February 19, 2025
In This Edition… airline flight service updates, airport expansion and development plans, U.S. passport clarification, hotel news, traveler tips about airport dining, carry-on luggage, airline ratings, and much more!
Dans cette édition… Des mises à jour sur les services de vol des compagnies aériennes, des plans d'expansion et de modernisation des aéroports, des précisions concernant les passeports américains, des actualités hôtelières, des conseils aux voyageurs au sujet de la restauration dans les aéroports, des bagages à main, des classements des compagnies aériennes, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
What’s Ahead for Business Travel in 2025
Set your travel program up for success in 2025. Learn about rising costs and the latest business travel trends in technology, AI, sustainability, and NDC.
Airline & Flight Updates
Alaska Airlines is pulling out of Dallas Love Field
Travel Weekly — The airline's operations in the Dallas metropolitan area will be consolidated at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
Delta and United Schedule Their Returns to Israel
Travel Weekly — United will be first, with daily service between Newark and Tel Aviv restarting on March 15. Delta will relaunch daily flights between New York JFK and Tel Aviv on April 1.
Delta to Launch Melbourne-Los Angeles Service
Travel Weekly — Delta will compete with United and Qantas with its thrice-weekly flights launching Dec. 3.
United Airlines Grows Its Presence in Denver With New Development Plans
Travel Pulse — One of the hottest aviation rumors is again rearing its head: Is United Airlines moving its headquarters out of Chicago and into Denver?
Delta To Anchor Tampa International Airport’s $1.5 Billion Terminal Expansion
Travel Pulse — Set to open in 2028, the new Terminal D will feature six Delta gates, a state-of-the-art Sky Club lounge, and enhanced passenger amenities to support Tampa’s growing travel demand.
Heathrow Airport Reveals Plans to Expand Two Terminals
Business Travel News Europe — London's Heathrow Airport is planning a multi-billion-pound investment to expand capacity at Terminals Two and Five.
British Airways Revises Loyalty Changes After Customer Backlash
Business Travel New Europe — British Airways has revised changes to its 'Club' loyalty program after a new spend-based model received widespread criticism from members. The changes, due to be rolled out on April 1, included a rebrand and an overhaul in the way travelers earn frequent flyer status.
Safety & Security
U.S. State Dept. Clarifies New Passport Sex Marker Policy
Business Travel News — Issued U.S. passports with "X" gender designations will remain valid until expiration, although no more passports will be issued with that designation, according to guidance published recently by the U.S. State Department.
Frankfurt Airport to Roll Out Walk-Through Scanners
BTN Europe — Frankfurt Airport will deploy AI-powered walk-through security scanners across multiple terminals following a year-long test phase.
State Department Announces New Passport Fair Dates Throughout the US
Travel Pulse — The U.S. Department of State has just announced an expanded series of special passport fairs scheduled to take place across the country, offering more opportunities for travelers who need to apply in person.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Hotel News
Hyatt Announces Plan to Acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts for $2.6 Billion
Travel Pulse — Hyatt Hotels Corporation has a plan to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. which would add all the brand’s all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
New York to Add 5,700 New Hotel Rooms This Year
Hotel Investment Today — CoStar projects a total of 953 hotels and 108,366 rooms will be completed across the United States, with New York and Nashville leading the way.
From Los Angeles Hotels, A Plea for Visitors
Travel Weekly — Wildfires have destroyed parts of Los Angeles County, but most hotels in the region are open for business, and it's business that they desperately need.
Omni to Build Convention Center Hotel in New Orleans
Travel Weekly — Omni will own and operate the 1,000-room Omni New Orleans, which is expected to open in 2029 across the street from the convention center.
Industry Pushes for National Standard on Hotel Fee Transparency
Travel Pulse — A Senate committee has approved the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, a step forward that’s being applauded by an industry organization seeking to level the playing field for hotel pricing disclosures.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
New Report Ranks the Top US Airports for Dining
Travel Pulse — If you’re a foodie who will be traveling in the near future, you would probably like to know which other U.S. airports ranked highest in SEO for Restaurants’ research.
Your Essential Guide to the Latest Carry-On Luggage Restrictions
Afar Magazine — Carry-on luggage size restrictions vary by airline—here’s how to tell if your bag is small enough to bring onboard.
These Are the 20 Busiest Airports in the United States
Afar Magazine — If you’re a frequent traveler, you’re likely familiar with one or more of these U.S. airports. These are the country’s busiest air travel hubs and what they offer in terms of food, shopping, lounges, and more.
These Airlines Were Rated the World's Best for 2025
CNN — Airline Rating, an aviation safety agency, has released its annual lists of the best full-service carriers, low cost-options and hybrid airlines... with Korean Air taking the lead.
Norovirus Outbreaks Are Increasing — Here's How to Reduce the Risk While Traveling
TravelAge West — Wintertime is synonymous with catching colds, but the end of 2024 also brought with it a surge of higher-than-normal cases of norovirus, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Most Annoying Thing That Travelers Do, According to Your Fellow Passengers
Afar Magazine — A new survey reveals the behaviors that bother fliers the most—so don’t be that person.
These Airlines Will Give You Miles for Delayed Bags
Afar Magazine — Start your timer — some carriers offer miles if your checked luggage is delayed more than 20 minutes.
Meetings & Events
L.A. Convention Center Expansion in Doubt After Fires
Los Angeles Times — Faced with the enormous task of rebuilding after the Palisades fire, Los Angeles city officials can no longer oversee a major expansion of the downtown Convention Center in time for the 2028 Olympic Games.
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