In this edition of the Travel News Brief: Trump signs a five-year FAA reauthorization law, the latest on REAL ID, New per diem rates, new flight service, AA raises onboard liquor prices, Australia to be added in Global Entry program, Best Western introduces two new brands, Moxy and Hyatt growth, 5 reasons why travelers book out-of-policy (and how to mitigate it) and more!
5 Reasons Why Travelers Book Out-of-Policy (And How to Mitigate It)
Out-of-policy booking is a nightmare for travel managers. When travelers don’t comply with their organization’s travel policy, they reduce financial transparency, diminish savings potential, damage contractual relationships with suppliers, and can even cause serious duty of care concerns. And yet it happens every day—mainly because travelers don't fully understand how their actions can negatively affect their employers and even themselves. Read More
Trump Signs FAA Reauthorization Bill
Business Travel News —On Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump signed a five-year FAA reauthorization law after the bill passed the Senate on Wednesday and the House the week prior. Read More
DHS Steps Up Real ID Education Efforts
Business Travel News —U.S. states must issue IDs that comply with federal regulations by Oct. 10, but deadline extensions will prevent issues there, according to Real ID program director Steve Yonkers. Read More
IRS Announces New Per Diem Rates for Business Travel Expenses
Forbes —The updated per-diem numbers are now out, effective Oct. 1, 2018…Read More
Delta Launching Seasonal Lisbon Flights from Boston
Travel Mole —But Delta ending Atlanta-Lisbon summer service…Read More
United Adding Dreamliner 787s on Transcontinental Flights
San Francisco Chronicle —A big ride on a Boeing 787-10 in store for fliers to NYC…Read More
It's Not Just Baggage Fees: A Major Airline Just Raised Its Alcohol Prices
Time —American Airlines passengers will pay more for alcohol on flights, starting today. As of Monday, October 1, American has raised the price of beer, wine, and spirits by $1 each on domestic flights. Read More
American Airlines Uses AI to Improve Baggage Handling
CIO Dive —Deploying artificial intelligence in a useful way can be challenging for a large airline, but American is adapting new AI technology to streamline the baggage process and reduce bottlenecks. Read More
Delta Aspires To Offer Free In-Flight Wi-Fi For All Passengers
Forbes —Last Friday, Delta Air Lines’ CEO Ed Bastian told the audience at the Skift Global Forum in New York that the airline was working hard toward offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to all of its passengers. Read More
Delta Air Lines to Connect Detroit with Hawaii
Travel Mole —Boeing 767 service operates daily from June 2019…Read More
American Airlines Adds More Flights from Philly to Florida this Winter
Philly Voice —American Airlines is adding flights to three Florida cities from Philadelphia International Airport. Read More
Delta to Launch Nation’s First “Biometric Terminal” in Atlanta
Travel Weekly —In a major development for the use of facial recognition technology at airports, Delta will enable the first fully biometric airport journeys in the U.S. in December. Read More
Australia to Be Included in Global Entry Program
Big Island Now —Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) applauded an agreement reached between the U.S. and Australia to launch a pilot program allowing Australian citizens to apply for expedited customs clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry program. Read More
This New Luggage Scanner Lets You Keep Electronics in Your Bag
CNBC —Analogic Corp. created a computed tomography (CT) scanner for TSA that produces 3-D images of carry-on luggage…Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Uber Fined $148M for Data Breach
Buying Business Travel —Uber has agreed to pay US$148 million over a cyber attack that exposed data from millions of customers and drivers. Read More
Uber Scores a Big Win in Legal Fight to Keep Drivers as Independent Contractors
The Verge —A three-judge panel ruled in favor of Uber in a long-standing lawsuit that could have a profound impact on the future of ride-sharing and the gig economy. Read More
Saudi King to Open Haramain High-Speed Rail Line on Tuesday
Gulf Business —The transport project will link the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Read More
Marriott’s Moxy Brand Keeps Growing in Caribbean, Latin America, New York
Insider Travel Report —In case you haven’t heard of Moxy before, you will soon because one of the brand’s hotels may be opening in a town near you. Read More
Best Western Launches Two New Hotel Brands
Hotel Management —At the Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced a pair of new boutique brands: Sadie Hotel and Aiden Hotel. Read More
Hyatt Plans Nine New Hotel Openings in Africa by 2020
Insider Travel Report —Hyatt Hotels Corporation said it would open nine more Hyatt-branded hotels in Africa by the end of 2020. Read More
Sheraton Seattle Hotel Showcases the Brand's Future
Insider Travel Report —It’s a brand that many may think they know, but now that it’s part of the Marriott parent company, it’s on a mission to reinvent itself and better define its brand attributes. Read More
Facial-Recognition Check-In Rolled Out at 50 Hotels in China
Hotel Management —With the new system, guests can book hotels and then check in and have credit authorized by having their faces and ID cards scanned at a kiosk at the hotel. Read More
Air France Launches Inflight Wifi Passes
Business Traveller —Air France has launched a range of wifi passes for its connected aircraft, as it moves towards equipping its entire fleet by the end of 2020. Read More
American Airlines Partners With Calm for In-Flight Relaxation Content
APEX —American Airlines is partnering with Calm on in-flight audio and visual relaxation exercises available on seat-back screens and streamed to passengers' personal devices. Read More
Airlines for America Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Bill
Airlines.org —Airlines for America applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, which will enable US airlines to continue to meet the needs of their passengers and employees, and advance America's role as a leader in global aviation. Read More
Airlines Try to Whip Up Better Meals for Coach Fliers
The Wall Street Journal —Airlines are refreshing food options for main cabin passengers by partnering with gourmet chefs and popular fast casual eateries to provide delicious, healthy options onboard. Read More
Airlines Could Face Minimum Legroom Legislation
Travel Mole —But FAA reluctant to draw up rules on a 'comfort' issue…Read More
10 Steps to Execute a Powerful Incentive Communication Campaign Plan
Creative Group —Here are 10 Important Reminders to make your incentive communications a success. We’ve included an infographic too…Read More
Interactive Meeting Ideas Inspired by Instagrammable Installations
Creative Group —Get inspired by fun installations and discover five interactive meeting ideas. Learn how to make your meeting or event Instagram worthy. Read More
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