March 4, 2025
In This Edition… BTN’s Corporate Travel Index update, airline flight route updates, a preview of Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite, complimentary advance pass for security, a train network from Quebec City to Toronto, Hyatt’s new “Select” brand, IHG’s acquisition, traveler tips, meetings news, and more!
Dans cette édition… des mises à jour sur l’indice des voyages d’affaires de BTN et sur les itinéraires aériens, un aperçu des nouvelles suites Aria de Cathay Pacific, des autorisations de sécurité préalables offertes gratuitement, un réseau ferroviaire entre Québec et Toronto, Hyatt lance sa nouvelle marque « Hyatt Select », l’acquisition d’IHG, des conseils aux voyageurs, des actualités sur les réunions, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
The Modern TMC: New Value, Relationships, and a Better Traveler Experience
Direct Travel CPO Sarah Kuberry Martino shares how a tech-forward travel management company can improve the traveler journey.
Travel Management
BTN's Corporate Travel Index Ranks Business Travel Costs for 200 Global Cities
Business Travel News — BTN has updated its running quarter-over-quarter data tool with final Q4 2024 stats for hotel, car rental, taxi and meal costs in 200 cities around the globe.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta to Add Atlanta Service to Accra, Marrakech
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines this fall will add new nonstop flights between Atlanta and two destinations in Africa.
American Airlines To Begin Boarding Earlier To Improve Passenger Experience
Travel Pulse — Starting this spring, the airline will increase boarding time in hopes of easing congestion, reducing last-minute baggage checks and enhancing the overall customer experience.
KLM Increases Summer Capacity by 4%
Open Jaw — KLM has unveiled its summer 2025 schedule, featuring expanded routes and increased flight frequencies
American Airlines Adds Destinations from Chicago O'Hare
Travel Weekly — New long-haul service includes flights to Madrid.
Cathay Pacific’s Gorgeous New Aria Suite Business-Class Seat Launches Later This Year
Afar Magazine — The Hong Kong–based carrier will roll out its fancy new suites on U.S. routes later in 2025. We got a sneak peek.
United Airlines Brings Club Fly Concept to Houston Bush Airport
Travel Weekly — The grab-and-go market offers complimentary wraps, salads, sandwiches, pastries, coffee and juice to United Club flyers.
Lufthansa, Air India Expand Codeshare
Business Travel News — The Lufthansa Group and Air India have expanded their codeshare partnership to include Austrian Airlines as well as additional routes on Air India, Lufthansa and Swiss airlines.
Air Canada Restoring Israel Flights This Summer
Open Jaw — Air Canada will restore flights to Israel this summer. Four weekly flights between YYZ and TLV will begin in June, and once-a-week flights to TLV from YUL will start in August.
Lufthansa to Add Allegris Cabins on More U.S. Routes
BTN Europe — Lufthansa Airlines’ new Allegris cabins will be available on more transatlantic routes this summer, with the rollout extended to three additional U.S. cities.
Air Canada Reports Q4 and 2024 Financials
TravelPulse — Air Canada announced a record-breaking year in 2024, with revenues of $22.3 billion which is a five percent increase in capacity over 2023. The airline reported safely transporting 47 million passengers while improving its on-time performance by 8 points.
Safety & Security
These Airports Let You Skip Security Lines for Free—No TSA PreCheck Needed
Afar Magazine — Select U.S. airports now give travelers the option to make a complimentary advance “fast pass” reservation to head to the front of the security line.
12 Reasons the U.S. Government Will Deny You a Passport
Fodor’s Travel — The U.S. government could deny your passport for multiple reasons. These are the most common.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Canada Pledges Billions for High-Speed Rail
Meetings & Conventions (AP) — The government is moving ahead with a plan to build a network from Quebec City to Toronto.
Hotel News
Hyatt to Launch 'Select' Transient Brand
Business Travel News — Hyatt Hotels Corp. plans to launch a new limited-service upper-midscale brand called Hyatt Select, the company announced.
Starwood Brand Set to Re-Emerge After SH Name Change
Business Travel News — This month, SH Hotels & Resorts will change its name to Starwood Hotels, a name returning to the hospitality landscape nearly a decade after Marriott International acquired and integrated Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
IHG Acquires 20th Brand in Ruby Hotels
Hotel Investment Today — As part of its fourth quarter earnings report on Tuesday, InterContinental Hotels Group announced the acquisition of its 20th brand, Munich-based urban lifestyle Ruby hotels, for €110.5 million (~$116 million). The seller’s operating company is not being acquired by IHG.
Hilton is Growing Its Footprint in Hawaii
Travel Weekly — The company is opening Hampton Inn hotels on Maui and the Big Island and a Tapestry Collection property on Maui.
Hotel Loyalty Programs Aren’t What They Used to Be, but Here Are the Ones Still Worth It
Afar Magazine — In 2025, the hotels you can book through loyalty programs like Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG One Rewards look a lot different than they did a few years ago.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
American Airlines to Test Free Wi-Fi on Three Routes
Travel Pulse — Free Wi-Fi may be coming to an American Airlines flight near you.
DIA Enters Final Phase of $1.9B Terminal Project
The Construction Broadsheet — The reconstruction of the airport's Jeppesen Terminal should finish up by the end of 2027.
New Ticketing Lobby Opens in Houston Bush Airport's Terminal E
Travel Weekly — United Airlines passengers flying out of Terminal E will no longer need to check in at Terminal C.
17 Travel Packing Tips from Frequent Travelers
Afar Magazine — Use these tips from AFAR staff and other travel experts to pack more efficiently and stay organized on the road.
Feeling Nervous About Flying? These Tips and Expert Advice Can Help
Afar Magazine — Experts offer ways to manage the anxiety.
The Safest Room Service Items to Order (And What to Avoid)
Fodor’s Travel — Hotel experts and chefs advise on the best and worst items to order off the room service menu.
9 Ways to Avoid Offending Anyone When Traveling in Asia
Afar Magazine — It’s always a good idea to learn local etiquette before traveling somewhere unfamiliar.
How Worried Should We All Be About Flying Right Now? Aviation Experts Weigh In
Afar Magazine — The traveling public has been rocked by a series of airline accidents in early 2025, raising alarms about commercial aviation safety. But are fears of flying justified? We asked aviation experts for their take on the situation.
Meetings & Events
What Do Gen Z Participants Want from Meetings?
Northstar Meetings Group — A new trends report from Hilton reveals preferences from the newest members of the workforce.
Four Top Incentive Trends for 2025
Northstar Meetings Group — A new report from the Incentive Research Foundation reveals how a younger workforce, flattened budgets and more are influencing program design.
Looking for assistance with your next convention, incentive, or special event? From designing memorable experiences to managing strategic meetings, Direct Travel is your trusted event partner! For details, please send a message to: [email protected].