June 2, 2020

Direct Travel

News Briefs

June 2, 2020

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: the latest on COVID-19 relating to travel, planning for post-pandemic travel, airline waiver extensions, summer flight schedules announced, TSA’s new summer screening procedures, Enterprise honors Emerald Club free rental days, Hertz files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, new hotel healthy and safety measures, Britain implements tourist quarantine, updates on meetings & incentive travel, and more!

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Announcing ‘Flights for Heroes’: Nominate a Healthcare Professional

Who’s the frontline healthcare hero in your life that you want to recognize? From ambulance paramedics and emergency room doctors to registered nurses and intensive care unit staff, the skilled and brave professionals of the medical field have been on the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Putting People First in Your Business Travel Recovery Plans

We’re entering a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate travel conversations that abruptly grinded to a halt at the beginning of the outbreak are now resuming with renewed interest and increased safety measures.

The travel industry as a whole shares the cautious optimism of federal officials, and travel management companies (TMCs) have already started strategizing with clients and partners to not lose sight of putting their people first. Read More


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Trump Administration Extends Border Closures to Canada, Mexico Until June 22

USA Today — Travelers looking to make a trip to Canada or Mexico will have to wait another 30 days as the Department of Homeland Security extended border closures to curb COVID-19 infections. Read More

Planning for Post-Pandemic Travel

Business Travel News — While there’s no indication a return to normalcy is near, most business travelers and meeting planners expect at least semblance of new demand in 2020. Meanwhile, the safety steps travelers want suppliers to take in some cases vary notably by age. Read More

States May Be Reopening, But Many Still Require Travelers to Self-quarantine

USA Today — States are slowly beginning to open back up but that doesn’t mean travelers are free to come and go as they please just yet. Read More


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United, Delta Extend Change Fee Waiver Through June 30

Business Travel News — United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have extended change fee waivers through the end of June, the carriers announced. Read More

Delta Air Lines Updates Summer Flight Schedule

Travel Market Report — As demand for air travel increases, Delta is updating its flight schedule and introducing complimentary health kits in preparation for the summer travel season. Read More

Air Canada Resumes U.S. Service as Part of Summer Schedule Plans

Business Travel News — Air Canada will add service over the next several months, with plans to serve 97 of its usual 220 destinations in its summer schedule. Read More

United Will Allow Travelers to Rebook Off Crowded Flights

Business Travel News — United Airlines is allowing passengers on full or nearly full flights to rebook or claim a travel credit if they prefer not to sit on a crowded plane. Read More

United Launches New Health and Safety Campaign Called CleanPlus

Travel Market Report — The airline partnered with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic to provide new enhanced cleaning and health measures to safeguard travelers and employees. Read More

Delta Will Add Flights to Keep Planes No More Than 60% Full as Demand Rises

Reuters — Delta Air Lines will keep planes no more than 60% full through at least July, adding more flights to its schedule than demand would usually justify, people familiar with the matter said. Read More

Where Delta is Flying in June Domestically & Internationally

Insider Travel Report — Hot on the heels of Delta’s May schedule comes the schedule for June which is significantly reduced in comparison to last year, but marks the return of several major routes, both U.S. domestic and international, which were previously suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Lufthansa Group to Expand Services from June

BTN Europe — The Lufthansa Group’s airlines are “significantly expanding” their services, both within Europe and abroad, starting with the June flight schedule, according to the company. Read More


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Special Detection Dogs Could Sniff Out COVID-19 at Airports

Travel Pulse — As in so many instances of crisis and danger throughout human history, we may once again find ourselves relying upon our canine companions to come to our rescue—this time to help quell the spread of COVID-19. Read More

TSA Prepared for Summer Travelers with Updated Security Procedures

TSA.gov — In response to COVID-19, procedure changes rolling out nationwide by mid-June and travelers will notice several changes at the airport…Read More

TSA Finalizing Plan to Check Passenger Temperatures at Several Airport Nationwide, Lagging Far Behind Other Nations

