April 14, 2026
In This Edition… checked bag fees on the rise, airline seat and onboard amenity enhancements, Europe’s digital border system is now in effect, Uber to acquire Blacklane, new hotel openings, traveler tips and much more!
Dans cette édition… la hausse du prix des bagages enregistrés, des améliorations apportées aux sièges et aux services à bord des avions, l’entrée en vigueur du système frontalier numérique européen, l’acquisition de Blacklane par Uber, les récentes inaugurations d’hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Building Sustainability into Everyday Business Travel
From prioritizing local businesses to choosing eco‑friendly travel options, here are tangible ways to design your travel program around environmental and social impact.
OBT vs. Modern Travel Infrastructure: What’s the Real Difference?
Legacy online booking tools weren’t built for today’s global travel demands. Explore how modern travel infrastructure delivers real-time data, broader content, and a more unified experience.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta to Raise Checked Bag Fees
Business Travel News — Following on the heels of JetBlue's and United Airlines' decisions to increase checked-baggage fees, Delta Air Lines will do the same for tickets on domestic and select short-haul international routes purchased on or after April 8.
New Airline Routes: April 2026 Updates
Business Travel News — Airlines often update their networks, and BTN is providing a list of select new airline destination announcements.
WestJet, Sunwing Add Fuel Surcharges, Merge Some Flights Amid Rising Costs
OpenJaw — Airlines react to rising fuel prices off the back of the war in Iran.
United to Raise Checked-Bag Fees, Following JetBlue
Business Travel News — United Airlines will increase its checked-bag fees on tickets purchased on or after April 3 for customers traveling in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America, the carrier announced Thursday evening.
Qantas Seeks “Unlimited” Capacity to Canada
OpenJaw — A new open-skies deal between Canada and Australia came into effect this week. Qantas is now seeking unlimited capacity to Canada. Canadian airlines may try expanding their Australia options.
Alaska Unveils International Business-Class Suites
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines has unveiled a new business-class cabin for international flights on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
United’s New “Elevated” Airplanes Are Launching With Bigger and Better Polaris Suites
Afar Magazine — Plus, new Coastliner planes taking off this summer will bring lie-flat Polaris business-class seats to domestic transcontinental routes for the first time.
Delta Air Lines Plans Wi-Fi Expansion With Amazon Leo
CBS News — Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is teaming up with tech giant Amazon in a new long-term partnership aimed at transforming the in-flight experience with faster, more reliable internet and expanded digital services.
United Adds TSA Wait Times, AirTag Tracking to Its App
CNET — The airline will allow travelers to share the location of lost items equipped with AirTags directly with United staff.
JetBlue Raises Checked Bag Fees
CNBC — The move is the most recent sign of airlines passing steeper fuel costs down to U.S. consumers.
Safety & Security
Europe’s New Digital Border System Goes Into Full Effect in April—What You Need to Know
Afar Magazine — A new electronic entry system will be implemented across Schengen borders starting on April 10. That will be followed by the ETIAS travel authorization requirement later in 2026. Here’s what travelers need to know.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Uber Agrees to Acquire Blacklane
Business Travel News Europe — Uber plans to move deeper into the premium and corporate segments with an agreement to acquire chauffeured transportation platform Blacklane, the company announced.
Hotel News
Hyatt is Bringing The Standard to Austin, Texas
Travel Market Report — The Standard, Austin will be the brand’s first new U.S. opening in more than 10 years.
Marriott International Fuels Growth Plans in Greece with the Announcement of Nine Deal Signings
Hospitalitynet — Nine signings add nearly 1,000 rooms to Marriott's Greece portfolio, marking the debut of Residence Inn and Le Méridien brands in the country.
Bahia Principe Resorts Officially Joins World of Hyatt
Travel Market Report — Guests can now earn and redeem World of Hyatt loyalty points at more than 20 Bahia Principe properties.
Wyndham Surpasses 100 Hotels in Mexico
Travel Daily Mail — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has reached a significant milestone, now boasting over 100 hotels across Mexico.
Marriott Signs Deal for First Luxury Wellness Brand
Travel Market Report — Lefay, a family-owned luxury wellness hospitality brand, is set to join the Marriott portfolio.
First Hyatt Hotel in Brooklyn, The Livingston, Is Now Open
Travel Market Report — The Livingston, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, brings 104 rooms to the New York City cultural district.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
What to Do If Civil Unrest Arises While You’re Traveling Abroad
Afar Magazine — In a world where conflict has become increasingly common, experts offer their tips and advice on how to prepare, stay safe, navigate travel insurance and emergency assistance, and return home swiftly.
Nashville Airport Announces a $40M Renovation
News Channel 5 Nashville — The project aims to streamline terminal access and ease congestion as the airport's passenger volume has more than doubled in the past 10 years.
Why Travel Rewards Programs Feel Worse Than Ever
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Travelers say shrinking perks, rising fees and devalued points are turning loyalty programs into costly traps.
The Little-Known (and Free) App That Can Get You Through Passport Control Faster
Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know about the app that can dramatically cut down your wait time at U.S. immigration and customs.
What to Know Before You Renew Your U.S. Passport
Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know to renew this essential travel document, from the right forms to use to how much it will cost.
Expect Severe Delays at SFO as FAA Changes Runway Rules
Fodor’s Travel — New FAA rules and runway construction at San Francisco International Airport will reduce arrivals from 54 to 36 per hour, increasing flight delays for travelers.
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