September 20, 2022

Direct Travel

News Briefs

September 20, 2022

In This Edition… gamification for sustainability, US DOT launches airline customer service dashboard, United and Emirates codeshare, airline flight service updates, airlines abandoning small airports, United invests in electric flying taxi, TSA PreCheck expands with four new international carriers, car rental prices rise, hotel updates, airports that charge for WI-FI, which carriers still require masks onboard, incentive travel news, and may traveler tips… including stay-calm strategies for anxiety, what to do if your boarding pass isn’t marked TSA Pre-Check, and what to pack in your carry-on!

Dans cette édition… la ludification au service du développement durable, le ministère américain des Transports met en place un tableau de bord renseignant sur le service à la clientèle des compagnies aériennes, le partage de codes entre United et Emirates, les mises à jour des services de vol des compagnies aériennes, l’abandon des petits aéroports de la part des compagnies aériennes, United investit dans un taxi volant électrique, le programme TSA PreCheck s’étend avec quatre nouveaux transporteurs internationaux, la hausse des prix de location de voitures, les mises à jour des hôtels, les aéroports facturant l’accès à l’Internet sans fil, les transporteurs qui exigent encore des masques à bord, l’actualité sur les voyages incitatifs, et quelques conseils et astuces pour les voyageurs... notamment, des stratégies pour rester calme en cas d’anxiété, ce qu’il faut faire si votre carte d’embarquement ne porte pas la mention TSA Pre-Check, et ce qu’il faut mettre dans son bagage à main!

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4 Takeaways for Building a Future-Forward Travel Program

How are you powering your business forward and reaching new goals to put both people and the planet first? The new standards of corporate travel have evolved post-pandemic and call for a stronger commitment to sustainability, DEI, and traveler wellness. Read More


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Could Gamification Help Corporate Travel Go Green?

PhocusWire — Past efforts to use gamification to nudge corporate travelers into making specific decisions never really took off. But with sustainability top-of-mind for many companies, the concept could be revived as businesses look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Read More

DOT Launches Dashboard, Carriers Make Improvements

Business Travel News — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday launched an airline customer service dashboard outlining the 10 largest U.S. carriers’ plans, including specifics on passenger meal or hotel voucher entitlements. Read More

After Pandemic Tumult, GBTA Steadies Course

Business Travel News — The Global Business Travel Association unveiled a new brand at its annual convention in August, a sign of renewal as the industry emerges from the pandemic shutdown and as the organization works to rebuild its industry leadership and advocacy. Read More


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Air Canada Agrees to Purchase 30 Electro-Hybrid Aircraft

Business Travel News — Air Canada has agreed to purchase 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace of Sweden and expected to enter service in 2028. Read More

United and Emirates Strike Code-Share Deal—Here’s What That Means for Travelers

Afar Magazine — The new partnership will result in better flight connections but it will be a mixed bag for frequent fliers. Read More

Could the World’s Largest Airline Become Even Larger?

Simply Flying — American Airlines’ CEO believes there is real potential for further growth as the carrier continues its post-pandemic recovery… Read More

Delta Adds New 4x Daily LaGuardia to Dulles Route, Cuts 2 Others

The Points Guy — Flight updates for Delta… Read More

Airlines Abandoning Small Airports More Than Just a Trend

Travel Pulse — They say that it takes three times for something to happen to consider it a trend. What about 20 times that? Read More

United Airlines Threatens to Drop JFK Service if U.S. Does Not Approve More Flights

Reuters — United Airlines said it plans to end service in October to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport if the Federal Aviation Administration does not grant the air carrier additional flights. Read More

Airlines Count on Business Travelers to Keep Recovery Going

Washington Post — With summer vacations winding down, airlines are counting on the return of more business travelers to keep their pandemic recovery going into the fall. Read More

Delta and Others Are in Talks to Buy Majority Stake in Italian Flag Carrier

Travel Weekly — A consortium formed by Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and U.S. investment fund Certares are negotiating for the purchase of ITA Airways. Read More

Delta Adds Service to Las Vegas from 19 Global Cities for CES 2023

Delta.com — Delta will offer additional flights from 16 U.S. cities and three of its international hubs to Las Vegas for CES® 2023 — the most influential tech event in the world. Read More

American Airlines Is Cutting 14,000 Flights in December with More to Come

WFAA — The airline does not want to “overextend” itself and have to put customers through delays and cancellations… Read More

United Invests Another $15M in Electric Flying Taxi Market with Eve

Wheels Up — Airline signs purchase agreement for up to 400 eVTOL aircraft from Eve aiming to revolutionize commuter experience in cities around the world. Read More


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Four New International Air Carriers Join TSA PreCheck

TSA.gov — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® program with the addition of Air Europa, Flair, Volaris El Salvador, and ITA Airways. Read More

