In this edition of the Travel News Brief: DOT rules airlines to provide refunds for flight cancellations, a second Marriott data breach, TripBam technology hotel booking and cancellation analysis, Delta and United extend loyalty program benefits, airline service suspension, new onboard service policies, the State Department is no longer taking new passport applications, Real ID deadline extended, hotel cancel policies, cleaning your credit cards, disinfect your suitcase, traveler tips and more!
The rapid spread and sustained impact caused by COVID-19 has caught many companies off-guard. Unlike most past health scares or global emergencies, the pandemic has extended well beyond the typical business cycle, challenging even the most rigorous of crisis communication plans and risk management strategies. Read More
Talk of the current COVID-19 pandemic has dominated global conversation. While the information changes almost hourly, a new narrative of progress is forming. From local communities coming together to “flatten the curve,” to corporate tech giants donating medical masks and big-name manufacturers pledging to produce much-needed ventilators, these stories of unified response give reason for encouragement. Read More
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Join Direct Travel for a BTN Thought Leadership Webinar, Managing Travel During a Crisis, on April 21 at 1 PM ET. With the impact of COVID-19 changing daily, this timely topic will feature a panel of industry experts sharing their recommendations for how to best manage your travel program—including travel policy, Duty of Care, supplier relationships, and other related topics.
National Business Aviation Association — As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the federal air transportation excise taxes that apply to commercial operations (i.e., Part 135 flights) are suspended effective March 27, 2020, through Jan. 1, 2021. Read More
Business Travel News — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday issued an enforcement notice to airlines, saying they are required to provide refunds, not vouchers for future travel, for flights that have been canceled or required a significant schedule change. Read More
CBS News — Marriott said that hotel guests' names, loyalty account information and other personal details may have been accessed in the second major data breach to hit the company in less than two years. Read More
Business Travel News — Hotel reshopping technology tool Tripbam has created a dashboard to show clients year-over-year in hotel cancellations, average daily rate and new bookings created for any time period. Read More
Forbes — Delta Air Lines has become the first major U.S. carrier to extend the benefits in its loyalty program for a full year. Read More
The Points Guy — Like Delta, United is extending status to all its current Premier members through the end of the 2021 program year, which ends on Jan. 31, 2022. Read More
Business Travel News — American Airlines has extended its capacity cuts into the summer, suspending more than 60 percent of its international capacity for the peak summer season. Read More
USA Today — Good news for travelers who are weary of flying anytime soon due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic: United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are making some changes to help. Read More
Business Travel News — Carriers around the world continue to slash capacity as they contend with increasing restrictions and little demand amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Read More
USA Today — Major U.S. airlines are updating their food, drink and seating policies in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Read More
Newsweek — The latest data released by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shows a significant fall in passengers using flights in the U.S. since President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over coronavirus on March 13—but also that hundreds of thousands of people are still flying. Read More
Travel Market Report — Those with “qualified life-or-death” emergencies will still be able to apply, but the State Department is no longer taking new applications as the impact of COVID-19 continues. Read More
Business Travel News Europe — China has announced it will temporarily prohibit foreign nationals from entering the country starting 28 March, even if they hold valid visas or residence permits, to try to stop the deadly coronavirus from being imported back into the country. Read More
Bloomberg — The Trump administration will delay the Oct. 1 deadline for Real ID compliance because of the coronavirus pandemic. A new deadline will be announced soon. Read More
Smarter Travel — Still no Real ID? While you're home, submit your documentation to save time in line later. Read More
USA Today — The Transportation Security Administration is now allowing a grace period for those who haven't been able to get their licenses renewed amid the coronavirus pandemic as people work on social distancing, reports The Arizona Republic. Read More
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Business Travel News — Car rental suppliers are reporting a sharp drop in bookings in the months ahead, though most are continuing operations amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Read More
Auto Rental News — Hertz Global Holdings Inc. provided a business update on the adverse impact on travel demand from the coronavirus. Read More
Smarter Travel — Stay in shape no matter where you are. No gear (or extra space) necessary. Read More
Business Travel News — Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels Corp. each have revised its cancellation policies to cover global reservations as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, following InterContinental Hotels Group's move to do the same. Read More
Travel Market Report — As COVID-19 continues to disrupt travel, hotel companies and resorts have altered their cancellation and change policies to further accommodate guests. Read More
Creative Group — Emotional connecting in a time of uncertainty is important for our overall well-being. Read More
The Points Guy — Whether you’re tapping to pay, swiping your card or inserting the chip, that means your card is touching where hundreds or even thousands of cards have also touched recently… Read More
Afar — Viruses—and not just the coronavirus—can survive longer on nonporous, water-resistant surfaces like plastic passport covers. Read More
The Points Guy — In many ways, it feels like our lives are on hold — so it might be time to consider putting certain travel subscriptions on hold, too. Read More
Smarter Travel — We’re currently in “disinfect everything” mode. So while you’re stuck at home, why not give your suitcase a wipe-down? Read More
Afar — Yes, you can (and should!) leave your house to go for a walk right now. Read More
Afar — You’ve taken to carrying your passport, even when just heading out to do some yard work. Read More
Wheels Up — The IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020. Read More
Meetings & Conventions — Plans call for two levels of meeting space and 800 guest rooms. Read More
Northstar Meetings Group — The two-level expansion project more than doubles the meeting space at Wynn and Encore Resorts Las Vegas. Read More
Northstar Meetings Group — These venues are contributing beds and space to help alleviate the pressure on overcrowded hospitals. Read More
Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine — It's estimated that 15 to 20 percent of food at events goes to waste… Read More
Milwaukee Sentinel — The expansion would add 112,000 square feet to the facility's main exhibition hall for a total of 300,000 square feet… Read More
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