Southwest’s Seating Revolution, Barcelona’s Cruise Crackdown and Biz Travel’s New High
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Southwest’s Seating Revolution, Barcelona’s Cruise Crackdown and Biz Travel’s New High
Southwest Airlines announced on Monday that assigned seating will go into effect on January 27, 2026. Barcelona is planning to close two of its seven cruise terminals as part of the city’s strategy to combat overtourism. Business travel spending worldwide is forecast to hit an all-time high of $1.6 trillion by the end of 2025, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill. India, South Korea, and Turkey are posting the strongest expansion among major markets, according to the Global Business Travel Association.
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Southwest Airlines is putting into place its plans for assigned seating, one of the big changes the carrier is making to its business model, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi.
Southwest announced on Monday that assigned seating will go into effect on January 27, 2026. The carrier also plans to use a new boarding process, bringing an end to its longtime practice of open boarding. Boarding will be split into eight groups, with the first two being reserved for top-tier Southwest Rapid Rewards and credit card members, along with those flying its top classes.
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Next, Barcelona is planning to close two of its seven cruise terminals as part of the city’s strategy to combat overtourism, reports Associate Editor Rashaad Jorden.
Barcelona’s city hall and port authority recently reached a deal to demolish two terminals and rebuild a third for public use. The port’s cruise passenger capacity would decrease by 6,000 people by the end of the decade. Mayor Jaume Collboni said last year he was seeking a new deal with port authorities to limit the number of one-day cruise calls.
Finally, business travel spending worldwide is forecast to hit an all-time high of $1.6 trillion by the end of 2025, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.
This year’s forecast by the Global Business Travel Association represents a more than 6% increase over last year. However, O’Neill writes that’s down from a previous forecast for 10% growth.
O’Neill adds that higher spending per trip, rather than an increased number of business travelers, is driving much of this year’s projected growth. India, South Korea, and Turkey are posting the strongest expansion among major markets.