In this edition of the Travel News Brief: Marriott/Starwood data hack, EU expand their flight networks in the U.S., Delta raises onboard drink prices, Delta unveils biometric terminal, US airport security is improving, rideshare reward programs, new hotels on the horizon, a new concourse at LGA, traveler tips, Savings Opportunities in Traditional Travel Categories and more!
Savings Opportunities in Traditional Travel Categories
As fuel prices rise, trade wars disrupt the status quo, and the value of labor increases, the cost of business travel could continue to rise significantly. Travel managers who want to keep budgets under control will need to take a more thorough look at the main travel categories in their programs to determine where more savings can be found. Read More
U.S., UK Reach New Post-Brexit Deal on Air Services
Reuters —The United States and Britain have reached a deal on a new open skies aviation agreement to govern air travel after the UK exits the European Union…Read More
European Airlines Adding Transatlantic Flights for 2019 as Brexit Fears Ease
Travel Market Report —Low-cost carrier Norwegian and TAP Air Portugal are among the airlines planning to expand their flight networks in the U.S., starting in the spring. Read More
Delta Air Lines Raises Drink Prices, Following Increases by American and Southwest
USA Today —It's going to cost more to toast your trip on Delta Air Lines…Read More
United Airlines Will Fly to Germany from Hub in Denver
USA Today —United Airlines in May will launch nonstop daily flights between Denver, Colo., and Frankfurt, Germany. Read More
Delta Air Lines Unveils First Biometric Terminal in Atlanta
Travel Market Report —Passengers at the Delta terminal in Atlanta can use facial recognition technology ‘from curb to gate.’ Read More
Delta Chooses Detroit for Second Biometric Terminal
Travel Mole —Facial recognition software coming to airport's McNamara terminal next year…Read More
Air Canada Acquires Aeroplan Frequent-flyer Program
Frequent Business Traveler —A consortium led by Air Canada will acquire the Aeroplan frequent-flyer program, which will safeguard Aeroplan Miles and enable the airline to launch a new loyalty program in 2020. Read More
Virgin and Brightline Form Virgin Trains USA
Frequent Business Travel —Virgin Group and Brightline, a passenger rail company, announced the formation of Virgin Trains USA. Read More
American to Launch Seasonal Monterey-Dallas/Fort Worth Service
The Mercury News —American Airlines on April 2 will launch seasonal service between California's Monterey Regional Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Read More
Marriott: 500 Million Starwood Guests Could Be Affected in Data Hack
Travel Market Report —The Starwood guest reservation database was breached at brands including W Hotels, Sheraton and Westin. Read More
Here's How to Check if You Were One of the 500 Million Customers Affected by the Marriott Hack
Business Insider —Here's how you can find out more about whether your information was hacked and what you can do to protect yourself. Read More
Why You Should Double Check Your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Status Right Now
Time —You might be in for a rude surprise the next time you try to pass through airport security with your PreCheck or Global Entry membership…Read More
US Airport Security is Slowly Getting Just a Bit Better
C Net —A different security checkpoint design that's finally landing at US airports could speed up your holiday travel... if you know how to use it. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Airports Switch Gears to Handle Uber, Lyft Surge
SF Gate —New dedicated pick-up, drop-off zones are helping…Read More
Are Uber and Lyft's New Rewards Programs Worth It?
Smarter Travel —Uber and Lyft simultaneously announced new rewards programs, but beware of the snags. Read More
Uber Rolls Out Rewards Program for Frequent Riders
SF Gate —Just days after the ride-hailing company Lyft said it would be rolling out a rewards program for customers in select cities next month, its mega-competitor Uber announced plans for its own tiered loyalty program – and provided a lot more detail. Read More
Hyatt - Small Luxury Hotels Partnership Gets Rolling
Travel Weekly —Hyatt and Small Luxury Hotels of the World are launching a joint loyalty program next month. Read More
Marriott Plans 30 New Courtyard Openings in Europe
Travel Mole —Plans include five more properties in UK…Read More
Nashville Yards Hotel Will Be a Grand Hyatt
Travel Weekly —The hotel in the $1 billion Nashville Yards development will be a luxury property, branded as a Grand Hyatt…Read More
Two New China Hotels Aim to Draw Millennial Fashionistas
Travel Market Report —Leveraging the iconic and well-respected Bvlgari name, the properties offer guests luxurious amenities and experiences at every turn. Read More
Hotel Trends 2019: What You Need to Know
Travel Market Report —From fees and bookings to technology and immersive experiences, here are the predicted hotel trends for the coming year. Read More
9 Free Hotel Amenities That Go Way Beyond the Basics
Smarter Travel —Gone are the days when the most you got was a soap and toothpaste. Read More
New 18-gate Concourse to Open at LaGuardia Airport
The Associated Press —A new concourse will open this weekend at New York's LaGuardia Airport Terminal B. The concourse features 18 gates, plus eateries and retail stores. Read More
Pressure Is On Airport Lounges to Relieve Crowding
San Antonia Express News —Will other airlines follow Delta's lead in limiting access? Read More
Here Are the ‘Nut Policies’ of Five Major U.S. Airlines
Travel Market Report —Earlier this month, American Airlines became the latest carrier to announce it will soon allow passengers with nut allergies the option to board early to wipe down their seats from any previous contamination. Read More
5 Controversial Travel Rules You Might Be Violating
Smarter Travel —Are you violating these rules of travel etiquette? Read More
What to Do When Your Checked Bag Is Lost
Smarter Travel —Although airline performance has improved, what you have to do when an airline loses a bag hasn't. Read More
10 Free Things You Can Get at Airports
Smarter Travel —The secret to bagging many of these freebies is being in the know…Read More
18 Essential Tips for Winter Travel
Smarter Travel —Avoid getting stuck in airports or on roadsides with these tips. Read More
15 Things Travelers Should Be Thankful For in 2018
Travel Pulse —Give it up for a great year in travel. Read More
Startup Firm Sleepbox Opening Pod Hotel at Washington Dulles
Travel Weekly —The Sleepbox Nap Lounge is opening its first US location soon in the Washington Dulles International Airport. Read More