January 10, 2023

Direct Travel

News Briefs

January 10, 2023

In This Edition… updated COVID testing requirement travelers to/from China, Delta to offer free WI-Fi, American changes boarding process, updates to airline flight routes, what is a Known Traveler Number, a guide to tipping at hotels, changes that will affect American travelers in 2023, and other travel tips...

Dans cette édition... mise à jour des exigences en matière de tests de la COVID-19 pour les voyageurs en provenance et à destination de la Chine, Delta entend offrir le Wi-Fi gratuit, American modifie son processus d’embarquement, mises à jour des itinéraires de vol des compagnies aériennes, qu’est-ce qu’un numéro de voyageur connu, un guide relatif aux pourboires dans les hôtels, les changements qui affecteront les voyageurs américains en 2023, et divers autres conseils relatifs aux voyages....

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The Top Business Travel Articles of 2022

As you reflect on the year and ready your business for 2023, review these key insights from our most popular articles of 2022. Read More


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China Will Drop COVID Quarantine for International Arrivals

Afar Magazine — Starting January 8, China’s mandatory quarantine requirement for travelers arriving from abroad will come to an end, marking a major step toward reopening for travel. Read More

U.S. Imposing Covid Test Requirements For Travelers Coming From China, Hong Kong

View From The Wing — Now that China is re-opening to travel starting January 8, the U.S. is is imposing testing requirements on arrivals from China, Hong Kong and Macau – effective January 5. Read More

Visitors To Canada From China Will Require Negative COVID Test From January 5

Travel Pulse — Beginning January 5, all air travellers two years of age and older arriving in Canada on flights originating from China, Hong Kong or Macao, will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result. Read More


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Delta Air Lines Will Offer Free Wi-Fi Starting on Feb. 1

Travel Market Report — The only requirement will be that passengers are logged in through their SkyMiles account. Read More

American Airlines Is Making Changes To Its Boarding Process In 2023

Simply Flying — Passengers will now earn Group 5 boarding and one upgrade to Group 4 upon reaching the first threshold in the airline’s frequent flyer program. Read More

Delta Adds 6 New Routes That Go Head-to-head Against American

The Points Guy — The network planners at Delta Air Lines have been busy this holiday season. The Atlanta-based carrier filed six new domestic routes over the Christmas weekend… Read More

American Adds 2 New Routes From Its Washington Hub

The Points Guy — The carrier is adding service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, Wisconsin, beginning June 1, 2023. Read More

Delta Was The Timeliest U.S. Airline in 2022

Travel Weekly — According to Cirium data, Delta’s 84.1% on-time ranking bested runner-up Alaska Airlines (81.4%). Read More


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Known Traveler Number: What Is It and Should You Get One?

The Points Guy — When you travel, there are a few pieces of information you probably like to keep handy including your frequent flyer number, passport number and trip confirmation number. However, another number comes into play if you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: your Known Traveler Number or “KTN.” It’s an important number that ensures access to the TSA PreCheck lanes. Read More

TSA Says The United States is ‘Years Away’ From Abandoning 3-1-1 Airport Liquids Ban

Paddle Your Own Kanoo — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that the United States is still “years away” from abandoning the 3-1-1 airport security rule that limits the amount of liquids passengers are allowed to take through security checkpoints. Read More

Getting Through TSA Will Be Easier and Quicker in 2023

Afar Magazine — TSA is enhancing its technology and protocols at almost every step of the security screening process with the hopes of reducing congestion and stress for travelers and agents alike. 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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Your Guide to Tipping at Hotels

Afar Magazine — Your cheat sheet of whom to tip, how much, and when while staying at a hotel. Read More

Best Hotels in Chicago, According to Travelers and Experts

Good Housekeeping — The Windy City is a fantastic destination and has accommodations for travelers of all types. Read More

Swiss Hotel Will Join Hyatt’s Unbound Collection

Travel Weekly — The Hotel Fluela in Davos, which has operated as a hotel since 1868, is undergoing an extensive renovation and will relaunch as part of the Unbound Collection in 2023. Read More

Highgate is Acquiring Viceroy Hotels

Travel Weekly — The real estate investment and hospitality management firm is planning expansion for the luxury lifestyle brand. Read More

Hotel Fees Expected to Rise in 2023

Prevue Meetings — Even as hotel rates are already up more than 18% in 2022 and are predicted to increase another 8% in 2023, hotel fees and surcharges appear to be on the rise as well. Read More

New Hotels & Resorts Opening in Asia & the Pacific in 2023

Travel Pulse — Check out some of the coolest new hotels and resorts opening in Asia & the Pacific in 2023. Read More


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How to Renew Your U.S. Passport

Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know, from the right forms to use to how much it will cost. Read More

Major Changes That Will Affect American Travelers in 2023

Travel Pulse — Here is a look at some of the major developments that U.S. travelers need to know about this year… Read More

Flight Canceled or Delayed? Here’s What to Do

U.S. News & World Report — Surprise, surprise! Having a travel advisor is one of the top tips for travelers to avoid the kind of disruptions so many Americans experienced over the holidays. Read More

Federal Mask Mandate on Planes and Public Transportation No Longer in Effect

Travel Market Report — According to a White House official, TSA will no longer enforce the mandate after a Federal Judge’s decision on Monday. Read More

From Airports to Hotels: Tips for Skipping Long Lines When You Travel

The Points Guy — We’ve compiled a few ways you can save time and avoid the longest lines throughout your trip. Read More

Masking Recommendations on the Rise

Prevue Meetings — Masking recommendations — but not mandates — are again on the table as many areas of the U.S. begin to see a rise in Covid cases, as well as the flu and the common respiratory illness known as RSV. Read More


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4 Top Speaker Trends for 2023

Prevue Meetings — The opening speaker sets the tone for everything to follow, so it’s vital that you choose the right person and topic. 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].

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