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November 15, 2022

In This Edition… Direct Travel itineraries via Microsoft Teams, Delta pilot strike, Air Canada upgrades, American eliminates 24 hour holds and some first class, Canada Jetlines to service the US, Air Canada and Emirates codeshare, flight service updates, less than six months until Real ID requirement, Metro service begins from D.C. to Washington Dulles Airport, new car rental facility at AVP airport, TSA reduces TSA PreCheck® enrollment fee, hotel updates, traveler tips, and much more!

Dans cette édition… Les itinéraires de voyage des Services Direct Travel via Microsoft Teams, la grève des pilotes de Delta, les mises à niveau d’Air Canada, American Airlines supprime la garantie de réservation de 24 heures et une partie de la première classe, Canada Jetlines commencera à desservir les États-Unis, Air Canada et Emirates partagent leurs codes, les mises à jour des services de vol, moins de six mois avant la mise en application des exigences concernant la Real ID Act, ouverture du service de métro de D.C. à l’aéroport de Washington Dulles, nouvelle structure de location de voitures à l’aéroport AVP, la TSA réduit les frais d’inscription au programme TSA PreCheck®, les mises à jour du secteur hôtelier, les conseils aux voyageurs et bien plus encore!

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5 Reasons Why Travelers Book Out-of-Policy (And How to Mitigate It)

As companies update and overhaul their travel programs in a post-pandemic environment, safety concerns linger and new travel implications have emerged. Read More

Evolving Your Travel Program for the New Hotel Sourcing Environment

Are you prepared for the new hotel sourcing environment? Corporate travel within North America has already exceeded 2019 revenues and continues to rebound with vigor. Read More


 
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Direct Travel Launches Itinerary Management within Microsoft Teams

Global News Wire — The integration, currently in beta testing with development partner Mantic Point, will provide access to trip information directly in the MS Teams app. Read More


 
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Delta Expands Argentina, Chile Frequencies

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines has increased its frequencies on service between Atlanta and each Buenos Aires and Santiago, Chile. Read More

United Is Blocking Some Seats Due to Weight Concerns

Travel Pulse — As Americans get heavier – the percentage of adults considered overweight has gone from 30.6 percent to 41.9 percent from 1999 to 2020 – airlines have slowly been reacting. Read More

Delta Pilots Say They're Willing to Strike, But No Impact to Thanksgiving Travel is Expected

CNN — Holiday travel is spared, for now... Read More

Air Canada to Upgrade Lounge, Cabin Experiences

Business Travel News — Air Canada is set to upgrade its lounge and cabin experiences as well as expand its chauffeur service. Read More

American Airlines to Eliminate First Class

Business Travel News — American recently announced enhancements to its long-haul premium configurations. The result? The removal of first class. Read More

American Airlines Eliminates 24 Hour Reservation Holds for Most Customers

View From The Wing — American Airlines removed the option to put a flight on a 24 hour hold, rather than purchasing it right away, for many – but apparently not all – customers. Read More

Canada Jetlines Wins Approval to Service U.S. Routes

Travel Pulse — The United States Department of Transportation has given Canada Jetlines economic authority to serve the U.S. Read More

Delta Trials Free Wi-Fi for Elites as it Inches Closer to Complimentary Internet on All Flights

The Points Guy — Delta Air Lines' elite members may be in for a holiday treat the next time they fly with the carrier, as the Atlanta-based carrier is trialing a new free Wi-Fi offering for Medallion members on select aircraft. Read More

Air Canada and Emirates Announce Codeshare for Travel as of Dec 1

Travel Pulse — Codeshare tickets will be available for sale to 35 markets for travel effective December 1 with 11 additional markets to be added pending final regulatory approval. Read More

Airlines Pledge to Better Serve Travelers With Disabilities

Disability Scoop — In a joint statement, American, Delta, United and other major air carriers are committing to a series of new steps to improve travel for people with “mobility, cognitive and social disabilities.” Read More

US Air-Passenger Traffic Tops Pre-Pandemic Levels of 2019

Bloomberg — Airline passenger traffic in the US has been running above the comparable levels of 2019, the first time that’s happened since Covid-19 dramatically cut air travel. Read More

Air New Zealand Resumes Chicago Route

Business Travel News — Air New Zealand on Oct. 30 resumed its nonstop service between Auckland and Chicago. Read More

Air France-KLM Signs Two SAF Deals

Business Travel News — Air France-KLM has signed two new multi-year agreements to purchase sustainable aviation fuel. The company has set a SAF target of 10 percent of its fuel by 2030. Read More

As Flyer Habits Change, Airlines Rethink Approach to Scheduling

Travel Weekly — With travelers looking for bargains on traditional off-days, airlines are equalizing their work week. Read More

Air France-KLM Q3 Corp. Demand 'Gradually' Grows

Business Travel News — Air France-KLM’s third-quarter corporate traffic was 61 percent recovered compared with the same period in 2019, barely up from the second-quarter level of 60 percent. Read More

