Meet Spotnana: The Next-Gen Travel Infrastructure Behind Avenir
Our partners at Spotnana are building new modern infrastructure for the trillion-dollar travel industry, which relies heavily on technology and data structures that were developed several decades ago. Read More
How Tech-Driven Innovation Can Improve the Traveler Experience
81% report that business travel is worthwhile in achieving their goals. Beyond helping to surpass company milestones, innovation is also vital to continue fostering positive business traveler experiences. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Steve Singh
PhocusWire — Steve Singh was announced as CEO of Spotnana in June, adding to his existing roles of executive chairman of Direct Travel, Troop, Spotnana and Center as well as other technology companies. He is also managing director at Madrona Venture Group.Read More
5Qs with Madrona Venture’s Steve Singh
Business Travel News — Managed travel visionary and Madrona Venture Group managing director Steve Singh talks with BTN executive editor Michael B. Baker about his current involvement with Spotnana, Troop, Center and Direct Travel, and whether the “perfect trip” is now within reach. Read More
EU Confirms Long-awaited Launch Date for Entry-Exit System
Business Travel News Europe — The European Union’s much-delayed biometric system will finally be launched on Nov. 10, 2024. Read More
GSA Increases Lodging and Meals Per Diem Allowances for FY2025
Business Travel News — The GSA increased per diem rates for federal travelers and those traveling on federal contract work for FY2025, raising lodging to $110 and meals to $68 for standard areas and higher for non-standard areas. Read More
Delta Begins Rollout of free WiFi on International Flights
Travel Weekly — In July Delta began adding its free WiFi for SkyMiles loyalty members on Viasat-equipped flights between the U.S. and each Paris and Nice in France. The service on additional international flights will roll out on an ongoing basis. Read More
Alaska Air Clears Hurdle in Hawaiian Airlines Merger
Meetings & Conventions — The Department of Justice allowed its extended review period to expire, indicating it would not challenge Alaska’s acquisition. Read More
United to Revamp O’Hare Polaris Lounge
Business Travel News — United Airlines will renovate its Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare, expanding it to nearly 25,000 square feet, with partial closures starting Sept. 3, 2023, and full reopening in spring 2025. Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Lufthansa Allegris’s New Business-Class Cabins
Afar Magazine — The long-awaited Allegris is finally here and with it five different business-class seating options to fulfill every traveler’s needs. Read More
Etihad’s 3-Room Residence Is the Most Exclusive Airline Cabin You Can Book. Here’s What It’s Like
Afar Magazine — Tickets for this exclusive experience can cost upwards of $25,000 but come with plenty of high-end perks. Read More
Why the CrowdStrike Crash Hit Delta Harder
Phocuswire — All of the major U.S. airlines were forced to halt operations when Microsoft Windows’ operating systems crashed, yet each airline’s experience was different. Read More
Non-U.S. Countries With TSA PreCheck, Global Entry Access
Afar Magazine — 18 countries can currently apply and one more is being added to the list for 2025. Read More
Why Mobile Passport is the Best-kept Secret Among International Travelers
Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know about the app that gets you through U.S. immigration and customs faster. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Leading Hotels of the World Adding Eight Hotels
Insider Travel Report — The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) is introducing eight new member properties to its curated portfolio of luxury independent hotels. Read More
Oklahoma City Voters Approve Hotel Tax Increase
The Oklahoman — The tax increase is charged to people staying overnight at a hotel in Oklahoma City or renting home-sharing properties, such as Airbnbs. Read More
Hyatt Is Acquiring Boutique Hotel Specialist Standard International
Travel Weekly — The company’s top brands are The Standard and Bunkhouse. Read More
Marriott Reaches Licensing Deal With Sonder
Travel Weekly — The agreement is set to add more than 9,000 apartment-style rooms to Marriott’s inventory by the end of this year, with an additional 1,500 rooms in the pipeline. 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
1M Airport Park ‘N Fly Customers Affected by Data Breach
TechRadar — Park ’N Fly customers have had their names, email address and mailing address stolen, but the company said payment data was not compromised in the cyberattack. Read More
These Are the Weather Conditions Most Likely to Cancel or Delay Your Flight
Afar Magazine — Knowing how weather affects air travel won’t make your flight cancellations any less frustrating. But it will make you smarter—and maybe a little calmer. Read More
This New Airport Terminal Has an Indoor Forest, Local Food and Beer, and Therapy Llamas
Afar Magazine — The new terminal evokes the beauty and personality of the Pacific Northwest with more than 70 live trees. Read More
Designing Events With DEI in Mind From the Beginning
PCMA — Despite a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such initiatives remain an important part of business and business events. Read More