September 24, 2019

Direct Travel

News Briefs

September 24, 2019

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: British Airways pilots call off strike, Virgin Atlantic plans further alignment with Delta, the deadline to get a REAL ID driver’s license is finally approaching, Enterprise discusses the company's initiatives and connectivity, Uber tests self-service kiosks at the airport, airline passenger rights, how to pack like Marie Kondo, verbiage for meeting contract clauses, the art of going global: 6 steps to take before consolidating and more!

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The Art of Going Global: 6 Steps to Take Before Consolidating

Companies are taking steps to manage expense across borders, and travel is no exception. Being a part of an organization experiencing growth can be exciting, especially if your business is expanding beyond national borders. Read More


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Direct Travel Launches Third-Party Marketplace

Business Travel News — Travel management company Direct Travel has launched a marketplace to serve as a one-stop shop for corporate clients to select products and services. Read More

Disruption to Transport Services ‘Likely’ After No-deal Brexit

Buying Business Travel — UK business travellers are set to face delays when visiting EU countries if there is a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, according to the government’s “Operation Yellowhammer” contingency documents. Read More


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British Airways Pilots Call Off Strike Later this Month

Travel Mole — BA pilots have called off a strike planned for September 27 saying they want a ‘period of reflection’. Read More

China Eastern Will Trial Facial Recognition at New Beijing Airport

Business Travel News — In Beijing Daxing International Airport, which opens at the end of the month, China Eastern Airlines passengers will be able to check in, go through security and board without a boarding pass, thanks to an end-to-end facial recognition system. Read More

Virgin Atlantic Plans Further Alignment with Delta

Business Travel News — Q&A with Virgin Atlantic’s Yuli Thompson; she talks about getting the U.S. green light on Virgin Atlantic’s mega joint venture, ironing out the seams with Delta and considering carbon offsets in corporate agreements. Read More

How the Return of the Boeing 737 Max Could Make Airfare Prices Drop

Travel + Leisure Magazine — When the Boeing 737 MAX returns to airspaces (predicted later this year), it could trigger a drastic fall in airfare, analysts say. Read More


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The Clock Is Ticking for Millions of Fliers to Update Their IDs

The Wall Street Journal — After nearly 15 years, the deadline to get a REAL ID driver’s license is finally approaching; travelers without one will have to use their passports even for domestic flights. Read More

You Can Now Use Global Entry for a Year After Its Expiration Date

Conde Nast Traveler — The only catch: You have to start the renewal process before your expiration date. 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 Execs Discuss Connectivity

Business Travel News — As Enterprise Holdings closed the books on its 2019 fiscal year last month, president and COO Christine Taylor and SVP of business rental sales and international tour Don Moore recently updated BTN on the company’s initiatives, the overall health of the car rental industry and Enterprise Holdings’ ongoing transformation into what Taylor calls “the total mobility package.” Read More

Uber’s Airport Kiosks Take Ride-Hailing Offline

Yahoo Finance — In late August, Uber installed several self-service kiosks at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This test run is a response not only to international travelers’ connectivity issues, but also to the low-tech traveler and a friendly way to meet the online customer in a convenient location offline…Read More


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These Are Your Rights When You Buy a Plane Ticket

Travel + Leisure — Knowing them could help you save time and money. Read More

How to Pack Like Marie Kondo

Washington Post — When you’re deliberating on what to bring, start with a vision of your trip. Ask yourself how you want to feel on it and what you want to do, and then thoughtfully pack accordingly. Read More

33 Ways to Sleep Better at a Hotel

SmarterTravel — Rattling ice machines. Dinging elevators. Bachelorette parties down the hall. The sleep gods have their work cut out for them if you’re expecting to snooze well while staying at a hotel. Read More


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Creative Group Named to the 2019 MeetingsNet CMI 25 List of Top Meeting and Incentive Travel Companies

Business Insider — Creative Group, Inc., a full-service meeting, incentive and recognition company, today announced that it was named to MeetingsNet’s 2019 CMI 25 list, an annual directory of the largest and most influential full-service meeting and incentive travel management companies focused on the U.S. corporate meetings and incentives industry. Read More

Every Experience Matters (a white paper)

Creative Group — You’ll find food-for-thought on creating any type of experience: the guest experience, the customer experience, the employee experience, the attendee experience. Whatever experience you are creating — rest assured, it matters. Read More

10 Must-Have Contract Clauses for Meetings

Northstar Meetings Group — Essential elements for any agreement with a venue or service provider…Read More

Orlando’s Orange County Convention Moves Forward With Major Expansion

Northstar Meetings Group — The $605 million project is expected to be completed in 2023…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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