Travel Trends with Dan Christian

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Flight canceled, heart rate rising, clock ticking. Now imagine a single tap that rebooks you on any airline in minutes or delivers a full refund without lines, calls, or frustration. In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Steadman, VP of Disruption at Hopper and Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS), to unpack the new playbook for certainty in an increasingly unpredictable sky.
We break down how cancel-for-any-reason, disruption assistance, and price freeze actually work in the real world, why they’re typically priced at 10–15% of trip cost, and how AI models balance risk, demand, and adoption. Patrick explains what happens the moment disruption hits: proactive alerts, a guided self-service experience, and a 98% automation rate that gets travelers moving again fast. We also explore who’s buying flexibility and why, from business travelers with double the attach rate to Gen Z and millennials prioritizing experiences, and premium flyers stacking fintech with loyalty instead of choosing one over the other.
Zooming out, we look at the global rise of travel fintech across banks and airlines including Capital One Travel, Commonwealth Bank, Air Canada, Frontier, Spirit, and partners in Japan and the Middle East. Patrick shares what this delivers for carriers: high-margin ancillary revenue, reduced operational strain during irregular operations, and customers who come back happier. We close with what’s next, from AI-powered customer service to seat upgrade bidding that captures lost revenue and meets growing demand for comfort.
If you’re an airline leader, advisor, or frequent flyer who wants travel to feel less like roulette and more like a plan, this conversation shows how flexibility is becoming core infrastructure for modern air travel.
Thanks to Heys for sponsoring this series! 
Enter our Heys Luggage giveaway!

Share your favorite Season 6 highlight in the comments on Travel Trends’ Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok for a chance to win a Heys Astro luggage set (valued at $1,500).* One winner will be selected each week of our Aviation series. 
*Winner must be located in Canada or United States
👉 Listen to Why Flexibility Is the New Fare: Inside Airline Innovation Now
🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 6 Title Sponsors for their Support: Holafly, Propellic, PayCompass, Kaptio, Civitatis and WeRoad
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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Chicago isn’t just back, it’s surging. In episode six of our 10-part Travelzoo Best Bets Series, Dan and Travelzoo Senior Editor and co-host Gabe Saglie sit down with Lisa Nucci of Choose Chicago to map out the experiences and local insights that turn a short visit into a lasting memory.
We explore the South Side’s moment in the spotlight, from the Obama Presidential Center as a powerful new cultural anchor to Hyde Park’s renewed energy, Pullman’s rail legacy, and the DuSable Black History Museum. Then we move through the city’s 77 neighborhoods like a progressive dinner: Argyle’s Southeast Asian flavors, Pilsen and Little Village for tacos and family-run favorites, and the tavern-cut pizza locals swear by. Music lovers get a guide to Chicago’s house roots, the Chosen Few picnic, legendary late nights at the Green Mill and Kingston Mines, and a theater scene that blends Broadway polish with intimate storytelling. When it’s time to slow down, the architecture river cruise offers a fresh way to understand the skyline.
Chicago’s outdoor side shines too, with 26 miles of lakefront beaches, a beautifully designed Riverwalk, cherry blossoms in Jackson Park, and free cultural wins like Pritzker Pavilion concerts and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Rooftops such as Cindy’s and LondonHouse deliver views year-round, paired with a hotel scene that ranges from stylish value to worthy splurges. Add in big-picture momentum—downtown revitalization, airport upgrades, and major new developments—and it’s clear why Chicago earned its place on the 2026 Best Bets list.
Planning a couples escape, multigenerational getaway, or foodie weekend? Lisa shares her perfect Chicago day, from a Green City Market breakfast to jazz late into the night.
New episodes drop every Tuesday, each featuring local experts who bring these Best Bets to life. Become a member at travelzoo.com to access exclusive offers.
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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A family basement isn't where you’d expect a global luggage brand to begin, but that’s exactly where the Heys story took flight. In this episode, we sit down with CEO Emran Sheikh to unpack four decades of innovation, bold design choices, and a proudly Canadian identity that now spans 75 countries. From candy-coloured hard shells that broke up a sea of black bags to Bluetooth-enabled smart locks powered by simple AA batteries, Heys has grown by solving real traveler problems rather than chasing trends that can’t survive airport rules.
Emran reflects on the pivotal decisions that kept the brand ahead of the curve: steering clear of lithium batteries long before restrictions hit, investing in a diverse design catalog instead of a single signature look, and building a flat, agile team that can translate customer feedback into product improvements within a single production cycle. He also shares how the pandemic reshaped demand—pushing travelers toward carry-ons and personal items—and how Heys responded with airline-specific sizing, smarter online filtering tools, and a renewed emphasis on durability as overhead bins grew crowded.
Celebrating Heys 40th anniversary, the company is relaunching the iconic X-Case in shimmering polycarbonate, introducing structural innovations that reduce weight without sacrificing strength, and continuing to refine its Smart Access front-opening system, a clever fix for the clamshell struggle in tight hotel rooms. Not every experiment wins (turns out transparent cases require packing cubes), but a culture that welcomes ideas from across the company keeps Heys pushing forward.
If you’re passionate about travel gear that blends fashion, function, and genuine foresight, this conversation is full of insights you’ll want to pack for your next trip.
Learn more at Heys.com. 
Heys Luggage is the famous Canadian travel brand that grew from a small family business just outside Toronto 40 years ago, into an innovative global leader in travel gear that’s now available all over the world. Heys offers one-of-a-kind adults and kids luggage, travel bags and accessories, a proud Canadian brand that defines quality, fresh fashion, fun designs, great customer service, and how to truly think outside the box, or should we say… the luggage. Whether you’re searching for something to take you to the ends of the earth (or just to the end of the block), Heys has you covered. For those who crave a cool, on trend travel item that will stand the test of time, while turning heads and helping you travel stress-free and in style… choose Heys. 
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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The aviation story is bigger than fares and aircraft, it’s about how global alliances quietly choreograph your entire journey. In the our kickoff episode of our Aviation series, we sit down with Roger Blackburn, VP Commercial & Loyalty at oneworld Alliance, to reveal how 15+ member airlines coordinate routes, lounges, data, and service so travelers can move across continents with fewer frustrations and better perks. If you’ve ever wondered why your status unlocks priority lanes, lounge access, and smoother transfers across multiple carriers, or how alliances choose new members, Roger takes us behind the curtain, minus the jargon.
We explore the business logic that keeps travelers inside a single ecosystem: connecting traffic that completes itineraries, scale that fuels major innovation (including a $150M sustainability investment with Breakthrough Energy Ventures), and shared insights that improve the customer experience. Roger also breaks down what sets oneworld apart, its premium orientation, generous priority benefits, and a practical approach to technology. Instead of forcing a single super-app, the alliance aims for smart integration: letting you keep your preferred airline app while oneworld handles the complex plumbing in the background.
Looking ahead to 2026, we tackle the big industry questions: how to identify real sustainability progress (think modern fleets like A350s and 787s, credible SAF commitments, and operational efficiency), how European network carriers stay competitive against low-cost rivals, and why premium demand remains strong thanks to booming premium leisure and smarter upgrade strategies.
At the heart of it all is a simple goal: bringing back the joy of flight. From elevated alliance lounges to smoother disruptions and clearer benefits, oneworld wants the airport to feel like part of the journey, not an obstacle.
Thanks to Heys for sponsoring this series! 
Enter our Heys Luggage giveaway!

