January 24, 2023

Direct Travel

News Briefs

January 24, 2023

In This Edition… the latest travel requirement tied to Covid, flight service updates, the future of 5G on planes, text questions to the TSA, electric vehicles in Europe, hotel news and updates, traveler tips, and much more.

Dans cette édition... les dernières exigences en matière de voyage liées à la Covid-19, les mises à jour des services de vol, l’avenir de la 5G dans les avions, les questions par message texte à la TSA, les véhicules électriques en Europe, les actualités et les mises à jour sur les hôtels, les conseils aux voyageurs et bien plus encore!

Navigator Header

What’s Ahead for Business Travel in 2023

After a rebound in business travel growth that exceeded many analysts’ predictions, the forecast for 2023 promises more change and accelerated growth for corporate travel programs. Read More

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


Travel Management News Header

U.S. Extends Current Covid Travel Restrictions until April

Business Travel News — The U.S. government has extended its existing Covid-19 entry requirements for another three months to mid-April. The current requirement, which requires international visitors to the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against the virus, had been due to end on Jan. 8. Read More

U.S. Requiring Negative Covid Tests for Travelers from China

Business Travel News — Effective Jan. 5, all air passengers 2 years old and older need to provide a negative test no more than two days prior to their departure from China, Hong Kong or Macau. Read More


Airline Updates Header

Lufthansa Submits Offer to Buy Italian Airline ITA Airways

Travel Market Report — Italy is the most important market for Lufthansa outside of its home markets and the U.S. Read More

Delta Confirms China Flight Resumption in March

Business Travel News — China has lifted many of its Covid-19 restrictions and reopened its borders. But that doesn’t mean flights from U.S. carriers to China will resume at pre-pandemic levels anytime soon. Read More

United Opens New Chicago O’Hare Club

Business Travel News — United Airlines last week opened a new United Club at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, according to the carrier. Read More

Delta Adds New Long-haul Route to French Riviera, Upgrades Longest Tel Aviv Flight

The Points Guy — Delta Air Lines is making two exciting updates to its long-haul route map. Read More

The FAA Hopes Airplanes and 5G Can Get Along by Early Next Year

The Verge — Getting to that point, however, will require millions of dollars in filters and altimeter replacements…. Read More

American Airlines to Suspend Miami-Tel Aviv Service

Travel Weekly — AA said the route, launched in 2021, did not meet performance expectations. Read More

American Eagle Will Halt Service to Three Airports

Travel Weekly — The regional carrier will stop flying to and from Long Beach, Calif., on Feb. 28 and Del Rio, Texas, and Columbus, Ga., on April 3. Read More

Delta Air Lines Launches Sustainable Innovation Lab

TravelPulse — It’s an important step in Delta’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Read More

Airport Lounges Are Increasingly in Demand and Driving Revenue

Travel Pulse — People these days are spending more and more time at the airport, whether it’s while awaiting their initial departure or during a layover between connecting flights… Read More


Safety and Security Header

Did You Know? You Can Text TSA Your Travel Questions

Afar Magazine — TSA agents are available to answer questions travelers might have about their IDs, TSA PreCheck, and what’s allowed in carry-on bags, among other queries. Read More

Reminder: Americans Can Still Renew Their Passport Online in 2023

Travel Market Report — With a New Year comes another reminder to check the date on your passport. Read More

Canada, U.S. Work to Reduce Backlog of NEXUS Applications

TravelPulse — U.S. and Canadian officials say the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency… Read More

Business Trips to China Face Disruptions Due to Visa, Passport Delays

Business Traveler USA — The country is finally reopening its borders, but companies are being been warned about severe delays in getting the required paperwork to enter. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

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


Ground Transportation Header

Hertz and Uber Expand Electric-Vehicle Partnership to Europe

TravelPulse — The deal is part of Hertz’s strategy to build one of the world’s largest fleets of rental EVs, and Uber’s plan to hit net-zero in Europe and North America by 2030… Read More

Brightline, Uber Partner for Rail Link

Business Travel News — South Florida rail provider Brightline has partnered with Uber to bring ride-hailing services to its passengers within the Brightline app and website. Read More


Hotel News Header

Accor Launches Collection of Midscale Hotels

Business Travel News — Accor has launched what it called a new global midscale brand of dubbed Handwritten Collection, with 12 properties signed and seven set to debut by May 2023. Read More

Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited to Combine to Form New Brand

Travel Market Report — The current CEO of Virgin Hotels James Bermingham will take over as CEO. Read More

Hyatt’s Andaz Brand Debuts in Thailand

Travel Market Report — The hotel is part of World of Hyatt. Read More

The Latest Hotel Amenity? A Better Night’s Sleep

Afar Magazine — Around the world, hotels are creating sleep-enhancing packages to help guests live the dream. Read More

Hilton Launches Spark, Its First Economy Brand

Travel Weekly — Hilton is looking to shake up the economy hotel sector with the launch of a “premium economy” brand with a colorful and modern design aesthetic. Read More

Accor Sets a New Standard in Sustainability in Singapore

4Hoteliers — Global hospitality company Accor is partnering with SOURCE Global, PBC to bring the world’s first truly sustainable bottled drinking water brand to prominent hotels in Singapore. Read More

Sonesta Launches New Brand

Business Travel News — Sonesta International Hotels Corp. has launched Sonesta Essential, a stripped-down brand offering properties with the “essentials.” Read More

France’s First Mondrian Hotel is Taking Reservations

Travel Weekly — The Mondrian Cannes, formerly the Grand Hotel Cannes, is set to open in March. Read More


Traveler Tips Header

Here’s a First Look at Newark Airport’s Seriously Upgraded Terminal A

Afar Magazine — The much-anticipated improvement over its worn-out predecessor officially opened to the flying public on January 12. Read More

What Travelers Should Know About Their Rights When a Flight is Canceled or Delayed

TravelPulse — An air passenger rights expert shares some insights into what travelers… Read More

The Safest Places to Travel in 2023

TravelPulse — Travelers prioritizing safety and security in the new year have plenty of exciting destinations to choose from… Read More

US Airlines Are Making Elite Status Harder To Attain This Year

Travel Pulse — This year, the country’s largest air carriers—Delta Air Lines, American and United Airlines—are increasing the minimum spending amounts needed to reach elite frequent flyer tiers. Read More

Something You’re No Longer Allowed To Bring To Australia, Without Getting An Online Prescription First

View From The Wing — Since October 1 it’s been illegal to bring e-cigarettes into Australia without a prescription from an Australian doctor. Read More


Meeting and Incentive Travel Header

Playful F&B to Start the Year

Prevue Meetings — Why not start off 2023 with some fun F&B, whether it’s a smoky cocktail or a scoop of purple ice cream? 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