In This Edition… Exciting news at Direct Travel, updates in airline flight service routes, TSA PreCheck® program adds eight new airlines, TSA trialing innovative new self-security check protocols in Las Vegas, ground transportation news, many hotel articles—hotel acquisitions updates, traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… des nouvelles passionnantes chez Les services Direct Travel, des mises à jour des itinéraires de vol des compagnies aériennes, le programme TSA PreCheck® accueille huit nouvelles compagnies aériennes, la TSA teste de nouveaux protocoles innovants de contrôle autonome de sécurité à Las Vegas, des informations sur les transports terrestres, de nombreux articles sur les hôtels—des mises à jour sur les acquisitions d'hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien d'autres choses encore!
dt.com — We’re excited to share important news about Direct Travel’s next chapter and how we plan to take that to a new level across corporate travel, leisure, and meetings and incentives. Read More
Top Takeaways from ‘Fusion’ for the Evolving Travel Landscape
For those who were unable to attend in person but are eager to implement learnings from the event, here are our top takeaways from Fusion 2024. Read More
How Your Travel Program Can Drive Business Growth
Discover three steps to take to ensure your company’s travel program remains a driver of growth – even during times with tighter budgets. Read More
United Airlines Becomes First Airline to Offer Joint Loyalty Accounts to Combine Miles
Travel Pulse — United Airlines is the first airline to offer a way to pool loyalty miles with up to five members. Read More
Nonstop Flights Begin To Tulum, Mexico
The Meeting Magazines — Following the recent opening of the Tulum Airport in December 2023, travel to this bohemian paradise is about to become even more accessible for American travelers. Read More
New Route: Washington, D.C. to Vancouver
Travel Pulse — The only non-stop flight from Washington, D.C. to Vancouver is here. Read More
Air France Expands Summer Schedule, Cabin Rollout
Business Travel News — Air France's long-haul capacity will be increased by 9 percent year over year this summer with flights to 85 destinations, the carrier announced Monday. It also is continuing to roll out its new long-haul cabins. Read More
Korean Air to Expand Summer 2024 International Services
Business Travel News — Korean Air plans to expand its summer 2024 services with the resumption of flights to four cities in China, Europe and Southeast Asia and increased frequencies on other major routes. Read More
Delta to Resume NYC-Tel Aviv Service
Business Travel News — Delta on June 7 will resume daily nonstop service between New York's JFK and Tel Aviv. Read More
United Express Planes Will Get Larger Overhead Bins
Travel Weekly — With the reconfiguration, overhead space on United E175s will increase by 80 percent, allowing up to 29 more carry-ons to be taken aboard. Read More
Delta Restarts Daily New York to Venice Service
Insider Travel Report — Delta Air Lines is restarting its nonstop flights between New York-JFK and Venice Marco Polo Airport. Read More
Air New Zealand to 'Pause' Chicago Service
Business Travel News — Air New Zealand from March 31 to Oct. 25 will "pause" its Auckland-Chicago service because of ongoing challenges with the availability of serviceable Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Read More
Air Canada Adds -Montreal-Seoul Nonstop Service
Business Traveller — Star Alliance member Air Canada plans to launch a new nonstop service between Seoul Incheon and Montreal. Read More
Emirates Expands Interline Deals with ITA, Iceland Air
BTN Europe — The agreements will see the separate partnerships expand into "full" codeshare deals that promise to increase connections between Dubai and Europe. Read More
British Airways Unveils £7B 'Transformation' Plan
Business Travel News — British Airways plans to invest £7 billion over the next two years into an "array of new initiatives to transform the airline," the carrier announced. Read More
Wheels Up Expects Corporate Business to Continue Increasing
Business Travel News — Wheels Up is building its corporate business as it converts clients via a partnership with Delta Air Lines. Read More
United Airlines to Launch US Industry-First Nonstop Flights to New International Destinations
Travel Pulse — United Airlines has provided new details regarding its ongoing global route network expansion, announcing three new international destinations and four new flights launching later this year. Read More
TSA PreCheck® Program Adds Eight New Airlines
TSA.gov — Eligible passengers can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling from the US on nearly 100 airlines. Read More
You Used to Be Able to Renew Your Passport Online. Here’s Why You Can’t Anymore.
