How to Leverage Data to Streamline Your Travel Program
A critical part of any travel manager’s role involves reporting to company decision-makers on program performance. That’s where a business intelligence tool like Direct Intelligence comes in. Read More
How Elite Air Services Can Transform Executive Travel
With pandemic-era restrictions lifted and most organizations back to “business as usual,” C-suite executives have resumed regular travel schedules. This presents an opportunity for travel decision-makers to reevaluate their corporate travel programs. Read More
New EU Visa Program ETIAS Won’t Start Until 2025
Travel Market Report — The long-talked about visa program for inbound travelers to Europe is reportedly delayed yet again. Read More
Delta’s Bastian Promises SkyMiles ‘Modifications’
Business Travel News — Reacting to sharp criticism from some travelers over Delta Air Lines’ planned overhaul of its SkyMiles loyalty program, CEO Ed Bastian in an on-stage conversation this week promised changes to the airline’s plans. Delta this month announced it would revamp SkyMiles, effective Jan. 1. Read More
Lufthansa Is Adding These New North America Routes for 2024
Afar Magazine — The German airline is growing its footprint across the USA. Read More
Delta Air Lines Cutting Flights to Major Cities
Travel Pulse — Just days after announcing plans for its largest-ever schedule for flights from the U.S. to Europe next year, Delta Air Lines revealed it would cut flights to six major cities in the coming months, starting in October. Read More
Alaska Airlines to Add Atlanta-San Diego Service
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines on May 16, 2024, will add service between San Diego and Atlanta. Read More
Delta Air Lines Announces Roadmap to Net-Zero by 2050
CNN (video) — Richard Quest speaks with Amelia DeLuca, the chief sustainability officer at Delta Air Lines, about the carrier’s goal to reach net-zero emissions. This video has been updated to reflect that Delta Air Lines is working toward net-zero emissions, not becoming carbon neutral. Read More
Delta Unveils New JFK Seasonal Service To Europe
Travel Weekly — The airline will launch New York service to Munich and Naples, Italy. Read More
Air Canada System Briefly Breached, Customer Info and Flight Ops Unaffected
CTV News Montreal — Canada’s biggest airline says an unauthorized group briefly breached an internal system linked to the personal information and records of some employees. Read More
Lufthansa Group Will Ramp Up U.S. Service Next Year
Travel Weekly — Lufthansa is adding two destinations — Raleigh-Durham, N.C., and Minneapolis-St. Paul — and Swiss will fly to Washington. Read More
WestJet to Add Victoria-Las Vegas Service
Business Travel News — WestJet on Feb. 1, 2024, will launch nonstop service between Victoria, Canada, and Las Vegas. Read More
Delta Air Lines Announces New, Returning 2024 Summer Flights
Travel Pulse — Delta Air Lines is already preparing for summer 2024 by announcing the reopening of nonstop service to Santa Barbara, California, and new and resumed routes to gateways near scenic spots like Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Read More
Delta Air Lines Makes Major Changes to SkyMiles Status and Sky Club Access Rules
Travel Market Report — Long-rumored changes are coming to Delta Air Lines’s frequent flyer tiers and rules to access its SkyClubs. Read More
Global Entry Mobile App Goes Live
TSA.gov — Instead of visiting a Global Entry kiosk, qualified travelers can use the app to take care of arrival procedures on their phones, reducing wait times and accelerating the process. Read More
TSA Enrollment Reimbursement? Yeah, It’s a Thing
TSA.gov — What’s better than helping your travelers enjoy a smoother security screening process, including no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets? Helping them get those TSA PreCheck program benefits for little or no cost! Please share these terrific enrollment offers and specials so more travelers can become TSA PreCheck members without paying the full enrollment fee. Read More
Did You Know? You Can Text TSA Your Travel Questions
Afar Magazine — TSA agents are available to answer questions travelers might have about their IDs, TSA PreCheck, and what’s allowed in carry-on bags, among other queries. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
What to Know About Driving to Canada from Michigan
USA Today — Before you head across the border, here’s what you need to know about passports and other documentation you’ll need. Read More
Brightline Officially Begins Rail Service Between Orlando and Miami
Insider Travel Report — Brightline officially launched passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami on Sept. 22. The first train, Bright Pink, arrived in Orlando at 11:05 a.m. and was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders from across the state. Read More
BWH Eyes APAC Amid Plans to ‘Transform’ as Global Brand
Business Travel News — Best Western executives outlined international growth strategies that capitalize on a vanishing recession and finally leverage the WorldHotels brand. Read More
Hilton Will Display Mandatory Fees on Websites, Apps
TravelPulse — The company is working to display all fees for all platforms that advertise, distribute and sell its inventory. Read More
Radisson Accelerates Growth in Eastern and Southeastern Europe
Business Travel News Europe — Radisson Hotel Group is rapidly expanding its presence in Eastern and Southeastern Europe with plans to open more than 10 properties by 2025, including the debut of its art’otel brand in the Balkans next month. Read More
American, Canadian Hotel Orgs. Prep JV to Bring Green Key to U.S.
Business Travel News — The Hotel Association of Canada will bring its Green Key Global hospitality sustainability certification program to the United States through a planned joint venture with the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Read More
Hyatt to Add More Than 30 Properties in the Americas
TravelPulse — Plans call for more luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts, many flagged under the company’s collections. Read More
Why Do Window Shades Have to Be Open for Takeoff and Landing?
Afar Magazine — There’s a good reason for keeping airplane window shades open when a flight takes off and lands. Here’s why. Read More
United Airlines Unveils New Tools, Policies for Travelers With Wheelchairs
TravelPulse — Beginning early next year, the carrier plans to introduce a new digital filter on United.com that helps determine which aircraft can accommodate different-sized chairs. Read More
Brazil to Reinstate Visa Requirement for U.S. Travelers
Afar Magazine — This is what you need to know if you’re planning to visit Brazil in 2024. Read More
The Best (and Worst) Airports in North America, According to Travelers
Afar Magazine — Here’s how airports in the U.S. and Canada rank. Read More
What to Do With Leftover Foreign Currency
Afar Magazine — Some practical tips for using up your extra yen, euros, francs, and beyond. Read More
How to Figure Out What Type of Plane You’re Flying In
Afar Magazine — The type of plane you fly on can affect everything from how much luggage space you’ll have to how you can pick the best seat. Read More
Creative Group Named to the 2023 MeetingsNet CMI 25 List
PR Web — Once again, we have been named to the annual list of the largest U.S. Meeting and Incentive agencies. The annual report from MeetingsNet, a digital magazine and website dedicated to the meetings and incentives industry, is the go-to resource for corporations looking for experienced planning partners. Read More
The Case for San Francisco’s Hotel Market
Costar.com — Now is a unique time for meeting planners and attendees to experience a city that has all the attributes of a major market, but with group room rates that are up only 4 percent from 2019. Read More