June 29, 2021

Direct Travel

News Briefs

June 29, 2021

In this edition of the Direct Travel News Brief… updates on the us border closures with Canada and Mexico, EU eases cross-border travel restrictions, new airline flight service updates, TSA reminder to travelers, everything you need to know about getting a Real ID, nationwide car rental shortage, Hertz emerging from Chapter 11, how to show gratitude to virtual event speakers, expediting your passport and more!

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Traveler Report: Flying Abroad with Delta and Air France

For international business travelers, a long period of stops and starts is finally ending as new momentum builds around reopened borders and loosened restrictions for vaccinated travelers…Read More

What to Know as Borders Reopen and International Travel Resumes

After more than a year of stringent restrictions limiting international travel, dozens of borders around the world will reopen to travelers this summer. Some countries have already started the process, while others have announced plans to gradually roll back restrictions in the near future. Read More


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Canada Lifting Quarantine Requirements for Vaccinated Travelers Starting July 5

Travel Market Report — While restrictions for international visitors remain in place, vaccinated Canadians will be able to avoid a 14-day quarantine starting next month. Read More

US Announces Another Extension of Land Borders Closures With Canada, Mexico

Travel Pulse — The three countries have extended the closures again. Read More

EU Agrees To Ease Cross-Border Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated Tourists

Travel Pulse — The 27 European Union member states approved a modified European Commission proposal…Read More

Most States To Reopen & Unmask by July 4

Prevue Meetings + Incentives — This July 4, there is reason to celebrate, with all signs pointing to a reopening with few restrictions of all 50 states by the national holiday. Read More


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Delta, Kenya Airways Add More Codeshare Flights

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and Kenya Airways have expanded their codesharing agreement to cover a total of 39 cities in Africa and North America. Both carriers are SkyTeam alliance members. Read More

United Eases Loyalty Program Restrictions with Business Travel Demand in Mind

Business Travel News — United Airlines has loosened restrictions in its MileagePlus program, a move the carrier hopes will help stimulate business travel demand later in the year. Read More

Resurgence of Travel Catching Some Airlines Short-Handed

Travel Pulse — The return of travel following the pandemic has been a blessing – and a curse, for some airlines. Read More

Air Canada Extends Refund Request Deadline to July 12

Business Travel News — Air Canada has extended its deadline for requesting airfare refunds for flights affected by the Covid-19 pandemic by a month. Read More

United Airlines Kicks-Off New Nonstop Between New York and Johannesburg

Travel Market Report — In partnership with South Africa Tourism, United just recently celebrated its new nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport and O/R/ Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Read More


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TSA Reminds Passengers to Remain Calm and Respectful at Security Checkpoints

Fox News — Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, there were 69 incidents in which TSA employees were physically assaulted, the agency said. Violations of TSA requirements may result in criminal charges, civil penalties. Read More

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Real ID

Afar Magazine — By May 2023, if you don’t have a Real ID, passport or trusted traveler program card (such as Global Entry), you will not be able to fly. Read More

The CDC Lowered Its Travel Advisories for Several Caribbean Countries

Travel Weekly — The CDC has moved several Caribbean countries’ Covid travel advisories to Level 1 classification, which signifies the lowest risk level for Covid. Read More

CDC Lifts Mask Mandate for Outdoor Areas of Public Transit Systems

Northstar Meetings Group — The latest travel advisory says people no longer need to wear a mask in outdoor areas of conveyances (such as the open-air level of a tour bus or the outside deck of a ferry) or while outdoors at transportation hubs…Read More

TSA Surpasses 2 Million Daily Travelers Screened

TSA.gov — Highest screening volume since pandemic began…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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US Car Rental Prices Could Double by August Amid Nationwide Shortage

Fox Business News — The average daily cost to rent a car in the US jumped to a record $63.75 last month — up 50 percent in some cases. Read More

Hertz Emerging From Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

Travel Pulse — The car rental company is ready to get travelers back on the road. Read More


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Tripbam: Corp. Hotel Rates Set to Hit 2019 Levels by Year-End

Business Travel News — Current business travel volume is about 30 percent of 2019 levels, and average daily hotel rates remain lower as well but are increasing, according to Tripbam’s second-quarter market report. Read More

4 New Hotel Openings

Recommend Magazine — From Orlando to the Seychelles, to Pittsburg and New York’s Hudson Valley, these four new hotels offer guests wellness experiences, culinary delights, and immersive cultural experiences. Read More

Accor Partners with IGLTA to Ensure Hospitality Is Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Community

Insider Travel Report — Together, Accor and IGLTA will work to ensure the hospitality industry is a safe and inclusive space for all and will facilitate and drive equality within the travel sector. Read More

You Can Now Buy Out an Entire Floor of the Ultra-luxe Park Hyatt New York

The Points Guy — Is there a better way to celebrate a return to “normal” life than buying out an entire floor of a New York luxury hotel to enjoy with some very lucky family members or friends?Read More


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How to Expedite Your U.S. Passport Application

Afar Magazine — There are several situations that might require a quick passport turnaround, from emergency travel to visiting countries with specific visa requirements. Read More

5 Scary Travel Scams to Watch Out for in 2021

Smarter Travel — As travel resumes, so have travel scams. We’ve uncovered five of the most common travel scams for 2021, so you know what to watch out for. Read More

American Airlines Terminating its Magazine, American Way

USA Today — American Airlines ends it in-flight magazine…Read More

US Travelers Are Putting COVID-19 Behind Them

Travel Pulse — More Americans intend to travel this summer. Read More


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Driving Results During a Time of Accelerated Change

Creative Group — Creative Group’s newest case study dives into a virtual, “game show” experience they created for a client whose Hawaii incentive trip wasn’t possible due to COVID-19. Read about how they delivered new solutions that were customized to their client’s goals, audience, and brand. Read More

Top 5 Positive Results of Workplace Diversity & Inclusion

Creative Group — Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace is the socially and ethically responsible thing to do — and organizations instilling these best practices also gain financial rewards. Here are the top five benefits of corporate inclusiveness, from Creative Group. Read More

How to Show Gratitude to Virtual Event Speakers

Successful Meetings — Seven ways to show your appreciation pre-, during and post-event. 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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