Skift Daily Briefing American Goes Free Wi-Fi, Hilton Enforces Brand Lines, Hawaii Cruise Tax Blocked
Jan 7, 2026
03:56
Airlines race to make free Wi-Fi the new standard, hotel brands tighten control over franchise behavior, and Hawaii’s climate tax on cruise ships hits a legal roadblock.
On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why American Airlines’ Wi-Fi move is really about premium positioning, how Hilton’s swift franchise action highlights the stakes of brand control in 2026, and why a courtroom battle in Hawaii could reshape how destinations fund climate and tourism initiatives nationwide.
Articles Referenced:
- American Airlines Debuts Free Wi-Fi
- Hilton Drops Franchise After it Refuses Rooms for ICE Agents
- Cruise Sector and U.S. Government Block Hawaii’s Climate Tax on Cruise Ships
- Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IG
Connect with Skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.