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February 22, 2023

In This Edition… Airline updates and new flight services, TSA prepares for higher travel volumes over spring break, navigating Japan’s railway system, Vignette Collection launches in China, Accor restructures, other hotel news, expedite your U.S. Passport application, many travel tips, and more!

Dans cette édition... Les mises à jour des compagnies aériennes et les nouveaux services de vol, la TSA se prépare à des volumes de voyages plus importants pendant les vacances de printemps, l’exploration du système ferroviaire japonais, le lancement de Vignette Collection en Chine, Accor opère des restructurations, autres actualités hôtelières, comment accélérer votre demande de passeport américain, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!

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Top Tips for Transitioning to a New Travel Management Company

Making the jump to a new travel management company (TMC) can be a difficult initiative to execute successfully, but businesses are increasingly finding themselves in this position as they retool their corporate travel programs to adjust to the realities of a post-pandemic world. Read More

How to Prevent Flight Cancelations From Disrupting Your Business Travel

Flight cancelations are an unavoidable and unpredictable part of business travel. It’s not a matter of if they’ll occur—it’s simply a matter of when. Read More


 
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Delta to Add JFK Service to Rio, Buenos Aires

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines will offer seasonal service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to each Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Read More

British Airways, Airlink to Launch Codeshare

Business Travel News — British Airways and South African airline Airlink have signed a codeshare agreement that will "improve connectivity" to more than 15 destinations in southern Africa. Read More

U.K. Government Focuses on Cutting Airport Emissions

Business Travel News — The U.K. government is stepping up its campaign to achieve the target of making airport operations net-zero for emissions by 2040. Read More

United Is Rolling Out New (and Free) Snacks for Economy

Food & Wine — The new snack additions include both sweet and savory options. Read More

Passengers On These Delta Flights Are Only Permitted to Spend 35 Minutes In The Lounge – Or Less

View From The Wing — The new Delta Sky Club at New York LaGuardia is now only open until 9:30 p.m. But did you know that 7 Delta flights from New York now only allow lounge access for 35 minutes – or less? Read More


 
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TSA Preparing for Higher Spring Break Travel Volumes

Travel Pulse — Travel volumes may exceed pre-pandemic levels between February 17 and April 21. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More


 
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How to Navigate Japan’s Railway System

Afar Magazine — Train culture runs deep in Japan. But navigating the country’s train system can be intimidating, especially to Americans not used to train travel. Fear not: This primer will help you make the most out of Japan’s rail network. Read More

Pick Someone Up From The Airport, Or Let Them Uber? It’s More Complicated Than You Think

View From The Wing — When someone comes into town do you pick them up at the airport? It’s a lot easier, especially with electronic requests for a ride and just entering an address into a phone app to just have them Uber or Lyft. Read More


 
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IHG Hotels Debuts First Vignette Collection Hotel in the Americas

Insider Travel Report — IHG Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the opening of its Vignette Collection in the Americas with the Yours Truly DC. Read More

Accor Sharpens Service Focus Through Brand Restructuring

Business Travel News — Accor has kicked off the new year by reorganizing its leadership and restructuring its brands into two divisions and launching a new global midscale collection. Read More

Here Are the Five Best Hotels in the U.S. for 2023

Travel Market Report — There's a new name on top of the U.S. News and World Report list. Read More

Several Hotel Cos. To Launch Brands in New Locales

Business Travel News — Several hotel companies in recent weeks have announced plans to expand their brands into new areas in Europe and Asia. Read More

Here Are the Five Best Hotels in the U.S. for 2023

Travel Market Report — There's a new name on top of the U.S. News and World Report list. Read More

The Five Best Hotels in Europe for 2023

Travel Market Report — Two U.K. properties round out the list. Read More


 
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Why Airports are Better Prepared for Busy Spring and Summer Travel Seasons

Travel Pulse — Officials from Airports Council International (ACI) said the airline industries are better prepared for the summer travel demand surge as staffing has improved, but there are still concerns about long lines and delayed flights during peak periods. Read More

How to Expedite Your U.S. Passport Application

Afar Magazine — From an emergency trip to finally planning international travel again after months of staying closer to home (ahem, COVID), there are numerous situations that might require a quick passport turnaround. Read More

7 Surprisingly Illegal Things to Avoid in Europe

Afar Magazine — Local laws in European countries can be very, well, specific. Here are some rules you’ll want to be aware of before you take your next trip. Read More

US Carriers Lead Globally With The Most Valuable Rewards Programs

Travel Pulse — Delta Airlines' SkyMiles program is the most valuable airline... Read More

How Do Boarding Processes Differ At Major US Airlines?

Simply Flying — Boarding processes are different across the major US airlines. In this guide, we will discuss each individual airline's boarding procedure. Read More

U.K. to Require Electronic Travel Authorization

Travel Weekly — The U.K. government plans to have a process in place by the end of 2024. Read More

Which Airlines Offer Luggage-Tracking Services?

Simple Flying — Bag-tracking is integrated into several airlines' apps, giving added peace of mind on trips... Read More

House Passes Bill to Dump Vaccine Mandate for Visitors

Travel Weekly — The proposed bill would immediately end the CDC's requirement for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for international visitors arriving to the U.S. by plane. Read More


 
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Where Are Hotel Costs Rising the Most?

Northstar Meetings Group — The latest Convention Cities Index tracks changes in room rates across the U.S. and around the global, including which cities now have average daily rates above their pre-pandemic prices... Read More

Best Convention Centers for 2023 Events

Northstar Meetings Group — These Stella Award–winning venues showcase everything from LEED certification and gourmet culinary options to state-of-the-art Wi-Fi, and walkable, campus-like environments — complete with hotels, dining and entertainment just a stone’s throw away… Read More

Looking for guidance on planning your next convention, incentive, or group trip? Direct Travel will assist with all your meetings and event details!  Whatever your needs may be when it comes to your event, you can always depend on us to design streamlined travel arrangements, plan strategic meetings, and deliver real-time results. For details, please send a message to: MeetingInquiry@dt.com