4 chapters across the catalog
WHO Naming Scheme, Xi Jinping, Airline Industry Pushback
The World Health Organization skipped the Greek letters "Nu" and "Xi" when naming the new variant, leading to accusations of avoiding conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, the airline industry is pushing back against renewed travel restrictions.
Digital Health Passports, AOK Pass Travel Industry
The travel industry is adopting digital health passports like AOK Pass to verify COVID-19 test results and vaccination status. Airlines including JetBlue and United are testing these apps, which generate unique QR codes for travelers. The market for these services is estimated at $20 billion. Analysts suggest this system will create a tiered travel experience, incentivizing vaccination to avoid frequent testing requirements.
A stay in a New York City Airbnb highlights the legal gray areas of the service, with hosts requesting guests claim to be visiting family. The discussion shifts to the superiority of short-term rentals over hotels regarding internet speed, specifically citing a 50 megabit Verizon Fios connection. Modern hotels are criticized for failing to provision adequate Wi-Fi bandwidth for current guest demands.
Airline Ticket Prices, Thanksgiving Travel Trends
The cost of airline tickets reached $500 for flights typically priced at $65, leading to separate Thanksgiving celebrations for the hosts. Despite news reports claiming airports were empty due to the economy, the high fares are cited as the primary reason for decreased travel. One host prepared pheasant for the holiday instead of turkey, noting the high cost of traditional travel during the economic downturn.
