Predictable arrivals

Schiphol now gives travelers a real-time estimate of how long they’ll spend at the airport after landing. Its website and app use live data to calculate walking times, baggage claim waits, and passport control delays.

For those without checked baggage, the app shows walking time + passport control wait. For those with luggage, the longest wait (either at baggage claim or passport control) determines the exit time. This also helps anyone picking up travelers know when to expect them.

Schiphol has been improving this system since last year. It uses self-learning models and data from 13 sources to predict wait times down to the minute.

5 ways to keep travel costs in check

We worked with Emburse to look at how companies can cut business travel costs without making trips more complicated. Prices go up and down, policies are often ignored, and admin work takes up too much time. But with the right tools, businesses can save money, keep travel organized, and make compliance easier.

Automatic rebooking finds better airfares and hotel rates. Flexible policies help travelers stay within company guidelines without feeling restricted. Real-time tracking improves safety, while data insights help companies negotiate better deals. Automation reduces admin work so travel managers can focus on more important tasks.

Business travel budgets are tight, but companies don’t have to choose between saving money and making travel easy.

Saying ciao to key boxes

Italy is removing key boxes used for self-check-in at short-term rentals. In Rome and Florence, police are taking down those attached to public railings and lamp posts. The boxes let tourists check in without meeting a host, but officials say they break the rules. Owners who don’t remove them face fines.

Some locals see key boxes as a sign of overtourism. A group calling itself Robin Hood has vandalized them in several cities. With 30 million visitors expected for the 2025 Vatican Jubilee, officials say they’re also a security risk.

Italy has tightened rental rules this year. Since January, properties must display a national ID code, or owners risk fines. The government also wants hosts to verify guests in person or within 24 hours. Many already use digital check-in tools, but officials say that’s not enough.

💬 Rome’s tourism councilor, Alessandro Onorato: “This is not the kind of tourism we want.”

Travel bundles beyond Turkey

Turkish Airlines is expanding its holiday booking platform beyond Turkey. Travelers can now book flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences in one place, thanks to their partnership with HBX Group and PerfectStay.

This service was only for flights departing from Turkey. Now, it’s launching in the UK, Europe, South Korea, Mexico, Australia, and other markets.

These packages are only sold directly, not through travel agents. This gives Turkish Airlines more control over pricing and customer experience, a strategy more airlines starting to use.

Fuel for the future

Berlin-based Spark e-Fuels has raised €2.3 million in a pre-seed round led by Nucleus Capital. The startup aims to make sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) a real alternative to kerosene.

Founded in 2021, Spark e-Fuels is focused on lowering SAF production costs. Most methods rely on a steady supply of electricity and hydrogen, but the company is developing a system that adapts to daily and seasonal changes. This also affects hydrogen storage, which is key to scaling production efficiently.