Crossing your fingers that your baggage won’t be bungled during your flight connection? A new air travel consumer report reveals which airlines you might want to avoid. Planning B2B travel in Europe? A new partnership just launched in Italy and might catch your eye. Excited about the new Princess Resorts properties that opened this week in Jamaica? The company just announced a major addition is coming soon. As always, Smart Travel has you covered with the latest can’t-miss travel news.
Air Travel Consumer Report Reveals Ranks Best and Worst Airlines for Your Luggage
A stunning 880,000 bags were mishandled by airlines between January and April of this year, with August alone seeing 260,000 cases. While this might pale in comparison to the 41 million bags transported monthly, anyone who has experienced searing panic after discovering that the carefully curated clothing packed to wear to important business events has evaporated into the ether of anywhere-but-baggage-claim knows to keep an eye out for underperforming airlines. Here are the rankings released by the Department of Transportation (numbers refer to mishandled bags per 100):
Worst Offenders:
Alaska Airlines 1.14%
American Airlines 1.03%
United Airlines: 0.75%
Spirit Airlines: 0.54%
Top Performers:
Allegiant Air: 0.20%
Hawaiian Airlines: 0.31%
Southwest Airlines: 0.42%
Frontier & JetBlue: 0.45%
InsureMyTrip.com has responded with five tips to avoid mishandled bags: fly direct, use a luggage tracker (such as an AirTag), pack essentials in your carry-on, arrive early and check in on time, and consider travel insurance to protect your pocket when it comes to lost luggage.
Servantrip Enters the Italian Market Thanks to Strategic Partnership with WayPlans
Leading B2B travel services platform Servantrip has announced it will be entering the Italian market through a partnership with WayPlans, a B2B platform for travel agencies. WayPlans will gain access to Servantrip’s over 750,000 activities and transfers, and Servantrip will benefit from incremental, hard-to-reach, real-time bookings through WayPlans’ network of 2,600+ points of sale.
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“This partnership with Servantrip is a game-changer for our business and the Italian travel market,” said Angelo Mazzarelli, CEO of WayPlans. “By integrating Servantrip’s exceptional portfolio, we’re able to offer our clients a broader range of unique travel experiences, backed by cutting-edge technology and real-time availability. This collaboration will undoubtedly elevate the value we provide to our network.”
Manuel Núñez, CEO of Servantrip, added, “The Italian market is vibrant, with highly professional travel operators and a strong demand for tours, activities and transfers. This partnership marks a significant milestone for us as we focus on delivering value to local operators and connecting them to our global network.”
Princess Resorts Reveals Plans for Jamaica’s First Casino
The grand opening of Princess Grand Jamaica and Princess Senses The Mangrove on Dec. 12 also set the scene for an announcement by Princess Resorts of the upcoming debut of Jamaica’s first casino by the fourth quarter of next year. Construction will include a triple-generation plant and solar facilities, which will greatly reduce energy consumption and be powered by natural gas, as well as a reverse osmosis facility for water treatment.
The casino will be an addition to the Princess Grand Jamaica (590 ocean-view suites and several Family and Master suites) and Princess Senses The Mangrove (401 ocean suites and 14 villas with partial glass floors and infinity pools) properties, which represent a $400 million investment and a significant economic impact.
Marc Pelfort, regional director of sales and marketing at Jamaica Princess Hotels & Resorts, applauded the company’s focus on employing local workers, saying, “Our team is the heart of Princess Hotels and Resorts Jamaica, and we are proud to employ local talent who bring their unique perspectives and warmth to our service. We are not just building a resort; we are cultivating a culture of luxury and personalized service that elevates every guest experience to new heights.”
Global Brand Campaign “Made of Caribbean” Launched by Sandals Resorts
A new global, multimedia advertising campaign developed by Leo Burnett Agency was launched on Thursday by Sandals Resorts. An homage to the company’s Caribbean roots, the campaign is titled “Made of Caribbean” and debuted with a short film narrated by Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart with an accompanying statement that reads, “Together we are ushering in a brand direction of pure Caribbean expression, designed to inspire travelers through our deep love and genuine connection to the islands we call home.”
An omnichannel campaign will begin on December 28, including linear television, digital, print, social and out-of-home advertising in key markets. In addition to the stunning allure of the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts will also be focusing on its differentiators with the all-inclusive sector and emphasizing its warm approach to guest services, activities and accommodations.
“My family has called the Caribbean home for more than six generations and there is no one who knows or loves this region more. We are Caribbean. We believe the Caribbean connects us all; it’s part of our soul, and we want to share these unique experiences and this joy with the world,” Stewart added.
Dual Ship Arrival in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Promises to Spur Tourism Revolution
The Taino Bay port in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday by hosting its first-ever simultaneous docking of two cruise ships. While such scenes are routine in mega-ship destinations like Miami or Nassau, this event marks a turning point for Puerto Plata and signals the region’s emergence as a key player in the Caribbean tourism landscape.
The two ships that docked—Oceania Sirena from Oceania Cruises and MSC Seaside from MSC Cruises—brought with them hundreds of passengers eager to explore the cultural and natural riches of Puerto Plata. The occasion was celebrated by the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), whose officials praised the accomplishment as a testament to the port’s growing capabilities and its increasing role in attracting major cruise lines to the Dominican Republic.
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This development comes at a time when Puerto Plata is steadily building its reputation as a vibrant destination, blending historical charm, lush landscapes and pristine beaches. Officials and industry stakeholders view this dual docking as more than just a logistical success—it’s a glimpse of the transformative potential for Puerto Plata and the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector. With Taino Bay now able to handle increased cruise traffic, the country is positioning itself as a premier Caribbean travel destination, ready to compete with long-established cruise hubs in the region.
