In this edition of the Direct Travel News Brief… Canada travel requirement, France requires health pass before travel, the standard per diem for fiscal year 2022, American extends alcohol ban, United expands Covid-19 testing, Delta expands meals and adds in-flight entertainment, other airline updates, what’s trending with car rentals, Amtrak upgrades menus for Acela customers, hotel updates and mandates, face masks on planes requirement extended, managing air travel anxiety and other tips, and much more!
Know Before You Go: Plan for These Changes to Travel
The changes to business travel caused by COVID-19 may have made the traveler experience safer and healthier thanks to advanced cleaning protocols, but some changes continue to frustrate even the most experienced of road warriors. Fortunately, many of these frustrations can be mitigated or avoided entirely with a “know before you go” approach and a trusted travel partner. Read More
Tips for Safely Returning Your Team to the Office (and the Road)
Whether you’re a global company, a remote-first business, or a growing startup, travel connects your people—both in and out of the office. Businesses are finding this to be increasingly relevant in today’s environment as they update their travel policies and reshape their office cultures in preparation for a "post-pandemic future." Read More
Canada Will Require All Travelers on Planes, Trains, and Cruise Ships to Be Vaccinated
Travel Market Report — The plan to implement the mandate has not yet been revealed, but the requirement will likely take effect within the next few months. Read More
GSA Hikes FY22 Federal Per Diem Rate
Business Travel News — The U.S. General Services Administration's standard per diem for fiscal year 2022 will be $155, up $4 from last year's standard per diem. Read More
Travel is Back: 72% of Travelers Have Already Traveled Domestically
Security Magazine — Nearly three-quarters of travelers (72%) have already taken their first multi-day domestic trip of the year and 26% have already taken their first international multi-day trip of the year, according to a Global Rescue survey of the most experienced travelers in the world. Read More
Canada Reopens U.S. Border to Fully Vaccinated Americans
The Wall Street Journal — Canada is once again allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents back into the country, provided they’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Read More
France Now Requires Health Pass for Domestic Flights
BTN Europe — Anyone wanting to undertake long-distance travel in France, whether by domestic flight, TGV or Intercity train, must now show a health pass before they travel. Read More
American Airlines’ Ban on Main Cabin Alcohol Extended Into 2022
Travel Pulse — American Airlines will be extending its suspension of main cabin alcohol sales on domestic flights through at least January 18, 2022, aiming to avoid the continuation of an upward trend in unruly passenger behavior. Read More
United Expands Covid-19 Testing Footprint
Business Travel News — United Airlines has added more than 3,000 Covid-19 testing sites at Walmart and Albertson Companies locations for booking through its Travel-Ready Center. Read More
Delta Adds New Movies, TV Shows and More to Theater in the Sky
Wheels Up Network — Now more than 240 films, 390 episodes, new podcasts and more onboard through seatback screens. Read More
Delta Lauches Air+Rail Program with Train Service Between Amsterdam and Brussels
Wheels Up Network — Increased choice and convenient travel options between Amsterdam and Belgium through a partnership with Thalys high-speed trains, providing fast and seamless train service between Amsterdam and the Belgian cities of Brussels and Antwerp. Read More
Delta to Expand Hot Meal Service in September
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines is upgrading its meal service in premium cabins on select transcontinental flights…Read More
Singapore Airlines to Start Taipei-Los Angeles Service
Business Travel News — Singapore Airlines on Aug. 25 will launch new service between Taipei and Los Angeles…Read More
Why You Need to Check Your Passport NOW if You’re Traveling in 2021 or 2022
Smarter Travel — If you have an international trip planned for this year or next year, you need to check the expiration date on your passport right now. Passport renewals and new passport applications are taking a record amount of time for processing. Here’s what you need to know. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Will Amtrak Make Fares Cheaper as Business Travel Drops?
