February 8, 2022

Direct Travel

News Briefs

February 8, 2022

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: United edits Wi-Fi structure, new flights service offerings, airlines implement new SAF surcharges, Delta’s new amenity kits, the latest on 5G airport impacts, UK updates Covid-19 testing requirements for travelers, Hilton news, Four Season’s growth plan, many traveler tips, Creative Group acquires Strategic Meetings and Incentives and more!

Navigator Header

How to Plan for Business Travel in an Ever-Changing Environment

Today’s travel managers face a near constant level of change and uncertainty. From emerging COVID-19 variants and evolving travel restrictions to supply chain issues and staffing shortages, the challenges created by the pandemic can disrupt and derail corporate travel programs if not addressed with a concerted and strategic approach.

Now, with 2022 in full swing despite the temporary limitations posed by the pervasive omicron variant, how are top travel managers handling the ongoing change and preparing their travelers to do the same? This question will be the object of discussion tackled by a panel of experienced travel professionals as part of BTN’s latest Thought Leadership webinar, Owning What You Can Control in Today’s Fluid Travel Environment. Read More


Airline Updates Header

United Simplifies the Wi-Fi Pricing Structure, Adds Day Pass Option

The Points Guy — United’s onboard Wi-Fi offering has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. But for most flyers, the latest move from the Chicago-based carrier will be a welcome improvement. Read More

Bankruptcy Court Approves Aeromexico Reorganization

Travel Weekly — New York-based Apollo Management Holdings will become the carrier’s largest shareholder, while Delta Air Lines’ stake will decrease to 20 percent…Read More

American Airlines to Resume Flights Between New York and Rome

Aviacionline — American Airlines will resume operations between New York and Rome beginning April 5th. Flights will be on Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, with a capacity of 273 passengers. Read More

Air France and KLM Add SAF Surcharge to Airfares

Business Travel News Europe — Air France and KLM have introduced a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy to their ticket prices from the start of this week (10 January). Read More

American Cuts 1,600 Departures from DFW in March Schedule

WFAA Dallas — This news comes a week after more than 160 pilots and members of the Allied Pilots Association picketed at the airport…Read More

Passenger Facilities at LaGuardia’s Terminal B Are Complete

CNN — The overhaul cost $4 billion and features 35 gates, a new parking garage and what New York’s governor called “stunning” art and modern amenities…Read More

Delta to Offer New Premium-Cabin Amenity Kits

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines beginning in February will offer a new sustainability-focused amenity kit to passengers in its Delta One premium cabin. Read More

United Airlines Resumes SFO Nonstops to Several U.S. and European Destinations

San Francisco Business Journal — United Airlines has scheduled a resumption of nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport to Paris, New Orleans, Atlanta and Pittsburgh, which were all suspended in early 2020 with the outbreak of the pandemic. Read More

American Airlines and British Airways Unveil Details of New JFK Terminal

Travel Weekly — There will be three custom lounges with about 1,000 seats in total. Read More

U.S. FAA Approves 90% of Planes for Low-Visibility Landings Near 5G Airports

US News — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued approvals on Tuesday, for additional altimeters that allow about 90% of the U.S. commercial aviation fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports where 5G wireless is deployed. Read More

DOT Suspends 44 Chinese Airline Flights

Travel Weekly — The move was made in retaliation for similar measures taken in recent weeks against U.S. airlines by the Chinese government. Read More


Safety and Security Header

U.K. to Eliminate Covid Testing Requirement for Vaccinated Travelers

Travel Weekly — The U.K. will end Covid-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated inbound adult travelers and for all inbound travelers under age 18 beginning Feb. 11. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

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


Hotel News Header

New York’s Millennium Hilton Downtown is Getting a New Name

Travel Market Report — One of New York’s most iconic downtown hotels is getting a rebrand. Read More

What Pandemic? Hilton Added More Than One Hotel Per Day In 2021

TravelPulse — Despite challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Hilton is celebrating a record year of development in 2021. Read More

Four Seasons Outlines Growth Plans

Business Travel News — Luxury hotel company Four Seasons, now majority-owned by Bill Gates’ Cascade Investments, plans to open four new properties in North America, keying into secondary cities and vacation markets. Read More

Hilton Celebrates Growth and Development Milestones as Company Prepares for a New, Reinvigorated

Businesswire — Hospitality leader expanded its footprint, opening more than one hotel a day, and introduced new brands in coveted destinations during a year of constant change. Read More

Hoteliers Have Resolved to Live with the Virus

Travel Weekly — The Americas Lodging Investment Summit opening sessions indicated the hotel industry is done waiting for a return to pre-pandemic conditions. Read More


Traveler Tips Header

No Booster, No Travel? More Trips Will Require Third Shot Beginning in February

Forbes — Want to travel with fewer hassles? Three is the magic number. Read More

Pro Tips for Surviving a Long Flight

USA Today (subscription may be required) — Unsurprisingly, getting the most comfortable mask is a high priority…Read More

Why Taking a Vacation Makes You Better at Work

Fortune — 2021 was the year employees came to a realization about serious about their personal time off. After spending nearly two years working from home, people started to recognize that rest and recovery is critical to their work performance. Read More

How to Travel Solo During the Pandemic

Wired — The way we travel may be changing with the spread of Covid-19, but here are ways to stay informed and stay as safe as possible. Read More

EU Lifting Restrictions for Travelers With Digital COVID Certificates

Travel Pulse — Travel across the European Union is set to reopen to the vaccinated. Read More

Here’s a Good Way to Travel and Avoid Some of the Headaches

MarketWatch — 5 reasons you should travel during ‘shoulder seasons.’ Read More


Meeting and Incentive Travel Header

Creative Group Announces Acquisition of Strategic Meetings and Incentives

PR Web — Creative Group is proud to start the year off strong by welcoming Strategic Meetings and Incentives, LLC to the family! This acquisition further delivers on Creative Group’s strategy and operational plan to expand through acquisition and organic growth. 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