November 28, 2023

Direct Travel

News Briefs

November 28, 2023

In This Edition… flight service updates, the safest airlines, airport security programs, navigating Toronto’s public transit, Hilton expansions in 2024, hotels prioritize mobile apps, traveler tips, and much more!

Dans cette édition… des mises à jour sur les services de vol, les compagnies aériennes les plus sécuritaires, les programmes de sécurité aéroportuaire, comment s’orienter dans les transports en commun de Toronto, l’expansion d’Hilton en 2024, les hôtels donnent priorité aux applications mobiles, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!

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6 Steps for Taking Your Corporate Travel Program Global

Whether your company is in the early stages of entering the global market or is already a well-established multinational brand, creating a consolidated global travel program can be exciting but stressful if the necessary pieces aren’t in place. Read More


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American Airlines Ends Seattle-London Route

Travel Weekly — The schedule change means that American has ended its brief trial of international service from Seattle. Read More

United’s Frequent Flier Program Is Changing—Here’s Who Stands to Gain

Afar Magazine — In 2024, the airline will enhance its boost to big spenders on the majority of its cobranded credit cards. Read More

Alaska Airlines Launches Two U.S. Nonstops

Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines has launched two new daily, year-round nonstop routes. Read More

Delta Among Founders of New Aviation Fuel Coalition

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines is among a group of organizations and industries that has launched a new coalition to promote the need and drive demand for alternative aviation fuels. .Read More

United Airlines Announces New Flights from to Tulum, Mexico

Travel Pulse — The carrier is connecting the Mexican hotspot with top U.S. destinations. Read More

These Are the World’s Safest Airlines

Afar Magazine — The good news is, there’s never been a safer time to fly. Read More

Alaska Airlines Lowers 2024 Loyalty Redemption Levels

Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines beginning in March 2024 will offer new options for Mileage Plan loyalty members, along with redemptions starting at a lower level. Read More

Delta, AirBaltic to Launch Codeshare

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and AirBaltic, Latvia’s national carrier, on Nov. 22 will launch a codeshare partnership. Read More

Emirates Orders Additional Boeing 777 Jets

Travel Weekly — Already the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777s, Emirates has placed an order for 90 more. Read More

Air Canada to ‘Boost’ Asia-Pacific Capacity

Business Travel News — Starting mid-December, Air Canada will strategically increase its Asia-Pacific network capacity for the 2024 winter and summer seasons. Read More

BTN’s 2023 Airline Survey: Delta Remains Dominant

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines continues to dominate BTN’s annual Airline Survey, which empowers travel buyers to rate their airline partners across 11 performance criteria. Ratings across three of the four major U.S. airlines lost ground this year among challenges and distribution strategy changes. Read More

United’s $2.6 Billion Houston Airport Expansion Blocked by the City

Simple Flying — The renovation plans call for demolishing and rebuilding Terminal B North, adding more amenities, improving energy efficiency and tripling the baggage-claim area. Read More


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TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear: What’s the Difference

Afar Magazine — Not sure how these trusted traveler programs differ? You’re not alone. Read More

You Can Now Get Your U.S. Passport Faster, the State Department Says

Afar Magazine — Here are the new estimated processing times for passport applications. 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 Partners With EVgo to Offer EV Renters One Year of Special Charging Rates

Insider Travel Report — Hertz and EVgo Inc., one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for EVs, are staging a joint promotion to offer one year of special charging rates to drivers renting any EV model at a Hertz location across the country. Read More

Here’s the Best Way to Navigate Toronto’s Public Transit System

Fodor’s Travel — Your guide to riding Toronto’s Red Rocket. Read More


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Hilton Plans 24 Hotel Openings Next Year

Business Travel News — New properties will include local brand launches in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, and the United States. Read More

IHG, Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham: How Hotels Prioritize Mobile Apps

PhocusWire — For years, hospitality executives have been talking about how their apps are a critical part of their loyalty and guest engagement strategies during all stages of booking, staying and departing. In an era when everyone lives on their phones, it’s no surprise. Read More


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Capital One’s New Denver Airport Lounge Serves Cocktails From One of North America’s 50 Best Bars

Afar Magazine — Afar got a sneak peek inside the new airport lounge in Concourse A. Read More

5 Hidden Airport Speakeasies for a Pre-Flight Cocktail

Fodor’s Travel — Forget drinking a beer in the food court. These hidden cocktail bars provide a unique way to enjoy a drink at the airport. Read More

Which Airports Will Be the Best and Worst for International Travel This Holiday Season?

TravelPulse — The team at Upgraded Points recently analyzed U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Airport Wait Times dataset, looking at average and maximum wait times at all major U.S. international airports during the peak of the 2022 winter holiday season to determine which are likely to see the shortest and longest wait times for travelers venturing abroad. Read More

Here’s What to Do If You Need to Be Hospitalized Abroad

Fodor’s Travel — What to do if the worst happens. Read More

This New Option Is Perfect for Passengers Who Don’t Want to Sit Next to Anyone

Fodor’s Travel — You can get more space in economy. Read More

How to Use Your Phone Internationally—Without Breaking the Bank

Afar Magazine — Use these money-saving tips to stay connected while abroad. Read More

Iceland State Of Emergency; Volcano Could Disrupt Air Travel

Open Jaw — Experts in Iceland are warning of a new volcanic eruption, “which could potentially bring European and transatlantic aviation to a grinding halt.” Read More


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New Challenges and Opportunities for Event Planners

Meetings & Conventions Asia — The race for space, intense cost control amid rising inflation and rebuilding partner and supplier relationships are some of the biggest trends continuing to impact the events industry. This is according to a recent webinar, entitled Data Deep Dive: Unveiling Event Trends and Insights, hosted by SITE. 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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