Governing.com — The national passenger railroad needs to rebuild its ridership. Lower fares seem like a surefire way to lure old and new riders. But greater reliability and faster speeds are factors too. Read More
What's Trending in Car Rentals for 2021
Travel Market Report — Longer rentals, an increase in domestic drive options, direct billing, and more are trending for 2021. Read More
European Car-sharing Platform Karshare Raises £3M for Expansion
Phocus Wire — Karshare says its revenue has increased 45% month-to-month and now it will expand to new cities in the U.K. Read More
Hertz Reports Stronger Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Insider Travel Report — Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., which emerged from bankruptcy protection in June, reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2021. The rental car company generated total revenues of $1.9 billion reflecting strong leisure travel demand coupled with tighter fleet inventory. Read More
Amtrak Unveils Upgraded Food and Drinks Menu for First Class Acela Customers
Travel + Leisure — Lobster crab cakes and eggs Benedict are on the menu. Read More
Four Seasons New Orleans Opens in City’s Iconic World Trade Center
Insider Travel Report — Rising high above the Mississippi River in the heart of one of America’s most beloved cities, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans is now open. The property is located in the city’s old World Trade Center, one of the tallest buildings in the city. Read More
Puerto Rico Will Require Hotel Guests be Vaccinated
Travel Weekly — Puerto Rico will require Covid-19 vaccinations for all guests as well as for employees and staff of hotels, paradores, guesthouses and short-term rentals on the island. Read More
IHG: U.S., China Continue Demand Momentum
Business Travel News — Leisure demand continued to boost IHG Hotels & Resorts' recovery during the first half of 2021, but "we are now seeing more group activity and corporate bookings start to come back," said IHG CEO Keith Barr in a statement on the company's first-half results, released. Read More
New York City’s PUBLIC Hotel to Introduce Vaccine Mandate
Travel Market Report — Effective September 6, PUBLIC Hotel, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, will require all guests, visitors, and staff to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination upon arrival. It marks the first hotel in New York City to announce such regulations. Read More
IHG Reports $138M Profit, Plans Luxury and Lifestyle Brand
Phocus Wire — IHG reports gradual improvement, especially in the U.S. and China with groups, meetings and events beginning to book. ead More
U.S. Will Require Face Masks on Planes into 2022
Travel Market Report — The original order, which has been in place since January, was set to expire next month. Read More
United, Delta, and Amtrak Require COVID Vaccines for Employees. Are More Mandates Coming?
Afar Magazine — A growing wave of travel companies is making a stronger push for vaccinations. Read More
What Happens if I Test Positive for COVID While Traveling?
Afar Magazine — A false positive is possible—and downright panic inducing before a trip. Read More
State-by-State Status Updates on Covid-19 Restrictions
Northstar Meetings Group — California will require proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test for indoor events with more than 1,000 people. Read More
7 Important Things to Know About Traveling to Europe During COVID-19
Smarter Travel — A European trip isn’t as easy and carefree as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. If you’re planning to travel to Europe this year, there are a few important things you need to know first about what to expect when you get there and what to do before you fly. Read More
Tips for Managing Air Travel Anxiety
St. Louis Dispatch — The thing about anxiety is that it doesn’t always listen to reason. If you’re vaccinated and still worried about getting on a plane, it might not be a matter of waiting for the right reassurance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other experts. Read More
Cyberfraud Shifts to Travel and Leisure, Report Finds
CNBC — As digital fraud attempts on consumers and businesses rise, cybercriminals have shifted their focus from financial services to the gaming and travel and leisure industries. Read More
Hawaii Tightens COVID Restrictions
Yahoo News — Hawaii tightens COVID restrictions for restaurants, bars but does not change visitor entry requirements…Read More
Some Planners Are Rescheduling Meetings, but Others Say the Show Must Go On
Northstar Meetings Group — While new bookings are down and cancellations are up, two-thirds of respondents will hold in-person events this year. Read More
California Will Require Proof of Vaccination for Large Indoor Events
Northstar Meetings Group — A negative Covid-19 test will also suffice for gatherings with more than 1,000 people. See more in our state-by-state roundup...Read More
The CDC’s Latest Pandemic Guidelines for Events
Northstar Meetings Groups — The agency now recommends that all travelers, even the fully vaccinated, avoid destinations with very high levels of Covid-19, such as France and Iceland. Read More
How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus at In-Person Events, According to the CDC
Successful Meetings — The guidance covers what to do before, during and after an event to ensure attendee safety, as well as key risk factors to consider. Read More
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