November 20, 2018

Direct Travel

News Briefs

November 20, 2018

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: United announces Dreamliner routes, Delta adds windows in new plane bathrooms, new airline routes, time to check the expiration date on your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry membership, Uber and Lyft add loyalty programs, Enterprise earns spot on J.D. Power list, holiday travel tips, How Personalization Impacts Key Travel Program Metrics, 4 Steps to Address Data Breaches in Business Travel and more!

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How Personalization Impacts Key Travel Program Metrics

Personalization has been a feature of the consumer market for years now, and it’s finally becoming more important within commercial offerings. In the business travel space, personalized options have the power to improve policy compliance, increase traveler satisfaction and engagement metrics, and influence the way travelers book air, ground transportation and lodging. Read More

4 Steps to Address Data Breaches in Business Travel

In a time where many companies are striving to create personalized experiences for customers, the amount of data being generated and collected to fulfill this mission is staggering. While industries are working to create these experiences, hackers are at the other end trying to gain access to that same data. Read More


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Building Flexibility, Responsiveness into Clinical Trial Patient Travel and Expense Programs Drives Referrals

PR Newswire —The Colpitts Clinical Team says that 80% of new business comes from trial sponsors and site coordinators who see the value in patient centric, customized clinical trial patient travel and expense programs. Read More


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United Announces Dreamliner Routes

Frequent Business Traveler —United Airlines has announced six international routes that will be operated with its new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. Read More

Delta’s New Planes Will Be Carrier’s First with Bathroom Windows

Afar Magazine —The airline’s new Airbus A220 aircraft feature wider seats, souped-up Wi-Fi, and yes, lavatories with a sky-high view. Read More

United Airlines Grows at Hubs; New Routes from NYC, D.C. and California

USA Today —United Airlines is adding Hilton Head, South Carolina, to its route map as part of a new round of domestic expansion at the Chicago-based carrier. Read More

Delta Enters Bidding for Alitalia

Business Travel News —Delta has emerged among the latest round of bidders for Alitalia, and low-cost carrier EasyJet also remains interested in the Italian carrier, according to Bloomberg. Read More


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Love TSA PreCheck and Global Entry? Check Your Expiration Date

USA Today —The agency estimates that more than 45,000 travelers’ PreCheck memberships will expire between December and February alone…Read More

25 Million People Will Board Flights this Thanksgiving; Here’s How TSA is Preparing for It

Washington Examiner —The Transportation Security Administration is getting ready to screen an estimated 25 million passengers between Nov. 16 and Nov. 26. The agency is adding 80 canines and 1,200 TSA officers to help keep lines moving smoothly. Read More

Passengers to Clear Customs in Japan Using Facial Recognition

ZDNet —Those clearing customs at Japan’s Narita International Airport will soon be able to use their face to prove their identity thanks to the rollout of facial recognition technology…Read More

Passengers to Face AI Lie Detector Tests at EU Airports

CNN —Passengers at some European airports will soon be questioned by artificial intelligence-powered lie detectors at border checkpoints, as a European Union trial of the technology is set to begin…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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Uber and Lyft Launch Rewards Programs

Travel Market Report —Perks for frequent riders include discounts on future rides, upgrades to premium vehicles, priority pickup at airports, and better customer support. Read More

Enterprise Earns Top Spot on J.D. Power Ratings for Fifth Consecutive Year

Business Travel News —Customer satisfaction with North American car rental companies reached record levels this year, according to the J.D. Power 2018 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. Read More


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Graduate Hotels Brand Debuts in Seattle

Meetings & Conventions —The 154-room property in the University District draws groups with 5,000 square feet of meeting space…Read More

Hard Rock Previews First Reverb Property For Music Fans

Insider Travel Report —Hard Rock International announced this week that the company is continuing to move forward with a collection of music-centric hotels called Reverb by Hard Rock. Read More

Hotels Roll Out Guest-Room Tablets and In-House Social Networks

Meetings & Conventions —How two properties are playing the technology card to cater to customers…Read More


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8 Things You Should Never Do When Traveling Over the Holidays

Smarter Travel —The stress of traveling over the holidays can turn anyone into a Grinch. To reduce your holiday hassles, avoid these eight common mistakes. Read More

What Are the Best & Worst Airports in the U.S.?

Insider Travel Report —The Wall Street Journal just released its inaugural ranking of the top 20 U.S. airports based on 15 key measures of performance, value and convenience. Read More

11 Ways to Make Travel Easier on Your Body

Smarter Travel —Travel can be invigorating and restorative, but also grueling and debilitating—sometimes all at the same time. Here’s how to make traveling easier on your body. Read More

Five Tips for Traveling During the Thanksgiving Holiday

Travel Market Report —With more than 25 million people expected to travel during the Thanksgiving Holiday, it’s important to take steps ahead of time to reduce stress and time at the airports. Read More

Tips to Keep Women Secure on the Road

Smart Meetings —Better safe than…Read More

American Airlines Offering Early Boarding for Nut Allergy Passengers

Bloomberg —American Airlines Group Inc. will allow people who suffer from peanut and tree-nut allergies to board flights early so they can wipe down areas where they will sit to avoid potential exposure to allergens. Read More

Free High-Speed Wi-Fi Debuts in New York Airports

Travel Pulse —New York Airports will now offer free Wi-Fi for up to four hours. Read More


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Trade Show Events Foster Customer Loyalty

Creative Group —Chill Vibes Heat Up Networking and Business Relationships: How to enhance brand awareness and connection to your audience with events. Read More

Big Things Are Happening in Las Vegas

Successful Meetings —Exciting new meeting and event spaces are coming to the Strip…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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