In This Edition… airline flight service updates, passport renewal times drop, hotel rates on the rise in 2024, hotel news, and many traveler tips!
Dans cette édition… des mises à jour sur les services de vols des compagnies aériennes, des délais de renouvellement des passeports plus courts, des tarifs hôteliers en hausse en2024, des actualités hôtelières et de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs!
What to Look for When Choosing a New Travel Management Company
Choosing a TMC is more than a business transaction: it is a partnership that should be built on trust. When in the market for a new travel management company, here are some of the top questions to consider to ensure your values are in alignment. Read More
How to Leverage Data to Streamline Your Travel Program
A critical part of any travel manager’s role involves reporting to company decision-makers on program performance. That’s where a business intelligence tool like Direct Intelligence comes in. Read More
Star Alliance Opens New Lounge at Paris CDG Airport
BTN Europe — Star Alliance has opened a new lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, located in Terminal 1, now open to First and Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold status customers on member airlines. Read More
United Airlines Making Changes to Boarding Process
Travel Pulse — The new process is said to be two minutes faster and will go into effect later this month. Read More
American to Replace SME Business Loyalty Program
Business Travel News — American Airlines has developed a new corporate loyalty program geared toward small and midsize companies that allows both eligible enterprises and their travelers to earn reward miles and loyalty points for booked business travel on an American direct channel. Read More
Delta Air Lines CEO: How We’re Thinking About New SkyMiles Changes
View From The Wing — During the Delta Air Lines third quarter earnings call on Thursday, the Wall Street Journal‘s Dawn Gilbertson asked executives to speak to the customer reaction to announced changes to the SkyMiles program, and when to expect details on how they will roll back some of those changes in the face of customer backlash. Read More
United Unveils Third Club at Newark
Business Travel News — United Airlines has opened its third club at Newark Liberty International Airport, in Terminal C near gate C74. Read More
Delta Unveils New JFK Seasonal Service to Europe
Travel Weekly — Delta will launch seasonal flights from New York JFK to Munich and Naples, Italy, next summer. Read More
United Airlines' Flight Filter for Wheelchair Users a Welcomed First
Travel Weekly — Advocacy groups say that making it easier for customers to find flights on which their wheelchairs can be securely transported in the cargo hold is an important step. Read More
Air New Zealand Extends Covid-19 Credit Expiration
Business Travel News — Air New Zealand has extended by two years the expiration date for credits issued due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read More
Qatar Airways Is Adding 18 New Airports to Its Network
Afar Magazine — The airline recently unveiled global expansion plans—with an eye on growing sustainably. Read More
Delta Air Lines Revamps Alcoholic Beverage Lineup
TravelPulse — Delta is changing its wine program this fall, adding 17 new high-quality wines to its in-flight rotational menu, available in all Main Cabin and higher fare classes. Read More
Air France Has New Business-Class Seats—and You Could Win a Free Ticket
Afar Magazine — In celebration of the French airline’s 90th birthday, Air France is giving you the chance to win two round-trip business-class tickets to Paris. Read More
Delta, Aeromexico to Expand Codeshare
Business Travel News — Aeromexico in January 2024 will start to introduce 17 new routes from seven airports in Mexico to nine destinations in the United States, and each flight will be part of the carrier's joint cooperation agreement for codesharing with Delta Air Lines. Read More
Frankfurt Airport Trials Walk-Through Passenger Scanner
Business Traveller — Frankfurt airport has launched a trial of new walk-through scanner technology, which it says is designed to speed up security checks. Read More
U.S. Passport Renewal Wait Time Drops: Now 8 to 11 Weeks
Travel Weekly — The passport renewal wait time was 10 to 13 weeks earlier in the summer. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Amtrak Acela Trains to Face More Delays
Washington Post — Failed computer testing and defects on completed train sets are holding back the launch of the new Amtrak fleet for the D.C.-to-Boston corridor, the report says. Read More
Buyers Consider Changes to Mitigate 2024 Hotel Rate Hikes
Business Travel News — Consensus says hotel rate increases will hover around 5 percent this year; buyers also see an increase in hotel nights on the horizon. Read More
IHG 'Evolves' Brand, Changing Traveler Demo
Business Travel News — InterContinental Hotels & Resorts announced a brand evolution that re-positions the 470-plus property portfolio as a lifestyle brand. Read More
Marriott Launches New Affordable, Midscale Hotel Brand
Travel Market Report — The first of the properties will open later this year. Read More
Hyatt Launches New Short-Term Rental Platform
Travel Market Report — Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt will launch "in the coming weeks." Read More
Hilton Reveals ‘Rest and Relaxation’ to be Top Driver of Travel Decisions Across Generations in 2024
Drift Magazine — According to a recent global survey conducted by Hilton and Ipsos, travelers say they will reduce other areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel in 2024, with a majority across generations indicating their No. 1 reason to travel in 2024 will be to rest and recharge, with more emphasis on sleep than ever before. Read More
Hilton and Tesla Are About to Supercharge the EV Road Trip—Here’s How
Afar Magazine — A new deal will bring many additional charging stations to hotels throughout North America. Read More
Marriott Will Reach 1.8 Million Rooms by 2025
Hotel Investment Today — Plans to add between 230,00 and 270,00 rooms to reach 1.8 million rooms systemwide by the end of 2025 was among the highlights on Wednesday at Marriott International’s meeting with institutional investors and security analysts in Miami Beach. Read More
Welcome to the Newly Renovated Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
Northstar Meetings Group — Nestled in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, has been a beloved landmark standing as a pillar of the community and a beacon for travelers since its opening in 1926. Read More
Why Airport Hotels are the New Travel Trend
Film Daily — What was once considered a last resort for delayed flights or inconvenient layovers, has now turned into a preferred choice for many. Read More
Why Do Airplanes Still Have Ashtrays?
Afar Magazine — It turns out there is good reason for them, and you’ll be glad they’re there. Read More
Please Don’t Put Your Suitcase on the Bed, Ever
Afar Magazine — The real reason there’s a luggage rack in your hotel room. Read More
Iceland to Re-introduce Tourist Tax
Travel Weekly — The Prime Minister of Iceland announced that higher taxes aimed at tourists will be implemented to help protect its environment. Read More
Amsterdam's Increased Tourist Tax Will Be Most Expensive in Europe
TravelPulse — Officials predict the increase, which is scheduled to take effect next year, will result in $68 million and make the city’s tourist tax the fourth highest in the world. Read More
How to Get an International Driver’s License
Afar Magazine — Driving legally in a foreign country isn’t as easy as just showing up with your license. In many cases, you’ll need a special permit. Read More