Newsweek — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) could soon start checking passenger’s temperatures in roughly a dozen airports nationwide in order to detect possible coronavirus infections, according to reports. 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 to Cross-Honor Emerald Club Rental Days

Business Travel News — Enterprise Rent-A-Car is honoring free rental days earned by members of sister brand National Car Rental’s Emerald Club program, the car rental company announced. Read More

Amtrak Requests Funding To Maintain Minimum Service Levels in 2021

Insider Travel Report — Amtrak submitted a letter to Congress outlining an additional $1.475 billion in supplemental funding that it says is needed in 2021. Read More

Hertz Files for Bankruptcy

Business Travel News — Hertz Global Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Friday, though the car rental company said it would be able to continue operations as it begins restructuring. Read More


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Omni Reopens Select Hotels, Debuts New Health & Safety Measures

Insider Travel Report — Omni Hotels & Resorts has officially rolled out its new Omni Safe & Clean program, which includes extensive new cleaning guidelines, processes and procedures to ensure the health, safety and comfort of guests and associates. Read More

Wyndham Forges Ahead with New Construction Hotel Growth Despite COVID-19 Crisis

Insider Travel Report — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the economy and midscale lodging leader with approximately 9,300 hotels across 90 countries, continues to forge ahead with new-construction growth, opening 11 newly built hotels across the U.S. in the first quarter and breaking ground on a number of hotels in its new-construction pipeline. Read More

InterContinental Hotels Expands Its Cleanliness Program

Business Travel News — InterContinental Hotels Group has expanded its cleanliness program and on June 1 will launch an enhanced effort. Read More

Accor Introduces New Cleanliness Program, Label for Compliant Hotels

Business Travel News — Accor has launched an enhanced hotel cleanliness program, developed with and vetted by testing, inspections and certification firm Bureau Veritas. Read More


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How Britain’s 14-Day Tourist Quarantine Will Work Starting June 8

Insider Travel Report — The British Home Secretary announced new public health measures for all U.K. arrivals at borders to guard against a second wave of coronavirus infections. Read More

These States Still Require Travelers to Quarantine

USA Today — States are beginning to open back up, but some require or recommend visitors self-quarantine for two weeks. Read More

Complimentary Care Kits Provide Delta Customers Travel Safety Essentials

Delta.com — By June 5, Delta Air Lines passengers will be able to request a complimentary kit including a face mask, hand sanitizer and an information card on hygiene measures when they check in for flights. Read More

Fly Healthy. Fly Smart.

Airlines.org — As our country begins to re-open and travelers prepare to return to the skies, U.S. carriers are taking extra steps to ensure that all travelers are able to “Fly Healthy. Fly Smart.” From check-in to touchdown, travelers will encounter new protocols throughout the journey. Read More

Airports Consider Ways to Reduce Human Contact

Business Travel News — Airports are considering how to prepare for a post-Covid-19 air travel environment in order to protect and reassure a public wary of flying. Read More

Staying Healthy When Traveling

TSA Blog — No matter what time of year, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to stay healthy and avoid the spread of illness while flying. Here’s some information to help keep you healthy during your next trip!Read More

Las Vegas Airport Installs PPE Vending Machines

Afar — Forgot your face mask while packing? McCarran International Airport has got you covered. Read More

United Airlines Will Provide Masks and Hand Wipes to Passengers

Time — United Airlines is giving out face masks as part of a new amenity kit for passengers in the age of Covid-19. Read More


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How to Engage Virtual Attendees

Successful Meetings — Listen to our expert tips on connecting with an audience that isn’t in the room. Read More

Virtual Experiences to Help You Thrive

Creative Group — As we evolve to virtual meetings and events, think of it as an opportunity to interact with your audience in a brand new way. Genuinely connect, engage, and inspire with virtual experiences. Read More

Event Cancellations and Postponements Will Continue into Fall — Here’s a Look at the Latest

The Points Guy — At first, there was hope that things would return to normal by the summer. But now, major events in the fall like Munich’s Oktoberfest are beginning to be canceled — leading us to believe that there will be more where that came from. 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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