January 21, 2025
In This Edition… recent news articles relating to airline flight service updates and news, security updates, hotel information, traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… de récents articles d’actualité présentant des mises à jour et des nouvelles sur les services de vol des compagnies aériennes, des mises à jour en matière de sécurité, des informations sur les hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore.
Navigator Blog
Key Changes International Travelers Should Prepare For In 2025
Here are the changes travelers can expect in the coming months.
Top Tips for Transitioning to a New Travel Management Company
Here are our top tips for business leaders beginning a relationship with a new TMC and how to manage those changes internally.
Airline & Flight Updates
WestJet Launches Calgary-LaGuardia for Summer
Open Jaw — WestJet will offer seasonal flights between Calgary (YYC) and New York LaGuardia (LGA) from 24MAY to 30AUG 2025, alongside its existing service to JFK.
Delta Turns 100 This Year and Just Announced Some High-Tech Changes to the Flying Experience
Afar Magazine — Delta is kicking off a landmark anniversary year by heading into a new century with its eye on futuristic innovations that will help to define the next era of air travel.
United Airlines Adds Boeing 737-800 Flights Between Los Angeles & Toronto
SimplyFlying — Starting May 22, United Airlines is expanding its international route network by adding flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Delta Provides Glimpse at Future with Digital Assistant
PhocusWire — Delta Air Lines is the latest travel giant to announce a generative artificial-intelligence powered assistant: Delta Concierge. The airline is aiming to blend digital and physical experiences through the assistant within its Fly Delta app, said CEO Ed Bastian.
Alaska to Add Anchorage Summer Routes
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines this summer will add new Anchorage routes and resume Fairbanks-Portland, OR service.
Air Canada’s New Fees for Carry-On Luggage Come into Effect
Pax News — Travellers flying with Air Canada who choose the cheapest fare option may want to start packing a little lighter: the airline's new fees for Basic-fare passengers have officially kicked in.
American Airlines Adds Flights to Quebec, Calgary, Bozeman
Travel + Leisure — And more from these U.S. hubs; the new routes start in the summer.
United's Free WiFi Will Be For Loyalty Program Members Only
Travel Weekly — United has signaled its intent to follow the model used by Delta, which began offering free WiFi in 2023, but only for members of its loyalty program.
Air Canada to Operate from JFK New Terminal 6 in 2026
PR Newswire — Air Canada will operate from T6 when it opens to passengers in 2026, joining fellow Star Alliance partners Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ANA as future T6 airlines.
Safety & Security
TSA Issues Final Rule for REAL ID Enforcement
TravelPulse — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a final rule that provided a framework for the federal agency's phased enforcement of REAL ID requirements. Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on the deadline, which is May 7, 2025.
Biometric Developments Gathering Pace at U.S. Airports
PhocusWire — Technology is no longer seen as a challenge as touchless ID verification and other developments are bringing the seamless travel dream to life.
TSA Liquid Limits: What You Can Carry and How Much You Can Bring
Afar Magazine — The TSA allows liquids under 3.4 ounces in your carry-on—but what’s considered a “liquid” isn’t always obvious.
Here's When You'll Actually Need a Real ID to Fly in 2025
CNET — Don't have your Real ID yet? Here's when you'll need it if you want to hop on a plane.
Air Canada Joins Other Carriers In Moving to E-Entry Form for Cuba
Open Jaw — Travellers flying to Cuba with Air Canada will now need to complete their customs declarations electronically.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Hotel News
This Iconic Manhattan Hotel Reopened With a New York–Themed Cocktail Menu—and an $80,000 Suite
Afar Magazine — The Four Seasons Hotel New York reopened in mid-November after four years of closure.
How Langham Hotels Uses “Langham Luminaries” for New Brand Campaign
Insider Travel Report — Langham Hospitality Group unveiled a global campaign for its flagship hotel brand, The Langham Hotels and Resorts, which this year marks its 160th anniversary.
For the Stressed, Tired, and Burned Out: Hotels Are Now Offering “Extreme Relaxation” Vacations
Afar Magazine — Hotels are offering thoughtfully crafted programs where the luxury of travel isn’t about packing your itinerary—it’s about unpacking your stress.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Skiesmag — The program offers individuals who have a non-visible disability with the option to wear a sunflower lanyard or sticker, providing a discrete way of signaling to airport staff that they may require additional support or a little more time or patience.
Delta Maps Out 2025 U.S. Sky Club Additions
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines plans to open five new or expanded Sky Clubs in 2025, the carrier announced.
U.K. Begins ETA Requirement for Entry for Travelers from 54 Countries
Business Travel News — Travelers from 54 countries now are required to complete an online pre-travel check to enter the U.K. following the continued rollout of the country's Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme.
How To Handle Winter Storm-Related Travel Disruptions
Travel Pulse — While there is little that can be done to prevent travel disruptions, the experts at InsureMyTrip have provided some essential advice to help mitigate travelers’ stress and inconvenience during this challenging time.
British Airways Just Became the Latest Airline to Make Changes to Its Loyalty Program
Afar Magazine — The new program, rebranded the British Airways Club, will prioritize spending over miles flown. Here’s how it will work.
Meetings & Events
26 Hotels Opening in 2025
Northstar Meetings Group — Meeting professionals looking for new properties to place their events have plenty of options coming online in 2025. Here are 10 hotels that are putting the final touches on décor and services as they prepare to welcome gatherings.
Megatrends vs. Reality: How Accurate Were Skift Meetings’ 2024 Event Industry Predictions?
Skift — Last December, Skift Meetings published its annual Skift Meetings Megatrends 2024 report, forecasting trends in business events for the coming year. While some forecasts were accurate, others appear to have jumped the gun, showing early signs but not fully materializing. Here’s a look at each one.
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