In This Edition of the Travel News Brief; Biden order requires masks and quarantine, CDC mandates COVID tests for travelers arriving the US, GBTA on the future of travel, US and Canada/Mexico border closure update, Lufthansa requires medical grade masks onboard, American extends complimentary rebooking, ground transportation updates, some hotels offer on-site testing, FAA cracking down on rowdy passengers and more!
A New Road Ahead: 2021 Business Travel Forecast
It’s a new road ahead for corporate travel in 2021. Thanks in part to the global distribution of vaccines, continued rollout of rapid testing, and the introduction of digital health passports. many of the roadblocks and stalls of 2020 are officially in the rearview mirror. If you’re wondering how these changes will impact your corporate travel program, we’ve mapped out our forecast for 2021.... Read More
Direct Travel Partners with Sherpa to Integrate COVID-19 Intelligence into Mobile App
GlobeNewswire — The Sherpa integration pulls data from more than 2,000 sources, displaying destination and transit requirements in Direct Travel's Direct2U mobile app. Read More
Biden Order Requires Masks for Travel, Quarantines for Arriving Travelers
Travel Weekly — The executive order requires people to wear masks on airplanes, buses, trains and boat or ferry services, as well as in airports. Read More
New GBTA Numbers on Return to Travel
Meetings.net — At this point, only 9 percent of companies plan to require Covid vaccines for business travelers, though a lot of uncertainty remains. Read More
US Borders with Canada, Mexico to Remain Closed Through Feb. 21
USA Today — America's borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed for another month… Read More
All Travelers to U.S. Will Need Negative COVID Test
Afar Magazine — Airlines will be required to confirm the negative test result for all passengers before they board and to deny boarding to those passengers who choose not to take a test. Read More
The Latest Updates on International Gathering and Travel Restrictions
Northstar Meetings Group — Mexico and Canada have extended the closure of their land borders with the U.S., and a growing number of countries are requiring travelers to show negative Covid-19 test results. Read More
California Updates Its Travel Advisory as Cases Surge
SF Gate — The California Department of Public Health is asking residents to avoid non-essential travel to any part of the state more than 120 miles from their homes. Read More
Four Trends That Will Shape Business Travel in 2021
PhocusWire — As a worldwide vaccination program gathers pace, businesses across the world are starting to plan for a return to travel in 2021. Although it is challenging to predict how the next 12 months will play out, there are clear trends emerging in the wake of COVID-19. Read More
Canada Now Requires Both a COVID Test and Quarantine for Entry
Afar Magazine — For those who are still legally allowed to travel to Canada, crossing the border just got more complicated. Read More
Lufthansa to Require Medical-Grade Masks on Flights
Business Travel News — The airlines of the Lufthansa Group will require passengers to wear medical protective masks on flights to and from Germany from Feb. 1. Read More
Aeromexico Partners with Labs for Discounted Covid-19 Testing
Business Travel News — Aeromexico has reached agreements with two Mexican laboratories to provide discounted Covid-19 testing and benefits for travelers on the carrier and its partner, Delta Air Lines. Read More
United Expects Quick Revenue Recovery Pending Vaccination Success
Business Travel News — United Airlines executives are confident that demand recovery will be quick, but they are less confident when that recovery will start. Read More
American Extends Complimentary Rebooking in Basic Economy
Travel Pulse — American Airlines is extending complimentary rebooking on basic economy tickets to cover travel booked through March 31 to provide additional travel flexibility. Read More
American Airlines Introduces Health Passport for International Travelers
Travel Pulse — VeriFLY makes it simple to keep track of necessary health information. Read More
Another Major Airline is Blocking Middle Seats — But There’s a Catch
The Points Guy — Alaska Airlines will continue to block middle seats in premium economy class through May 31. Read More
CDC Mandates COVID Tests for Anyone Flying to the U.S.
Smarter Travel — The new rule announced by the CDC requires a pre-flight test even for U.S. citizens returning home. Read More
Airlines Issue Fare-difference Waivers Ahead of New Covid-testing Rules
Travel Weekly — The waivers are for customers who want to change international return dates to the U.S. Read More
American-JetBlue Northeast Codeshare Taking Off
Travel Weekly — The partnership will offer reciprocal frequent flyer point accrual at some point, and the carriers are exploring the possibility of recognizing loyalty status across both airlines. Read More
New Canadian Covid-19 Test Requirement Prompts WestJet to Slash Capacity
Business Travel News — WestJet is cutting nearly a third of its planned capacity for February and March in light of stricter entry requirements for Canada announced in recent weeks. Read More
Eastern Iowa Airport Will Require COVID-19 Screening as Part of Security Process
Travel Market Report — Eastern Iowa will launch a 10-second, first-of-its-kind COVID-19 screening requirement prior to TSA security checkpoints. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Renting Cars During COVID - FAQs
Enterprise.com — Enterprise answers questions about renting cars during COVID… Read More
Traveling By Train Just Got Safer
USA Today — The railroad industry has installed an automatic braking system on nearly 58,000 miles of track where it is required ahead of a yearend deadline. Read More
Lifestyle Brands Highlight Accor Opening Plans Through 2023
Business Travel News — Despite a challenging 2020, Accor plans to open several new hotels in 2021 across all segments, with a particular focus on its lifestyle brands. Read More
Hotels and Destinations Offering COVID Testing In Response To CDC Order
Travel Agent Central — In response to the CDC order, several hotels and destinations have announced they are now offering COVID-19 or antigen testing. Read More
On-Site Covid Testing, Free Medical Coverage Are Among Hotels’ Latest Health-and-Safety Protocols
Northstar Meetings Group — The Shangri-La Group is offering complementary Covid-19 medical coverage, while Marriott International has rolled out optional measures that include on-site testing for groups...Read More
Hyatt Premieres New Urcove Hotels
Business Traveler — Hyatt's new Urcove brand has premiered with the opening of its first five properties in China. Read More
Cutting Edge New Terminal Now In Operation at Brownsville Airport
KURV TV — Air passengers in the eastern Valley are now flying out of a brand new terminal at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport. Read More
Why Do I Have to Put My Phone in Airplane Mode?
USA Today — Ask the captain…Read More
FAA Issues 'Zero Tolerance Policy' Cracking Down on Rowdy Passengers
Travel Mole — USD35,000 fines, jail time could be imposed…Read More
Vaccines and Travel
Recommend Magazine — Dr. Anthony Fauci, who will be chief medical adviser to President-Elect Joe Biden, says that it’s possible that COVID-19 vaccines will become mandatory in order to travel to other countries. Read More
Will You Need a COVID-19 Vaccine for Future Travel?
Smarter Travel — In addition to your regular passport, will you soon need a vaccine passport proving that you've had the COVID-19 vaccine for travel? Read More
How an Infectious Disease Doctor Protects Against Germs While Traveling
Afar Magazine — When it comes to traveling during COVID, use these tips from an Infectious disease doctor…Read More