In this edition of the Travel News Brief: American, Delta, and United add new flights, TSA Precheck expands, Hilton plans to roll out airfare-like flexible pricing globally, gas prices on the rise for the summer season, Radisson expansion, Marriott loyalty changes, learn how to avoid getting sick while traveling, Chicago airports launch free unlimited Wi-Fi, and more!
The Role of Gamification in Business Travel Management
Are you looking for new and creative ways to impact your organization’s bottom line? Last week, we talked about driving travel policy compliance with technology. One of the recommendations was to introduce a gamification element into your strategy. Read More
American Route Changes: New Flights to The Caribbean & Hawaii, Beijing Route Canceled
One Mile at a Time — American has announced some interesting route additions and cancellations today…Read More
United Airlines Increases Economic Stake in Brazil’s Azul
PR Newswire — Increased participation is a result of United concluding a private preferred share transaction with Hainan Airlines. Read More
United's 2018 Summer Schedule Offers More Destinations Than Ever
Travel Pulse — The summer schedule includes 29 new and returning destinations. Read More
United Airlines to Add New Drinks, Desserts, and Dining Selections on Flights
Frequent Business Traveler — United Airlines has announced new beverage, dessert and menu options, including a new signature cocktail, sundae toppings, breakfast tacos and barbecue chicken sandwiches. The carrier will also add a variety of new beers and ales in May. Read More
Alaska Airlines will Introduce Basic Economy Fare
Business Travel News — Alaska will introduce a basic economy option this fall, but it will not include some of the restrictions like seat selection seen in its competitors' basic economy fares. Read More
Delta Increasing Service to Caribbean from NYC
Travel Pulse — The airline will connect NYC and the Caribbean with more options...Read More
Will Airfare Transparency Be a Thing of the Past?
Travel Pulse — A bill is moving through Congress that eliminates fare transparency. Read More
TSA Pre✓® Expands to Include 6 Additional International Airlines
TSA.gov — Expedited screening now available through 52 air carriers…Read More
TSA Launches Stricter Carry-On Screenings Nationwide
Travel Market Report — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this month rolled out enhanced screening procedures for carry-on baggage nationwide, after testing the stronger security measures at select airports. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
A Fee for Arriving to Airport by Car? Boston Decides 'No'
USA Today — A plan to charge drivers a fee for picking up or dropping off passengers at Boston's Logan International Airport has been rejected by the agency overseeing the airport. Read More
Get Ready for the Most Expensive Driving Season in Years
Meetings & Conventions — Crude-oil prices are at the highest level in more than three years and are expected to rise...Read More
Radisson Hotel Group Announces Signings for Radisson Blu and Radisson in the US
Radisson Hotel Group — Radisson Hotel Group™ announced signings for two new-build hotels to its portfolio in the Americas, located in Anaheim, Calif. (Radisson Blu®) and New York City (Radisson®). Read More
Renaissance Gets a Global “Renaissance” of Its Hotel Brand
Insider Travel Report — Marriott International’s Renaissance Hotels brand is currently undergoing a global “renaissance” as it re-invents its property design with nearly half of its North American portfolio slated for dramatic renovations this year. Read More
Hotel Giant AccorHotels Buys Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Travel Market Report — France’s AccorHotels has acquired Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts for 560 million Swiss francs ($566.5 million U.S.), it was announced Monday, in an agreement with Mövenpick Holding and Kingdom Holding. Read More
Hilton Plans to Roll Out Airfare-Like Flexible Pricing Globally
Business Travel News — Hilton has launched what it's calling customer-centric pricing at its hotels across the U.S.and intends to roll out the pricing structure at all properties globally this summer. The new tiered pricing structure of flexible, semiflexible and nonrefundable rates resembles the airline industry's refundable versus nonrefundable rates. Read More
Marriott Enters Home-Rental Market with New Trial Program
Phocuswire — Marriott International on Monday debuted a home-rental trial program with UK-based Hostmaker. Read More
Marriott to Roll Out Unified Loyalty Platform this Summer
USA Today — This summer, members of rewards programs under Marriott, Starwood and Ritz-Carlton will access a unified system spanning Marriott's 29 brands. Read More
How to Fall Asleep on a Plane Quickly
Independent — Got a long-haul flight approaching? Here are The Independent’s top tips for getting some shuteye to ease you into a new time zone…Read More
The Most Expensed Restaurants, Hotels, Airlines Among Business Travelers
USA Today — Certify went through 10 million receipts to find out the most expensed restaurants, hotels and airlines among business travelers. Read More
This $25 Device Helps Me Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling
Travel + Leisure — Say hello to restful, humidified sleep…Read More
Hotel Door Locks Worldwide Were Vulnerable to Hack
BBC — Millions of electronic door locks fitted to hotel rooms worldwide have been found to be vulnerable to a hack…Read More
Chicago Airports Launch Free Unlimited Wi-Fi
Travel Mole — Previous time-based free service now upgraded to unlimited. Read More