In this edition of the Travel News Brief: travel as a procurement category, the status of the 737, airline service and route updates, more on REAL ID, Hertz technology updates, coping with jetlag, smart ways to carry cash while traveling, stay healthy on the road, cost-cutting for meetings, measuring your travel program's ROI, and more!
Measuring Your Travel Program’s ROI
Your travel program has a direct impact on your company’s bottom line, so it’s essential that travel managers, travel buyers, procurement, and finance understand its effectiveness. Read More
Travel Is a Different Beast from Other Procurement Categories
Business Travel News — Unlike other categories, travel comes with an operational and management component that is critical…Read More
Some U.S. Airlines Willing to Take 737 MAX Jets Before Pilot Training Approval
Reuters — Some U.S. airlines are willing to pick up their 737 MAX jets from Boeing Co as soon as December if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves delivery of the grounded planes before new pilot training is agreed. Read More
U.S. Airlines Won't Fly Boeing 737 Max Until March
USA Today — The Boeing 737 Max has been grounded since March following two fatal crashes. Boeing has said it hopes to have the plane recertified by December. Read More
United’s New Elite Status Requirements Could Spell End of an Era for Budget Travelers
Skift — In the world of airline loyalty programs, many are waiting for the other shoe to drop: Will American and Delta raise requirements for earning airline elite status? Read More
Delta Air Lines Updates its International Main Cabin Experience
Travel Market Report — The carrier introduced several hospitality services, including bistro-style dining, hot towel service, welcome cocktails, and more. Read More
American Airlines Expands South Pacific Offerings with Dallas to Auckland Service
Travel Market Report — The new route will operate via the carrier’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 aircraft by October 2020. Read More
United Launches New CRJ-550 Regional Jet
Travel Market Report — The carrier launched regular flight service with the new first-of-its-kind jet this weekend from Chicago O’Hare Airport. Read More
United Adding Larger Overhead Bins
USA Today — United Airlines plans to add larger overhead bins on most of its planes in a bid to improve boarding and take a major stress out of travel. Read More
New Zealand Introduces New Travel Requirements
Travel Market Report — The country is requiring visitors from visa waiver countries to have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before traveling. Read More
Homeland Security Looking to Automate the REAL ID Process Ahead of Deadline
Travel Market Report — DHS is reportedly looking for technology that will help automate the REAL ID adoption process. Read More
Poland Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program
Travel Market Report — After years of waiting, Poland has officially been designated as a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows Polish citizens and nationals to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days, without a visa. Read More
How to Prepare for the Real ID Deadline
Successful Meetings — U.S. travelers will soon require a Real ID or approved passport to board domestic flights. Read More
As Real ID Deadline Approaches, the Urgency to Prepare Grows
Northstar Meetings Group — Come October 2020, U.S. travelers will require a Real ID or approved passport to board domestic flights...Read More
What Travelers Need to Know About REAL ID
GBTA Blog — On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement the final phase of REAL ID enforcement, requiring Americans to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of authenticated ID to go through airport security checkpoints. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Hertz Continues to Outshine Avis with Tech Investments for Operations
Skift — Hertz recently upgraded its internal and fleet management systems, helping it overcome the hurdles that are bogging down Avis. Read More
What It's Like to Use Uber, Lyft at LAX After Changes
USA Today — My experience riding a bus to hail an Uber at Los Angeles International Airport's new LAX-it pickup area was breezy. Read More
United Airlines Inks Deal to Help Customers Cope with Jet Lag
Chicago Business Journal — United Airlines inked a new partnership with Timeshifter, which has developed an app that helps people cope with jet lag. Read More
10 Smart Ways to Carry Money While Traveling
SmarterTravel — These tips will help you carry money safely and elegantly when you travel. Read More
Lufthansa to Base Status on Number of Flights, Not Miles Flown
Business Travel News — Next year, Lufthansa will begin determining loyalty program status on a new points-based structure rather than mileage flown. Beginning Jan. 1, Lufthansa will give a flat number of points per flight based on the class flown and whether the flight was intercontinental or intracontinental. Read More
How to Avoid Catching a Cold on a Plane
Successful Meetings — Be careful where you sit. Read More
9 Tips for Surviving the Middle Seat
Smarter Travel — These nine tips will help you make it to your destination with your sanity—and your comfort—fully intact. Read More
How to Get a Better Night's Sleep in a Hotel
Successful Meetings — Try these 5 ways to catch more Zs…Read More
Corporate Meetings and Incentives: Cost Cutting Without Bloodletting
Creative Group — When it comes to corporate meetings and incentives, do you know how to squeeze the most out of every opportunity? Luckily, we do. And we’re freely sharing our cost cutting tips with you. Read on and feel free to share with your co-workers and friends. Read More
Top Food-and-Beverage Trends for Meetings in 2020
Northstar Meetings Group — Look for these trends to drive event catering and culinary decisions in the coming year. Read More
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