April 16, 2024

Direct Travel

News Briefs

April 16, 2024

In This Edition… Brazil delays visa requirement again, expanded airline flight service, SAS switches alliance partner, Global Entry fee increase, ride share companies postpone Minneapolis departure, Hilton to expand in Canada, hurricane season could disrupt summer travel, travel tips, and more!

Dans cette édition… Le Brésil retarde à nouveau l’obligation de visa, les transporteurs aériens élargissent leurs services de vol, SAS change de partenaire, l’augmentation des frais liés au programme Global Entry, les sociétés de covoiturage reportent le départ de Minneapolis, Hilton en pleine expansion au Canada, la saison des ouragans pourrait perturber les voyages d’été, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien d’autres choses encore!

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Exciting News: Direct Travel Acquisition

dt.com — We’re excited to share important news about Direct Travel’s next chapter and how we plan to take that to a new level across corporate travel, leisure, and meetings and incentives. Read More


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Transforming Corporate Travel to Create ‘The Perfect Trip’

Learn more about Steve Singh’s vision to create ‘The Perfect Trip’. Read More

Top Takeaways from ‘Fusion’ for the Evolving Travel Landscape

For those who were unable to attend in person but are eager to implement learnings from the event, here are our top takeaways from Fusion 2024. Read More


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Direct Travel Acquisition to Result in Single AI Platform

Skift — Steve Singh believes corporate travel is ready for new technology, and he believes the right company can displace the old ones. Read More

Brazil Again Delays Visa Requirement by One Year

Business Travel News — Brazil has delayed the return of a visa requirement for tourists from the United States, Australia and Canada until April 2025. Read More


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Delta Inaugurates New Thrice-Weekly Munich-New York Service

Frequent Business Traveler — Flights between the two cities will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Read More

United Is Adding New International Flights for Fall

Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know about the new (and expanding) routes. Read More

Delta Opens Expanded Miami Sky Club

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines unveiled a newly expanded Sky Club at Miami International Airport, adding nearly 4,000 square feet with more than 100 new seats. Read More

Air Canada to Resume Vancouver to Bangkok Flights 27OCT

Open Jaw — Air Canada (AC) announced the resumption of its seasonal Vancouver (YVR) to Bangkok (BKK) service, effective 27OCT 2024. Due to the increased popularity, AC has moved up the start date, which previously commenced at the beginning of December. Read More

United Airlines Delays Launch of International Routes

Airways Magazine — United has delayed plans to launch two new international routes due to an ongoing audit by the FAA, following a series of safety incidents. Read More

SAS to Switch Airline Alliance Programs

Business Travel News — SAS on Sept. 1 will join the SkyTeam airline alliance, leaving behind the Star Alliance on Aug. 31. Read More

Canada Jetlines Announces Weekly Flights from Toronto to Miami

Open Jaw — Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. announced the launch of a new route connecting Toronto to the cruising capital of Miami, beginning 29JUN. Read More

Turkish Airlines to Add Denver Service

Business Travel News — Turkish Airlines beginning June 11 will launch nonstop flights between Istanbul and Denver. Read More

Air Canada Inaugurates Vancouver to Singapore Service

Open Jaw — Air Canada’s new route from Vancouver (YVR) to Singapore (SIN) took off 03APR and landed 04APR, marking the airline’s longest international journey. Read More

FAA Approves Testing of New Blended Wing Zero Carbon Emissions Aircraft

Travel Pulse — When used commercially, the plan may be able to carry up to 250 passengers. Read More


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7 Surprising Things the TSA Won’t Let You Carry Onboard

Afar Magazine — The peanut butter debate has been decided, but there are other unexpected items that won’t make it through airport security. Read More

The Price of Global Entry Is About to Go Up for the First Time

Afar Magazine — If you’ve been meaning to sign up, here’s the deadline to do it before the price goes up 20%. Read More

You No Longer Need to Show TSA Your Boarding Pass at These U.S. Airports

Afar Magazine — Enhanced technology allows agents to confirm passengers’ flight details simply by scanning their government-issued ID. Read More

This Is Why the Last Few Pages of Your Passport Are Blank

Afar Magazine — The last few pages of U.S. passports are left blank on purpose—and there’s a good reason for it. Read More

NEXUS Application Fee More than Doubles

Open Jaw — Canadian Border Services Agency says the Nexus fee established more than 20 years ago no longer covers the cost and a price hike will help cover increased demand. 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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Uber, Lyft Delay Plans to Leave Minneapolis

ABC News — City officials have pushed back the start of a driver pay raise until July 1. Read More

National Car Rental Ranks First in Business Travel News Survey

Travel Pulse — Though travel buyers gave car rental companies mixed reviews in Business Travel News’ 2024 Car Rental Survey, National Car Rental secured another win, its ninth in a row in customer satisfaction. Read More


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Hilton Details Canadian Expansion Plans

Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide during the next several years plans to add about 90 hotels across several brands in Canada, which would be about a 50 percent increase from its current 180 properties. Read More

These Are the Best New Hotels of 2024

Afar Magazine — AFAR’s team of experts selects 31 of the world’s best new and renovated arrivals based on their noteworthy locations, standout design, exemplary service, and remarkable guest experiences. Read More

Hilton Takes Majority Stake in Luxury NoMad Parent

Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide has acquired a majority stake in the parent company of the luxury NoMad Hotel in London, and plans to expand the brand throughout the world. Read More

Westin Opens Metro Atlanta’s Newest Luxury Hotel

The Meetings Magazines — Concord Hospitality, an award-winning hotel management and development company, announced the opening of The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett located in the Gas South District, a multipurpose campus known for hosting a diverse range of events. Read More


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10 (More) Unexpected Items Every Traveler Should Pack

Fodor’s — While it’s true you don’t need much to travel, you can upgrade your travel experience by bringing along these travel essentials. Read More

Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted to Be Very Active

Travel Pulse — Hurricane season could disrupt summer travel. Read More

You Can Now Share United Miles Among Your Friends and Family—Here’s How

Afar Magazine — United Airlines recently created the ability for groups to pool their miles and also unveiled a new seat alert option, making it the first major U.S. airline to do so. Read More

6 Aviation Words You May Be Using Incorrectly

Afar Magazine — Do you know the difference between a direct flight and a nonstop flight? Read More

Quintana Roo Authorities Warn About VISITAX Non-Payment, But Penalties Aren’t Clear

Open Jaw — Visitors to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo who don’t pay the required VISITAX fee will be tracked as a way to enforce payments. The implication is those who do not pay the tax will either be refused entry or required to backpay. Read More

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