New York City’s Smoke Haze Clears, but Officials Warn of “New Normal”
New York City’s smoke haze cleared to “moderate” levels on Friday, however, officials warn of potential “new normal” similar circumstances as Canada’s wildfire season doesn’t officially start until August.
In New York City, officials were warning that minute particles toxic to the body are still in the air and that, as of Friday, people should consider staying indoors.
The situation is set to clear to more normal levels over the weekend with Governor Kathy Hochul saying that outdoor events over the weekend would likely resume. Mayor Eric Adams asked both public and private groups to cancel outdoor events on Thursday and Friday.
Read More: Orange Wildfire Haze Descends on NYC
Meantime, the Javits Center remained open this week. Tony Sclafani, senior vice president and chief communications officer told Smart Meetings,” No events have been canceled due to the air quality concerns in New York City. However, the Javits Center is equipped with hospital-grade air filters to reduce any air pollutants.”
Canadian CVB officials in Toronto and Quebec told Smart Meetings that they were monitoring the situation closely but that in both cities, smoke was not affecting either destination to the extent that it was in NY and on the Eastern Seaboard.
Over 5,000 flights were delayed or canceled this week due to smoke conditions in the Eastern part of the United States.
American Airlines Ups Summer Travel Extras
American Airlines has announced that it will increase Wi-Fi connectivity this summer and offer free Wi-Fi to T-Mobile customers. The airline is also adding food options to transcontinental flights.
By July, the airline will offer T-Mobile In-Flight Connection On Us which allows eligible T-Mobile customers to get complimentary streaming services inflight. The airline is also promising faster Wi-Fi speeds and increased bandwidth on its widebody aircraft this summer.
Health-conscious customers flying on transcontinental American Flagship service flights have a new premium entrée to choose from with American’s new plant-based bulgogi noodle bowl. Customers flying in premium cabins to Europe from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport this summer can choose dishes from Avli on the Park, a Michelin 2023 honoree Greek restaurant based in Chicago.
The airline is also adding options to its Buy on Board program.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches New Mobile Product
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), has announced the launch of a new mobile product feature—IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect. Available at scale in hotels, the feature is now available exclusively in the IHG One Rewards mobile app for both iOS and Android users and will automatically connect IHG One Rewards members to Wi-Fi upon arrival at over 5,000 IHG hotels worldwide.
IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect is enabled by the newly redesigned IHG app and IHG’s proprietary internet solution, IHG One Rewards Wi-Fi. Guests who opt-in via their mobile devices will join the internet upon entering a hotel without needing separate login codes or passwords. A one-time set-up is required via the app. New app booking features also allow guests to select room enhancements during booking, including rooms with specific views or more space.
