August 28, 2018

Direct Travel

News Briefs

August 28, 2018

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: New airline routes and possible expansion, Swiss added to TSA PreCheck, SJC facial recognition, National car and driver services, tri-branded Hilton in Chicago, Delta adds seat-back entertainment, Strategic communication increases the number of participant “touchpoints,” How to secure buy-in for new travel technology, How the evolving car rental industry will impact your travel program, and more!

Navigator Header

How to Secure Buy-in for New Travel Technology

Technology innovations in the travel space have made getting from point A to point B easier than ever. There are plenty of reasons why corporate travel programs should adopt new technologies to replace outdated and ineffective processes. Travel technology makes booking trips more efficient and straightforward for busy travelers, and it aids policy compliance. Read More


Travel Management News Header

GBTA Forecast Calls for 7 Percent Growth in Business-Travel Spending This Year

Meetings & Conventions —After two strong years of growth, risks could surface in 2019…Read More


Airline Updates Header

United Airlines Will Charge More to Reserve Economy Seats Near Front of Plane

Travel Market Report —The carrier’s new policy, which will start later this year, will match similar ones by Delta and American. Read More

American Airlines to Allow Carry-On Bag for Basic Economy

Business Insider —American Airlines just announced a major change to its basic economy tickets that passengers will love…Read More

United Airlines Adds First U.S. Service from D.C. to Tel Aviv

Travel Market Report —United Airlines will become the first U.S. airline to offer nonstop service between Washington, D.C., and Tel Aviv when it launches its Washington Dulles International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport service next May. Read More

Air France, KLM, and Air Europa Explore Joint Venture

Travel Market Report —Air France-KLM and Air Europa are examining an expansion of this agreement to include a wider range of operations in tandem. Read More


Safety and Security Header

TSA adds Swiss International Air Lines to PreCheck

Airport Technology —Swiss International Air Lines passengers can now receive expedited security screening through the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program. Read More

How San Jose Airport Uses Facial Recognition to Speed Lines

SF Gate —Long lines at passport control cut short by biometrics…Read More

Bomb-sniffing Dogs Helping Reduce Airport Security Waits

SF Gate —Sniffed passengers getting PreCheck privileges…Read More

Theft of Alaska Airplane by Employee Exposes Gaps in Airport Security

Travel Market Report —Tragic event leads to serious concerns about a loophole in the post-9/11 airport security system, questioning how someone could simply hop into a plane and take off unnoticed at one of the busiest airports in the country. Read More

TSA Shows Off New 3D Screening Machine at Washington Dulles

USA Today —The Transportation Security Administration’s testing of 3D scanners at airport checkpoints was on display Friday at Washington Dulles airport. 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

National Will Offer Car & Driver Services in China

Business Travel News —This fall, National Car Rental will launch a service in China that provides both cars and drivers for travelers. Read More

Why Your Uber Driver Is Purposely Taking A Longer Route

The Points Guys —Many Uber drivers complain of low pay and high operating costs. However, some drivers are fighting back, and it could affect your next ride. Read More

New High Speed Rail Link to Slash Beijing-Hong Kong Travel Times Next Month

YIKAI Global —The Hong Kong section of a high-speed rail link connecting the special administrative region to the Chinese mainland is set to open to passengers next month, slashing the time it takes to travel to Beijing by almost two thirds. Read More


Hotel News Header

Marriott Copes With Glitches as Loyalty Programs Merge

SF Gate —Company working through issues in combining members’ data…Read More

First Hilton Tri-branded Property Opens in Chicago

Travel Mole —Hilton has unveiled its first tri-branded property in Chicago’s McCormick Place…Read More

Hilton Hints at New Luxury Collection Brand

Travel Market Report —The hotelier has also curated unique local experiences in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for guests staying at either of its current luxury brands, Waldorf Astoria and Conrad. Read More


Traveler Tips Header

Delta Goes Against Trends and Adds More Seat-back Entertainment

USA Today —While most airlines are getting rid of seatback entertainment, Delta Airlines announced that they installed a seat-back entertainment system on their 600th aircraft. Read More

Seven Tips for Traveling During Hurricane Season

Travel Market Report —There are great deals for travelers who are willing to take their chances with the less predictable weather that September and October can bring. Here’s how to help them prepare. Read More

Do You Understand Your Loyalty Programs?

Travel Pulse —A new study revealed that around half of airline loyalty program members do not fully understand how to earn or redeem their points or miles. Read More

10 Sure Fire Tips For Stress Free Travel

Travel Weekly —Despite being the very thing we do to relax and unwind from our work and home lives, there’s no doubt that travel can be very stressful in itself. Travel Weekly’s tips will help ease the stress…Read More

Exercise While Traveling

Global Traveler —If there is one guaranteed facet of travel, it’s the shakeup of a well-established schedule — especially your exercise routine. Luckily, there are many options for staying fit on the road. Read More

US Travellers Happy to Pay for Upgrades

Buying Business Travel —A new study reveals that the majority of US business travellers are happy to pay out of their own pocket for non-policy conveniences such as hotel room or airline seat upgrades and faster hotel wifi. Read More


Meeting and Incentive Travel Header

Influx of New Hotels in Chicago Could Be a Boon for Planners

Northstar Meetings Group —The increase in hotel supply in Chicago is reaching record levels…Read More

Strategic Creative Development of Program Communications

Creative Group —Strategic communication increases the number of participant “touchpoints.” Read about how a smart program communications campaign saves money and improves program results…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