In this edition of the Travel News Brief: airline flight expansion and codesharing, travel requirements for New Zealand, Trump moves TSA agents to border, measles exposure at EWR, Hyatt unveils UrCove, Hampton growing brand, updates on airplane WI-Fi, how to check for flight delays, survival guide for traveling over the Fourth of July, navigating the NDC transformation, and more!
Navigating the NDC Transformation
There is an initiative in the travel industry that has dominated conversations and headlines over the past few years – the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) New Distribution Capability, otherwise known as NDC. You may have heard of it. Read More
U.S. and Argentina Remove Flight Restrictions
Travel Weekly — The U.S. and Argentina have agreed upon an amendment that liberalizes the air services agreement the two countries originally signed in 1985. Read More
United Airlines Doubles Down on Hong Kong With Second San Francisco Flight
The Points Guy — United Airlines will double the number of flights it offers between Hong Kong and San Francisco this October, when it launches a second flight on the route. Read More
Delta-WestJet JV Gets Canadian Regulatory Approval
Business Travel News — The Competition Bureau Canada has approved WestJet and Delta's planned joint venture. The regulatory authority issued a no-action letter, meaning it will not challenge the JV. Read More
American Airlines Will Bid Farewell to its MD-80 Fleet
Business Travel News — American Airlines will retire its remaining 26 McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft on Sept. 4. Read More
Turkish & LOT Increase Codesharing
Business Travel News — Turkish Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines have expanded codesharing out of their Warsaw and Istanbul hubs. Read More
United Airlines to Offer Non-Stop Point-To-Point Flights for College Football Season
Travel Market Report — United Airlines revealed its 2019 college football flight schedule to help ensure fans won’t miss any of the action. Read More
Delta Acquires Stake in Korean Air
Business Travel News — Delta has acquired a 4.3 percent stake in Korean Air's largest shareholder, Hanjin KAL. Read More
Delta Moving Exclusively to Boeing 767-300ER on New York to Los Angeles Route
The Points Guy — Starting this fall, you won’t have to wonder which aircraft type will shuttle you between New York–JFK and Los Angeles when flying Delta. Read More
Delta Expands Optional Facial Recognition Boarding to New Airports, More Customers
Travel Pulse — 72 percent of customers prefer facial recognition to standard boarding. Read More
United Will Codeshare with Indian Carrier Vistara
Business Travel News — United Airlines has established a codeshare agreement with New Delhi-based Vistara, in which United will put its code on more than 20 Vistara flights. Read More
American Airlines Now Offers Satellite-Based WiFi Access Across Its Mainline Fleet
TechCrunch — All of these satellite-equipped planes also provide 12 free channels of live TV that you can stream to your personal device, including on international flights where this hasn't traditionally been an option…Read More
Americans Will Need a Travel Document to enter New Zealand, Starting Oct. 1
Washington Post — Previously, Americans visiting New Zealand could simply show up, passport in hand, and enter the country. However, starting this fall - or spring, for Southern Hemisphere dwellers - the island nation will require some extra minutes of pre-departure planning. Read More
Expect Longer Lines at the Airport? Trump Moves Hundreds More TSA Agents to the Border
Forbes — The White House has directed the Transportation Security Administration to divert more than 650 airport security workers to enforce immigration policies along the southern border…Read More
TSA Encourages PreCheck Sign-Up, Faster and Easier Than Ever
Travel Market Report — Hoping to entice more traveler enrollment, the TSA is considering incentives to simplify the process of signing up for the program. Read More
Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure at New Jersey Airport
Travel Pulse — Health scare at Newark airport impacting travelers. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Hyatt Unveils New Midscale Chinese Brand
Meetings & Conventions — Chicago-based Hyatt and BTG Homeinn’s Hotel Group revealed that their new homegrown, joint-venture brand, which is being developed specifically to meet Chinese business-traveler demand, will be known as UrCove. Read More
Loews Miami Beach Hotel Became the Canvas for IRF Education Invitational
Creative Group — “The Art of the Experience.” And that it truly was. Miami wanted to showcase itself as a premier incentive destination – and if there was any doubt before, it’s likely been eradicated. The execution was flawless as all the sponsors and partners worked tirelessly behind the scenes to pull off an incredible experience for all. Read More
Hampton Brand is Growing in US, Worldwide
Hotel News Now — Global head of Hampton by Hilton brand Shruti Buckley states there are more hotels in the development stage than ever before, in the US and internationally. Buckley is committed to distinguishing the Hampton brand from others with its focus on hospitality and service. Read More
Choice Hotels Expands Corporate Traveler Reach
Business Travel News — Choice Hotels wants a greater share of the corporate travel market…Read More
Here's Your Survival Guide for Flying Over the Fourth of July Holiday
Travel Pulse — With more than 49 million Americans expected to travel for Independence Day this year millions of passengers will likely experience some sort of airline related travel disruption. Read More
Airplane WiFi Is Getting Better. But Why Is It Still so Bad?
Washington Post — For years, the biggest question about airline WiFi sounded more like a lament: Why is it so bad and so expensive? Read More
Boston Airport Opens Expanded Great Hall
The Boston Globe — Boston Logan International Airport has opened an expanded Great Hall in Terminal B. The new space includes a consolidated Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, Automated Screening Lanes, a pet relief area and updated waiting areas with new seating and work spaces. Read More
O'Hare Airport Set to See Multi-Million Dollar Investment
NBC Chicago — Chicago’s airports are two of 327 airports getting federal money for improvements…Read More
How Much Should You Tip Room Service?
Travel + Leisure — Ask most travelers what they leave for room service, and chances are you’ll be met with a blank stare. The fact is, most of us don’t know! Read More
How to Check Flight Delays Nationwide, in One Map
Smarter Travel — When airline delays hit, this live "Misery Map" offers a comprehensive look at the situation. Read More
New Terminal Planned for DFW Airport
Meetings & Conventions — More than $3B has been earmarked for an expansion and some renovation. Read More