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September 3, 2024

In This Edition… an interview with Steve Singh, EU’s biometric system to launch later this year, per diem allowances for 2025, airline updates, information about mobile passport, hotel expansions, Park ’N Fly data breach, travel tips and much more!

Dans cette édition… un entretien avec Steve Singh, le système biométrique de l’UE qui sera lancé dans le courant de l’année, les indemnités journalières pour 2025, les mises à jour des compagnies aériennes, des informations sur le passeport mobile, des expansions hôtelières, la violation des données de Park 'N Fly, des conseils aux voyageurs et bien d’autres choses encore!

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Meet Spotnana: The Next-Gen Travel Infrastructure Behind Avenir

Our partners at Spotnana are building new modern infrastructure for the trillion-dollar travel industry, which relies heavily on technology and data structures that were developed several decades ago. Read More

How Tech-Driven Innovation Can Improve the Traveler Experience

81% report that business travel is worthwhile in achieving their goals. Beyond helping to surpass company milestones, innovation is also vital to continue fostering positive business traveler experiences. Read More


 
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CEO Spotlight: Steve Singh

PhocusWire — Steve Singh was announced as CEO of Spotnana in June, adding to his existing roles of executive chairman of Direct Travel, Troop, Spotnana and Center as well as other technology companies. He is also managing director at Madrona Venture Group. Read More

5Qs with Madrona Venture's Steve Singh

Business Travel News — Managed travel visionary and Madrona Venture Group managing director Steve Singh talks with BTN executive editor Michael B. Baker about his current involvement with Spotnana, Troop, Center and Direct Travel, and whether the "perfect trip" is now within reach. Read More

EU Confirms Long-awaited Launch Date for Entry-Exit System

Business Travel News Europe — The European Union's much-delayed biometric system will finally be launched on Nov. 10, 2024. Read More

GSA Increases Lodging and Meals Per Diem Allowances for FY2025

Business Travel News — The GSA increased per diem rates for federal travelers and those traveling on federal contract work for FY2025, raising lodging to $110 and meals to $68 for standard areas and higher for non-standard areas. Read More


 
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Delta Begins Rollout of free WiFi on International Flights

Travel Weekly — In July Delta began adding its free WiFi for SkyMiles loyalty members on Viasat-equipped flights between the U.S. and each Paris and Nice in France. The service on additional international flights will roll out on an ongoing basis. Read More

Alaska Air Clears Hurdle in Hawaiian Airlines Merger

Meetings & Conventions — The Department of Justice allowed its extended review period to expire, indicating it would not challenge Alaska's acquisition. Read More

United to Revamp O’Hare Polaris Lounge

Business Travel News — United Airlines will renovate its Polaris Lounge at Chicago O'Hare, expanding it to nearly 25,000 square feet, with partial closures starting Sept. 3, 2023, and full reopening in spring 2025. Read More

Everything You Need to Know About Lufthansa Allegris’s New Business-Class Cabins

Afar Magazine — The long-awaited Allegris is finally here and with it five different business-class seating options to fulfill every traveler’s needs. Read More

Etihad’s 3-Room Residence Is the Most Exclusive Airline Cabin You Can Book. Here’s What It’s Like

Afar Magazine — Tickets for this exclusive experience can cost upwards of $25,000 but come with plenty of high-end perks. Read More

Why the CrowdStrike Crash Hit Delta Harder

Phocuswire — All of the major U.S. airlines were forced to halt operations when Microsoft Windows' operating systems crashed, yet each airline's experience was different. Read More


 
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Non-U.S. Countries With TSA PreCheck, Global Entry Access

Afar Magazine — 18 countries can currently apply and one more is being added to the list for 2025. Read More

Why Mobile Passport is the Best-kept Secret Among International Travelers

Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know about the app that gets you through U.S. immigration and customs faster. 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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Leading Hotels of the World Adding Eight Hotels

Insider Travel Report — The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) is introducing eight new member properties to its curated portfolio of luxury independent hotels. Read More

Oklahoma City Voters Approve Hotel Tax Increase

The Oklahoman — The tax increase is charged to people staying overnight at a hotel in Oklahoma City or renting home-sharing properties, such as Airbnbs. Read More

Hyatt Is Acquiring Boutique Hotel Specialist Standard International

Travel Weekly — The company's top brands are The Standard and Bunkhouse. Read More

Marriott Reaches Licensing Deal With Sonder

Travel Weekly — The agreement is set to add more than 9,000 apartment-style rooms to Marriott's inventory by the end of this year, with an additional 1,500 rooms in the pipeline. Read More


 
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How to Figure Out What Type of Plane You’re Flying In

Afar Magazine — The type of plane you fly on can affect everything from how much luggage space you’ll have to how you can pick the best seat. Read More

1M Airport Park ‘N Fly Customers Affected by Data Breach

TechRadar — Park ’N Fly customers have had their names, email address and mailing address stolen, but the company said payment data was not compromised in the cyberattack. Read More

These Are the Weather Conditions Most Likely to Cancel or Delay Your Flight

Afar Magazine — Knowing how weather affects air travel won’t make your flight cancellations any less frustrating. But it will make you smarter—and maybe a little calmer. Read More

This New Airport Terminal Has an Indoor Forest, Local Food and Beer, and Therapy Llamas

Afar Magazine — The new terminal evokes the beauty and personality of the Pacific Northwest with more than 70 live trees. Read More


 
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Designing Events With DEI in Mind From the Beginning

PCMA — Despite a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such initiatives remain an important part of business and business events. Read More

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