In This Edition… flight service updates, two airlines launch improved onboard WIFI, more in REAL ID, facial recognition for TSA, visa wait times improve, updates on ride share service options, Millennium launches M Social, Hilton extended stay brand, Apple’s digital ID, traveler tips, and much more
Dans cette édition... des mises à jour sur les services de vol, deux compagnies aériennes lancent un service Wi-Fi amélioré à bord, plus d’informations sur REAL ID, la reconnaissance faciale pour la TSA, l’amélioration des temps d’attente pour les visas, des mises à jour sur les options de service de covoiturage, Millennium lance M Social, la marque de séjour prolongé du Hilton, l’identification numérique d’Apple, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
Tips for Going Green With Your Business Travel
Efforts to prioritize sustainability have continued to grow as a focus for most businesses, particularly as it relates to employee travel and reducing carbon emissions. Read More
5 Reasons to Make the Move to a Managed Travel Program
For small to mid-sized companies that have struggled with implementing consistent travel policies and processes, the continually shifting post-COVID landscape has further shown the importance of transitioning to a managed corporate travel program. Read More
United Expands in Denver with 35 More Flights, Six More Routes, 12 More Gates
Insider Travel Report — United announced plans to significantly grow its position as Denver's leading airline, adding 35 flights, six new routes, a dozen new gates and three clubs, including the largest ones in the carrier's network. Read More
Air Canada, Flydubai Reach Codeshare, Interline Deal
Business Travel News — Air Canada and Flydubai have partnered to form a codeshare and interline agreement, pending regulatory approval. Read More
Icelandair Launches Nonstop Detroit Service
Business Travel News — Icelandair launched nonstop seasonal service between Reykjavik and Detroit. Read More
Delta Air Lines Launching Innovative New Digital Platform for Onboard Wi-Fi
Travel Pulse — Delta Air Lines is about to integrate a new, first-of-its-kind platform on flights equipped with fast, free in-flight Wi-Fi, enhancing onboard internet connectivity and elevating the customer experience. Read More
Emirates Extends Free Inflight Wi-Fi to Loyalty Members
Business Travel News — Emirates has become the latest airline to extend its inflight Wi-Fi capabilities, joining the likes of Singapore Airlines, Delta and Etihad in offering free internet access and inflight messaging to passengers. Read More
Delta Reduces Late-Summer NYC Flights, Following Other Carriers
The Points Guy — After American and United trimmed their summer schedules, Delta will cut more than 6 percent of its flights to and from New York City-area airports in August in response to a shortage of air traffic controller. Read More
The New Longest Flight in the World Is 20 Hours
Afar Magazine — The route, which will connect Sydney to London, is expected to launch in 2025. Read More
Air Canada to Launch New Vancouver-Dubai Service
Recommend — The new route will operate four times weekly beginning Oct. 28, 2023 onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet. Read More
New Study Reveals US Cities With the Highest Airfare Increases
Travel Pulse — A new study by CheapAir shows that, while no American city has been spared from continued inflation of airline ticket costs, the smallest among them are suffering the most. Read More
Domestic Airfare Prices Down, International Flights Up Ahead of Summer Travel Season
Travel Pulse — Now is a good time to take to the skies for a U.S. flight. Read More
Transatlantic Flights Approaching Pre-Pandemic Levels
Business Traveler — More than 15,000 transatlantic flights are scheduled to depart Europe for the United States in May, just 240 fewer than the same month in 2019. Read More
Which Airlines Have The Highest Levels of Customer Satisfaction?
SI LIVE — How satisfied you are with your chosen airline may depend on which class you are sitting in. Read More
U.K. Aims to Work More Closely with U.S. on SAF
Business Travel News — The U.K. is vowing to work more closely with the U.S. on the development of sustainable aviation fuel as the countries host a summit on investment in producing more of the biofuel. Read More
REAL ID Is Coming: Here’s What Travelers Need to Know
Travel Market Report — It’s been a long time coming, but the REAL ID deadline is approaching, whether travelers like it or not. Read More
TSA Using Facial Recognition Technology to Speed Up Airport Wait Times
Travel Pulse — The technology tests have been largely positive, with few instances of bias found. Read More
Visa Wait Times Improving, But Not Enough
Prevue Meetings — Although wait times for applicants in India dropped from 669 days in mid-March to 337 days in early April, that's far from good enough. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Uber to Launch Group Rides
Business Travel News — Ride-hailing provider Uber will launch a new feature enabling group trips. Read More
Lyft Launches New Feature for Airport Pre-Orders
Travel Market Report — The new feature will help travelers avoid waiting at passenger pickup areas. Read More
Millennium Hotels Launches M Social in Suzhou
Business Traveller — The bold and stylish brand, M Social is heralding its maiden foray in China with the opening of M Social Suzhou on 26 April. Read More
Hilton to Launch Lower-Midscale U.S. Ext.-Stay Brand
Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide plans to launch next year a new extended-stay brand in the U.S. in the lower midscale sector, the company announced Tuesday. The brand, using the working title Project H3, will cater to the "vastly underserved group looking for apartment-style accommodations for 20 nights or more." Read More
Choice Hotels EMEA Signs Strategic Partnership Deal with Borealis Hotel Group
Insider Travel Report — Choice Hotels EMEA, the 100 percent franchise-focused hotel company, and Borealis Hotel Group, a European hospitality company, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to expand their European portfolios. Read More
New Accommodations Coming to Las Vegas
Recommend — Caesars Entertainment has announced plans to renovate the Jubilee Tower at Horseshoe Las Vegas and integrate it into Paris Las Vegas with a new name, Versailles Tower. Read More
The Four Seasons Hotel Boston Officially Reopens
Travel Market Report — The hotel has been closed for renovations since the beginning of January. Read More
Choice Hotels Reportedly Interested in Acquiring Wyndham
Travel Pulse — A new report suggests that Choice Hotels International, Inc. has expressed interest in acquiring Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Read More
Apple’s New TSA-Approved ID Has Launched—and Is Coming to an Airport Near You
Afar Magazine — No more rummaging through your belongings to dig out your ID. Read More
Summer Travel Likely to Involve Sold-Out Food and Full Lounges
The Points Guy — Be prepared to navigate understaffed airport restaurants and overbooked airline clubs as summer travel kicks into high gear. Read More
Minimum Connection Times: What Are They & Why Are They Important?
Simple Flying — A few tips and tricks on how to navigate a tight connection. Read More
US Airports Renovate, Expand to Improve Traveler Satisfaction
Travel Pulse — Facilities around the country are taking advantage of a bipartisan infrastructure bill. Read More
Biden Admin Proposes Compensation for Delayed, Stranded Air Travelers
Recommend — Airlines have long offered compensation to air travelers who are delayed or stranded, but the system has been largely voluntary. Now, the Biden administration is proposing to establish mandatory rules—a plan already being opposed by the airline industry. Read More
Speaker Diversity: The Meetings Industry Still Falls Short
Prevue Meetings — There are signs that our industry associations are focusing more on speaker diversity than used to be the case—but we still have a long way to go. Read More
Why Outdoor Events in California Are 'In'
Northstar Meetings Group — Flexibility, fresh ocean air and fantastic options — being outside definitely is in. With near-perfect weather year-round, San Diego in particular features a wealth of event venues overlooking beaches, bays and gorgeous landscapes dotted with palm trees. Read More
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