen states to quarantine for 14 days. With Kansas added to that list starting Friday, Chicago’s travel ban will include eighteen states.
Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady says that Wisconsin is very close to being added to the list as well, possibly as soon as next week.
The City of Chicago is currently in Phase Four of its COVID-19 reopening plan, “Gradually Resume.”
But a recent uptick in cases has the city reimposing some restrictions on bars, restaurants, and gyms starting Friday July 24.
