October 29, 2024

Direct Travel

News Briefs

October 29, 2024

In This Edition… learn more about Steve Singh, EU postpones new border control system, airline flight service updates, new airline codeshare agreements, the latest on Real ID, ground transportation expansion, hotel news, traveler tips, and more!

Dans cette édition… apprenez-en plus sur Steve Singh, l’UE reporte le nouveau système de contrôle des frontières, des mises à jour sur les services de vols des compagnies aériennes, de nouveaux accords de partage de code entre des compagnies aériennes, les dernières informations concernant le Real ID, l’expansion des transports terrestres, des actualités hôtelières, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!

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Three Sustainability Strategies for Greener Corporate Travel

To build a more eco-conscious travel program, an organization must create a comprehensive sustainable travel policy, make sustainability a priority in purchasing decisions, and invest in employee education. Read More

How Avenir Connects the Best Travel Technology with Even Better Service

Discover how Avenir seamlessly integrates cutting-edge travel technology with exceptional service to elevate your travel experience. Read More


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More on Steve Singh

The Business Travel Magazine — Bev Fearis chats with the entrepreneur and venture capitalist about his quest for ‘the perfect trip’, the future of TMCs, annoying habits, best bosses and more. Read More

EU Delays Rollout of Entry-Exit System… Again

Open Jaw — The European Union has postponed the launch of its new electronic border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), due to concerns about the readiness of the central IT infrastructure. Read More

Airlines Are Pushing Ancillaries to Boost Revenue, But New Offerings Slow to Come

Phocus Wire — Ancillary services including baggage fees, meal upgrades, change fees and seat selection help boost airline profits, but why haven’t airlines expanded their product catalog? Read More


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Air Canada, AirBaltic Reach Codeshare Agreement

Business Travel News — Air Canada and AirBaltic on Nov. 6 will begin a codeshare agreement for flights between Canada and northern Europe’s Baltic countries. Read More

Delta Expands Digital ID to Salt Lake City

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines has launched its Digital ID facial-recognition identification service at Salt Lake City International Airport. Read More

Singapore, Air India to Add 51 Codeshare Destinations

Business Travel News — Singapore Airlines and Air India beginning Oct. 27 will add 51 destinations to their codeshare agreement, including 11 in India. Read More

5 Airlines to Share Long-Haul Flights to Reagan National

Meetings & Conventions (AP) — The new routes will connect to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Antonio, San Francisco and Seattle. Read More

Delta Unveils a New Cabin Interior

Travel Weekly — The new interior will first take flight this fall on a Boeing 757 narrowbody. Early next year, Delta will introduce the new look on an Airbus A350 widebody. Read More

United Airlines Unveils Largest Winter Schedule

TravelPulse — In total, United will add flights at more than 140 airports in the United States, including additional service to some of the most popular ski and sun destinations. Read More

Delta To Introduce Expanded Routes in Europe and Asia

TravelPulse — Delta Air lines is bolstering its overseas routes to Europe and Asia in the coming year. Read More

United Just Announced Its Biggest International Expansion Ever

Afar Magazine — The upcoming routes include some unbelievable off-the-beaten-path destinations that have our editors raising their hands to be first in line. Read More


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TSA Makes Final Ruling on Real ID Requirements at Airport Checkpoints

TravelPulse — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a final rule in the Federal Register allowing passengers to use driver’s licenses at airport security checkpoints and in entrances to federal buildings for identification until REAL ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025. Read More

Don’t Be That Passenger: How to Get Through TSA Smoothly

USA Today (subscription may be required) — Going through TSA can be stressful for some travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about security checkpoints. Read More

These Are the Busiest Travel Days of the Year, According to TSA

Afar Magazine — The holidays and holiday weekends often bring some of the most congested days at the country’s airports and on the roads. 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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Rail Europe Adds Deutsche Bahn Rail Links to Denmark

Travel Weekly — American customers can now book rail journeys between Germany and Denmark as well as a wide range of other European cities. Read More

SkyTeam Partners With Eurostar and Trenitalia

Travel Weekly — The airline alliance will enable single-booking intermodal journeys with the two high-speed rail lines. Read More


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Marriott International, MGM Resorts to Launch W Las Vegas

TravelPulse — Marriott International, Inc. and MGM Resorts International have entered into an agreement to convert a hotel on Las Vegas’s Mandalay Bay Campus into the W Las Vegas, which will open later this year. W Las Vegas is part of the two companies’ long-term strategic licensing agreement that was announced in July 2023. Read More

Wyndham to Launch Microtel Brand in India

Business Travel News — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will introduce its economy-tier Microtel brand to India and plans to open 40 Microtel properties by 2031 under the terms of a new agreement. Read More

Four Seasons New York Sets Reopening Date

Travel Weekly — Closed since March 2020, the luxury hotel has set a reopening date of Nov. 15. Read More

Airline-Hotel Loyalty Partnerships to Expand Offerings

Business Travel News — Two pairs of airlines and hotel companies on Tuesday announced separate enhancements to their loyalty partnerships. Read More

Why Marriott Is Set to Expand Its Newest Brand on the U.S.

Insider Travel Report — Marriott International, Inc. just announced the expansion of the City Express by Marriott brand in the United States & Canada, marking the company’s entry into the affordable midscale transient segment in the region. City Express, based in the Caribbean and Latin America region, was acquired by Marriott a year ago as Marriott’s 31st brand. Read More

Marriott to Pay $52M, Improve Cybersecurity

Phocus Wire — Marriott has agreed to pay $52 million and to strengthen its data security practices in settlements related to three data breaches dating back to 2014. Read More


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Newark Airport Unveils Plans for Terminal B Overhaul

The Points Guy — The NY/NJ Port Authority also wants to build a more efficient aircraft taxiway network and to revamp the roadways to reduce traffic. Read More

Cancun Airport Eliminates Multiple Electronics Fees

TravelPulse — What travelers need to know. Read More

Codeshare Partnerships At US Airlines: 5 Things You Should Know

Simple Flying — Some passengers may not even be aware that the flight they are booking might be operated by a different airline. Read More

What to Know About Bed Bugs—and How to Avoid Them While Traveling

Afar Magazine — A recent outbreak in Paris served as a crucial reminder that it’s important to know how to spot and prevent these pests from invading your sleep, belongings, and health. Read More

7 Smart Tips to Avoid Checked Baggage Fees Every Time You Fly

Afar Magazine — The costs of checking baggage keeps going up. Here’s how to minimize the damage to your wallet. Read More

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