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!
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
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
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
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
Business Travel News — American Airlines will retire its remaining 26 McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft on Sept. 4. Read More
Business Travel News — Turkish Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines have expanded codesharing out of their Warsaw and Istanbul hubs. Read More
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
Business Travel News — Delta has acquired a 4.3 percent stake in Korean Air's largest shareholder, Hanjin KAL. Read More
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
Travel Pulse — 72 percent of customers prefer facial recognition to standard boarding. Read More
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
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
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
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
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
Travel Pulse — Health scare at Newark airport impacting travelers. Read More
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
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
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
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
Business Travel News — Choice Hotels wants a greater share of the corporate travel market…Read More
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
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
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
NBC Chicago — Chicago’s airports are two of 327 airports getting federal money for improvements…Read More
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
Smarter Travel — When airline delays hit, this live "Misery Map" offers a comprehensive look at the situation. Read More
Meetings & Conventions — More than $3B has been earmarked for an expansion and some renovation. Read More