In This Edition… US FAA Reauthorization Bill gets passed, airline news and flight service updates, Canada issues advisory for Europe, a 4-year passport, NYC’s high-tech subway trains, hotel news, traveler tips, and more!
Dans cette édition… l’adoption du projet de loi sur la réautorisation de la FAA, des nouvelles sur les compagnies aériennes et des mises à jour sur les services de vol, le Canada émet un avis de voyage pour l’Europe, un passeport valide pour 4 ans, les rames de métro ultramodernes de New York, des actualités sur les hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
How To Determine If You Need a Travel Management Company
Here are the questions a travel manager should ask themselves to determine if their business would benefit from partnering with a travel management company. Read More
What’s Ahead for Business Travel in 2024
Will it simply be a year of smooth sailing, or will some sectors experience their fair share of challenges? The Direct Travel team has compiled a 2024 Forecast that can be downloaded and shared with your team. Read More
US Senate Committee Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill
Business Travel News — The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 on Thursday, which would fund the agency for the next five years. Read More
Delta Is Creating a New Category of 'Premium Lounges'
Travel Weekly — The new premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs "will be separate products with separate features," the airline said. Read More
United Adds Eight Partners to Sustainable Flight Fund
Business Travel News — United Airlines has added eight new members to its United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, which it launched to focus investments on sustainable aviation fuel research, technology and production. Read More
EU OKs Korean Air-Asiana Merger
Business Travel News — The European Commission has approved the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, Korean Air. Read More
Delta Calls Order to Dissolve Aeromexico Alliance 'Bad Policy'
Travel Weekly — Delta is requesting that the DOT take a different tack to resolve a dispute with Mexico that led to its decision to terminate the airlines' antitrust-immune venture. Read More
These New Delta Flights to the Caribbean and Mexico Are Launching in 2024
Afar Magazine — The carrier is continuing to expand its network, this time with a focus on sun and sand destinations. Read More
Hawaiian Free WiFi Service Makes Its Debut
Travel Weekly — The carrier is the first large U.S. airline to deploy SpaceX's satellite service. Read More
Finnair Asks Passengers to Weigh Themselves Voluntarily
Meetings & Conventions (AP) — Travelers and their carry-ons last were measured in 2018, allowing the airline to use its own averages for making flight-safety calculations. Read More
How the Largest US Airports Rank for On-Time Flights
Travel Pulse — When it comes to getting you to your destination on time, some airports simply fare better than others. Read More
Kenya Goes Visa Free, Implements New Electronic Entry System for Travelers Instead
Afar Magazine — Here’s how to visit the East African country as of January 2024. Read More
Code Yellow: Canada Issues “High Degree of Caution” Advisories for Europe
OpenJaw — The Canadian government’s travel advisory site has been updated in the past 10 days or so to include warnings about terrorism threats and crime in several major European destinations including the UK, Spain, France and Germany. Read More
These Credit Cards Get You TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for Free
Afar Magazine — Use the right travel credit card and you can fast-track through domestic security and U.S. immigration without paying a dime. Read More
There’s a 4-Year Passport: What Is It, Who’s Eligible, and Should You Get It?
Fodor’s Travel — Although it’s not widely advertised, the benefits of having a second passport can come in handy for frequent international travelers. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Inside NYC's Extremely Spacious and High-Tech New Subway Trains
Fast Company — The cars have wider doors; digital signage; brighter, more vibrant interiors; and, notably, open gangways allowing door-free passage between cars. Read More
Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center Officially Opens
The Meeting Magazine — Loews Corporation opened the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center... their second and largest hotel in Arlington, Texas and the first-of-its-kind in the market, ushering a new era of hospitality to North Texas. Read More
Hilton Partners with Small Luxury Hotels of the World to Expand Global Luxury Portfolio
Insider Travel Report — In a groundbreaking luxury hotel deal, Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) have formed an exclusive strategic partnership that will welcome Hilton guests to hundreds of independently minded luxury hotels in the most sought-after destinations around the world. Read More
Choice Hotels to Add Tesla EV Chargers
Business Travel News — The hotel chain will concentrate on its approximately 75 Cambria locations as the target for its initial rollout. Read More
Hilton Considers Graduate Hotels Acquisition
The Points Guy — The lifestyle brand has built a following primarily in large college towns across the United States, but has been expanding. Read More
American Express' New Centurion Lounge in Atlanta is its Largest
Travel Weekly — The lounge has outdoor terraces, a whiskey bar and food from local chef Deborah VanTrece. Read More
New Orleans Takes Super Bowl Handoff From Las Vegas
Sports Travel — The Big Easy will host its record-tying 11th Super Bowl next year, joining Miami at the top of the list of cities that have hosted most often. Read More
The Parking Spot Acquires Park 'N Fly
PR Newswire — The Parking Spot announced the acquisition of Park 'N Fly—a near-airport parking sector owner/operator with 13 owned, leased, and managed facilities. Read More
More Flight Delays Are Coming, According to New Report
Fodor’s Travel — How can travelers minimize the impact of delays and cancellations if this is going to be the new normal? Read More
This Travel Hack Can Help You Save Hundreds of Dollars While Shopping Abroad
Afar Magazine — Go ahead . . . buy that expensive European designer bag. You may get some cash back thanks to this handy travel tip. Read More
Delta Reveals 7 New and Expanded Sky Clubs for 2024
The Points Guy — This year is shaping up to be the biggest yet for the Sky Club network because Delta is officially cutting the ribbon on its long-awaited business-class-only lounges. Read More
SFO to Rename International Terminal After Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Travel Weekly — The San Francisco Airport Commission approved a submitted nomination to honor the late Feinstein, who was called a "tireless advocate" for SFO. Read More
Focus on Culinary Travel -- Sustainability is on the Menu
Travel Weekly — Travel Weekly editors were at the table for experiences built around sustainable culinary trends. Read More
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