In this edition of the Direct Travel News Brief… U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico will remain restricted through at least June 21, fully vaccinated travelers now able to enter EU countries without restrictions, Delta’s plan for upgrading WiFi, American adds vaccination verification to VeriFly, Breeze Airways joins TSA PreCheck, the rental car shortage continues, Extended Stay America launches new Premier Suites brand, adjustments to the U.S. mask regulations, masks are still required on trains and planes and while in airports, tips for hosting successful meetings and more!
Top Takeaways from the New Traveler Journey
As the pace of vaccinations accelerate and destinations reopen, more and more businesses are returning to travel. Your organization may be ready to resume travel to reach key clients and markets, but do your road warriors have the information they need in order to stay safe and informed? Read More
How to Fuel a More Sustainable Future for Business Travel
The process for how we travel has changed as a result of COVID-19, but our modes and methods for getting around remain largely the same: planes, automobiles, and transportation systems reliant on fossil fuels. As travelers return to the road and businesses kick back into high gear, the conversation around sustainability is taking off with airlines leading the charge... Read More
US Borders with Canada, Mexico Restricted Through June 21
USA Today — The Department of Homeland Security says the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico will remain restricted through at least June 21, with only trade and essential travel allowed until then. Read More
Europe Easing Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated Tourists
Travel Market Report — North American tourists who are fully vaccinated are now able to travel to EU countries without restrictions. Read More
Concur Study: Business Travelers Are Willing to Hit the Road, But on Their Terms
Business Travel News — Among those respondents willing to travel over the next year, 54 percent were motivated by the desire to make personal connections with customers and colleagues...Read More
Delta Air Lines Plans to Roll Out High Speed WiFi On Mainline Domestic Fleet
Simple Flying — Delta Air Lines aims to roll out best in class high-speed WiFi across the bulk of its mainline domestic fleet by the end of 2022. Read More
American Adds Vaccination Verification to VeriFly
Business Travel News — American Airlines has enabled Covid-19 vaccination record verification to the VeriFly health passport app. Read More
United Airlines Takes Big Step Toward Returning July Flying to Pre-pandemic Levels
Wheels Up Network — United Airlines is announcing more options for customers to take long-awaited summer vacations by adding more than 400 daily flights to its July schedule and increasing service to reopened European destinations. Read More
Air France-KLM Launches First Long-Haul Flight With Eco-Fuel
Northstar Meetings Group — The move toward using sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, supports the dream of increasingly eco-responsible air travel...Read More
TSA PreCheck vs. Clear vs. Global Entry: What’s the difference?
Travel Awaits — Long airport security lines may seem like a thing of the past, but they are coming back as more people begin to travel again. Read More
New Airline Begins Operations with TSA PreCheck
TSA.gov — The Transportation Security Administration expanded the TSA PreCheck expedited screening program with the addition of Breeze Airways. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
That ‘Too Good to be True’ Rental Car Price You Saw is Probably a Scam
The Points Guy — As if this summer’s looming rental car shortage isn’t stressful enough for travelers eager to make plans, scammers are taking advantage of the situation, using fake customer service phone numbers and low rental prices that seem too good to be true — because they are. Read More
Rental Car Firms Face Shortage as Travel Demand Revs Back Up
Travel Weekly — As summer leisure travel ramps up, travel industry insiders predict the rental car shortage currently gripping the U.S. is likely to worsen before it gets better. Read More
Extended Stay America Launches New Premier Suites Brand
Hospitality Net — Extended Stay America, Inc. has announced the launch of Extended Stay America Premier Suites. Read More
Hotels, States Adjust to Changing U.S. Mask Regulations
Business Travel News — One week after the U.S. CDC said people vaccinated against Covid-19 could gather indoors without face masks, several—but not all—hotel chains have dropped masking requirements for vaccinated guests. Read More
New York City Temporarily Drops Hotel Room Occupancy Tax
Travel Weekly — Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city will not collect its 5.875 percent occupancy tax for a three-month period, starting June 1…Read More
Construction Gets Underway on Omni PGA Frisco Resort
Northstar Meetings Group — The 501-room Texas hotel will feature seven four-bedroom golf villas and 127,000 square feet of event space. Read More
How Do I Get a PCR Test in Time for My Flight?
Smarter Travel — We answer this question and ones on in-flight mask arguments, all-inclusive resorts, flight prices, and more in this month’s edition of our travel advice column. Read More
CDC Lifts Mandatory Mask, Social Distancing Mandates for Vaccinated Travelers
Travel Pulse — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks or physically distance indoors or outdoors. Read More
CDC Still Requires Masks on Buses, Trains and Planes
Travel Pulse — The changes were announced after the CDC said masks would no longer be required indoors or outdoors. Read More
Smart Planning for Safer Experiences: 25 High-Level Protocols
Creative Group — Creative Group currently maintains 25 high-level protocols for safer experiences — all in an effort to help you and your attendees feel safe and secure with each new event. We consider the most up-to-date Internal, Client and Destination protocols and use the strictest one required. Learn more about our protocols…Read More
How to Host an Effective Hybrid Event
Successful Meetings — Industry experts share 10 tips for creating a meeting that will wow both in-person and remote attendees. Read More
CDC OKs Indoor Gatherings for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Business Travel News — Most fully vaccinated Americans can attend indoor gatherings of any size without masks or social distancing, though masks are still required for travel, according to updated guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued on Thursday. The guidelines are unchanged for the unvaccinated, who should still mask and practice social distancing. Read More
Despite CDC News, Facemasks Are Still Required During Travel
Travel Market Report — Even with new CDC guidance, facemasks will still be required when traveling through airports. Read More
Looking for guidance on planning your next convention, incentive, or group trip? Direct Travel will assist with all your meetings and event details! Whatever your needs may be when it comes to your event, you can always depend on us to design streamlined travel arrangements, plan strategic meetings, and deliver real-time results. For details, please send a message to: MeetingInquiry@dt.com.