In This Edition… DOT’s new refund rules, GetThere acquired by Serko, airline flight expansions, Delta’s new cabin design, United modifies status levels, airline touchless ID security options, hotel updates, traveler tips including Real ID, and much more!
Dans cette édition… Les nouvelles règles de remboursement du ministère des Transports américain, l’acquisition de GetThere par Serko, l’expansion des vols des compagnies aériennes, la nouvelle conception des cabines de Delta, United modifie les niveaux de statut, les options de sécurité de l’identification sans contact des compagnies aériennes, les actualités hôtelières, les conseils aux voyageurs, y compris Real ID, et bien plus encore!
In an episode of the Travel Again podcast, Steve shares his latest insights regarding the future of business travel. Read More
To build a more eco-conscious travel program, an organization must create a comprehensive sustainable travel policy, make sustainability a priority in purchasing decisions, and invest in employee education. Read More
Travel Weekly — Travel Weekly provides an overview of the new rules, which went into effect on October 28, 2024. Read More
Afar Magazine — Effective January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the U.K. will need to have an electronic travel authorization. They can apply as early as November 27, 2024. Here’s how it works. Read More
Business Travel News — Travel tech supplier Serko is acquiring online booking platform GetThere from Sabre as part of a new collaboration partnership between the two companies. Read More
Business Travel News — American Airlines on May 6, 2025, will further expand its planned summer schedule to Italy with the launch of daily service between Chicago O'Hare and Naples. Read More
Open Jaw — Air Canada is investing in Asia once again with the resumption of daily service to Beijing on 15JAN 2025 and increased frequency on the YVR-PVG route. Read More
Open Jaw — The Canadian government has lifted restrictions on flights by Chinese carriers to Canada, the increased capacity will make it much easier for advisors and tour operators to send clients to China, and will also boost Canadian tourism. Read More
Afar Magazine — All of the airline’s planes will be upgraded during an extensive interior overhaul. The first aircraft sporting the new design will begin flying this year. Read More
Afar Magazine — The carrier will add eight new international routes to destinations including Senegal, Greenland, and Mongolia. Read More
Business Travel News — Air France on May 21, 2025, will relaunch service between Orlando International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle, the carrier announced. Read More
Business Travel News — United Airlines next year will increase its qualification levels for 2026 elite status, the airline announced. Read More
Open Jaw — Porter Airlines is operating its largest-ever winter schedule with up to 180 daily flights across 34 destinations, including new flights from Toronto Pearson to West Palm Beach, San Diego, Thunder Bay, and Palm Springs. Porter now has the second-most flights of any airline out of Toronto. Read More
Northstar Meetings Group (AP) — Now in use at three airports, the system sounds an alarm when a passenger attempts to board before their assigned group. Read More
Open Jaw — Effective for travel beginning 06NOV 2024, Air Canada's code will be placed on 10 routes operated by airBaltic, enabling travel to Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania on a single ticket. Read More
Business Travel News — American Airlines "in the months ahead" will offer AAdvantage members the ability to use Transportation Security Administration PreCheck Touchless ID for security checkpoints "in select airports." Read More
Business Travel News — United Airlines has launched TSA Precheck Touchless ID at Salt Lake City International Airport, enabling customers to use facial-recognition technology to get through security without having to present a physical ID. Read More
Northstar Meetings Group — In a White House press conference, the secretaries of State and Commerce underscored the economic importance of international visitors. Read More
Afar Magazine — Not sure how these trusted traveler programs differ? You’re not alone. Read More
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
TravelPulse — Hyatt Hotels Corporation saw another successful quarter of growth this year, with a record development pipeline and a stronger business travel and group travel demand than in previous years. Read More
Hotel Dive — The Regent Santa Monica Beach is the brand’s first U.S. hotel since 1992, when Four Seasons took over the Regent Beverly Wilshire. Read More
Hotel Investment Today — A total of 408 new hotels with 48,258 rooms opened in the U.S. through Q3 of 2024, according to new data from Lodging Econometrics. Read More
Afar Magazine — With luxury room rates on the rise, four-star hotels are finally having their moment. Read More
USA Today (subscription may be required) — The deadline to get a Real ID in order to fly is rapidly approaching and will impact all travelers age 18 and over who plan to fly in 2025 and beyond. Read More
Afar Magazine — Here are guidelines so you don’t miss your flight. Read More
Afar Magazine — You can have a truly tasty meal at the airport these days. Here are the favorites from the editors at Afar. Read More
Winni Wanderer — Here’s a closer look at the scary truths about airline safety that every traveler should know. Read More
Afar Magazine — A comfortable seat can make or break a flight. Whether it's incline or width, this is a guide to which airlines have the roomiest seats. Read More
PhocusWire — Digital wallets from Apple and Google are widely used in everyday life but how is the travel industry preparing to take full advantage of them to improve the passenger experience? Read More
TravelPulse — Sky Hopper, available exclusively via Delta Sync Wi-Fi, offers passengers a nostalgic gaming experience with a chance to win $400 Delta Gift Cards each month through April 2025. Read More
Afar Magazine — Here’s a sneak peek inside. Read More
Skift Meetings — A recent Cvent webinar revealed top trends for meetings, including choosing booking patterns that allow attendees to extend over a weekend and warm-weather destinations so they can be outdoors. Read More
Meetings & Incentive Travel — Sustainability Simplified has launched a new free guide with a 10-step framework to becoming a leader in sustainable events. Written for event agencies, brands, in-house teams and event service businesses, it aims to invigorate action and “unstick” companies wanting to demonstrate their commitment to the climate. Read More
Looking for assistance with your next convention, incentive, or special event? From designing memorable experiences to managing strategic meetings, Direct Travel is your trusted event partner! For details, please send a message to: MESales@dt.com.