May 17, 2022

Direct Travel

News Briefs

May 17, 2022

In This Edition… airline flight schedule updates, Air France to launch new business class cabin, United suspends routes due to aircraft shortage and change cancel policy, Delta to open a network of Delta One Clubs next year, new TSA scanners could end liquid ban, the latest on REAL ID, hotel updates, airlines offer free WI-FI, traveler tips, and much more!

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How Changes in Standard of Care are Evolving for Post-Pandemic Travel

Risk management experts explore how COVID-19 duty of care expectations are evolving into a new standard of care for post-pandemic business travel. Read More


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Air France to Introduce New Business-Class Cabin This Fall

Business Travel News — Air France in September will launch a new 48-seat business-class cabin on 12 Boeing 777-300s. The first flight with the new cabin will depart from New York-JFK, with the remaining 11 planes progressively rolled out afterward. Read More

Qantas to Launch Nonstop Flights from New York to Sydney

Afar Magazine — Just a short, 19.5-hour hop. Read More

United Suspends 7 Long-haul Routes for June Due to Aircraft Shortage

The Points Guy — Just three weeks before the start of June, the carrier is temporarily suspending seven routes for the month due to an aircraft shortage. Read More

Delta Limits Sky Club Access and Introduces Business Lounge Network

Travel Weekly — The carrier will begin opening a network of Delta One Clubs next year. Read More

United Airlines Is Changing Its Cancellation Policy Again

Afar Magazine — Don’t worry—it’s a good thing. Read More

Delta Air Lines has a New Longest Domestic Route from Seattle

Wheels Up Network — Delta has announced Seattle to Fort Lauderdale, becoming its longest domestic route from the Washington airport. Read More

United to Resume San Francisco-Melbourne Route

Business Travel News — United Airlines will resume its nonstop San Francisco-Melbourne service in June with three weekly flights. Read More


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TSA Expects Record-Breaking Travel This Summer

Aviation Pros — Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of many airports taking precautions to prepare for the upcoming travel season with new terminal additions and a major runway upgrade. Read More

New Technology Could End Airport Liquid Ban

Travel Pulse — New scanners in use at select airports could become more widespread. Read More

With One Year to Deadline, U.S. Travel Calls for Extension of REAL ID Act in Wake of Pandemic

Wheels Up Network — U.S. Travel is calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to delay the implementation of the REAL ID Act, which is set to take full effect on May 3, 2023. Read More

The Real ID Deadline Is May 2023

Afar Magazine — If you don’t have a Real ID, valid passport, or other acceptable form of identification by then, you won’t be allowed to fly domestically. 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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New High-Speed Train Routes Are Coming to Europe

Afar Magazine — Two of Europe’s largest railway companies are merging to create a high-speed network that will better connect five countries. Read More

Car Rental Customer Satisfaction Drops

Auto Rental News — In a study of major car rental brands, satisfaction dipped 1.3% to an ACSI score of 75 (out of 100). Read More

Lyft Brings Carpooling Back to More US Cities

The Verge — Only two riders will be allowed per vehicle… Read More


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European Hotel Prices Exceed Pre-pandemic Levels

Business Travel News Europe — Average daily rates are now about 6 percent higher than pre-Covid rates… Read More

The Future of the American Travel Workforce

Afar Magazine — Staff shortages continue to trouble hotels, restaurants, airports, and more, presenting an opportunity to rebuild a more diverse, dynamic travel industry. Read More

Hilton Says It Has Bounced Back Strong From Omicron Woes

Travel Weekly — CEO Chris Nassetta said a strong finish to Q1 has continued into April, with demand picking up “meaningfully month over month.” Read More


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These Airlines Are Now Offering Free Wi-Fi

Afar Magazine — A growing number of airlines are trialing free Wi-Fi on flights—for a limited time, at least. Read More

Why Airfares Have Gotten So High

View From the Wing — Travel hasn’t fully returned to 2019 levels, so why have prices risen so much? Fuel prices can limit which flights operate profitably, but fuel isn’t the current binding constraint on supply. And it’s not just a desire of airlines to make back the money they lost during the pandemic. Read More

E.U. Lifts Mask Requirement for Air Travel as Pandemic Ebbs

Northstar Meetings Group — While the new recommendations take effect May 16, face-covering rules might vary by airline. Read More

I’m Overseas and I’ve Tested Positive. What Now?

New York Times (subscription may be required) — “Understand the rules for the country you’re departing from and understand that those rules may change,” said Erika Richter. Read More

Is Flying Safe With No Mask Mandate in Place?

Afar Magazine — Experts weigh in on the safest approach to travel after the federal mask mandate was abruptly dropped. Read More

CDC Restates Recommendation for Masks on Planes, Trains

Travel Weekly — The recommendation comes despite a court ruling last month that struck down a national mask mandate on public transportation. Read More


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How to Adapt Your Incentive Program When Increasing Sales is NOT Your First Priority

Creative Group — In a post-pandemic world, new business challenges are cropping up every day. And here’s an interesting one… how should you adapt your incentive program when increasing sales is NOT your first priority? Creative Group shares how to incent the right behaviors to solve today’s business challenges! Read More

Modernizing Your Incentive Program

Creative Group — It’s amazing how simple program enhancements – like offering rewards in real-time – can dramatically drive business results! Check out how Creative Group helped a client achieve 22.7% YOY revenue growth in overall sales in their latest case study. 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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