August 6, 2024

Direct Travel

News Briefs

August 6, 2024

In This Edition… recent news articles relating to airline flight service updates and news, security updates, hotel information, traveler tips, and much more!

Dans cette édition… de récents articles d’actualité présentant des mises à jour et des nouvelles sur les services de vol des compagnies aériennes, des mises à jour en matière de sécurité, des informations sur les hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore

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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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GBTA Projects Full Corporate Travel Spending Recovery for 2024

Business Travel News — Inflation-adjusted figures, however, would remain short of 2019 levels. Read More


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CrowdStrike Outage Cost Delta $500 Million

CNBC — The IT outage forced the airline to cancel over 5,000 flights, more than were nixed in all of 2019. Read More

Turkish Airlines Unveils New Business Class Suite

Business Travel News Europe — Turkish Airlines has revealed details of its new Crystal Business Class suite, which will be rolled out across its transatlantic network. The new suites feature an adjustable door and privacy panel, a 23-inch-wide seat, increased footwell space and adjustable ambient and reading lights. Read More

Qatar Airways Is Launching a Highly Anticipated New Qsuite Business Seat—Here’s a Sneak Peek

Afar Magazine — The airline provided a first glance at images and mock-ups of a new business-class offering that is sure to impress. Read More

Air India to Introduce A350 Aircraft on Two U.S. Routes

Travel Weekly — The airline will operate the new plane daily on New York JFK-Delhi flights from Nov. 1 and Newark-Delhi flights five times per week from Jan. 2. Read More

Korean Air to Buy 50 Aircraft, Launch New Business Class

Business Travel News — Korean Air has agreed to purchase 50 new Boeing aircraft, the carrier announced Monday. The order includes 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, 20 Boeing 787-10 aircraft and an option for 10 more of the 787-10s. Read More

Alaska Airlines Adding Premium Seats in 200-Aircraft Retrofit

Travel Weekly — The airline will add first-class seats on Boeing 737-800 aircraft and extra-legroom seats on 737-900ER and 737-9 Max planes. Read More

Air Canada to Enhance Fleet with 8 New Boeing 737-8 Aircraft in 2024

TravelPulse — Air Canada will receive eight new Boeing 737-8 aircraft from BOC Aviation in 2024, with service starting in 2025, powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines. Read More

United Airlines Predicts Lower Profits Ahead of Capacity Reductions

TravelPulse — The airline plans to reduce domestic capacity by three percent. Read More

Alaska Just Added These 18 New Flights Across North and Central America

Afar Magazine — Alaska Airlines has a new focus on popular sun and ski destinations. Read More

Delta and United Both Post $1.3B Profits for Q2

Northstar Meetings Group — Strong travel demand has been offsetting the airlines’ rising costs from recent labor deals and fuel, but carriers are cutting flights due to oversupply. Read More

Alaska Airlines Opens New SFO Lounge

Business Travel News — The 11,000-sq.-ft. space has 55 percent more seating compared with the airline’s previous lounge in Terminal 2. Read More


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CLEAR Expands TSA Enrollment to Six New Airports

TravelPulse — Security identity company CLEAR has expanded its official TSA PreCheck enrollment locations to six new airports across the country this week, for a total of 46 TSA PreCheck enrollment locations nationwide. 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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Sonesta Opens First Hotel in Mexico

Sonsta Press Release — Sonesta announced the opening of Costa Sur Resort, Classico Collection by Sonesta, in Puerto Vallarta. Read More

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Introduces Jetlag-Fighting App, Timeshifter, to Guests

TravelPulse — InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has partnered with jetlag-fighting app, Timeshifter, to help guests at its properties as part of the company’s ‘Intentional Flexibility’ initiatives. Read More

IHG Launches ‘Low-Carbon Pioneers’ Program for Hotels

Hotel Investment Today — Eligible properties must be energy efficient, with no fossil fuels combusted on site, and must have a sustainability certification recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Read More

Hyatt Reportedly Poised to Buy Hotel Operator Standard International

TravelPulse — Continuing a string of acquisitions focused on expanding its luxury property holdings, Hyatt Hotels is reported to be close to finalizing a deal to purchase hotel operator Standard International. Read More


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COVID Is on the Rise Again. Can I Still Travel If I Test Positive?

Afar Magazine — Infectious disease experts share their advice about how to proceed with travel plans if you test positive, or if someone you’ve been in contact with does. Read More

When Do Airlines Give Vouchers for Delays?

TravelPulse — Airlines’ policies on vouchers for delays vary by region and circumstances, with European carriers required by law to compensate for controllable delays, whereas U.S. airlines have no standard and handle delays individually, often not providing cash but possibly issuing travel credits or covering expenses for controllable delays. Read More

6 Mistakes Not to Make When Traveling During Extreme Heat

Afar Magazine — As we endure another record-breaking summer of scorching temperatures, experts weigh in on common mistakes travelers make when it’s extremely hot outside. Read More

What Happens If Your Name Is Misspelled on Your Airline Ticket?

Afar Magazine — The fix is often easy, especially if you resolve the issue quickly. Read More

Why Traveling Is So Tiring and What to Do About It

USA Today — Stress, jet lag and changes in routine all are contributors. Fixes include adjusting your light exposure and activity schedule before you travel. Read More


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Redefining Engagement: The Future of Conferences in a Digital Age

Fast Company — The conference industry is moving toward a virtual model as standard practice. Here’s what leaders need to know to ensure their virtual conference is successful. Read More

IMEX America Responds To Industry Shifts

The Metting Magazines — The team behind IMEX America has revealed how the show, taking place October 8–10 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, is set to respond to shifts in the business events sector, in which rising costs, resource limitations and a fast-changing geopolitical landscape are all at play. Read More

Event Planners Prioritize Cost Concerns, DEI Over Sustainability

PMCA.org — Two recent surveys reveal a waning interest in sustainability initiatives among corporate event organizers, other event planners. Read More

Nonalcoholic Trends Are Redefining Social Drinking

Northstar Meetings Group — Alcohol-free cocktails, once an afterthought, are no longer a niche trend. By 2027, nonalcoholic options are set to command nearly 4 percent of total alcohol volumes in the top 10 global markets. Read More

Looking for assistance with your next convention, incentive, or special event? From designing memorable experiences to managing strategic meetings, Direct Travel is your trusted event partner! For details, please send a message to: [email protected].

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