Latest news with #HermanHeunes
Time Out
4 days ago
- Time Out
In-flight power bank rules 2025: What every traveller needs to know
If you've ever panicked at 35,000 feet over a dead phone, you're not alone. But travellers, take note: airlines are tightening rules around portable chargers and power banks, and it's worth knowing the latest before you pack your carry-on. Corporate Traveller South Africa warns that popular carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Airlines, Thai Airways, Korean Airlines, and Asiana Airlines have updated their in-flight battery policies this year. For South African travellers, Emirates is introducing one of the biggest changes: from 1 October 2025, passengers can still carry a power bank onboard, but it cannot be used to charge devices in-flight. Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller SA, explains that the move is all about safety. 'As power banks become more popular, airlines like Emirates have had to review their rules to ensure the highest safety standards for all travellers,' he says. Emirates power bank rules at a glance Only one power bank under 100 Watt Hours is allowed per passenger. In-flight charging of devices from a power bank is prohibited. Charging a power bank from the aircraft's power supply is not permitted. Power banks must have clear capacity information displayed. Store power banks in your seat pocket or under the seat, not in overhead bins. Checked luggage is still off-limits for portable chargers. Tips for staying connected while flying Check your airline's policy before travelling. Rules vary and can change quickly. Charge devices fully before your flight and top up at airport charging stations. Pack a USB charging cord; most long-haul flights have USB ports for direct device charging. Choose the right device; tablets are easier to charge in-flight than laptops and still give you a big screen. Use in-flight entertainment systems where available to save your device battery. Be cautious with public USB ports at airports; they can be a cyber risk. Purchase certified power banks from reputable brands to ensure safety. Always carry power banks in your cabin bag — never in checked luggage. 'More and more airlines are introducing restrictions on using and charging portable devices in the aircraft,' says Heunes. 'It's better to be forewarned, as we expect all carriers to follow suit.'
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Beige is out, bold is in: Luxury travellers snub the copy-paste hotel look
Today's corporate travellers are rejecting the neutral hotel room with generic art and zero personality. According to the Luxury Travel Report 2025, nearly 70% of premium travellers say hotels have 'lost their soul,' and over 73% refuse to pay for 'generic luxury' any longer. Image: Supplied The Luxury Travel Report 2025 has unveiled a notable shift in traveller preferences, revealing that holidaymakers are increasingly rejecting what is termed "beigeification"—the unnerving sameness that has pervaded hotels globally. Stepping into hotel rooms across the globe, from Bangkok to Birmingham, one may encounter a strikingly uniform aesthetic characterised by neutral colours, predictable artwork, and standardised amenities. While this homogeneity once promised reliability, today's luxury travellers crave vibrant, unique environments that reflect character and context. According to the report, about 70% of premium travellers feel that modern hotels have "lost their soul," and nearly three-quarters express they are unwilling to pay for what they describe as "generic luxury." With plans to embark on eight leisure trips in 2025, these discerning guests are ready to spend significantly—but only on accommodations that offer something beyond cut-and-paste uniformity. This evolution in travel preferences is not confined to leisure; it also offers critical insights for corporate travel programmes. Herman Heunes, General Manager at corporate travel company, FCM, asserts that business travel should be a rewarding opportunity—a moment to connect, grow, and recharge. "Strip away all personality and sense of place from where people stay, and the experience loses meaning," he states. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Supporting this sentiment, research published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management indicates that hotel aesthetics directly impact guest satisfaction and emotional responses. The findings suggest that design elements of a room account for over 10% of what guests value most during their stay. For frequent business travellers—dubbed 'road warriors'—the environment in which they rest can significantly influence their performance. According to the study, lifestyle hotels that merge business and leisure by providing distinctive character alongside high-end lodging meet modern corporate travel needs effectively. Historically, corporate hotel programmes have prioritised consistency and cost, but as the report suggests, there is a pressing need for companies to move past generic interiors. The objective is not to discard practicality but to enrich it with purpose. Heunes notes that companies can revamp their hotel strategies by including properties that balance reliable service with distinctiveness. "Ask your frequent travellers which environments help them feel most productive," he advises. Innovative hotels are already setting new standards by creatively interpreting their surroundings. The Detroit Foundation Hotel, for instance, has transformed a historic 1929 firehouse into a vibrant creative hub, while New York's Ace Hotel features local artists in its cultural programming, ensuring guests enjoy an immersive experience. In Bangkok, the Waldorf Astoria integrates traditional Thai design with bronze screens and layered textures, creating a unique sense of place. These examples highlight the potential for spaces that resonate with guests, shifting an ordinary stay into an unforgettable experience.
