January 9, 2024

Direct Travel

News Briefs

January 9, 2024

In This Edition… the EU’s new Entry-Exit System to be launched in October 2024, Visa requirement for US passport holders to Travel to Europe in 2025, flight service updates, U.K. to test facial recognition technology, TSA testing acceptance of Mobile IDs In Samsung Wallet, hotel updates, traveler tips, and more!

Dans cette édition… le nouveau système d’entrée-sortie de l’UE qui sera lancé en octobre 2024, l’exigence de visa pour les détenteurs de passeports américains qui se rendent en Europe en 2025, des mises à jour sur les services de vol, le Royaume-Uni entend tester la technologie de reconnaissance faciale, la TSA teste l’acceptation des cartes d’identité numériques dans Samsung Wallet, des mises à jour sur les hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et plus encore!

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The Top Business Travel Articles of 2023

As we collectively prepare for the new year, here are the top takeaways from our most popular articles in 2023. Read More

Preparing Your Travel Program for the New EU Sustainability Guidelines

Regardless of where your company’s home base is located, it is important to understand why the new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has been enacted and how Direct ATPI Halo can help your business comply with CSRD. Read More


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FAA Temporarily Grounds Boeing 737 Max 9 Aircraft

Business Travel News — Over the weekend, the FAA grounded Boeing Max 737-9 aircraft following an incident where fuselage came off an Alaska Airlines plane during take-off, sparking full safety inspections and a National Transport Safety Board investigation. The decision to ground Max 737-9 aircraft impacts several airlines, causing continued flight delays and cancellations. Read More

Brazil Postpones Electronic Visa Launch

Travel Pulse — The application platform announced in December will now debut this spring. Read More

EU’s Entry-Exit System Now Set for October 2024 Launch

Business Travel News Europe — The EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) is set to finally be launched in October 2024, according to multiple media reports. EES is an automated IT system for registering travelers from non-EU countries, including the UK, when they cross the EU’s external border. Read More


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SAS to Expand European Network for Summer 2024

BTN Europe — Scandinavian Airlines plans to add new routes and increase flight frequencies across its European network. Read More

New Flight Routes Taking off in 2024

Travel Pulse (Gallery) — The new year is upon us and that means air travelers can look forward to a plethora of new flight options, both domestic and international. Read More

Atlanta Airport’s New Private Terminal Starts at $1,000 per Visit—and We Got a First Look

Afar Magazine — Here’s a look inside and a review of the full PS experience at Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson Airport. Read More

Lufthansa Expands Green Fares to International Routes

Business Travel News — Lufthansa Group now offers what it calls a test of its Green Fares on 12 long-haul flights. Read More

Tulum Is Taking Off

Travel Weekly — Tulum Airport saw its first domestic flights on Dec. 1, and the first section of the Maya Train launched on Dec. 15. Read More

Alaska Airlines Agrees to Acquire Hawaiian in $1.9B Deal

Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines has agreed to acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a deal valued at $1.9 billion, including $18 per share in cash. Read More


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In 2024, U.S. Passports Will Be Processed Faster Than They Have Been in Years

Afar Magazine — The pandemic stretched passport wait times to new extremes—up to several months. Nearly four years later, they’ve finally returned to normal. Read More

U.K. Set to Trial Airports Facial Recognition Tech

BTN Europe — The U.K.’s Border Force could introduce facial recognition for travelers entering the country that would replace the need to present passports upon arrival. Read More

Security in 12 Seconds? A New TSA PreCheck Screening Upgrade Will Get You Through Faster Than Ever

Afar Magazine — Here’s how it will work to speed up the process. Read More

TSA Now Accepts Mobile IDs In Samsung Wallet, Starting With Arizona

TSA.gov — In collaboration with the State of Arizona and Samsung, the Transportation Security Administration is now accepting, for limited testing and evaluation purposes, Arizona-issued mobile driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards in Samsung Wallet on Samsung mobile devices at select TSA airport security checkpoints. Read More

TSA PreCheck Adds Four Airlines

Travel Weekly — TSA has added Norse Atlantic Airways, Lynx Air, Starlux Airlines and Fiji Airways. Read More

The Transportation Department Is Investigating Airline Loyalty Programs

Travel Weekly — The DOT said it is reviewing complaints about unfair and deceptive practices. 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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This Is How You Should Tip Hotel Staff in the USA

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

10 Hotels Opening in 2024

Northstar Meetings Group — From the middle of Manhattan to the deserts of Dubai, these hotels are scheduled to welcome group business in 2024. Read More


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10 New State Laws That Will Impact U.S. Travelers in 2024

Fodor’s Travel — The change of the calendar has brought new laws to some U.S. states. Read More

Which Is the Safest Seat on an Airplane?

Fodor’s Travel — If one felt compelled to choose the safest seat onboard, where should they sit? Read More

8 Airport Hotels Worth an Overnight Stay

Afar Magazine — Why crash on an airport floor anymore? These airport hotels around the world offer far more than a comfortable bed. Read More

What Will—and Won’t—Get You a Fine at U.S. Customs

Afar Magazine — The wrong thing in your bag could cost you and disrupt your international travels for months to come. Read More

Travel Tipping: How Much to Tip & Where to Skip

Winni Wanderer — Tipping is a practice that sometimes causes confusion: when to tip, where to tip, and how much to tip are all questions that arise when traveling. We’ve compiled a list of best practices to help guide you on your next journey. Read More

Why Airlines Are Investing Big in Premium Seats

Afar Magazine — As more travelers choose to upgrade their in-flight experience, carriers are rethinking service, cabin design, and lounge experiences. Read More

IRS Hikes 2024 Tax-Deductible Mileage Rate

Business Travel News — The U.S. Internal Revenue Service announced the 2024 rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a car for business purposes would rise from 2023. Read More

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