Global Entry Enrollment Delays Stretch for Months

Travel Weekly — Fueled by high demand, wait times of several months or more for Global Entry enrollment and renewal interviews continue to be common. Read More

How to Get a Free or Discounted Clear Airport Security Membership

Afar Magazine — This expedited airport security service saves extra time beyond TSA PreCheck. Read More

Americans Will Be Able to Renew Their Passports Online by Early 2023

Travel Market Report — As part of a recent promise by the federal government, all Americans will be able to renew their passports online as soon as next year, according to recent news from the U.S. Department of State. 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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Car Rental Prices Up Nearly 50 Percent Since Start of Pandemic

Hydrogen Passenger Trains Roll out in Germany

Afar Magazine — In the fight against climate change, 14 hydrogen trains are to replace the current diesel trains. Read More

Amtrak to Restore Vancouver Service

Business Travel News — Amtrak on Sept. 26 will restart crossborder service between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Read More


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Wyndham Acquires Vienna House for $44 Million

Travel Market Report — The deal adds more than 6,000 rooms to Wyndham’s portfolio. Read More

New Opening: citizenM’s Debut Chicago Hotel

Travel Market Report — The hotel adds 280 rooms across 10 floors to the heart of downtown Chicago. Read More

Data Breach Disrupts IHG’s Booking System

Travel Weekly — The hotel company said technology systems were impacted by what it called “unauthorized activity.” Read More

Las Vegas’ New York-New York Resort is Remodeling Its Rooms and Suites

Travel Market Report — The project will include a brand new room design that draws inspiration from both its namesake and the city it lives in. Read More


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The Delta Sky Club Red “Line Skipping Pass”

View From The Wing — Recognizing long lines, Delta began testing fast track lanes to enter their clubs for Diamond and 360 elite members. However you don’t need to be a top Delta customer to skip the line… Read More

Some Airports Still Charge for Free Wi-Fi

Live and Lets Fly — I genuinely wasn’t aware there were any airports left, even in the developing world, that do not offer free wi-fi… Read More

8 Takeaways From American Airlines Raising The Price Of Inflight Booze

View From The Wing — On September 1 American Airlines raised the price of liquor – but not beer or wine – by an additional dollar. Here are (8) key takeaways from the move. Read More

As More Airlines Drop Masks, These Remaining Carriers Still Require Them

Afar Magazine — A convenient list of the carriers that do and don’t require that passengers and crew mask up. Read More

New Canadian Airline Rules Won’t Help All Travellers with Issues, Advocate Says

Global News — Canada’s new airline rules now compel airlines to make sure passengers get where they’re going: within 48 hours, they must agree to issue refunds. Read More

Airplanes Are Packed and the Lounges Also Seem to be Crowded

Travel Weekly — Long lines. New limits on guest access. New arrival time restrictions. Welcome to the airport lounge experience of 2022. Read More

Do You Really Have to Check Out of a Hotel?

The Points Guy — The quick answer is no — but ruminating on the subject, there are two reasons I can pinpoint for doing it anyway. Read More

Stay-Calm Strategies for Dealing With Anxiety Before a Trip

Afar Magazine — Have a calmer trip to the airport with these relaxation techniques vetted by psychologists and designed to help when you’re feeling anxious. Read More

What to Do If a Boarding Pass Isn’t Marked TSA PreCheck

The Points Guy — There are fixes to help you if this happens. Read More

Here’s What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag Every Time You Travel

The Points Guy — Certain items should always go in your carry-on, regardless of whether you are also checking a bag… Read More

Canadian Airport Check-In: Flight Completions & On-Time Performance Improve

Travel Pulse — The federal government is reporting continuing improvement in operations at Canada’s largest airports. Read More

How to Get Airport Lounge Access—Even if You Don’t Have Airline Status

Afar Magazine — Relax preflight in an airport lounge thanks to the right credit card, membership, or boarding pass. Read More


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Business Travelers Say They Most Prefer Events Now

Meetings Net — Compared to individual business travel, more employees are more likely to attend corporate meetings and association conferences. Read More

Vision Video: How Toronto Delivers for High-Profile Events

Northstar Meetings Group — See how the destination’s unique meeting spaces, vibrant food culture and diverse offerings proved ideal for the Destinations International’s 2022 Annual Convention. Watch now. Read More

Can We Finally Kill Off Cheap, Disposable Conference Swag?

Fast Company — The pandemic slowed down the $64 billion swag industry. Conferences are back, but do the cheap water bottles and stress balls need to come back with them? Read More

15 Great Gifts for Incentive Winners (or You!)

Northstar Meetings Group — From copper cookware to sustainable sneakers, these reward ideas are sure to please your winners… 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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