April 29, 2025
In This Edition… US Real ID takes effect May 7, airline flight service expansions and reductions, Air France updates first-class cabin, Hertz data breach update, hotel news, many traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… La carte d'identité américaine Real ID entre en vigueur le 7 mai, les compagnies aériennes étendent et réduisent leurs services, Air France reconfigure ses cabines de première classe, Hertz fait le point sur les violations de données, des actualités hôtelières, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs, et bien d'autres choses encore!
Navigator Blog
Building a Respectful and Responsible Global Travel Program
Implement these tips for more intentional, informed business travel. Learn how this can benefit your team, the planet, and the communities you visit.
How Meetings and Events Can Help Bridge the Virtual Distance Gap
Direct Travel and Creative Group share expert insights on how to foster team connection and decrease virtual distance with in-person meetings and events.
Travel Management
TSA Affirms May 7 as Real ID Enforcement Date
Business Travel News — Twenty years after the Real ID Act was enacted, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration on May 7 will begin to enforce the act and its regulations, TSA reaffirmed.
Airline & Flight Updates
Virgin Atlantic to Add London-Seoul Service
Business Travel News — Virgin Atlantic on March 29, 2026, will launch daily nonstop service between London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon.
WestJet Boosts Domestic Service, Adds Three New Routes
OpenJaw — As Canadian carriers pull back from transborder service, route networks are being reconfigured to serve cities with greater demand for summer travel.
Alaska to Add Three New San Diego Routes
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines plans to launch this year three new routes from San Diego and increase frequencies on some other routes to and from the city.
United Will Reduce Domestic Flying After the Summer
Travel Weekly — United Airlines said Wednesday that it will reduce domestic flying by 4% in the third quarter due to weakened air travel demand. The carrier also said it is continuing to reduce off-peak flying on low-demand days and expects to do so into the fourth quarter. The news was part of an otherwise positive first-quarter earnings report.
Air France Unveils Updated First Class
Fodor’s Travel — Air France has unveiled a new suite for its first-class cabin, which the airline calls La Première.
American Airlines Will Make WiFi Free on Most Planes
The Points Guy — The carrier is teaming up with AT&T to offer the complimentary perk on jets with high-speed internet service, meaning roughly 90 percent of its fleet.
SAS to Offer Business Class Within Europe
Business Travel News — Scandinavian Airlines on Oct. 1 will begin offering business class on flights within Europe, the carrier announced.
Safety & Security
The Real ID Deadline Is May 7
Afar Magazine — Afar reached out to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to find out what will happen if travelers arrive at the airport without a Real ID on or after May 7, 2025. Here’s what the agency advises.
Are Your Travelers REAL ID Ready?
Transportation Security Administration — On May 7, TSA will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints...
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Lyft Enters European Market With FreeNow Acquisition
Business Travel News Europe — Germany-based mobility platform FreeNow has been acquired by US ride-hailing specialist Lyft from BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility in a deal worth €175 million. Nasdaq-listed Lyft, which is one of the major rivals to Uber in the US, said the deal was its “most significant expansion outside North America”.
Hertz: Vendor Breach Exposes Customer Data
Business Travel News — Hertz Corp. has completed the analysis of a data breach involving Cleo Communications U.S., a Hertz vendor that provides a file transfer platform, that exposed customer data.
Hotel News
Accor Deals to Add 17 Americas Hotels
Hotel Investment Today — Ennismore will take six hotels, with three going to the all-inclusive Rixos brand, while 11 will go into Accor’s Premium Midscale & Economy brands. Accor has entered into exclusive negotiations with Royal Holiday Group to acquire 17 management agreements (3,200 keys).
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Double Check Your Identification. You Might Not Be Able to Fly After May 7
Fodor’s Travel — On May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will fully implement requirements for REAL ID for passengers boarding domestic flights and accessing certain security-sensitive federal government facilities.
Need a New U.S. Passport Fast? Here’s How You Can Speed Up the Process
Afar Magazine — From emergency travel to suddenly realizing your passport has expired right before a big international trip, here’s how to get a passport in as few as two days (for a price).
New American Boarding Process Favors First, Business Classes
Business Travel News — American Airlines on May 1 will tweak its boarding process and allow first- and business-class customers to preboard, joining ConciergeKey status members.
Singapore to Invest $34M in Changi Airport Lounges
Business Travel News — Singapore Airlines is investing $34.1 million to revamp its first- and business-class SilverKris lounges and its KrisFlyer Gold lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 during the next two years.
The 10 Airlines With the Best Economy Class in 2025
Fodor’s Travel — Not all economy class products are the same…
Meetings & Events
Event Sponsorship Guide: How to Get the Right Sponsors?
Skift Meetings — Event sponsorship is one of those things that every event professional wants to master, but few truly enjoy.
Looking for assistance with your next convention, incentive, or special event? From designing memorable experiences to managing strategic meetings, Direct Travel is your trusted event partner! For details, please send a message to: [email protected].