In This Edition… insights from Steve Singh’s podcast, Spotnana NDC connection with Air France-KLM, airline updates and new flight routes, Lufthansa “Environmental Fee”, four airlines join TSA PreCheck, CLEAR expands, hotel news, meetings updates, and more!
Dans cette édition… Les observations du balado avec Steve Singh, la connexion de la NDC de Spotnana avec Air France-KLM, les actualités sur les compagnies aériennes et les nouveaux itinéraires de vol, les taxes environnementales de la Lufthansa, quatre compagnies aériennes rejoignent le programme TSA PreCheck, CLEAR est en pleine expansion, des actualités hôtelières, des mises à jour sur les réunions, et bien plus encore!
Traveler Tips to Navigate the Record-Setting Travel Season Ahead
With travel demand increasing, what can seasoned business travelers do to avoid the congestion? Here, we have compiled the top tips for travelers to ensure upcoming business trips feel like smooth sailing. Read More
Key Insights from Steve Singh’s Podcast with GBTA
Direct Travel — It is a transformative time for the business travel industry, spurred by massive changes like technological advances and AI-supported travel planning. In the latest episode of GBTA’s quarterly podcast, The Business of Travel, Direct Travel Executive Chairman Steve Singh addresses these developments and more. Read More
Spotnana Establishes Air France-KLM NDC Connection
Business Travel News — Spotnana has developed a direct New Distribution Capability connection with Air France-KLM, providing access across the carriers' full offering, the company announced. Read More
Delta Air Lines CEO Provides Summer Travel Update
Travel Pulse — The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that June 27 will be the year’s busiest travel day yet, with 53,677 scheduled flights. Delta Air Lines is scheduled to fly 5.8 million passengers from June 28 to July 7 this year. Read More
Air Canada Boosts Sun Routes to Caribbean, Mexico and Florida
Open Jaw — Air Canada will operate up to 50 flights departing Canada every day, to a total of 55 Caribbean and US sun destinations. Read More
Lufthansa-ITA Deal Given EU Green Light
Business Travel News — The European Commission has approved Lufthansa Group's proposed acquisition of Italian flag carrier ITA Airways following an "in-depth investigation' by the EU Antitrust. Read More
Delta to Open JFK Premium Lounge
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines is set to open on June 26 its premium Delta One lounge at JFK Airport, the first of three such premium lounges set to open in the U.S. this year. Read More
WestJet Expands Codeshare with Condor
Open Jaw — Beginning 24JUN, an expanded codeshare with Condor will provide WestJet pax with flights to Frankfurt from the German carrier’s five Canadian gateways. Read More
Lufthansa Adds Environmental Fee to Ticket Prices
Business Travel News Europe — The charge could be up to $77, and will apply to most flights departing from Europe that are sold and operated by the airline. Read More
Air Canada, Porter Shine at 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards
Open Jaw — Air Canada won five awards at this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards, including Best Cabin Crew in Canada, while Porter was named best NA regional airline. Read More
TSA PreCheck® Program Adds Four New Airlines
PR Newswire — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® program with the addition of Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, Ethiopian Airlines and Saudia. Read More
New Passport Offices Are Opening in These U.S. Cities
Afar Magazine — In addition to regular services for first-time passports and renewals, the offices also will provide fast-track service, where travelers can get an expedited passport within two weeks. Read More
CLEAR Expands to Seven New Airports
Travel Pulse — CLEAR, an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider, now offers 27 TSA PreCheck enrollment locations at airports across the United States, and has expanded this service to seven new airports. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Hyatt Takes Lindner Deal Step Further With Brand Acquisition
Hotel Investment Today — Hyatt Hotels Corp. has acquired the conversion-friendly me and all hotels brand from Germany's Lindner Hotels AG to create growth opportunities in Europe. Read More
Hyatt Acquires German Brand Me and All Hotels
Travel Weekly — Hyatt is touting the German lifestyle brand as one that will be used for hotel conversions as well as new construction. Read More
Strawberry Becomes First Hotel Group to Enable Mobile Keys in Google Wallet
PhocusWire — The NFC mobile key is now in use at the company’s Clarion Hotel Post in Sweden and has been created in partnership with Vingcard and Zaplox. Read More
Choice Hotels to Offer Green Key Services
Business Travel News — Choice Hotels has agreed to offer its U.S. franchisees Green Key Global's sustainability consulting services. Read More
Airlines Are (Slowly) Embracing Inclusivity and Accessibility
Afar Magazine — These new amenities and programs aim to make the flying experience a little less stressful. Read More
Which Airports Have the Best WiFi?
Business Traveler — While airport WiFi certainly has improved across the board in recent years, it’s evident that some airports provide a much better connection than others. Read More
Summer Travel Heats Up as Inflation Cools
Northstar Meetings Group — Consumers are expected to take advantage of cooler prices for airfares, gasoline and hotels. Read More
What It Means When You Have “SSSS” on Your Boarding Pass
Afar Magazine — First class or coach, travelers can earn this inconvenient designation on any flight, international or domestic. Read More
These Are the 10 Biggest Airports in the U.S.—A List That Might Surprise You
Afar Magazine — If you are flying from, to, or through any of these massive transport hubs, you may want to give yourself a little extra time to get from point A to point B—some of America’s biggest airports are the size of a city. Read More
If There’s a Death in Your Family, These Airlines Offer Discounted Fares
Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you should know. Read More
15 Ways to Maximize Sponsorships and Partnerships at Annual Conferences
Fast Company — Follow these tips to increase your company’s ROI on conference sponsorships and collaborations. Read More
Complete Guide to Organising Accessible Events
Eventscase — Here is a detailed guide to organising accessible events, with best practices and tips you can follow to ensure that all attendees can enjoy your event without barriers. Read More
‘MICE Events on Cruises’ an Emerging Trend
WiT — Get insights about the emerging trend of MICE on cruises in Asia, the technology needed to make these events a success, and the overall outlook for the industry moving forward. Read More
What Does AI Mean for Disabled People and Events?
Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine — Personal and executive coach Rachel Belliere-Wilson explores the effect that AI could have for disabled people in the sector. Read More
Looking for assistance with your next convention, incentive, or special event? From designing memorable experiences to managing strategic meetings, Direct Travel is your trusted event partner! For details, please send a message to: MESales@dt.com.