October 31, 2023

Direct Travel

News Briefs

October 31, 2023

In This Edition… airline flight service updates, United to upgrade seats, Delta frequent traveler program updates, Global Entry mobile app, US issues Global Bulletin, Japan’s railway system, Amtrak’s new Airo Train fleet, hotel updates, and traveler tips!

Dans cette édition… des mises à jour sur les services de vols des compagnies aériennes, les sièges améliorés de United, le programme de fidélité de Delta, l'application mobile Global Entry, le Global Bulletin publié par les États-Unis, le système ferroviaire japonais, la nouvelle flotte de trains Airo d'Amtrak, des mises à jour sur les hôtels et des conseils pour les voyageurs!

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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

What to Look for When Choosing a New Travel Management Company

Choosing a TMC is more than a business transaction: it is a partnership that should be built on trust. When in the market for a new travel management company, here are some of the top questions to consider to ensure your values are in alignment. Read More


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United Sets Its ‘Largest’ 2024 Transatlantic Schedule

Business Travel News — United Airlines plans to operate its “largest-ever” transatlantic summer schedule in 2024, with nonstop flights to 38 cities. Read More

United Unveils New Polaris Business Seat Upgrades

Afar Magazine — The enhancements to the airline’s international business-class product are focused on improved sleep and skincare. Read More

Air Canada Reveals Upgraded A321 Interiors

Business Travel News — Air Canada has unveiled its first upgraded Airbus A321 featuring larger bins, new seats, enhanced entertainment and Wi-Fi systems, with the rest of the A321 and A320 fleet to follow suit through 2025. Read More

Alaska Airlines Adds Nonstop Flights From Anchorage to New York and San Diego

TravelPulse — Daily flights to New York’s JFK airport begin on June 13, 2024, and weekly flights to San Diego International will start on May 18, 2024. Read More

Porter Announces Flights from Toronto to California

OpenJaw — After months of rumors, Porter Airlines will launch non-stop, daily roundtrip service from YYZ to both SFO and LAX in January. Read More

Air France to End Most Orly Flights

Business Travel News — Air France plans to shift most of its operations currently at Paris Orly airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle by summer 2026. Read More

Delta Backpedals on Major Changes to SkyMiles Program and Lounge Access

Afar Magazine — Here’s what it means for frequent fliers. Read More

United’s New Boarding Policy Is a Perk for Middle Seat Flyers

Entrepreneur.com — Window seat flyers are getting an upgrade as United Airlines revamps its boarding process. Read More


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Global Entry Just Made Getting Through Customs Even Faster—Here’s How

Afar Magazine — The free app, which is now available for Apple and Android phones, means you won’t need to stop at a Customs and Border Protection kiosk. Read More

State Department Issues Rare Global Bulletin to U.S. Citizens Abroad

Fodors Travel — The U.S. State Department has issued a rare Worldwide Caution for all U.S. citizens outside the country, advising that, regardless of destination, U.S. citizens should increase their vigilance when traveling abroad. Read More

How and Why Your TSA PreCheck Application Could Be Rejected

Travel Market Report — There are a number of PreCheck disqualifications that could affect your travel privileges. 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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Enterprise Holdings Rebrands as Enterprise Mobility

TravelPulse  — After being known as Enterprise Holdings since 2009, the company introduced a new corporate brand, dubbed Enterprise Mobility. Read More

How to Navigate and Get the Most Out of Japan’s Railway System

Afar Magazine — Train culture runs deep in Japan. But navigating the country’s train system can be intimidating, especially to Americans not used to train travel. Fear not: This primer will help you make the most out of Japan’s rail network. Read More

Brightline Debuts New Train Pass for Travel Between Orlando and South Florida

Insider Travel Report  — Brightline, which provides modern, eco-friendly intercity passenger rail service in Florida, has announced a new All-Station Shared Pass. Read More

Amtrak Unveils New Airo Train Fleet, Capable of 125 mph Speeds

USA Today (subscription may be required) — The new trains will be more fuel-efficient and produce 90 percent fewer particulate emissions in diesel operations. Read More


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Hilton Reports Strong Revenue Growth Due to Record Prices, Higher Occupancy

TravelPulse — Hilton Worldwide Holdings revealed that the hospitality company exceeded third-quarter revenue estimates and improved its annual forecast due to record lodging prices and higher occupancy levels. Read More

Wyndham Rejects Choice Hotels’ Unsolicited Buyout Offer

Travel Weekly — Wyndham called the $8 billion proposal “opportunistic” and said that it undervalues its growth potential. Read More

Hilton Opens First Spark-Branded Property

Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide has opened its first property under the flag of its “premium economy” brand Spark. Read More

BWH Hotels Continues Expansion With New Properties Around the Globe

Insider Travel News — BWH Hotels is continuing its growth of 19 distinctive brands throughout the third quarter in locations around the world. Read More


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Europe’s New Entry Requirements Won’t Launch in 2024 After All

Afar Magazine — The introduction of new ETIAS entry rules for foreign travelers heading to Europe has been pushed back yet again. Read More

Why Does Wine Taste Different on a Plane? We Asked an Airline Sommelier.

Afar Magazine — Delta’s master sommelier explains how the airline’s new wine menu addresses the challenge of your taste buds changing at 35,000 feet. Read More

What Causes That Weird Fog in Airplane Aisles?

Afar Magazine — One of the many mysteries of air travel is the white mist that occasionally fills the airplane cabin right before takeoff. Afar explains the science involved. Read More

Airport Lounges Are Booming, And Everyone Wants In

CNBC — Travelers are flocking to airport lounges in search of complimentary food, drinks and perhaps most importantly, a chance to relax away from the hordes of travelers at the gate. The problem: plenty of other travelers are too. Read More

Why Airplane Seats Must Be Upright for Takeoff and Landing

Afar Magazine — Here’s why you’re asked to sit up straight. Read More

Americans Won’t Need to Apply for European Travel in 2024, According to Some Sources

Fodors Travel — Travelers from the U.S. and other countries who previously enjoyed visa-free travel to most of the European Union will not need a visa—electronic or otherwise—in the near future. Read More

Delta’s Massive New LAX Terminal Is Now Complete—Here’s a Look Inside

Afar Magazine — If you plan on flying Delta Air Lines to or from Los Angeles International Airport, an entirely new experience awaits. Read More


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How to Improve Wellness and Reduce Stress at Large Events

Association Meetings International — At large, crowded events, it’s crucial to provide designated quiet spaces where attendees can find tranquility and practice mindfulness. 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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