August 10, 2021

Direct Travel

News Briefs

August 10, 2021

In this edition of the Direct Travel News Brief… airlines flight/service updates, Delta eliminates some same-day standby fees, corporate travel outlook improves, expedited security programs, the latest on passport processing delays, Hertz completed Chapter 11 restructuring, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek debuts, Extended Stay America introduces Premier Suites, daily housekeeping becomes a hotel service on demand, new mask mandates, traveler tips, and much more!

Navigator Header

What to Know as Canada Reopens its Border to US Travelers

For the first time in 16 months, Canada will open its border to non-essential travelers from the United States, starting August 9, 2021. The move is a huge sign of progress for two countries that have long shared economic, political, and geographic ties, but have struggled publicly with finding a way forward for resuming tourism and business travel…Read More

Preparing for the Big Return of Face-to-Face Meetings

A year ago, virtual and hybrid technologies reshaped meetings and events in a way that some experts predicted would result in sustained—and possibly permanent—damage to the industry. Now, as the number of travelers returning to the road surges and COVID-19 restrictions ease, in-person events are roaring back faster than expected…Read More


Travel Management News Header

With Virus Surge, U.S. to Keep International Travel Restrictions for Now

Northstar Meetings Group — The White House is having to recalibrate its thinking around the coronavirus pandemic as the more infectious variant surges across the U.S. and a substantial chunk of the population resists vaccination…Read More

COVID-19 Entry Rules and Restrictions, by Country

TravelAge West — New Interactive Map: Enter your travel details via the filters and peruse the map to access up-to-the-minute entry information on destinations across the globe. Read More

Air Travel Hits Another Pandemic High, Flight Delays Grow

Meetings & Conventions — Airlines are scrambling to keep up with the summer-vacation crowds. Read More

Business as Usual or… Hurry Up and Wait

Creative Group — The fog is beginning to lift, and clients are eager to reinvest in their employees. But here’s the catch… things aren’t as quick as they used to be. Here are our Top 5 Tips for making it to the finish line. Read More


Airline Updates Header

Delta Air Lines to Increase London Service in October

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines will double its London service to about 30 weekly flights in the fall, the carrier announced. Read More

Delta Air Lines Drops Same-Day Standby Fee

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines has eliminated fees for same-day standby requests on domestic flights. Read More

Air France-KLM Boosting Q3 Capacity as European Restrictions Ease

Business Travel News — The Air France-KLM Group is seeing the “first signs of recovery,” with plans to fly about two-thirds of its pre-Covid-19 capacity in the third quarter. Read More

Delta Extends Medallion Status into Early 2023

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines is extending SkyMiles Medallion status for current members through 2022. Read More

American Airlines Expects Full Domestic Business Travel Recovery in 2022

Business Travel News — American Airlines projects a full recovery of domestic business travel next year, executives said in an earnings call. Read More

Delta Ready for ‘Surge’ as Corp. Travel Outlook Improves

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines executives now expect corporate travel demand by September will recover to more than half of pre-pandemic levels, and their optimism in long-term recovery prospects for the segment is increasing, they said in an earnings call. Read More

Emirates Arrives at Miami International Airport

Recommend Magazine — The new four-times-a-week service today began when the inaugural flight touched down in Miami at 11:00 AM local time. Read More

Delta Air Lines to Boost Canada Service

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines will more than double its daily flights to Canada in September as the nation reopens to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers. Read More

WestJet Expands Codeshare with KLM, Adds More Options in Europe

Travel Market Report — The expansion will kick off with service between Amsterdam and Calgary International Airport. Read More

Alaska Airlines Expands First Class and Main Cabin Meals, Snacks and Drinks

Wheels Up Network — As more of Alaska’s guests fly again, the airline is thoughtfully and safely expanding food and beverage service on their flights, part of a process that started earlier this year. Read More


