In this edition of the Travel News Brief… enthusiasm for travel grows, the new normal of business travel, FAA to continue mask mandate, US Borders with Canada and Mexico to remain closed until March 21, SITA data breach, new airline flight routes, American adjusts bag policy and expands basic economy fares, TSA plans for summer travel surge, CBP mobile app, rental car shortage, hotel expansion, traveler tips and more!
How to Combat Zoom Fatigue and Protect Your People in the Process
Remote work may be part of your business recovery plan for the immediate future, but how will it impact your employees in the long run? Despite its apparent benefits of increasing safety and flexibility, 69 percent of employees report feeling burnt out as a result of working from home...Read More
As Covid Vaccines Roll Out, Enthusiasm for Travel Grows
Travel Weekly — A number of factors, but especially the accelerating rollout of vaccines, have converged in recent weeks and produced a bump in bookings for travel advisors and suppliers. Read More
The New Normal of Business Travel: What To Expect
Travel Daily News — While 2021 is unlikely to resemble any recent year in history, it may be recalled as one in which life slowly began to return to normal after one of the worst pandemics of the modern age. When most of us don't even consider traveling to the office, going on a business trip feels about as distant as taking the red-eye to Mars. Read More
FAA to Continue Mandatory Mask Rules for Flights
Travel Pulse — The FAA safety protocol update also includes new guidelines that mirror the recent CDC orders requiring all international visitors arriving in the U.S. to provide a negative Covid-19 test result…Read More
Americans Feel More Confident About Travel
Travel Pulse — Some COVID safety measures may carry on after the pandemic subsides. Read More
US Borders with Canada and Mexico to Remain Shut Until March 21, Marking Full Year of Closures
USA Today — The Department of Homeland Security announced that the United States, Canada and Mexico agreed to keep their land borders shut down through at least March 21. Read More
Widespread Data Breach Exposes Numerous Airlines
Travel Weekly — The attack on the technology company SITA has filtered through the Star and Oneworld alliances. Read More
American Airlines Unveils Sweeping Chicago-focused Route Expansion
The Points Guy — American Airlines is doubling down on the Windy City in its latest network expansion. Read More
Alaska Airlines Completes Its First 737 Max Flight
Travel Weekly — The airline expects to take delivery of 13 of the Boeing aircraft this year. Read More
Delta and LATAM Receive Final Approval for Joint Venture Agreement
Wheels Up Network — Delta Air Lines and LATAM have received final approval, without conditions, of their commercial agreement by the Brazilian competition authority. Read More
American Airlines Adjusts Checked-bag Allowances, Expands Basic Economy
The Points Guy — American Airlines is streamlining its checked-bag policy for international flights. Additionally, the Fort Worth-based carrier is expanding basic economy fares to four new markets. Read More
Alaska Changes How You Earn Miles as it Prepares for Entrance into Oneworld Alliance
The Points Guy — Come March 31, how you earn miles and get upgraded when flying on Alaska will also be changing…Read More
Airlines Say They’ll Ask Passengers for Contact-Tracing Details
Meetings & Conventions — Many carriers had long resisted government efforts to require them to gather passenger information from those arriving in the United States...Read More
Delta Named Best Airline for American Travelers by USA TODAY 10Best
Wheels Up Network — USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards announced their list of best airlines, airline amenities and airports of 2021 – naming Delta the best airline for American travelers, the Delta Sky Club at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York as the best airport lounge and Delta flight attendants as the best cabin crew. Read More
United to Launch Flights from Heathrow to Boston
Travel Mole — Services will begin later this year…Read More
TSA Plans for Summer Travel Surge
Smarter Travel — Plus: How much can the TSA fine you for not wearing a mask? Read More
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Launches App to Expedite Travel
PhocusWire — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has built a mobile app to serve as a single point of entry for travelers and stakeholders to access CBP mobile apps and services. Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Passport in 2021
Travel Market Report — A friendly reminder that now is probably a good time to check your passport’s expiration date. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Hertz Reports $1.7 Billion Loss for 2020 During a Year of Bankruptcy
Insider Travel Report — Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. reported results for its fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2020. For the fourth quarter, the company's revenue was $1.2 billion, net loss was $289 million and adjusted corporate EBITDA loss was $140 million. Read More
Business Travelers Facing a Potential Rental Car Shortage
Business Travel News — The global semiconductor shortage delaying car production schedules has spurred a Biden executive order and raised rebound availability concerns. Read More
Hyatt to Expand Independent Collection Brands' Footprint by 25 Percent
Business Travel News — Hyatt Hotels plans to expand the footprint of its independent collection brands—Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt—with 22 planned openings and two re-openings globally by 2025. Read More
Loews and Omni to Promote and Sell Each Other's Hotels
Travel Weekly — The partnership calls for each brand to showcase the other's properties across their respective booking channels, particularly in markets where they don't compete. Read More
50 New Hotels for 2021
Prevue Meetings — Despite COVID, many new hotels and renovations have made their debut in the last quarter of 2020 and early 2021. Check them out. Read More
Extended Stay America to Launch New Brand, Rebrand Remaining Portfolio
Business Travel News — Extended Stay America this year will introduce a new brand aimed at the higher end of the midscale market called Extended Stay America Premier Suites, and will rebrand the rest of its portfolio to Extended Stay America Suites. Read More
Can You Catch COVID-19 From a Hotel Room?
Smarter Travel — We answer this question plus ones on outdoor dining in bubbles, ski resorts, and more in this month’s edition of our travel advice column. Read More
6 Things Not to Wear Through Airport Security
Smarter Travel — Avoid these shoes, accessories, and clothes for a smoother trip through security. Read More
American Airlines Loyalty Members Can Redeem Points for At-Home COVID-19 Test
Travel Pulse — American Airlines frequent flyers can now redeem points for at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are offered through a partnership with LetsGetChecked. Read More
Only Vaccinated Travelers Welcome, Say These Destinations and Cruise Lines
Smarter Travel — Are these new rules a sign of what travel will be like in the future? Read More
10 Things Not to Do at Airport Security
Smarter Travel — Want to get through airport security as quickly and painlessly as possible? Don't make these 10 airport security mistakes. Read More
18 Anxiety-Busting Tips for Nervous Flyers
Smarter Travel — These expert tips can help you overcome your fear of flying. Read More
How to Calm Anxieties About Returning to In-Person Events
Successful Meetings — Four tips for communicating safety protocols and assuaging attendee fears. Read More
Building Transformational Leadership for the Future
Creative Group — Leading through constant change is one of the biggest challenges organizations face today. According to Creative Group, transformational leadership requires focusing on these four things in order to help your business — and your people — thrive. Read More
Hybrid Events Done Right
Creative Group — A ‘hybrid event’ means creating one event with two very different experiences. If you focus on your participants, both live and digital, and their unique needs, your event will be a success. Read More
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