In this edition of the Travel News Brief: New airline routes and possible expansion, Swiss added to TSA PreCheck, SJC facial recognition, National car and driver services, tri-branded Hilton in Chicago, Delta adds seat-back entertainment, Strategic communication increases the number of participant “touchpoints,” How to secure buy-in for new travel technology, How the evolving car rental industry will impact your travel program, and more!
How to Secure Buy-in for New Travel Technology
Technology innovations in the travel space have made getting from point A to point B easier than ever. There are plenty of reasons why corporate travel programs should adopt new technologies to replace outdated and ineffective processes. Travel technology makes booking trips more efficient and straightforward for busy travelers, and it aids policy compliance. Read More
GBTA Forecast Calls for 7 Percent Growth in Business-Travel Spending This Year
Meetings & Conventions —After two strong years of growth, risks could surface in 2019...Read More
United Airlines Will Charge More to Reserve Economy Seats Near Front of Plane
Travel Market Report —The carrier’s new policy, which will start later this year, will match similar ones by Delta and American. Read More
American Airlines to Allow Carry-On Bag for Basic Economy
Business Insider —American Airlines just announced a major change to its basic economy tickets that passengers will love…Read More
United Airlines Adds First U.S. Service from D.C. to Tel Aviv
Travel Market Report —United Airlines will become the first U.S. airline to offer nonstop service between Washington, D.C., and Tel Aviv when it launches its Washington Dulles International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport service next May. Read More
Air France, KLM, and Air Europa Explore Joint Venture
Travel Market Report —Air France-KLM and Air Europa are examining an expansion of this agreement to include a wider range of operations in tandem. Read More
TSA adds Swiss International Air Lines to PreCheck
Airport Technology —Swiss International Air Lines passengers can now receive expedited security screening through the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program. Read More
How San Jose Airport Uses Facial Recognition to Speed Lines
SF Gate —Long lines at passport control cut short by biometrics…Read More
Bomb-sniffing Dogs Helping Reduce Airport Security Waits
SF Gate —Sniffed passengers getting PreCheck privileges…Read More
Theft of Alaska Airplane by Employee Exposes Gaps in Airport Security
Travel Market Report —Tragic event leads to serious concerns about a loophole in the post-9/11 airport security system, questioning how someone could simply hop into a plane and take off unnoticed at one of the busiest airports in the country. Read More
TSA Shows Off New 3D Screening Machine at Washington Dulles
USA Today —The Transportation Security Administration's testing of 3D scanners at airport checkpoints was on display Friday at Washington Dulles airport. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
National Will Offer Car & Driver Services in China
Business Travel News —This fall, National Car Rental will launch a service in China that provides both cars and drivers for travelers. Read More
Why Your Uber Driver Is Purposely Taking A Longer Route
The Points Guys —Many Uber drivers complain of low pay and high operating costs. However, some drivers are fighting back, and it could affect your next ride. Read More
New High Speed Rail Link to Slash Beijing-Hong Kong Travel Times Next Month
YIKAI Global —The Hong Kong section of a high-speed rail link connecting the special administrative region to the Chinese mainland is set to open to passengers next month, slashing the time it takes to travel to Beijing by almost two thirds. Read More
Marriott Copes With Glitches as Loyalty Programs Merge
SF Gate —Company working through issues in combining members' data…Read More
First Hilton Tri-branded Property Opens in Chicago
Travel Mole —Hilton has unveiled its first tri-branded property in Chicago's McCormick Place…Read More
Hilton Hints at New Luxury Collection Brand
Travel Market Report —The hotelier has also curated unique local experiences in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for guests staying at either of its current luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria and Conrad. Read More
Delta Goes Against Trends and Adds More Seat-back Entertainment
USA Today —While most airlines are getting rid of seatback entertainment, Delta Airlines announced that they installed a seat-back entertainment system on their 600th aircraft. Read More
Seven Tips for Traveling During Hurricane Season
Travel Market Report —There are great deals for travelers who are willing to take their chances with the less predictable weather that September and October can bring. Here’s how to help them prepare. Read More
Do You Understand Your Loyalty Programs?
Travel Pulse —A new study revealed that around half of airline loyalty program members do not fully understand how to earn or redeem their points or miles. Read More
10 Sure Fire Tips For Stress Free Travel
Travel Weekly —Despite being the very thing we do to relax and unwind from our work and home lives, there's no doubt that travel can be very stressful in itself. Travel Weekly’s tips will help ease the stress…Read More
Exercise While Traveling
Global Traveler —If there is one guaranteed facet of travel, it’s the shakeup of a well-established schedule — especially your exercise routine. Luckily, there are many options for staying fit on the road. Read More
US Travellers Happy to Pay for Upgrades
Buying Business Travel —A new study reveals that the majority of US business travellers are happy to pay out of their own pocket for non-policy conveniences such as hotel room or airline seat upgrades and faster hotel wifi. Read More
Influx of New Hotels in Chicago Could Be a Boon for Planners
Northstar Meetings Group —The increase in hotel supply in Chicago is reaching record levels…Read More
Strategic Creative Development of Program Communications
Creative Group —Strategic communication increases the number of participant “touchpoints.” Read about how a smart program communications campaign saves money and improves program results…Read More
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