Some good news for international business travelers: It looks like the initial laptop ban on flights from select Middle East and Africa airports to the U.S. is winding down.

Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad Airways have been let off the hook after instituting new security screening procedures as dictated by the U.S. A handful of other airlines and airports remain affected, but many of those are making progress on solutions.

The UK's ban remains in place, as well, but it's unclear how long it will remain.

And there's still the matter of the Gulf crisis, however, that is shaping up in opposition to Qatar from its neighbors. That's another story altogether you should be watching.

This week we also have some insights on the future of hotels, how next-level hotels are approaching customer service, and one hotelier's big bet on smaller rooms.

Finally, we're gearing up for the GBTA Convention in Boston two weeks from now; if you want to meet up and chat, hit me up at as@skift.com.