July 11, 2023

Direct Travel

News Briefs

July 11, 2023

In This Edition… airline news and flight service updates, the latest on passport delays and a new option for renewing, self-services security screening at 25 airports, Enterprise news, hotel updates and new openings, traveler tips, and much more!

Dans cette édition… des nouvelles sur les compagnies aériennes et des mises à jour sur les services de vol, le point sur les retards en matière de passeports une toute nouvelle option pour le renouvellement, des contrôles de sécurité en libre-service dans 25 aéroports, les actualités concernant la société Enterprise, des mises à jour sur les hôtels y compris les récentes ouvertures, des conseils pour les voyageurs, et bien plus encore!

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Top Business Travel Tips for Staying Productive on the Road

Here are our tops tips for ways your team can make the most of balancing work objectives with the demands of travel. Read More

The Value a Virtual Assistant Brings to Your Travel Program

We explore the role AI can play in enhancing travel management company (TMC) servicing capabilities, freeing up time for both travel managers and their travelers. Read More


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Lufthansa Resumes A380 Service to New York JFK

Travel Weekly — The German carrier touched down with the jumbo jet at JFK on July 4 for the first time since November 2019. Read More

Delta’s Outlook Improves for Rest of 2023

Travel Weekly — During its Investor Day, Delta said lower fuel prices and the continued strength of premium product sales will boost profit margins. Read More

Alaska Airlines will fly to the Bahamas from Los Angeles and Seattle

Travel Weekly — These will be Alaska’s first Bahamas flights. Read More

Delta, El Al Partner

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and El Al Israel Airlines have partnered to eventually offer reciprocal codeshare and frequent-flyer benefits. Read More

American Airlines Announces New Baggage Fee for Select Fliers

Afar Magazine — The airline is doing away with free checked baggage on all basic economy international flights, effective immediately. Read More


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U.S. Passport Renewal Wait Now Even Longer

Travel Market Report — Travelers should prepare for the worst-case scenario. Read More

U.S. State Department Launches Passport Fairs to Ease Delays

Travel Market Report — The events will run through July and August in a number of different cities. Read More

TSA Security Screenings Will Be Self-Service in Select Airports

Afar Magazine — The new procedure is already available at 25 U.S. airports. Read More

How to Check Your Passport Status

Afar Magazine — And what to do if it’s taking too long. Read More

Here’s When the U.S. Will Re-Open the Online Passport Portal

Travel Market Report — The online passport renewal program has been closed since March. 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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Enterprise Debuts New Customer Services This Summer as Travel “Gets Back to Normal”

Insider Travel Report — Enterprise Holdings says it’s finally seeing a return to normal, pre-pandemic booking patterns, with customers booking rentals much closer to their date of departure. Read More

High-speed Rail in Chicago

The Points Guy — Amtrak making travel in the Midwest faster and easier. Read More

Drivers to Pay Extra Tolls in Effort to Reduce NYC Congestion

Northstar Meetings Group — New York has received critical federal approval for its first-in-the-nation plan to charge big tolls to drive into the most visited parts of Manhattan, part of an effort to reduce traffic, improve air quality and raise funds for the city’s public-transit system. Read More


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Choice Integrates Radisson Americas into Franchise System Ahead of Schedule

Insider Travel Report — Choice is on pace to integrate the nearly 600 Radisson Americas hotels onto its reservation delivery engine and its Choice Privileges loyalty program by the end of this summer. Read More

Hilton’s Jacobs on Project H3, State of Extended-Stay

Hotel Investment Today — Every major player is launching an extended-stay brand. What are the challenges and opportunities? Hotel Investment Today talks to Hilton about its new entry and approach to the market. Read More

39 Hotels Opening in 2023

Northstar Meetings Group — New to the list are the Arlo Williamsburg and the Tempo by Hilton Times Square in New York City, and the Nautilus Sonesta in Miami Beach. Read More

29 Hotel Renovations Happening in 2023

Northstar Meetings Group — Explore this collection of properties that have completed or will undergo transformations this year. Read More

Accor Plans to Add More than 1,200 Hotels

Reuters — The latest sign the industry is betting on strong travel demand long-term following the pandemic… Accor plans to open more than 1,200 hotels in the next five years, increasing the number of its resorts by more than one-fifth. Read More

Sonesta Launches Two New Soft Brands

Business Travel News — Sonesta International Hotel Corp. has added two new soft brands to its portfolio with the launch of the upscale Mod and upper-upscale Classico. Read More


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Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada?

Afar Magazine — Everything you need to know about travel requirements to visit the United States’ northern neighbor. Read More

Congress Set to Authorize 5 years of FAA Funds. How That Impacts You.

Yahoo — The Federal Aviation Administration is set to run out of money and authority on Sept. 30. Here’s what Congress is considering in the new funding bill. Read More

Was Your Flight Canceled by Bad Weather?

Meetings & Conventions — Here’s what you need to know about rebooking, refunds and more. Read More


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Food and Beverage Trends

Creative Group — Now trending in F&B: budget-savvy solutions to rising costs, clean eating, and more! Read More

Sales Incentive Audit Delivers Greater Program Equity

Creative Group — Creative Group recently helped a client revamp their program rules to lessen disparities. 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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