February 25, 2020

Direct Travel

News Brief

February 25, 2020

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: Traveler info about COVID-19, Visa’s overhaul of interchange rate structure, new airline codeshare and partnerships, Delta to become carbon-neutral, airline flight expansions, the end of Air Italy, Real ID, passport versus passport card, getting an international drivers permit, Hyatt’s app relaunch, business travel risk management best practices, and many tips for travelers!

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Business Travel Risk Management Best Practices

Whether it’s the recent wildfires in Australia, unrest in the Middle East or the ongoing development of the Coronavirus, on any given day, there are man-made or natural disasters in some part of the world. Catastrophic incidents are especially of concern to companies that have employees traveling to high-risk areas. However, risk management best practices aren’t only for high-risk travel. Proactive risk management is important because incidents can happen anywhere, rather unexpectedly. How can companies ensure that they are able to provide assistance to team members in need? And will business travel become riskier in the 2020s? Read More


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Coronavirus Factsheet: What Travelers Need to Know About COVID-19

Travel Market Report — Here are the facts about the coronavirus, including travel insurance implications, State Department travel warnings, reactions from cruise lines and airlines, and more. Read More

Coronavirus Refunds: Which Airlines Are Giving Them

Smarter Travel — Some airlines are more helpful than others when it comes to getting you out of an unsafe situation. Read More

Possible Visa Interchange Fee Hike Could Mean Costlier Online, Virtual Bookings

Business Travel News — Visa is overhauling its interchange rate structure, according to a published report, a move that could mean higher fees for some types of corporate travel bookings made with Visa cards. The payment network would increase interchange rates for some types of purchases while decreasing others. Read More


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United Expands Codesharing with Vistara

Business Travel News — United Airlines is expanding its codeshare agreement with Indian carrier Vistara to cover 68 flights to 26 destinations connecting with United’s service to New Delhi and Mumbai. Read More

American Expands Preordered Premium Meal Service to American Eagle Flights

Business Travel News — On March 11, American Airlines will add a preordered meal service for premium-cabin passengers on American Eagle flights of at least 900 miles in length, the carrier announced. Read More

Delta Commits $1 Billion to Become First Carbon Neutral Airline

Insider Travel Report — Delta Air Lines focused on advancing sustainability with a 10-year commitment to mitigate all emissions from March 2020 forward. Read More

American, Alaska Announce New Alliance

Business Travel News — American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are joining forces as a “West Coast International Alliance” that will include increased codesharing, reciprocal loyalty program benefits and, ultimately, Alaska’s entry into the Oneworld alliance and expanded American international service out of Seattle. Read More

American Airlines Finds New Latin America Partner in Gol

Business Travel News — American Airlines and Brazilian carrier Gol have reached a reciprocal codesharing agreement, the companies announced. Read More

Delta Consolidating Operations at New York’s JFK Airport

Travel Pulse — Delta Air Lines announced plans to dramatically expand Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and consolidate operations. Read More

United Adds More Gates, More Flights From Denver Hub

Insider Travel Report — United Airlines is celebrating its partnership with hub Denver International Airport (DEN) hub after the recent decision by the Denver City Council to approve the lease of an additional 24 gates to the airline. Read More

Delta One Suites Now Available on All of the Carrier’s 777 Flights

The Points Guy — All of the Delta’s Boeing 777s now sport the airline’s Delta One Suites, complete with a sliding door at every seat. Read More

WestJet Plans Calgary Expansion

Business Travel News — WestJet will add 90 new flights out of Calgary this summer, including new flights to Rome, Boston and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, as well as new WestJet Link service to Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Read More

Air Italy to Cease Operations and Liquidate

Travel Market Vacations — The carrier operated flights through Feb. 25. Read More


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Airports Warn of Chaos with Looming Real ID License Deadline

NBC News — Without a special Real ID driver’s license or card, airline passengers will be required to present a passport, military ID or Global Entry card to pass through security, even for domestic flights, starting in October. Read More

Real ID Applications May Be Getting Faster in Effort to Meet October Deadline

USA Today — Federal officials will let states allow Real ID applicants submit the required documents electronically in an effort to help states meet an Oct. 1 deadline for enhanced driver’s licenses. 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


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Enterprise-Rent-a-Car Earns Top Honors at 2020 Travvy Awards

Travel Pulse — The 2020 edition of the Travvy Awards was a huge success and one of the night’s biggest winners was Enterprise Holdings and its brands. Read More

Survey: More Workers Find Work-Life Balance by Embracing Work-Life “Blending”

Enterprise Holdings — New National Car Rental data reveals a blurring line between work and personal time…Read More

How to Get an International Driver’s Permit

Afar — Driving legally in a foreign country isn’t as easy as just showing up with your license. In many cases, you’ll need a special permit. Read More


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Hyatt Global Head Of Digital Discusses Relaunched World Of Hyatt App.

Hotel News Now — Julia Vander Ploeg, SVP and global head of digital at Hyatt, shares insights on how the World of Hyatt app was relaunched to meet the needs of guests. She said the new version is “built to enable a more personalized and seamless experience for our members throughout the stages of their travel journey” by integrating it with Hyatt’s hotel systems. Read More

NH Hotel Group’s First U.S. Hotel Will Open in New York

Travel Weekly — Located in midtown Manhattan, the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue will open in April. Read More

Hotel Brands Add to Collections

Hotel Business — Autograph Collection, Ascend Collection and Curio Collection by Hilton have all added to their portfolios. Read More

Hilton’s Collection Brands Add 40 Hotels, 120 in Pipeline

Business Travel News — Hilton adds to its portfolio with more in the pipeline…Read More


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How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide

Smarter Travel — Thinking about putting off your renewal? Don’t. Here’s why (and how). Read More

How to Properly Disinfect Your Airplane Seat

USA Today — Flu and other viruses got you worried? Here’s how to properly disinfect your airplane seat…Read More

Doctors Urge Travelers Not to Fly With Flu

NBC Chicago — Several airlines charge fees to cancel nonrefundable tickets, but some offer flexibility for customers…Read More

13 Tricks for Sleeping Better on Planes

Smarter Travel — Sleeping on planes is nearly impossible—but these tips can help. Read More

16 Packing Hacks That Will Change How You Travel

Smarter Travel — Don’t leave home without these ingenious hacks for packing perfectly for every trip. Read More

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