May 16, 2023

Direct Travel

News Briefs

May 16, 2023

In This Edition… Buyer frustration with NDC, travel price increases, airline satisfaction takes a hit, Delta deploys sync platform, flight schedule updates, Canadian passport redesign, Amtrak resumes service on 3 routes, Lyft adds “preorder” feature, hotel updates, many traveler tips, and much more!

Dans cette édition... La frustration des acheteurs face à la nouvelle capacité de distribution, l’augmentation des tarifs de voyage, la baisse de confiance envers les compagnies aériennes, Delta lance une plateforme de synchronisation, des mises à jour sur les horaires de vol, la refonte du passeport canadien, Amtrak reprend le service sur trois itinéraires, Lyft propose une fonction de « précommande », des mises à jour sur les hôtels, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs et bien plus encore!

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5 Reasons to Make the Move to a Managed Travel Program

For small to mid-sized companies that have struggled with implementing consistent travel policies and processes, the continually shifting post-COVID landscape has further shown the importance of transitioning to a managed corporate travel program. Read More

How to Streamline Your International Travel Experience

The last holdouts from the era of pandemic-related border restrictions may have lifted, but preparing for international travel remains more important than ever. Read More


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GBTA Survey Shows Buyer Frustration with NDC Drive

Business Travel News — A majority of buyers said airlines are moving too quickly in their push for New Distribution Capability content, though a smaller percentage said they’ve seen a negative impact from initiatives similar to American Airlines’ move last month to limit certain content to NDC channels, according to a GBTA poll of 803 travel professionals conducted in April. Read More

Why Airfares, Hotels and Cars Are Getting So Expensive for Americans

Bloomberg — Businesses are courting consumers who have been conditioned to put up with price increases after pandemic-related supply-chain snarls drove up the cost of everyday staples. Read More

U.S. to End International Inbound Vaccine Requirement

Business Travel News — The Covid-19 vaccine requirement for inbound international travelers to the U.S. will end after May 11, the White House announced. Read More


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JD Power: Airline Satisfaction Takes a Hit Due to Higher Prices

Travel Weekly — Airlines scored a ranking of 791 on J.D. Power’s 1,000-point scale, down seven points from last year and down 29 points from 2021. Read More

Delta Starts Deploying Its Sync Platform

Travel Weekly — Flyers use their mobile devices to log in with their SkyMiles number to receive access to promotional and entertainment offerings. Read More

Lufthansa Expects Traffic Revenue Record in 2023

Business Travel News — Lufthansa Group reported a first-quarter net loss of €467 million on total revenue of €7 billion, the company announced. Read More

Air New Zealand to Add Economy Sleep Pods on U.S. Routes

Business Travel News — Air New Zealand in September 2024 plans to introduce its Skynest full-length sleeping pods on its ultra-long-haul routes, starting with two destinations in the United States: New York and Chicago. Read More

DOT to Propose Delay Compensation Rule

Business Travel News — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced it would initiate a rulemaking process designed to require airlines to compensate passengers for flight cancellations and delays caused by carriers. Read More

United Slams Delta Haneda Proposal

Business Travel News — United Airlines objected to a Delta Air Lines request for flexibility in the transpacific service it is authorized to offer to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Read More

Lufthansa CEO Warns SAF Mandate will Push up Fares

Business Travel News — Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr has warned that European airlines may be forced to increase fares because of the new mandate for the use of sustainable aviation fuel. Read More

United Expands Corp. Eco-Skies Alliance

Business Travel News — United Airlines has added eight companies to its Eco-Skies Alliance program, which allows corporate clients to collectively contribute to the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel. Read More

Air Canada, Bell Partner for In-Flight Messaging

Business Travel News — Air Canada and Canadian communications company Bell have partnered to provide free in-flight text messaging for loyalty program members. Read More

U.S. Will Not Extend 5G Wireless Safety Upgrade Deadline for Planes

Travel Pulse — Starting on July 1, carriers will not be able to make certain landings in low-visibility conditions without upgraded altimeters. Read More


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First Look at Canada’s New Redesigned Passport

Travel Market Report — Aside from a new design, the updated passport will make online renewal an option for Canadians. Read More

Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?

