January 2, 2019

Direct Travel

News Briefs

January 2, 2019

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: Airlines announce new transatlantic flights for 2019, Global Entry offices closed due to government shutdown, how to help travelers prepare for Real ID, Enterprise will add internet-connected vehicles, how to avoid the airplane cold this flu season, savings opportunities in non-traditional travel categories and more!

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Savings Opportunities in Non-Traditional Travel Categories

With 2018 coming to a close, travel managers are looking back at the year and setting their strategic plans for the upcoming year. As travel costs continue to rise year-over-year, the pressure to find innovative ways to save the company money continues to increase…Read More


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Airlines Announce New Transatlantic Flights for 2019

Travel Market Report —Travel to Europe should be easier and more convenient next year, as a number of international airlines are adding new routes over the North Atlantic next spring and summer. Read More

United Adding 11 New Routes for Summer 2019

Travel Pulse —The seasonal routes will connect the airline’s hubs in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., with vacation destinations in California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, Michigan and Nova Scotia. Read More

American Aids Winter Migration with 28 New Flights

Airline Ratings —US snowbirds rejoice: American Airlines is this week launching 28 new flights that offer increased access to warmer climates such as Miami and the Caribbean. Read More

United Airlines-backed Joint Venture Buying ExpressJet

Travel Mole —Airline will fly exclusively for United Express…Read More

American Launches New Onboard Catering

Forbes —American Airlines and Zoës Kitchen are partnering on new inflight menu options featuring savory Mediterranean dishes, including hummus, deli meats and cabbage. Passengers interested in specific meals can pre-order them online. Read More

Delta Adds Mexico City Route from Minneapolis/St. Paul Hub

USA Today —Beginning June 8, Delta Air Lines will add nonstop service to Mexico City from its Minneapolis/St. Paul hub. Read More

United Airlines Gives Hometown First Look at Newest Dreamliner

Chicago Business Journal —United Airlines treated workers at its Chicago hub to a look at its newest Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, which features amenities including mood lighting and a new state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system. Read More

Delta Gives Branded Fares Boarding Priority

Business Travel News —On Jan. 23, Delta will introduce a color-coded boarding process, based on branded fares purchased, to replace its zone-based process. Read More

United to Add International Flights from San Francisco

Reuters —United Airlines is looking to beef up its international service with flights from San Francisco to New Delhi, India; Toronto, Canada; and Melbourne, Australia. Read More

United Charging Extra for Preferred Seats in Economy Class

Travel Pulse —Get ready to pay more! Read More


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Global Entry Offices Closed Due to Government Shutdown

The Points Guy —If you have a Global Entry interview scheduled for the near future, you might want to check your email…Read More

TSA Planning Major Shift in Air Marshal Operations

ABC News (video) —Federal air marshals are being moved to the back of the plane — some of them, at least. Read More

How to Help Travelers Prepare for Real ID

Travel Daily News —By October 2020, travelers won’t be able to board planes in the United States if they don’t have the correct form of ID. Read More

Holiday Air Travel Forecast Calls for More People and Changes in Security Screening

Seattle Times —Travel-industry experts expect smoother air travel this holiday season as better technology streamlines security checks. Read More

U.S. Airlines Need More Bomb-Sniffing Dogs in a Hurry

Bloomberg Quint —The Transportation Security Administration has begun approving companies to provide airlines with private canine teams to screen cargo for explosives. 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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Paris Airport Introduces New Taxi Regulation Following Shocking Viral Tourist Scam Video

Express —Charles De Gualle Airport in Paris has introduced new taxis which are … new taxi regulation following shocking viral tourist scam video. Read More

The Most Popular Uber Drop-off Spot in 49 States: Stadiums, Casinos and Bars

USA Today —Ridesharing has become increasingly popular for travelers, as evidenced by recent reports that Uber is the most expensed brand for business travelers. Read More

Enterprise Will Add Internet-Connected Vehicles

Business Travel News —Enterprise Holdings plans to add more than 100,000 vehicles equipped with internet to its fleet over the next year. Read More

Hertz Partners with Clear for Quick Exit Lanes

Business Travel News —Hertz has partnered with Clear to create a biometrics-based Fast Lane at its Atlanta airport location. Read More


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These Hilton Hotels Help You Keep New Year’s Resolutions

Travel Pulse —Hilton has just released a list of some of its top properties around the globe where maintaining health and fitness resolutions…Read More

Marriott Tests New Design for Its Next 1,000 Aloft Hotels

Travel Market Report —Dreaming of 10 times as many Alofts as there are today, Marriott revealed a new prototype at its big new urban property in Chicago. Read More

AccorHotels Debuts Its First Orient Express Hotel in Bangkok

Insider Travel Report —AccorHotels has announced its first Orient Express branded hotel, which will open in the landmark Bangkok King Power Mahanakhon building in Bangkok. Read More


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Sacramento International Airport is Adding Luxury Lounges and These New Upscale Amenities

The Sacramento Bee —California’s Sacramento International Airport will this spring add two pay-admission Escape Lounges featuring relaxed settings and chef-made meals. Read More

The Best New Airport Amenities of 2018: Smart Bathrooms, Therapy Alligators, More

USA Today —USA Today provides a listing of the best airports amenities from 2018…Read More

Skip the Airplane Cold: 5 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick After Flying

Smarter Travel —Many travelers would swear that they get sick after every trip or vacation…Read More

How to Avoid the Airplane Cold This Flu Season

Amazon —These travel-friendly hacks can help you avoid the germs that could ruin a vacation. Read More


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The Ultimate Corporate Conference Planning Resource List

Creative Group —We made a list. You should check it twice. Read More

Denver Alleges Misconduct in Bidding Process on $233M Colorado Convention Center Expansion

Denver Post —The city of Denver has frozen the bidding process for the quarter-billion-dollar expansion of the Colorado Convention Center after discovering misconduct. 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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