Safety and Security Header

How To Skip To The Front Of The Airport Line

Smarter Travel — Which is better for travelers, a CLEAR Membership or TSA PreCheck? We compare the two programs (and tell you how to get free trials and discounted memberships). Read More

U.S. State Dept.: Allow ‘Up to 18 Weeks’ for Passports

Business Travel News — Routine applications for U.S. passports are taking up to 18 weeks from submission to delivery, the State Department warned in a July 21 update. Read More

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

Smarter Travel — How you plan to travel and how much you want to pay for your travel documents is key. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More


Ground Transportation Header

Lyft Sees Driver Shortage Ease, Airport Rides Up in Q2

Business Travel News — A few months after a shortage of drivers spurred ride-hailing companies to invest in measures to quickly increase driver supply, the crunch has begun to ease. Read More

Hertz Completes Chapter 11 Restructuring Process

Business Travel News — Hertz Global Holdings has completed its Chapter 11 restructuring process, the car rental company announced. Read More


Hotel News Header

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Debuts as Signia by Hilton’s First Property

Hilton.com — The hotel follows a conversion and a rebrand from the iconic Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Read More

Extended Stay America Debuts Premier Suites

Forbes — As the hospitality industry has struggled to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic, one brand has actually body-surfed the lockdowns and zoom-shifts of business travel and has emerged post pandemic to expand its offerings. Read More

Weekly U.S Hotel Occupancy at Highest Level Since 2019

Prevue Meetings — Hotel industry data analysis company STR has found that U.S. weekly hotel occupancy reached its highest level since October 2019. Read More

Is Housekeeping On-Demand Here to Stay?

Prevue Meetings — Hilton Hotels & Resorts has become the first major hotel chain to cease offering daily housekeeping and make the service on-demand. Read More

Where Are All the Hyatt Brands Going in 2021 and Beyond?

Insider Travel Report — Hyatt Hotels Corporation is getting ready to meet the demands of travelers in the post-COVID era. Read More


Traveler Tips Header

How to Avoid Being Hacked While Traveling Internationally

Successful Meetings — Six cybersecurity tips for international travelers…Read More

Major Changes Are Coming to These U.S. Airports

Afar Magazine — For some U.S. airports, the pandemic pause presented an opportunity to innovate and become models for the future of air travel. Read More

CDC: The Vaccinated Should Now Wear Masks Indoors in Parts of U.S.

Afar Magazine — The recommendation applies to areas where COVID-19 is surging. Read More

Masking Advisories Return in Nevada and California as COVID Cases Rise

Prevue Meetings — Masking advisories are making a comeback as COVID-19 cases again on the rise across the country — particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. Read More

Las Vegas’ Mask Mandate is Back

Travel Market Report — The new mandate will require everyone to wear mask indoors in counties with high rates of COVID-19. Read More


Meeting and Incentive Travel Header

Creative Communications Matter: Maybe More Than Ever

Creative Group — Communication is a powerful tool that can have an enormous impact on the success of any program or organization. Read More

The Meet Outside Guide: How to Plan Fun & Fabulous Outdoor Team-Building Activities

Northstar Meetings Group — Even as Covid-19 safety protocols continue to dial back, there’s just something about the fresh air and natural soundtrack that enhances the overall experience and keeps meeting plans heading outdoors. Our experts have put together a complete list of outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, participation, collaboration and excitement for both small and large event groups. Read More

Driving Results During a Time of Accelerated Change

Creative Group — Our newest case study dives into a virtual “game show” experience we created for a client whose Hawaii incentive trip wasn’t possible due to COVID-19. Here’s how we delivered new solutions to our client that were customized to their goals, audience, and brand. Read More

Looking for guidance on planning your next convention, incentive, or group trip? Direct Travel will assist with all your meetings and event details!  Whatever your needs may be when it comes to your event, you can always depend on us to design streamlined travel arrangements, plan strategic meetings, and deliver real-time results. For details, please send a message to: [email protected].

Subscribe to our News Brief