November 19, 2019

Direct Travel

News Briefs

November 19, 2019

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: travel as a procurement category, the status of the 737, airline service and route updates, more on REAL ID, Hertz technology updates, coping with jetlag, smart ways to carry cash while traveling, stay healthy on the road, cost-cutting for meetings, measuring your travel program's ROI, and more!

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Measuring Your Travel Program’s ROI

Your travel program has a direct impact on your company’s bottom line, so it’s essential that travel managers, travel buyers, procurement, and finance understand its effectiveness. Read More


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Travel Is a Different Beast from Other Procurement Categories

Business Travel News — Unlike other categories, travel comes with an operational and management component that is critical…Read More


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Some U.S. Airlines Willing to Take 737 MAX Jets Before Pilot Training Approval

Reuters — Some U.S. airlines are willing to pick up their 737 MAX jets from Boeing Co as soon as December if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves delivery of the grounded planes before new pilot training is agreed. Read More

U.S. Airlines Won’t Fly Boeing 737 Max Until March

USA Today — The Boeing 737 Max has been grounded since March following two fatal crashes. Boeing has said it hopes to have the plane recertified by December. Read More

United’s New Elite Status Requirements Could Spell End of an Era for Budget Travelers

Skift — In the world of airline loyalty programs, many are waiting for the other shoe to drop: Will American and Delta raise requirements for earning airline elite status? Read More

Delta Air Lines Updates its International Main Cabin Experience

Travel Market Report — The carrier introduced several hospitality services, including bistro-style dining, hot towel service, welcome cocktails, and more. Read More

American Airlines Expands South Pacific Offerings with Dallas to Auckland Service

Travel Market Report — The new route will operate via the carrier’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 aircraft by October 2020. Read More

United Launches New CRJ-550 Regional Jet

Travel Market Report — The carrier launched regular flight service with the new first-of-its-kind jet this weekend from Chicago O’Hare Airport. Read More

United Adding Larger Overhead Bins

USA Today — United Airlines plans to add larger overhead bins on most of its planes in a bid to improve boarding and take a major stress out of travel. Read More


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New Zealand Introduces New Travel Requirements

Travel Market Report — The country is requiring visitors from visa waiver countries to have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before traveling. Read More

Homeland Security Looking to Automate the REAL ID Process Ahead of Deadline

Travel Market Report — DHS is reportedly looking for technology that will help automate the REAL ID adoption process. Read More

Poland Joins U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Travel Market Report — After years of waiting, Poland has officially been designated as a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows Polish citizens and nationals to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days, without a visa. Read More

How to Prepare for the Real ID Deadline

Successful Meetings — U.S. travelers will soon require a Real ID or approved passport to board domestic flights. Read More

As Real ID Deadline Approaches, the Urgency to Prepare Grows

Northstar Meetings Group — Come October 2020, U.S. travelers will require a Real ID or approved passport to board domestic flights…Read More

What Travelers Need to Know About REAL ID

GBTA Blog — On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement the final phase of REAL ID enforcement, requiring Americans to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of authenticated ID to go through airport security checkpoints. 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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Hertz Continues to Outshine Avis with Tech Investments for Operations

Skift — Hertz recently upgraded its internal and fleet management systems, helping it overcome the hurdles that are bogging down Avis. Read More

What It’s Like to Use Uber, Lyft at LAX After Changes

USA Today — My experience riding a bus to hail an Uber at Los Angeles International Airport’s new LAX-it pickup area was breezy. Read More


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United Airlines Inks Deal to Help Customers Cope with Jet Lag

Chicago Business Journal — United Airlines inked a new partnership with Timeshifter, which has developed an app that helps people cope with jet lag. Read More

10 Smart Ways to Carry Money While Traveling

SmarterTravel — These tips will help you carry money safely and elegantly when you travel. Read More

Lufthansa to Base Status on Number of Flights, Not Miles Flown

Business Travel News — Next year, Lufthansa will begin determining loyalty program status on a new points-based structure rather than mileage flown. Beginning Jan. 1, Lufthansa will give a flat number of points per flight based on the class flown and whether the flight was intercontinental or intracontinental. Read More

How to Avoid Catching a Cold on a Plane

Successful Meetings — Be careful where you sit. Read More

9 Tips for Surviving the Middle Seat

Smarter Travel — These nine tips will help you make it to your destination with your sanity—and your comfort—fully intact. Read More

How to Get a Better Night’s Sleep in a Hotel

Successful Meetings — Try these 5 ways to catch more Zs…Read More


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Corporate Meetings and Incentives: Cost Cutting Without Bloodletting

Creative Group — When it comes to corporate meetings and incentives, do you know how to squeeze the most out of every opportunity? Luckily, we do. And we’re freely sharing our cost cutting tips with you. Read on and feel free to share with your co-workers and friends. Read More

Top Food-and-Beverage Trends for Meetings in 2020

Northstar Meetings Group — Look for these trends to drive event catering and culinary decisions in the coming year. 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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