In this edition of the Travel News Brief: Airline and flight updates, the return of the 737 MAX, Cuba ban, passport renewal rules, many Americans are unprepared for REAL ID launch, Enterprise in Brazil, Lyft membership program, high-tech hotels, Choice expands in Japan, Hilton expands in Canada, airline passenger rights, boosting productivity while traveling, how to optimize your meetings and incentives, upgrading air travel for your executives and more!
Travel decision-makers are often times faced with figuring out the best way to take care of their most elite travelers. It’s a balancing act between financial responsibility, VIP traveler happiness and their demanding schedules. Often times that can require travel managers figuring out challenges that others may not face, including determining if a private jet is worth the investment, will a first-class seat suffice or how to ensure they reach their destination for a critical meeting. Read More
Travel Market Report — The new state-of-the-art facility is not only the world’s largest airport, but it is also one of the most technologically advanced and it boasts impressive sustainability-focused innovations. Read More
Business Traveller — TAP Air Portugal has partnered with startup Seatboost to allow passengers to bid on seat upgrades via an app before they fly. Read More
Travel Pulse — The completion of the runway extension will set up the final phase of improvements at the Chicago facility, an ambitious $8 billion project that will create a 2.2 million-square-foot Global Terminal…Read More
Travel Market Report — United has big plans to expand its fleet, but there’s a hitch: The ongoing grounding of the 737 MAX is holding up the scheduled retirement of older jets. Read More
Travel Market Report — The United States Department of Transportation on Friday announced that it will suspend all flights from the U.S. to Cuba, aside from those scheduled to fly to Havana, in the latest crackdown on Cuban travel. Read More
Business Traveller — After several delays, New Orleans’ new $1.3 billion airport will make its official debut on November 6…Read More
Wall Street Journal — New AirTrains at LaGuardia and Newark airports, plus work at JFK, were funded…Read More
Travel Market Report — United Airlines and Air New Zealand are teaming up to launch the only nonstop flight service between New Zealand and the U.S. East Coast. Read More
Business Traveller — Germany’s Lufthansa said today that its less expensive ‘Economy Light’ fares will be extended to all long-haul destinations starting October 30. Read More
Bloomberg — The airline designed its own regional jet to close an amenities and revenue gap with its two biggest rivals. Read More
Dallas News — American Airlines is adding seasonal service to Hilton Head Island, S.C., from Chicago O'Hare, Philadelphia and Dallas/Fort Worth starting in March. Read More
SmarterTravel — Following these little-known passport rules can help for a quicker turnaround. Read More
The Points Guy — Global Entry is making its kiosks even more efficient by eliminating passport and fingerprint scans, and relying instead on facial recognition technology. Read More
Travel Market Report — Millions of Americans are unprepared for the launch of the REAL ID program, which could prevent them from flying, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Read More
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Travel Pulse — The world's largest car rental provider, Enterprise Holdings Inc., announced its further expansion in South America with the launch of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand in Brazil, reports Travel Pulse, joining the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in the country. Read More
Business Travel News — Lyft is launching a membership program for frequent riders that offer discounts and benefits for a monthly fee. Read More
Business Traveller — Amtrak is filling a major service gap in its Pacific Surfliner service in California by adding a new train on its Los Angeles-San Diego route. Read More
Hotel Marketing — Guests can check-in via phone and even choose their own room as hotels get a digital makeover. Read More
Travel Pulse — Choice Hotels expects to open more than 30 new Comfort hotels in Japan by 2033. Read More
Meetings & Conventions — A luxury property is the only on-site hotel at the San Francisco International Airport. Read More
Travel Market Report — Canada will see the expanded footprint of Tru by Hilton, and the introduction of Canopy by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Read More
Business Travel News — Best Western Hotels & Resorts' newest brand, SureStay Studio, will compete in the upper end of the extended-stay economy segment and will include both conversions and new builds. Read More
Travel Market Report — The new services, developed both in-house and with industry partners, tackle some persistent pain points in the air travel experience. Read More
Forbes — What if your airline overbooks your flight and leaves you stranded overnight? Do you know your airline rights? Read More
Entrepreneur.com — Business sojourns can be less of a grind if you use the right strategies. Read More
Successful Meetings — Hydration is a priority during the cold, dry months of winter. Read More
Meetings & Conventions — This app can help travelers who want to drown out sounds from down the hall. Read More
Travel Market Report — The program offers travel perks — including early boarding — for an annual fee. Read More
Creative Group — Need to cut costs? Learn 7 ways to optimize your meetings and incentives without impacting the program. Read More
Northstar Meetings Group — New, conference-friendly properties will be debuting in Music City next year...Read More
Northstar Meetings Group — What planners need to know when catering to attendees' dietary needs. 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.