Afar Magazine — Americans have been waiting a long time to be able to renew their passports online. It looks like they'll have to wait a little longer. Read More
How TSA’s New Self-Service Airport Security Screening System Could Change Travel
Travel Pulse — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently trialing some innovative new self-security check protocols at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Uber, Lyft Vow to Leave Minneapolis If Law Enacted
Business Travel News — Uber and Lyft vowed to cease services in Minneapolis beginning May 1 should a new law take effect that would raise the minimum pay for the companies' drivers. Read More
Amtrak Boosts Northeast Corridor Service to Meet Rising Travel Demand
Travel Pulse — Amtrak has expanded its Northeast Regional service to offer more travel choices along the U.S. East Coast. Read More
IHG Rolls Out New Suites-Brand Prototypes
Business Travel News — IHG Hotels & Resorts on Tuesday unveiled new U.S. prototypes for its three suites brands, designed to allow for more guest rooms per property. IHG said the prototypes would be available in the second quarter, with the first properties to include new features set to open in 2025. Read More
Choice Unveils New Sleep Inn Prototype
Business Travel News — Choice Hotels International on Wednesday unveiled the details of its new prototype of its midprice limited-service Sleep Inn brand. Read More
Hilton Plans New Hampton Prototype
Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide plans to launch in early 2025 a new North American prototype for its upper-midscale limited-service Hampton by Hilton brand. Read More
Hilton to Acquire Graduate Hotels
Northstar Meetings Group — The hospitality giant will pay $210 million for all rights and franchise agreements for the fast-growing lifestyle brand whose properties are in college towns. Read More
IHG to Offer EV Chargers in U.S., Canada
Business Travel News — IHG Hotels & Resorts has agreed to offer electric vehicle charging company EnviroSpark's EV charging stations to all the company's properties in the U.S. and Canada. Read More
It's Over! Choice Walks Away from Wyndham Deal
Hotel Investment Today — The hotelier, which had asked Wyndham shareholders to tender their shares by Friday, said support for the deal was "not sufficient." Read More
What Happens When There’s an In-Flight Emergency?
Afar Magazine — This is how airlines and passengers are supposed to respond in these scenarios. Read More
13 Things You Should NEVER Do in Europe
Fodor’s Travel — From fines to blocks, these popular European destinations are fighting back against mass tourism. Read More
Why Do Airlines Charge So Much for Checked Bags?
Northstar Meetings Group — Carriers have incentive to separate luggage fees from the fare — but are the increases doing anything to benefit the traveler? Read More
When Is It OK to Move to an Empty Airplane Seat—and When Is It Not?
Afar Magazine — Empty seats on an airplane are precious and tempting real estate. But what’s the etiquette around nabbing one? Read More
Get Ready for a Whole New Terminal One at New York’s JFK
Insider Travel Report — It’s a terminal that we have disliked since it opened, especially since many of the food outlets are located before the TSA security gates. Read More
Please Don’t Put Your Suitcase on the Bed, Ever
Afar Magazine — The real reason there’s a luggage rack in your hotel room. Read More
U.S. Airports Expand Health Testing to Chicago, Miami
Meetings & Conventions (AP) — International travelers arriving at eight airports will be asked to be swabbed, but participation is optional and no restrictions will be imposed when passengers are sick. Read More
Keep Incentive Engagement High
Creative Group — We're sharing the latest top tips to amp up engagement programs. Read More
5 Meeting Trends That You Need to Know
Northstar Meetings Group — The nuts and bolts of planning and creating meetings change constantly. To help planners stay ahead of the curve, here are five trends that are changing the way meetings are being conducted. Read More
Looking for guidance on planning your next convention, incentive, or group trip? Direct Travel will assist with all your meetings and event details! Whatever your needs may be when it comes to your event, you can always depend on us to design streamlined travel arrangements, plan strategic meetings, and deliver real-time results. For details, please send a message to: MeetingInquiry@dt.com.