June 14, 2022

Direct Travel

News Briefs

June 14, 2022

In This Edition… negative COVID test requirement ends, Canada extends traveler vaccination requirement, airline flight/route updates, AA and Qatar codeshare expands, a refresher on TSA’s liquid limit, Enterprise expands, Hilton gives first quarter update, Choice Hotels buys Radisson, traveler tips, and much more!

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Why Responsive TMC Service Should Be a Top Priority for Your Business

From efficient technology and communication tools to traveler experience and ensuring compliance, a Travel Management Company (TMC) plays an important role in keeping your travel program running smoothly and driving ROI for your business. Read More


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U.S. Inbound Testing Requirement Ends

Business Travel News — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention effective June 12 ended negative Covid-19 test requirements for inbound passengers to the U.S. Read More

Travelers Will No Longer Need a COVID Test to Enter the United States

Afar Magazine — The move means no more scrambling for a COVID test or worrying about getting stuck in quarantine abroad—at least for now. Read More

Canada Extends Travel Vaccination Requirement Through at Least June 30

Travel Market Report — Unvaccinated inbound travelers will still not be able to enter Canada until at least July. Read More


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American to Add Eight Routes, Cut Seven Long-Haul Pairs

Business Travel News — American Airlines plans to add eight flights to its schedule and remove seven long-haul routes, according to the carrier. Read More

United Airlines Adds San Francisco to Brisbane Flight

Travel Market Report — From Brisbane, guests will be able to connect to 20 other Australian cities via United’s partnership with Virgin Australia. Read More

Lufthansa Cancels Flights Amid Staff Shortages

BTN Europe — Lufthansa has canceled hundreds of flights originally scheduled for July due to staff shortages… Read More

British Airways Adds Direct Flights to These U.S. Cities

Afar Magazine — The airline will bring its number of nonstop flight routes from the U.S. to the U.K. to 26. Read More

American Airlines and Qatar Airways Expand Codeshare Agreement

Travel Weekly — Subject to regulatory approval, the codeshare pact will add connecting flights to 16 countries for AA customers flying to Doha. Read More

Delta Debuts New First-Class Cabin on Initial A321neo Flight

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines launched its inaugural commercial flight of the Airbus A321neo narrowbody aircraft on a flight from Boston to San Francisco, which features a newly designed first-class cabin. Read More

American to Add Eight Routes, Cut Seven Long-Haul Pairs

Business Travel News — American Airlines plans to add eight flights to its schedule and remove seven long-haul routes, according to the carrier. Read More

Delta’s New LaGuardia Terminal to Open

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines’ new Terminal C at New York’s LaGuardia Airport is scheduled to debut June 4. The new terminal is part of a $4 billion project that eventually will consolidate Terminals C and D at the airport, similar to Delta’s approach with Terminals 2 and 3 at Los Angeles International Airport. Read More

United Airlines Takes the Lead in Lift to Europe

Travel Weekly — A substantial expansion by United this summer in the transatlantic marketplace will transform the carrier into the largest U.S. airline in terms of U.S.-Europe service. Read More

Delta to Trim 100 Flights per Day From Its Summer Schedule

Afar Magazine — Summer travelers, just be hopeful yours isn’t among the flights that are on the chopping block. Read More

United Debuts New Premium-Class Amenity Kits

Business Travel News — Premium-cabin customers on United Airlines’ long-haul international and premium transcontinental routes now will receive the carrier’s new amenity kits. Read More


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Everything You Need to Know About TSA’s Liquid Limit

Afar Magazine — Liquids under 3.4 ounces are allowed in your carry-on—but what’s considered a “liquid” isn’t always obvious. 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 Expands Rental Locations to U.S.V.I., Morocco and the Bahamas

Insider Travel Report — Enterprise Holdings plans to extend its global reach and open new franchise locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Morocco and The Bahamas. Read More

New High-Speed Train to Connect Paris and Berlin

Afar Magazine — Currently, the shortest train route between Paris and Berlin takes around 7 hours, 30 minutes and includes a transfer in Frankfurt. Read More

Hertz Extends Tier Status to End of January 2023

Business Travel News — Extended grace period coming out of the pandemic allows travelers to retain top-tier loyalty status a little longer. Read More


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Hilton: Corp. Travel Revenue on Track for Full Recovery by Year-End

Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide cited substantial contributions from business travel and groups to its first-quarter performance as the segment showed signs of returning to form, after an overall “choppy start” to the year. Read More

Choice Hotels Buys Radisson Americas for $675 Million

Travel Market Report — Choice Hotels International announced it had reached a deal to buy Radisson Hotel Group Americas for $675 million. Read More

Complimentary Hot Breakfast is Back, and Hotels Strive to Deliver

Travel Weekly — Once a symbol of pandemic-era hospitality, the cold grab-and-go breakfast bag has fallen out of fashion as hotels bring back hot breakfast and buffets. Read More


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8 Free Airport Apps That Make Your Flight Less Stressful

Afar Magazine — Ever hear of Mobile Passport? FlightAware? Download these apps before your next flight—you can thank us later. Read More

Airlines Cancel Thousands of Summer Flights

Travel Pulse — Airlines in the U.S. cancel thousands more summer flights citing pilot and staffing shortages. Read More

These Airports Will Let You Bypass Long TSA Security Lines for Free

Afar Magazine — No TSA PreCheck or Clear membership needed. Read More

Updated Inflight Wi-Fi Provides a New Way to Use Airline Incidental Credits

The Points Guy — With recent updates to inflight Wi-Fi, you’ll be happy to know that your airline incidental credits may provide value after all. Read More

6 Tips for a Smooth, Stress-Free Business Trip

Travel Pulse — Whether you are traveling across the country to showcase your product to a potential supplier or meeting with manufacturers in a different continent, it is paramount to do a bit of pre-planning for your trip. Read More

Which European Countries Are Open For Restriction-Free Travel?

Travel Pulse — Check out which countries in Europe are open without any pandemic-related travel requirements. Read More

Above-Average 2022 Hurricane Season Could Impact Travelers

Travel Pulse — Will tourists forsake Caribbean for Europe or elsewhere? Read More

BTN Research: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Business Travel News — BTN surveyed companies regarding diversity, equity and inclusion in their managed travel programs and practices, and found potential traction and an industry willing to engage. Read More


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How to Adapt Your Incentive Program When Increasing Sales is NOT Your First Priority

Creative Group — New business challenges are cropping up daily. Learn how to incent the right behaviors to solve today’s challenges! 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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