March 19, 2024

Direct Travel

News Briefs

March 19, 2024

In This Edition… 2024 Corporate Travel Index, airline flight service updates, increased checked baggage fees, security updates, hotel news, many traveler tips, and much more!

Dans cette édition… l’indice des voyages d’affaires en 2024, les mises à jour concernant les services de vols des compagnies aériennes, la hausse des tarifs des bagages enregistrés, les mises à jour relatives à la sécurité, les actualités hôtelières, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!<!--

Navigator Header

How Your Travel Program Can Drive Business Growth

Discover three steps to take to ensure your company’s travel program remains a driver of growth – even during times with tighter budgets. Read More

Why Your Travel Program Needs To Address Cybersecurity

Our world is more technologically advanced and connected than ever before. Although this gives businesses the opportunity to become more productive and innovative, increased digital connectivity can also leave the door open to additional cybersecurity risks. Read More


Travel Management News Header

BTN’s 2024 Corporate Travel Index

Business Travel News — BTN’s annual presentation of business travel per diems for 100 U.S. cities and 100 non-U.S. cities, detailing hotel, meal and car rental costs, is the industry’s definitive resource of business travel costs. Read More

Direct Travel Canada Multiple Award-Winner at Virtuoso Canada Forum

TravelPulse Canada — Direct Travel Canada took home multiple honors as luxury travel network Virtuoso announced its regional Virtuoso Awards at its Canada forum, held February 27-28 at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Read More


Airline Updates Header

Air Canada Follows WestJet’s Lead, Increases Checked Bag Fees

Open Jaw — On the heels of WestJet’s decision to hike checked-bag fees by CAD$5 for economy rates, it was to be expected Air Canada would follow suit. Read More

JFK Airport’s Redeveloped Terminal 6 Is On Track to Open in 2026

Travel Weekly — The first five gates are expected to open in early 2026, and the project’s completion is expected by 2028. Read More

Aeromexico Connecting the U.S. with Mexico

Aeromexico Business — Aeromexico will operate nine new routes in 2024 to better connect the U.S. with Mexico. Read More

Canada’s Lynx Air Ceases Operations

Travel Weekly — The airline, which launched in April 2022, said the challenges facing its business “have become too significant to overcome.” Read More

Delta to Add Los Angeles-Brisbane Service

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines on Dec. 4 will launch seasonal service between Los Angeles and Brisbane, Australia. Read More

United Joins American in Raising Checked-Bag Fees

Business Travel News — A week following the news that American Airlines had raised its checked-bag fees, United Airlines has done the same, the carrier confirmed Monday. In addition, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue each have raised their fees this year, according to their websites. Read More

United Airlines To Launch Daily Nonstop Route Between Tokyo and Guam

Travel Pulse — The airline is expanding flights from its Guam hub to connect more travelers to the U.S. territory. Read More

Alaska Airlines Expands Nonstop Destinations

Travel Pulse — The carrier will add service between Portland and Atlanta later this year. Read More

United to Resume Newark-Tel Aviv Service

Business Travel News — United Air Lines plans to resume in March service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Tel Aviv. Read More

American Sets Start Date for New York-Tokyo Haneda Route

Travel Weekly — With the June 28 launch, American will be the only U.S. carrier flying to Tokyo from JFK. Read More

Singapore to Charge Passenger Fee for Required SAF Use

Business Travel News — Beginning in 2026, Singapore will require flights departing from the island nation to use sustainable aviation fuel, and customers will be charged a SAF fee. Read More


Safety and Security Header

Here’s Why You Should Have Both TSA PreCheck and Clear

Afar Magazine — Afar Magazine is making the case to enroll in both security expediting programs. Read More

A First-Ever Global Entry on Departure Program Could Be a Game-Changer

Afar Magazine — Currently being offered at one U.S. airport, the new Enrollment on Departure program speeds up the process of getting a coveted Global Entry membership. Read More

New Security Checkpoint Opens at Denver International Airport

CBS News — The new gateway, with 17 new lanes, can process an average of 240 passengers per hour. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More


Hotel News Header

Marriott Announces Robust Growth Across Caribbean & Latin America

Meeting Magazines — Following its recent announcement of strong global net rooms growth and a record year of global rooms signings, Marriott International announced a year of robust room signings and additions across the Caribbean and Latin America in 2023. Read More


Traveler Tips Header

Our Best Tips on Avoiding Checked Baggage Fees

Afar Magazine — The costs of checking baggage keeps going up. Here’s how to minimize the damage to your wallet. Read More

Airlines Are Finally Adding Enough Overhead Bin Space for All Carry-Ons

Afar Magazine — Imagine not having to gate-check your carry-on due to full overhead bins. As more airlines install larger overhead bins, that vision could increasingly become a reality. Read More

How to Travel With Just One Bag, According to Reddit

Afar Magazine — Worried about checked bag fees? Consider honing the art of minimalist packing with these tips. Read More

The Most Annoying Thing That Travelers Do, According to Your Fellow Passengers

Afar Magazine — A new survey reveals the behaviors that bother fliers the most—so don’t be that person. Read More

AmEx Opens Its Largest Airport Lounge Yet in Atlanta—Peek Inside

Afar Magazine — We got a first look inside the new Centurion Lounge. Read More

Which Airlines Offer Passengers Free Internet Access?

Simple Flying — Only a handful of carriers provide fully free connectivity to passengers on all flights, and many others still have heavy limitations on their services. Read More


Meeting and Incentive Travel Header

Case Study: Making it Unforgettable with “WOW!” Moments

Creative Group — See how Creative Group gave a client’s employees time to shine with brand-infused, immersive experiences. Read More

These CVBs Can Help Planners Design More Inclusive Events

Northstar Meetings Group — Portland, Ore., and Seattle are among the convention and visitor bureaus offering resources that make it easier to plan meetings with diversity in mind. 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].

Subscribe to our News Brief