In this edition of the Direct Travel News Brief… Europe launches digital travel pass, US business travelers are willing to get back on the road, but they expect their companies to adopt more flexible travel polices, what travel will look like as the industry emerges from the pandemic, why the US/Canada border remains closed, new airline flight service routes, a trial to fast-track fully vaccinated travelers entering the England, Delta selling packable COVID tests for return travel, United enhancing in-flight entertainment, test to shorten airport security, hotel updates, traveler tips, and much more!
See the Latest TSA Numbers as Travel Reaches Pre-Pandemic Levels
After months of speculating if and when travel will return to pre-pandemic levels, the latest stats from TSA show a surging trend of travelers ready and eager to return to the road... Read More
Further 'Discussions to be Had' Before White House Lifts More Travel Restrictions
Travel Market Report — Momentum is slowing for the continued reopening of international travel in the U.S. Read More
Europe’s Digital Travel Pass Officially Launches
Afar Magazine — The digital health certificate meant to help facilitate travel is now up and running across the EU. Read More
Concur Survey: Travelers Want Post-Pandemic Policy Changes
Business Travel News — As business travel begins to resume in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the vast majority of travelers are willing to get back on the road, but they expect their companies to support them by adopting more flexible travel polices, according to a new survey from SAP Concur. Read More
VIDEO: Myth or Reality - What’s Really Changed in Travel?
PhocusWire — Speaking during Phocuswright Europe, CarTrawler's Aileen McCormack and Trivago's Axel Hefer debate what travel will look like as the industry emerges from the pandemic. Read More
Why Can’t Americans Go to Canada?
New York Times — Many travelers are wondering why they still can’t visit their neighbor to the north. Here’s why the border remains closed… Read More
United Adds Nearly 150 Flights to Mexico, Caribbean, Central America and U.S.
Insider Travel Report — As demand for travel continues to build, United Airlines says it is expecting to see the resurgence to continue for winter... Read More
BA, Virgin and Heathrow in Fast-Track Trial for Vaccinated Travelers
BTN Europe — British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow Airport are launching a trial to fast-track fully vaccinated travelers entering the country. Read More
Air Canada to Add Int'l Routes in Coming Weeks
Business Travel News — Air Canada plans to resume 17 long-haul international routes to 11 destinations this summer as the carrier rebuilds its network. Read More
Delta and Virgin Atlantic to Return to Heathrow Terminal 3
Wheels Up Network — Delta and Virgin Atlantic are returning to their home at London Heathrow Terminal 3, which has been closed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 15. Read More
Delta Is Now Selling Packable COVID Tests for Return Flights to the U.S.
Smarter Travel — These new "purchase and pack" COVID-19 tests will take some of the stress out of your next international flight—and they're surprisingly affordable. Read More
Alaska, Qatar Announce Codeshare Plans
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways have reached a codeshare agreement that in the near term expands Qatar's reach in North America and ultimately will expand Alaska's international reach. Read More
Coming to United Flights: Seatback Entertainment Screens with Free Movies, TV Shows, Games
USA Today — United Airlines is making a big bet on in-flight entertainment as part of a major post-pandemic plan. Read More
Why Alaska Airlines is Dropping New York-Los Angeles Route this Fall
USA Today — The COVID-19 pandemic has forced U.S. airlines to make tough decisions about their route networks. Read More
United Aircraft Order Heralds Shift to Premium Seating, Bigger Planes
Business Travel News — United Airlines has agreed to an order of 270 new aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus as part of long-term fleet plan to increase premium seating and cut down use of 50-seat regional aircraft. Read More
Airports Test Virtual Queuing for Security Checkpoints
PhocusWire — Two airports are testing technology that would enable flyers to shorten the time they spend in TSA checkpoint lines. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Amtrak Investing $7.3 Billion in New Fleet of Modern Trains
Travel Pulse — Amtrak is contracting with Siemens to manufacture up to 83 multi-powered modern trains, with further options for up to 130 additional trains. Read More
Hertz Launches Exclusive Loyalty Offers to Make Renting More Rewarding
Insider Travel Report — Newly emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Hertz is quickly introducing two exclusive offers that will make U.S. customers' travels more memorable and rewarding as they return to the road. Read More
Companies Could Struggle for Last-Minute Car Rentals
Business Travel News — The beginning of the recovery of demand in the car rental industry after the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked one consequence for business travelers: a lack of availability for shorter, last-minute rentals, a result of changing travel patterns, car rental revenue management strategies and, in some areas, a rental car shortage. Read More
Business Travelers Taking to Rail to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Phocus Wire — Short-haul flights and car trips could be shunned by business travelers going forward for their environmental impact. Read More
Weekly U.S. Hotel ADR Within 4 Percent of 2019 Level
Business Travel News — The U.S. hotel average daily rate for the week ending June 25 was just 4 percent below the rate for the same period in 2019, according to Kalibri Labs. Read More
Accor Leads $16M Investment in Treebo Hotels
PhocusWire — As part of the partnership with Accor, Treebo's Hotel Superhero technology will be implemented in selected properties around the chain's portfolio. Read More
Extended Stay America Launches 'Premium' Brand
Business Travel News — Extended-stay hotel company Extended Stay America has assigned 25 "new or completely renovated" U.S. properties to a new higher-end brand with upgraded amenities, according to the company. Read More
Report: U.S. Extended-Stay Occupancy Nearly Reaches '19 Level
Business Travel News — Occupancy at U.S. extended-stay hotels in April returned almost entirely to April 2019 levels, recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new report from The Highland Group. Read More
10 New Hotels in the U.S.
Prevue Meetings + Incentives — These new hotels should be top of mind when planning your next event offering intimate spaces for gathering, or grand ballrooms with captivating views. Read More
The Ultimate Guide to New York City’s Airports
Afar Magazine — Is LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark the best airport for your travel needs? We break down each airport’s best features, where to eat there, and how to get to and from these New York hubs. Read More
How Early Should You Get to the Airport?
Smarter Travel — No more fighting with your travel partner over when to leave for the airport. Here's our expert guide to knowing how early to arrive, based on where you're flying and if you have TSA PreCheck or not. Read More
Many Americans Feel Safe Traveling Again
Travel Pulse — Survey respondents said they're ready to travel again. Read More
CDC Director Clarifies Mask Guidance After WHO Says Vaccinated People Should Wear Them
TODAY.com — Dr. Rochelle Walensky addresses frequent questions about masks and Covid-19 vaccines… Read More
Covid Testing Expanded at U.K. Airports
Business Travel News Europe — Manchester Airports Group is expanding the number of Covid testing sites at its airports from three to 11 and will offer a wider range of tests, including a rapid PCR test giving results in three hours. Read More