August 8, 2023

Direct Travel

News Briefs

August 8, 2023

In This Edition… airline flight service updates, Air France remote bag check-in, Finnair revamps cabin seating, TSA security updates, ground transport info, hotel news, and many traveler tips.

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What the Rise of the Independent Traveler Means for Your Travel Program

The idea of what it means to travel for work has been redefined thanks in part to hybrid work environments and the continual growth of bleisure travel. Now, a new breed of traveler—known as the. Read More

Why Your Business Needs a Travel Expense Policy

As the post-pandemic workforce evolves, digital expense reporting has continued to grow in popularity as a method for keeping both employees and budgets on track. Read More


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United Airlines Unveils New First-Class Seats

Afar Magazine — There are several upgrades in store for travelers at the front of the plane on select domestic flights. Read More

Air France Launches Remote Baggage Check-In Service

BTN Europe — Air France has launched a remote baggage check-in and drop-off service for flights departing Paris Charles de Gaulle airport following an agreement with French baggage specialist Alltheway. Read More

United Airlines Reverts to Pre-Pandemic Rule on Alcohol

Travel Pulse — According to an internal memo from United, the airline has reverted back to its pre-pandemic policies regarding alcohol. Read More

Finnair Rolls Out New Premium Cabins on More Routes

BTN Europe — Finnair’s new business class seating and revamped premium economy cabin will be available on more long-haul routes to Asia and the U.S. from August. Read More

United Airlines Details Temporary Flight Cuts at Newark Airport

Reuters — The carrier said its decision to cut 15 flights from its daily schedule in August and early September will affect less than 4 percent of travelers flying from its New Jersey hub. Read More

United to Add New, Expanded Routes to Pacific Network

Business Travel News — United Airlines plans to increase its Pacific network with new or expanded direct routes servicing Hong Kong, Manila, Taipei and Tokyo from the U.S.Read More

Delta Opens Second Sky Club at JFK Airport

Travel Weekly — The lounge, located in Terminal 4 near Gate A7, overlooks the JFK airfield and has seating for about 250 people. Read More

United Just Became the First U.S. Carrier to Add This Helpful Signage in Its Airplanes

Afar Magazine — The airline will add Braille to designate seating and bathrooms across its fleet. Read More


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TSA Unveils Open Architecture Roadmap to Enhance Screening Capabilities

Travel Pulse — The government agency is looking to streamline the security process. Read More

You’ll No Longer Need to Show TSA Your Boarding Pass at These Airports

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

US Passport Demand Grows as Wait Times Balloon

Travel Pulse — The U.S. State Department’s passport wait times are ballooning to thirteen weeks’ wait as Americans continue in a surge of passport applications and renewals that have numbers on average 430,000 per week. Read More

CLEAR Adds New Lanes at Tulsa International Airport

Travel Market Report — CLEAR is bringing its expedited security lanes to Tulsa International Airport. 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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Hertz: ‘No Softening on Demand’

Business Travel News — Hertz reported strong second-quarter demand in the United States, Canada and Europe “as each of leisure, corporate and rideshare continued to demonstrate momentum.” Read More

Amtrak Invests $770 Million in Accessibility Project

Travel Pulse — The improvements include repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps, and sidewalks—as well as renovations to entranceways and restrooms. The company is working toward 100 percent completion by 2029. Read More

High-Speed Rail Project Between Las Vegas and Los Angeles Clears Hurdle

Travel Pulse — The high-speed railroad line between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is nearing groundbreaking. The $12 billion project that has been talked about for years recently passed a milestone. Read More


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Millennium Hotels Wins Silver Award for Best Loyalty Programme – Travel & Hospitality

Marketing Interactive — Millennium Hotels is proud to share its recent win from the Marketing Interactive Loyalty & Engagement Awards, where the brand earned Silver honors for their My Millennium Loyalty Program. See the full list of winners here. Read More

Omni Hotels & Resorts Unveils New Visual Identity as Part of Brand Refresh

Insider Travel Report — Omni Hotels & Resorts is launching a brand evolution as it continues significant growth with nationwide portfolio enhancements, service training and marketing investments. Read More

Wyndham: Q2 Overseas Demand ‘Especially’ Strong

Business Travel News — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ second-quarter revenue per available room increased overseas due to “strong pricing power” and “higher occupancy levels,” with China nearly recovering to 2019 levels, hotel executives said. Read More

Motto by Hilton to Open Second New York Hotel

Travel Weekly — Hilton’s micro-hotel concept is coming to Times Square in August. Read More

The 15 Best Luxury Hotels in France

Afar Magazine — Whether you’re seeking a getaway or an immersion in a bygone era of the French Riviera, these are the best hotels and resorts to book across France. Read More

Inside JW Marriott Essex House’s New Luxury Hotel Suites

Travel Market Report — The hotel has transformed its primary suites overlooking Central Park. Read More


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Everything Travelers Should Know About ETIAS, EU’s Visa Requirement Starting in 2024

Travel Market Report — Visitors to Europe will need to apply for the visa in advance of their trip starting sometime next year. Read More

Extreme Heat Forces U.S. Airlines to Limit Passengers and Fuel Loads

The Guardian — High temperatures reduce engine performance and the lift airplane wings are able to produce, leading some airlines to warn of delays. Read More

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