In this edition of the Travel News Brief… Coronavirus updates relating to travel, American bringing back the option of pre-order meals on some flights, Delta Offers COVID-19 test home delivery, United Launches Covid pre-clearance program for Hawaii, airline travel technology tools, federal mask mandate, Accor digital keys, Hyatt offers testing, preparing for travel during COVID-19 and more!
To help strong leaders prevent business stagnation, Direct Travel has pinpointed the top areas of opportunity in 2021 to drive growth for your business through thoughtful, strategic travel. Your business goals and corporate travel program are closely intertwined, even if your most frequent travelers have not yet returned to the road. Read More
Travel Weekly — It will be mandatory for travelers arriving in Canada to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense, and airline service to Mexico and the Caribbean will be suspended until April 30. Read More
Afar Magazine — Foreign nationals from the European Schengen Area, the U.K., Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa are prohibited from entering the U.S. as concerns about new coronavirus variants mount. Read More
USA Today — Beginning January 26, passengers will not be able to board international flights to the U.S. without a negative coronavirus test or proof of recovery. Read More
Travel Market Report — An executive order, signed by President Joe Biden, will mandate all passengers in the U.S. wear face masks when traveling through airports and on planes, trains, intercity buses, and ships. Read More
Business Travel News — British Airways this week will begin using mobile health passport tool Verify on flights from London to the United States, and American Airlines is expanding its use of the app in the United States. Read More
Travel Pulse — Delta Air Lines and Italian carrier Alitalia are now codesharing on COVID-tested flights between the two countries. Read More
Simple Flying — American Airlines is bringing back the option of pre-order meals on transcontinental flights, as well as its services between the mainland US and Hawaii. From February 10th, the airline will offer meals on select services with ordering available up to 24 hours before the flight takes off. Read More
Insider Travel Report — Coming soon from Delta Air Lines are new ways to make it easier to navigate evolving travel requirements. Read More
Travel Market Report — 'With the challenges we currently face with COVID-19, both here at home and abroad, we all agree that now is just now the time to be flying,' Trudeau said. Read More
Travel Mole — Customers can skip the line on arrival…Read More
Delta — Delta is helping to navigate the constantly-evolving travel landscape – and we’re excited to share a preview of new solutions and features. Read More
BTN Europe — The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has approved the return to service of a modified version of the Boeing 737 MAX. The aircraft was grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two accidents within six months of each other, which claimed 346 lives. Read More
Travel Market Report — With the order, Alaska joins Southwest, which is expecting to add 35 MAX jets to its fleet over the next year. Read More
Travel Market Report — United Airlines introduced its “Travel-Ready Center” digital tool, aimed at making it easier for customers to navigate travel restrictions, just as the CDC testing requirement for international travel goes into effect. Read More
Denver Post — Denver International Airport officials have begun the planning and financing process that they hope will culminate in the construction of a seventh airport runway, which is projected to be completed in 2028. Read More
Greek City Times — American Airlines will begin service between Athens, Greece, and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on June 3. Read More
TSA.gov — TSA will implement provisions of President Biden’s Executive Order by requiring travelers to wear face masks when they are in airports, bus and rail stations. Read More
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Business Travel News — Accor has launched a global rollout of its digital room key solution, dubbed Accor Key, with the aim of providing a contactless guest experience at its properties. Read More
Afar Magazine — The global hotel company has made it easier for guests to get the now-mandatory test to re-enter the U.S. after international travel. Read More
Afar Magazine — From New York and Boston to Italy and Montenegro, don't miss these openings. Read More
Smarter Travel — Some resorts are even offering free 14-day quarantine stays to guests who test positive. Read More
Forbes — The Harmon Room’ comes kitted out in mid-century modern décor, vintage accessories and a larger-than-life chessboard installation suspended from the ceiling above the bed. Read More
Travel Pulse — You can still travel safely. You just need to plan and know what the ramifications are if you test positive…Read More
Afar Magazine — Getting into Canada just got more complicated. Read More
Smarter Travel — Are these new rules a sign of what travel will be like in the future? Read More
Travel Pulse — Refusal to wear mask is violation of federal law. Read More
Fox Business — Test kits range from $130 to $150…Read More
Smarter Travel — This type of insurance has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Here's what it can (and can't) do for you. Read More
Travel Weekly — As regulations take effect requiring travelers to show proof of a Covid test, there is no standard application in use, and airlines are bracing for challenges. Read More
Afar Magazine — Hotels can resume operations and restaurants can open for outdoor dining once again, but a nonessential travel advisory remains in place. Read More
Smarter Travel — These common English words could cause you embarrassment outside of the United States. Read More
Jersey Digs — While an overhaul at New York’s much-maligned LaGuardia Airport is almost finished, the region’s bi-state transit agency has also made significant headway constructing a new state-of-the-art terminal in New Jersey’s largest city. Read More
Creative Group — A ‘hybrid event’ means creating one event with two very different experiences. If you focus on your participants, both live and digital, and their unique needs, your event will be a success. Read More
Creative Group — Virtual experiences are here to stay, and many companies have taken advantage of their benefits over face-to-face events (larger audiences, on-demand content, and more). Read More
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