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June 5, 2018

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: how GDPR affects your travel program, simplifying VAT reclaim, expansions on basic economy pricing, United pampers LAX travelers, soaring gas prices will curb summer travel, how to find personal space at the airport, Sun Country to refresh cabins while eliminating first class, new self-service bag drop unit installed as YVR prepares for growth, and more!

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GDPR Is Almost Here. Is Your Travel Program Ready?

When traveling today, digital security is virtually as important as personal safety. Employees on the road are faced with various risks, as the corporate data they have access to can be targeted by pickpockets or malicious data thieves. However, data protection isn’t always about preventing criminals from stealing information. Read More


 
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Direct Travel EU General Data Protection Regulations Changing the Landscape for Data Privacy & Security

As of May 25, 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulations known as “GDPR” went into effect, requiring all companies processing the personal data of EU citizens to take stock of its current policies and be more transparent as to data flows, privacy by design, and individuals’ rights to access, control of, and potential erasure of their personal data. GDPR places direct emphasis on its citizen’s proactive rights to controlling its information, and puts the onus on companies to reform its practices to align with those individuals’ rights or face stiff penalties as much as €20 million or 4% of a company’s worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. At Direct Travel, we have been preparing our compliance program to fully satisfy GDPR’s requirements, as well as provide our clients as much information to help all parties move into this next era and attitude surrounding data privacy and protection.

Direct Travel has already been following many of the principles that are central to the spirit of GDPR, such as limiting the processing of personal data to that which is “adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which they are processed,” and de-identifying/de-personalizing as much information as possible. We are strengthening our consent process within registration websites, appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO), and bolstering our security incident response policies to be streamlined globally. We developed a data subject request system, to handle and respond to all requests that are now memorialized within GDPR. While the travel industry will transform and adjust to the guidelines, Direct Travel is prepared and embracing the new landscape that GDPR has created for companies and the individuals who utilize their services.

We have sent out the Data Processing Addendum (DPA) to govern any data processing that falls under the purview of GDPR to all current clients, and will be including said DPA into all future agreements with our clients. Please contact GDPRinquiries@dt.com if you have not received this addendum, or if you have any questions surrounding this new global requirement.

Best Practice Tip: Include This Duty of Care Global Forecast in Your 2019 Forecasting

Meetings & Conventions — An executive summary is available for complimentary download, providing insight into this topic...Read More

Simplifying VAT Reclaim

Business Travel News — Companies leave billions of dollars in unclaimed value-added tax on the table annually. Read More


 
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United Goes Transatlantic with Basic Economy Pricing

SF Gate — In the meantime, fares for midsummer trips to London decline…Read More

Lufthansa to Offer Basic Economy Fares on Transatlantic Flights

Travel Market Report — Lufthansa, and other Lufthansa Group airlines including Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels, will begin offering basic fares on its transatlantic flights starting this summer. Read More

Delta Air Lines to Fly to India in 2019

Travel Market Report — Delta will fly nonstop from the U.S. to Mumbai for the first time since 2015. Read More

United Partners with The Private Suite to Pamper LAX Passengers

CNBC — United Airlines is partnering with The Private Suite to offer some travelers a luxury experience at Los Angeles International Airport that includes private security screening, private suites and chauffeur services to take them directly to the aircraft. Read More

Delta to Begin 11 New Transatlantic Routes this Summer

Frequent Business Traveler — Delta Air Lines announced plans to launch and re-launch approximately 11 routes between the United States and Europe this summer. Read More

Airlines Eliminates Plastic Straws and Stirrers

SF Gate — Alaska Airlines cutting back on plastic…Read More

Sun Country to Refresh Cabins While Eliminating First Class

One Mile at a Time — Last summer, Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines announced that they were planning on undergoing a major transformation, aligning more closely with the business model of an ultra low cost carrier. Read More

Delta Adds Direct Flights from New York to Orange County, California

Travel Pulse — The new flights will begin this October…Read More


 
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Are You on TSA's Secret Watch List

Travel Pulse — Despite the long lines, having to take your shoes off and unpack your laptop, (not to mention the random patdowns) it’s a good idea to be on your best behavior when passing through airport security. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More


 
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Amtrak Now Offering Assigned Seating on Acela First Class

USA Today — Amtrak passengers in Acela’s first class section will no longer have to fight for a prime seat. The train service is now offering assigned seating in the first class section of its Acela Express train, which operates on the popular Northeast Corridor. Read More

Yes, You Can Take Electric Cars on Long Road Trips

USA Today — Electric car manufacturers are reassuring owners that long road trips are just as feasible as with fossil-fuel powered vehicles. Read More

Soaring Gas Prices Will Curb Summer Travel, Study Says

MSN — Rising gas prices will have many staying closer to home this summer rather than hitting the road. Read More


 
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How to Find Personal Space at the Airport

Forbes — From airport lounges and spas to meditation and green spaces, travelers venturing away from the madding crowd are now offered more options…Read More

The Travel Industry Goes Green: Plastic Straws Are No Longer Welcome

USA Today — The travel industry is increasingly going green. The latest effort: Get rid of plastic waste. Read More

6 Easy Exercises and Stretches You Can Do Even in Economy

The Points Guy — The Points Guy shares movements and stretches travelers can easily perform on an airplane to promote blood circulation, and to alleviate lower back and neck pain. Read More

New Self-Service Bag Drop Unit Installed as YVR Prepares for Growth

Future Travel Experience — The CHECKITXPRESS self-bag drop system will expedite processing times, as traffic at Vancouver International Airport is expected to increase. Read More

10 Travel Hacks for Navigating the Airport this Summer

Seattle Times — Here are 10 airport-centric travel hacks to help you get to, through and off of the plane while keeping your good vacation vibes intact. Read More

Common Ailments That Afflict Travelers, and How to Avoid Them

The Points Guys — Whether you’re flying, cruising or exploring a new destination, these are 14 of the most common ailments afflicting travelers today. Read More