Share your favorite Season 6 highlight in the comments on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok for a chance to win a Heys Astro luggage set (valued at $1,500).* One winner will be selected each week of our Aviation series. 
*Winner must be located in Canada or United States
👉 Listen to How oneworld is Shaping the Future of Global Aviation Now
🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 6 Title Sponsors for their Support: Holafly, Propellic, PayCompass, Kaptio, Civitatis and WeRoad
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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Savannah never makes you choose between ease and depth; it delivers both the moment you start exploring. In episode five of our 10-part Travelzoo Best Bets Series, Dan and Travelzoo Senior Editor and co-host Gabe Saglie sit down with Supriya Christopher of Visit Savannah to map out how America’s first planned city blends oak-shaded squares, layered history, and a surprisingly modern creative pulse that feels made for 2026. With the 250th anniversary of the United States and one of the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on deck, this is the year to discover why the best souvenir here is memory, not merchandise.
We break down the intuitive grid that makes Savannah effortless to navigate, then uncover the unexpected: City Market’s interactive museums, First African Baptist Church’s profound legacy, and a festival calendar that transforms historic theaters into intimate cultural stages. Food lovers will find a city far beyond Southern comfort, with James Beard–recognized chefs, Vietnamese and Southern fusion, and a cocktail scene that rewards curiosity. If you still picture Savannah as fried green tomatoes and pralines, this episode will update your palate.
Venturing beyond downtown, the landscape expands. The Moon River District, Wormsloe’s iconic live oak avenue, and the Pin Point Heritage Museum connect coastal ecology with cultural memory, while Tybee Island serves up dolphin-dotted waters and unfussy beach days. Along the riverfront, Plant Riverside and Eastern Wharf showcase a reimagined waterfront where art, music, dining, and ship-spotting coexist. Ghost tours and Bonaventure Cemetery offer atmosphere, but the city’s true pull is its honesty as Savannah holds its complex history with care and invites visitors to explore it thoughtfully.
We close with who Savannah suits best: creatives, multigenerational families, solo wanderers, luxury travelers, and anyone craving immersive travel that feels personal and unhurried. If 2026 is your year to slow down, savor more, and travel with intention, Savannah is where that journey begins.
New episodes drop every Tuesday, each featuring local experts who bring these Best Bets to life. Become a member at travelzoo.com to access exclusive offers.
The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds.
https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/