WestJet Launches Inaugural Flight Between Winnipeg & Los Angeles

Travel Pulse — The departure of WS1315 is described as a milestone for Manitoba's tourism, trade and business sectors as Winnipeg gains a four-hour link to the film and entertainment mecca. Read More


 
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Less Than Six Months Until Real ID Requirements Start for Air Travel in US

The Points Guy — If you've been putting off that trip to the DMV, now is a good time to start planning for how you'll get your Real ID. In just under six months, on May 3, 2023, the TSA will require all driver's licenses presented at checkpoints to be Real ID-compliant for travelers 18 and older. Read More

TSA Reduces TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Fee

TSA.gov — The TSA PreCheck® current enrollment provider, IDEMIA, has reduced the enrollment and in-person renewal fee from $85 to $78. The cost to renew online is still $70. If approved, enrollees get a five-year membership with the program. Read More

YYZ Pax Can Now Reserve A Spot In The Security Line

Travel Pulse — YYZ Express is a new program at Toronto Pearson that allows departing travellers to reserve a spot in the security line ahead of their flight. 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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Metro Service From D.C. to Washington Dulles Airport Is Finally Arriving

Afar Magazine — The expanded metro route will start November 15. Read More

New Deal Rewards Alaska Air Flyers With Miles for Lyft Rides

Travel Weekly — Alaska Airlines loyalty members can earn two miles for each dollar spent on Lyft rides in the U.S. or Canada until Dec. 31. Lower accrual rates will apply after that. Read More

Avis Budget: Q3 Corp. Demand Increase 'Significant'

Business Travel News — Corporate travel demand during the third quarter was “strong,” exceeding both 2021 and 2019 levels for the period, Avis Budget Group reported. Read More

Pennsylvania Airport Breaks Ground on Rent-A-Car Facility

Auto Rental News — On Oct. 26, a new Quick Turn-Around rent-a-car facility broke ground at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP). Read More


 
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Hyatt Opens First Unbound Collection Hotel in NYC

Travel Market Report — The 296-room Grayson Hotel is centrally-located on 39th Street, off of 5th Avenue. Read More

Hyatt Expects Strong Demand for All-inclusives to Continue

Travel Weekly — During the company's third-quarter earnings call, CEO Mark Hoplamazian said the all-inclusive product provides guests with financial certainty in an uncertain time. Read More

Hotel Prices Are Soaring, Researchers Say

Travel Pulse — A new study has revealed a shocking increase in the cost of U.S.-based hotel rooms compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Read More

Hilton CEO: Don’t Expect Any Hotel Bargains Next Year, Even in a Recession

The Points Guy — A slower rate of hotel openings means less competition and a greater ability for hotel owners of existing properties to raise rates, especially as the return of business travelers creates even higher demand... Read More

Business Hotels Make Room for Leisure

Travel Weekly — Hotels that have traditionally catered to corporate travelers have adapted and added amenities to tap the leisure boom. Read More

Best Western Launches Midscale Ext.-Stay Brand

Business Travel News — Best Western is launching a new extended-stay option, Home by BWH, the company this weekend announced during its annual convention in Cleveland. Read More


 
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Denver International Airport Finishes Final Phase of Gate-Expansion Program

Simple Flying — The airport completed its final two major concourses, part of a four-year program that added 39 gates... Read More

5 Key Flight Attendant Tips For Flying During The Holidays

Travel Awaits — Take some stress out of holiday travel by planning ahead. Read More

Key West Airport Begins $100 Million Expansion

Travel Pulse — Key West International Airport broke ground on upgrades expected to take two and a half years to complete. Read More

Unticketed Visitors Can Now Pass Through Security at This California Airport—and Several Others

Afar Magazine — Remember when you could greet friends and family at the gate in what now feels like a bygone era of air travel? At these hubs you actually can. Read More

There Will Be Flight Delays and Cancellations This Holiday Season—How to Salvage Your Travel Plans

Afar Magazine — Save your sanity with this expert advice on booking flights, bypassing airport lines, and getting refunds. Read More

Supreme Court Allows TSA To Issue Mask Mandates

Forbes — The Supreme Court left in place a ruling that allows the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue mask mandates on planes, trains and other forms of transport, as it had for more than a year during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read More


 
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Meetings Industry Forecast 2023

Northstar Meetings Group — Not even rising costs, staffing shortages and a possible recession can squelch planner optimism about the future of meetings. Read More

Top MICE Destinations in 2022: California and Mexico

Prevue Meetings — California and Mexico topped Global DMC Partners' annual list in 2022, while domestically, Boston looks hot for 2023. Read More

Looking for guidance on planning your next convention, incentive, or group trip? Direct Travel will assist with all your meetings and event details!  Whatever your needs may be when it comes to your event, you can always depend on us to design streamlined travel arrangements, plan strategic meetings, and deliver real-time results. For details, please send a message to: MeetingInquiry@dt.com