Afar Magazine — The expedited screening program is designed to get you in and out of the airport security line as quickly as possible. Here’s what it takes to get it and the value of a membership for frequent travelers. Read More

Passport Bottleneck Is Holding Up International Travel

Meetings & Conventions (AP) — The State Department is getting 500,000 passport applications per week, with each taking up to 13 weeks to process. Policy changes are needed. 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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Amtrak Just Resumed Service on 3 Scenic North America Train Routes

Afar Magazine — Just in time for summer, you can now ride the rails to scenic destinations along the East and West Coasts and into Canada. Read More

Lyft Launches Airport Arrival ‘Preordering’

Business Travel News — Lyft has made a new “preordering” feature available for customers when landing at select airports. Read More

A New High-Speed Train Will Connect These 2 Iconic Italy Destinations Directly

Afar Magazine — Starting in 2024, travelers will be able to take a single train to travel from the capital to this famed archaeological site. Read More

Lyft: Focus on Competitive Pricing Showing Results

Business Travel News — Lyft during the past 10 weeks has been pricing rideshare services more competitively, and the move is producing “solid early results,” executives noted on a late Thursday earnings call. Read More


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Marriott International Will Launch a Midscale Extended-stay Brand

Travel Weekly — CEO Tony Capuano described the new offering as a “simple, modern, streamlined, new build extended-stay product.” Read More

Hilton’s Best Rooftop Views Around the World

Hiliton.com — Take in stunning views while enjoying delicious food and drinks at these 14 Hilton rooftop venues across the globe. Read More

Marriott to Prominently Display Resort Fees This Month

PhocusWire — In response to a court settlement in 2021, by mid-May Marriott will be the first to respond to consumer pressure with upfront full rates on its website and app. Read More

Radisson Hotel Group and PPHE Hotel Group Grow Premium Lifestyle art’otel Brand

Radisson Hotels — Radisson Hotel Group expands its portfolio of bold, art and design-inspired hotels with the inclusion of art’otel in the Radisson Hotel Group’s brand portfolio, growing to ten distinct brands under one overarching umbrella. Read More


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Is Turbulence Getting Worse?

Afar Magazine — The climate is changing and it’s having a significant effect on the air we fly through. Here’s what to know about whether future flights are likely to be smooth sailing or a rocking roller coaster. Read More

First U.S. Chase Sapphire Lounge to Open in Boston Logan

Business Travel News — On May 16, the first domestic Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club will open at Boston Logan International Airport, JPMorgan Chase & Co. announced. Read More

These Are the Best (and Worst) Airlines in North America, According to Fliers

Afar Magazine — Nearly 8,000 airline passengers ranked their flying experience over the last year. Here’s which airlines came out on top—and which did not. Read More

Why Mobile Passport Is the Best-Kept Secret Among International Travelers

Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know about the app that gets you through U.S. immigration and customs faster. Read More

Behind the Frosted Glass Doors of Airline Lounges, is it Really Worth It?

USA Today (subscription may be required) — It’s largely a personal choice. Read More

9 Ways to Get Over Postflight Aches Fast

Afar Magazine — Tried-and-true tips from achy travelers. Read More

Unruly Airline Passengers Could Soon Find Themselves on the No-Fly List

Travel Market Report — Paul Ruden on the new legislation and what it could mean for travel advisors. Read More


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Why Outdoor Events in California Are ‘In’

Northstar Meetings Group — Flexibility, fresh ocean air and fantastic options — being outside definitely is in. With near-perfect weather year-round, San Diego features a wealth of event venues overlooking beaches, bays and gorgeous landscapes dotted with palm trees. Read More

The Best Advice for Staying Healthy When You’re On the Road

PreVue Meetings — For you—our meeting planner audience—we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 articles about how to stay healthy when you travel. Read More

Did You Know These Countries Have U.S. Travel Advisories?

PreVue Meetings — If you’re taking a meeting outside of the U.S., there could be local risks involved that may not be intuitively obvious. 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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