March 13, 2018

Direct Travel

News Briefs

March 13, 2018

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: ensuring proper program management across the world with an international travel policy checklist, international airline updates, TSA safety and security improvements beyond checkpoints, hotel expansions by major chains, making airport lounges work for you, and more!

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International Travel Policy Checklist: Ensuring Proper Program Management Across the World

As more businesses take part in international travel, many executives are taking a second look at their travel policies. A robust policy protects the business from overspending, helps travelers stay safe, and ensures compliance. Read More


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Italy’s Meridiana Rebrands as Air Italy and Announces Major Expansion

Travel Market Report — Italian airline Meridiana said it will change its name to “Air Italy” and will embark on a major expansion backed by new shareholder Qatar Airways, in a clear bid to take on the country’s reigning but ailing flag carrier, Alitalia. Read More

Delta Ending Moscow, Stockholm Flights; Beefs Up Other European Routes

USA Today — Delta is rolling out a bevy of new routes to Europe – but also dropping two destinations altogether – as it tweaks its schedule across the Atlantic. Read More

Delta And United Double Down On Improved In-Flight Meals

Forbes — Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines unveiled a host of improvements to their in-flight catering options last week in what’s quickly turning into an arms race among legacy air carriers. Read More

Acapulco Adding New Terminal to Airport

Travel Pulse — The project is expected to be completed within the next two months. Read More


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TSA Is Taking Security Beyond Checkpoints

Travel Pulse — To address the evolving threat of terrorism, the agency is broadening its focus beyond screening areas. Read More

U.S. Customs Pushes Biometric Facial Recognition Technology as Cure for Airport Bottlenecks

Travel Market Report — Biometric facial recognition could soon replace the traditional way of processing passengers at dozens of airports around the U.S., with the potential of drastically cutting red tape at checkpoints, according to John Wagner, deputy executive assistant commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Read More

TSA’s Deep Look at CT Scanners for Security Checkpoints

Travel Weekly — New 3-D screening systems could put an end to tedious checkpoint requirements…Read More

How to Bypass Airport Lines with the Tips of Your Fingers

New York Times — More expedited security lanes, new biometric boarding passes and a free customs app that replaces paper forms aim to speed travelers out of the terminal and on their way…Read More

Miami Airport Unveils Facial Recognition Security Technology

Travel Pulse — Using your face for security is now a reality in Miami. Read More

TSA Takes on Issue of Improving Transgender Screening

USA Today — The Transportation Security Administration has improved its screening for transgender travelers, but a 2015 survey found nearly half that flew during the previous year reported a negative experience, a congressional panel heard Tuesday. 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 Expand into Finland with LänsiAuto Group

Enterprise Holdings — Enterprise Holdings is set to take its brands into Finland after appointing LänsiAuto Group as its franchisee in the country. Read More

SA, Amtrak Test Anti-Terrorism Technology at New York’s Penn Station

AmNY — The devices look for “anything that would block the normal body emissions,” a TSA spokeswoman said. Read More


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Marriott Maps Out Moxy Hotels Expansion in Europe

Hotel Management — Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels, which launched in Milan in 2014, is slated to expand into more than 40 new European destinations within the next three years. Marriott has deals in place to add more than 50 hotels to Moxy’s pipeline, and the properties are expected to open from now into the end of 2020. Read More

Radisson Hotel Group to Debut Luxury Hotel Collection

Travel Market Report — The hotelier’s five-year plan will rebrand and reposition more than 500 properties in its portfolio of eight brands, as well as debut the Radisson Collection this June. Read More

Hyatt Unbound Collection Expands European Footprint

Travel Pulse — The brand will add five more properties by 2019. Read More

Tru by Hilton Expands US Footprint

Travel Pulse — The fast-growing midscale brand debuts in three states. Read More

Extended Stay America’s New CEO Outlines Focus for 2018

Business Travel News — Extended Stay America president and CEO Jonathan Halkyard said he intends to prioritize three areas in the year ahead. Read More

Aloft Rolls Out Breakfast-to-go Program

Travel Pulse — Marriott’s Aloft brand is rolling out a breakfast program featuring portable breakfast pots. Read More


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Agents Are Travelers’ Best Friends in a Crisis

Travel Market Report  — As natural and human-made events continue to batter the travel industry, it is becoming increasingly important for travel agents to communicate and support customers throughout their journeys. Read More

Making Airport Lounges Work for You

Travel Daily — Airlines are beginning to re-evaluate the “ground experience” and are subsequently investing in high quality, exclusive lounges for top-tier passengers. Read More

Life In The Sky: Delays, Cancellations & Tight Connections

Forbes — Delays, cancellations and tight connections are what every airline passenger faces these days…Read More

The Best Way to Reduce Your Risk of Bed Bugs is to…

The Gate — The infestation of bed bugs has been a scourge for travelers in recent years, as they are not only found in hotel rooms; but also aboard airplanes in rare cases — and the parasitic pests can potentially be a perplexing nightmare which is quite difficult to eradicate if they wind up in your belongings and invade your home. Read More

Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Eyes Dramatic Expansion

Travel Pulse — The city and airline carriers are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on an $8.5 billion expansion plan. Read More

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