June 28, 2022

Direct Travel

News Briefs

June 28, 2022

In This Edition… BTN’s travel buyer handbook, IRS increases mileage rate, airlines trim schedules, flight service updates, Delta expands codeshare with Kenya Airways, American launches Mobile ID at DFW, tips for expediting Global Entry application, long security waits at SF amid travel surge, BWH Hotel Group updates, Choice Hotel acquires Radisson Hotel Group Americas, Europe to add Visitor Fee, 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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BTN’s 2022 Business Travel Buyer’s Handbook

Business Travel News — Business travel is on the move in 2022, but it won’t be without complexities. Business Travel News’ annual answer book can help. It’s for travel managers looking to optimize their travel programs in 2022 or for companies looking to establish a program for the first time. Read More

Business Travel Bounce Back Expected Over Next Two Years

Travel Weekly — Almost three quarters of business leaders expect their companies to resume corporate travel over the next two years, a new study reveals. And nearly half of firms that did not fly prior to the pandemic expect to do so by 2024. Read More

Global Travel Bookings Surpass Pre-pandemic Levels

Travel Daily Media — Global leisure and business flight bookings have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while spending on cruise lines, buses and trains saw sharp improvements this year, according to a new report from Mastercard Economics Institute. Read More

IRS Hikes 2022 Tax-Deductible Mileage Rate

Business Travel News — The IRS is increasing the standard rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a car, van, pickup or panel truck for business purposes by four cents per mile… Read More


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Carriers Trim Schedules to Improve Ops & Adjust to Demand

Business Travel News — U.S. airlines navigate a vexing brew of airport construction, FAA staff shortages, pilot and crew shortages and a changing demand environment as summer travel goes into full swing. Read More

United Airlines Will Cut 12% of Newark Flights In Effort to Tame Delays

CNBC — The carrier will remove 50 daily flights from EWR next month in an effort to reduce delays that have disrupted travelers’ plans this year… Read More

Delta Drops 4 Domestic Routes, Including Not-yet-launched Service from Boston

The Points Guy — The airline route-map adjustments may have slowed down in recent months, but Delta is still making some notable network cuts. 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

American Airlines Cites Pilot Shortage in Decision to Stop Flying to 4 Airports

NBC News — The airline will suspend services to some airports in Iowa, New York and Ohio beginning Sept. 7, according to a company statement. Read More

Delta, Kenya Airways Expand Codeshare

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and Kenya Airways have expanded their codeshare agreement to include additional U.S. markets as well as more flights within Africa. Read More

Summer Is off to a Rocky Start as Airlines Cancel Thousands of Flights

Afar Magazine — The government is pushing carriers to have a plan to make sure summer travel isn’t a total “flightmare.” Read More

Delta Retains Top Spot for May On-Time Performance

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines in May once again ranked first for monthly on-time performance, according to a new Cirium report. The carrier has been in the top spot for four of the five months of 2022, coming in behind only Alaska Airlines and American Airlines in March. Read More

United Signs Deal for 300M Gallons of SAF

Business Travel News — United Airlines and its United Airlines Ventures investment arm have signed an agreement with Dimensional Energy to purchase at least 300 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel over 20 years. Read More

Delta to Serve Cold Brew, Canned Wine, and Ice Cream Sundaes on Flights

Afar Magazine — The carrier is upping its inflight food and beverage game and we’re not upset about it. Read More

United Airlines Reports Surge In International Travel Searches After Elimination Of COVID-19 Testing Requirement

Live and Let’s Fly — Already, the lifting of the mandatory testing requirement appears to be working. United Airlines, which offers more international traffic than any U.S. carrier in terms of available seat miles, has reported a surge in interest in international travel. Read More

Transformed Delta Sky Club Brings Sleek Glamour to Music City

Wheels Up Network — After beginning construction in 2020, Delta Sky Club celebrates the completed renovation of the Nashville International Airport (BNA) lounge. The reimagined space adds over 10,000 square feet and nearly 200 seats to the original Club. Read More

UK Airlines Told to Cancel Flights to Stop Travel Chaos

BBC — UK airlines have been told to cancel flights they can’t deliver this summer to stop a rerun of May’s travel chaos. Read More


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American Airlines Launches Mobile ID with TSA PreCheck at DFW

Business Travel News — Still in pilot phase, the digital identification process takes roughly five seconds, according to the Dallas-based carrier. Read More

Want to Get Global Entry Fast? Here’s How to Speed Up the Process

Afar Magazine — There are currently long waits for Global Entry interviews—but there’s a secret way to cut the line. Read More

SFO Says Passengers Should Prepare for Hours-Long Waits at Security Amid Surge in Travel

Aviation Pros — Travelers showing up at San Francisco International Airport have been finding longer, slower-moving security lines than they’ve anticipated over the last several days, leaving some to fret over whether they’ll make their flights. 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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Marriott Forward Bookings in Europe Are 50% Ahead of Same Time in 2019

CNBC —Tony Capuano, Marriott CEO, joins ‘Closing Bell’ to discuss if this summer is the strongest the company has seen, if Secretary Raimondo’s aspirations for 90 million tourists will come to fruition and more. Read More

BWH Hotel Group Joins the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Hospitality Net — With more than 4,500 hotels in nearly 100 countries, BWH Hotel Group® is demonstrating their commitment to environmental and social responsibility by joining the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. Read More

Hospitality Industry Jobs Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Travel Pulse — May jobs report shows growth in the sector but still remains below a full recovery. Read More

BWH Hotel Group Will Open Four Hotels in the Middle East This Year

Travel Market Report — The parent company of Best Western is expanding its presence in the Middle East. Read More

Radisson Buy Enables Choice Hotels to Make Upscale Push

Travel Weekly — With Radisson Hotel Group Americas in its stable, Choice Hotels International will soon be a much more serious contender within the upscale and upper-upscale hospitality segments. Read More

Choice to Acquire Radisson Hotel Group Americas for $675 Million

Travel Weekly — Choice will take on the franchise business, operations and intellectual property of a total of 624 hotels across the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Read More


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What to Know About Shipping Luggage Ahead of Travel

Travel Market Report — Shipping luggage is safe and reliable, but there are some things to avoid. Read More

Europe Will Add Visitor Fee in May 2023

Travel Pulse — Travelers will need to register through the European Travel Information and Authorization System… Read More

Europe Flight Canceled or Delayed? This EU Law Ensures Compensation

Afar Magazine — Under European Union consumer protection laws, passengers are entitled to up to 600 euros for delays, cancellations, and getting bumped from a flight. Read More

Full 5G C-band Implementation Delayed a Year, But Airlines Will Need to Upgrade Equipment

The Points Guy — Remember the 5G C-band dispute from this past January… Read More

Summer Air Travel Could Be Expensive and Chaotic. Here’s How to Avoid Trouble

NPR — At airports this summer, it may almost appear as if the pandemic never happened. The long security lines, the crowded gates, the jam-packed planes; they’re all back. And so too are soaring prices and extra fees. Read More


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F&B Trends from a Hotel Chef

Prevue Meetings — Craig Steffenson, Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, shares how F&B is evolving—and how to stay ahead of the game. 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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