In this edition of the Travel News Brief: business travel per-diems rise, Alaska Airlines retires Virgin America brand and trims carry-on bag size, Uber to add safety features to its app and add electric bicycle service to cities around the world, Sabre explains blockchain, United Airlines improves entertainment options, Atlanta is still the world's busiest airport and more!
Driving Travel Policy Compliance with Technology
No one likes being managed under a microscope. Effective travel policy management approaches compliance with a thorough understanding of how the policy impacts traveler experience in the moment. By identifying traveler needs early, travel managers can leverage technology to create travel programs that encourage compliance...Read More
4 Ways You Can Save Through Your Supplier Partnerships
As travel represents a sizable portion of your budget, we know that your goal is to create a competitive supplier strategy that results in high-quality service and cost savings. Proactive performance tracking and regular agreements evaluation can help you build a stronger relationship with your travel suppliers and make key decisions to advance your travel program goals. Read More
Business Travel Per Diems Rise Modestly in 2018
BTN's Annual Corporate Travel Index — BTN provides business travel per diems for 200 cities worldwide. The 100 non-U.S. cities' breakdowns include the daily cost of an upscale hotel, breakfast, lunch, dinner and a taxi from the airport to the city center. Read More
Alaska Airlines to Retire Virgin America Brand on April 25
Travel Pulse — All signage and branding will be for Alaska Airlines. Read More
United to Launch Premium Economy Class in 2019
FlightGlobal — United Airlines will launch a new premium economy class called Premium Plus in early 2019 on the Boeing 767-300ER, 24 on its 777s and 21 on the 787-10. Read More
Alaska Airlines Trims Carry-on Bag Dimensions
SF Gate — Move is especially hard on business travelers who never check bags…Read More
British Airways' Owner to Buy Budget Airline Norwegian?
USA Today — BA parent IAG takes stake in rival to establish a position from which to initiate discussions, including the possibility of a full offer for Norwegian. Read More
Delta Suffers Cyber Breach Via Online Chat
Travel Weekly UK — Supplier’s delay in notification would breach GDPR…Read More
Sleeper Berths in Airline Cargo Holds? That’s the Plan at Airbus
USA Today — Aside from a potential nap area, Airbus' cargo hold plan also could include options for kid play areas, conference rooms or in-flight lounges. Read More
Air Canada Follows Delta With Segmented Economy Cabins
Marketscale — Air Canada has introduced a new series of fare classes…Read More
TSA Marks Milestone with Stronger Carry-on Screening at all U.S. Federal Airports
Transportation Security Administration — In addition to removing electronics larger than a cellphone, TSA recommends separating foods, powders and items that can clutter bags to ease screening process. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
New Direct Rail Service Linking Amsterdam to London Debuts
Travel Market Report — Alternative travel connection to Amsterdam makes weekend or one-day stopovers in European city more convenient and affordable. Read More
Uber's Upcoming Safety Features
Business Travel News — Uber is adding safety features to its app this summer…Read More
Uber Buying a Startup that Rents Electric Bicycles to Adults
Business Insider — Uber is buying JUMP Bikes, an electric bicycle startup that currently operates in Washington D.C. and San Francisco. And the plan is to bring the service to cities around the world. Read More
Hotel Group Calls for Stricter Tax Regulations on Airbnb
Travel Market Report — Industry association proposes that Airbnb should be regulated, taxed and subject to the same safety compliances and oversight as law-abiding hotel companies. Read More
Hyatt Plans First Dual Hyatt Place/Hyatt House Hotels at Paris CDG
Insider Travel Report — Hyatt Hotels Corporation is planning to introduce the first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels in Europe at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Read More
First Embassy Suites by Hilton Opens in New York City
Insider Travel Report — The first Embassy Suites by Hilton in New York City has opened in midtown Manhattan. Read More
Radisson Blu is Europe's Largest Upper-Upscale Hotel Brand
Travel Pulse — Radisson Blu has been named the largest upscale brand across Europe, with 186 properties, according to MKG Hospitality-ON. Read More
Sabre Explains Blockchain – Somebody Has To
TNOOZ — In its 2018 Emerging Tech in Travel report, Sabre unravels the mysteries of blockchain and puts together the bits that not only explain how it works and what it means for society, but also whether and how it may be relevant to travel. Read More
Marriott International Unveils Unified Loyalty Programs With One Set of Benefits
Marriott.com — Access to the most extraordinary portfolio of hotels, expansion of the Moments experiential platform and richer and enhanced benefits for members. Read More
Battle for the Overhead Bin Is as Fierce as Ever
USA Today — Too much stuff, not enough bin space. The problem is easy enough to define for air travelers. But the solution — despite new airline rules — is not. Read More
United Airlines Improves Entertainment Options
Travel Pulse — United Airlines is improving its personal device entertainment lineup by adding at least one free choice among its streaming options. Read More
Strikes Will Make Getting Around France Difficult This Spring
Travel Market Report — Travel chaos on France’s fabled rail network reigned this week as unions began a series of two-day strikes that are scheduled to take place through the end of June. Read More
Airline Cabins Aren't as Infectious as You Thought
Travel Market Report — A recent study found that catching the flu or other similar respiratory infections is more difficult for airline passengers sitting at least two seats away or in a different row from a sick fellow airline passenger. Read More
DFW And American Airlines Reach $20 Million Agreement
NBCDFW.com — Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and American Airlines have reached a $20 million agreement to renovate and improve the customer experience at Terminal E, adding six more gates and more concession space. Read More
The World's Busiest Airport? It's Atlanta, Yet Again!
USA Today — Atlanta finished first ahead of No. 2 Beijing Capital and third-place Dubai. New York JFK, previously No. 16, fell out of the global top 20. Read More