In this edition of the Travel News Brief: thoughts on Brexit, airline updates, four airports offer TSA and taxi wait times, Enterprise closes on Deem acquisition, new locations for Choice Hotels, Four Seasons, Kimpton and Hyatt, luxury airport lounges, protecting yourself from in-flight theft, collaboration on the road: 7 ways to maximize traveler productivity and more!
Collaboration on the Road: 7 Ways to Maximize Traveler Productivity
When travelers are on the road, productivity is paramount to keeping them engaged and happy. Often, a traveler’s ability to stay productive is hindered by a number of factors, including poor working environments, lack of connectivity to the office and the stress of travel. Combined, these factors may not only limit productivity but can also lead to a decline in employee engagement and increased traveler attrition rates. Read More
Can Travel Managers Prep for a No-Deal Brexit?
Business Travel News —With only two months until the United Kingdom exits the European Union on 29 March, and no one on this planet knowing what form that departure will take, travel management professionals are sitting frustratedly in limbo. Read More
Here’s What Could Happen to Air Transport if There’s a No-Deal Brexit
The Points Guy — Airline passengers could face higher fares, longer wait times at immigration and problems connecting to Europe through British airports if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, aviation experts warn. Read More
Delta Puts New Narrowbody Aircraft into Service
Business Travel News — On Thursday, Delta began its first service on its new Airbus A220-100 aircraft with flights between New York's LaGuardia Airport and each Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Boston. Read More
American Airlines Becomes First Carrier to Offer Free Apple Music Access Inflight
Future Travel Experience — American Airlines’ customers can now enjoy free access to Apple Music on any domestic flight equipped with Viasat satellite Wi-Fi. Read More
Lufthansa Launches Biometric Boarding in Miami & Biometric Terminals Are on the Way
Business Travel News — On Feb. 1, Lufthansa launched a boarding process for Flight 461 from Miami International Airport to Munich that uses facial recognition rather than boarding passes. Last March, Lufthansa, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Los Angeles World Airports had begun a trial of the biometric boarding...Read More
Delta to Give More Customers Option to Pick Meals Before They Fly
Travel Pulse — Delta customers traveling in the First Class cabin will soon have the option to choose their meal days in advance through the airline's popular pre-select meal program. Read More
Oneworld Lounges and New Digital Platform Planned as Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Business Traveller — Oneworld plans to open its first “branded, developed and managed lounge” later this year, as the alliance celebrates its 20th anniversary. Read More
Airlines Announce New Transatlantic Flights for 2019
Travel Market Report — Travel to Europe should be easier and more convenient next year, as a number of international airlines are adding new routes over the North Atlantic next spring and summer. Read More
United Airlines Debuts Redesigned Smartphone App for Apple and Android Platforms
Frequent Business Traveler — United Airlines introduced a completely redesigned version of its smartphone app. Read More
Port Authority Offers Real-time Updates on TSA, Taxi Wait Times
NBC 4 New York — Passengers at JFK, EWR, LGA, and SWF airports can now access up to date TSA and taxi wait times on the Port Authority’s respective airport websites. Read More
28 Countries the US Government Doesn’t Want You to Visit
USA Today — It’s in your best interest to check the U.S. State Department’s website for travel advisories, which the department is constantly updating…Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
The 10 Cities with the Best Public Transportation
USA Today — These cities have networks that cover all the neighborhoods you want to see, with reliable, frequent service at an affordable price. Read More
Madrid Taxis End Strike, Fail to Get Tighter Rules for Uber
The Washington Post — Taxi drivers in Madrid have ended a 16-day strike after failing to force authorities in the Spanish capital to impose tighter restrictions on ride-hailing companies like Uber and Cabify. Read More
Is This Finally the Dawn of High-Speed Rail Travel in the U.S.?
Insider Travel Report — Rail travel in the U.S. is littered with promises of modern high-speed inter-city rail. But Virgin Trains, a relatively new venture, announced an initial public offering of 28,334,000 shares of common stock. Read More
Enterprise Closes Deem Acquisition
Business Travel News — Enterprise has completed its acquisition of managed travel technology platform Deem. Read More
Four Seasons Opening Nine New Hotels in 2019
Travel Market Report — Among the new properties is the first resort set within a world-class vineyard in Napa Valley. Read More
Choice Hotels Adds 42 Properties
Business Travel News — Choice Hotels International is set to expand its footprint across the U.S. with two development agreements. Read More
Marriott Christens Consolidated Loyalty Brand
Business Travel News — Marriott International will roll out Marriott Bonvoy next month to replace Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest. Read More
Hyatt to Open 40 New Hotels on the West Coast by 2021
Northstar Meetings Group — Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels Corp. is expanding in California, Oregon and Washington state by nearly 45 percent, mainly by growing the portfolios of its limited-service brands, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Centric...Read More
Hilton Enters 100th Year with Record Growth
Travel Pulse — Hilton is riding a wave of record-breaking growth and development…Read More
IHG to Open 25 New Kimpton Hotels Globally
Travel Mole — Asia, Caribbean and Europe to get new hotels over next five years…Read More
Super-luxe Airport Lounges That May Make You Miss Your Flight
CNN — A handful of ultra-exclusive lounges, Instagram-worthy spaces with impressive settings that only a privileged few have access to, are attended by staff who act more like concierges at five-star hotels than airline employees. Read More
10 Ways to Make Your Flight Attendant Like You
Smarter Traveler — Friendly flight attendants can reward you with free drinks and seat upgrades. Here’s how to keep them happy. Read More
How to Protect Yourself Against In-Flight Theft
Airfare Watchdog (blog) — Safeguard your valuables from potential onboard thieves with these tips…Read More
7 Simple Travel Hacks to Make Any Airplane Seat Comfortable
Smarter Travel — These expert travel hacks really get the job done…Read More
7 Key Changes Travelers Can Expect in 2019
USA Today — "The biggest probabilities for changes affecting U.S. travelers in 2019 will be congestion and natural disruptions," says Paul Ruden, former executive vice president for legal and industry affairs for the American Society of Travel Advisors. Read More
Turning Three into One
Creative Group — Creating cost efficiencies for international conferences…Read More
$188 Million Renovation of Memphis Convention Center Underway
Successful Meetings — The project, to finish next year, will add a new exterior concourse, prefunction space, breakout rooms and more...Read More
New Downtown Vegas Convention Center to Open in 2020
Las Vegas Review Journal — The 315,000-square-foot facility will provide exhibit space for the twice-a-year World Market as well as room for trade shows and community events…Read More
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