August 19, 2025
In This Edition… the latest from Air Canada, worldwide airline flight news and service updates, U.S. Transportation Security Administration and other security provider news and offers, ground transportation updates, the latest in hotels, and many traveler tips!
Dans cette édition… les plus récentes nouvelles d’Air Canada, les mises à jour sur les vols et les services des compagnies aériennes partout dans le monde, les actualités et offres de l’Administration de la sécurité des transports des États-Unis (TSA) et d’autres fournisseurs de services de sécurité, les mises à jour sur les transports terrestres, les actualités du secteur hôtelier et de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs!
Navigator Blog
Podcast: Building a Modern Travel Program with ZS
Key takeaways from episode 1 of the Altitude with Attitude podcast. Direct Travel & ZS explore how travel managers can drive program success.
From Friction to Flow: How Avenir Simplifies Business Travel
Avenir: Travel Edition delivers intuitive booking, broader content, and real-time support to fix business travel’s biggest frustrations.
Travel Management
The Latest on Air Canada’s CUPE Strike Action
Air Canada Website — Keep up on the latest news about the flight attendant strike, via the carrier’s website.
Airline & Flight Updates
Hawaiian Airlines Suspends Some Routes, Including Longest Flight in US
Travel Pulse — This fall, Hawaiian Airlines will make significant adjustments to its transpacific route network by suspending underperforming flights—including the longest domestic flight in America—and adding more capacity to its more popular routes.
Lufthansa to Restart Munich-Riyadh Flights This Winter
Business Travel News Europe — Lufthansa has announced plans to restart flights between Munich and the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh later this year. The German airline will operate three weekly flights on the route from Oct. 26.
Air India to Suspend Delhi-Washington Service
Business Travel News — Air India effective Sept. 1 will suspend service between Delhi and Washington, D.C.
ITA Airways and Lufthansa Extend Codeshare to More Long-Haul Routes
Business Travel News Europe — Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways are extending an existing codeshare agreement to more long-haul flights to Asia and Africa. The move marks the latest step to integrate the Italian carrier into the European aviation group after Lufthansa completed its purchase of a 41% stake in ITA earlier this year.
Alaska Airlines Unveils First-Look at New Interiors, First-Class Seats
Travel Pulse — Travelers might notice a spiffy new look the next time they board an Alaska Airlines plane. The Seattle-based carrier has been refreshing its Boeing 737-800 fleet, and it’s now unveiling the first look at the new interiors and first-class seats.
American Airlines Launches New Domestic Routes—Putting Smaller, Regional Airports in the Spotlight
Afar Magazine — As domestic travel continues to see strong demand, one of the country’s largest airlines is focusing more on regional hubs in scenic western U.S. destinations.
Delta Adds 3 New Direct Flights to Europe and Asia from the West Coast
Afar Magazine — Delta Air Lines is expanding its global route network out of key airports in California and Washington.
Alaska Airlines Launching Burbank Routes
Travel Weekly — Alaska is the latest airline gunning to take up the void that Avelo Airlines will leave at Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Delta Air Lines Adds New Flights for Spring Break 2026
Travel Pulse — Boston travelers have more reason to celebrate Patriots' Day with the addition of new nonstop flights in time for 2026 spring break travel.
Swiss Unveils New First Class Suites – with Beds and Total Privacy
OpenJaw — SWISS International Air Lines has unveiled the premium cabins that will debut on its new Airbus A350-900s, offering a first look at its next-generation First, Business, and Premium Economy seating.
Qatar Airways Goes Daily from Toronto this Winter
OpenJaw — Qatar Airways is increasing service from Toronto to Doha this coming winter.
American Airlines to Launch New Routes to Europe in 2026
Travel Pulse — The Dallas-based carrier just announced five new routes to Europe that it plans to launch in May 2026.
Safety & Security
TSA Ends a 20-Year Rule
Afar Magazine — A policy implemented nearly two decades ago due to concerns about explosive devices has finally ended with the TSA now allowing passengers to keep their shoes on during standard security screenings at U.S. airports.
TSA Is Using Facial Recognition in Even More Airports—Should You Opt in?
Afar Magazine — Touchless ID is now an option for PreCheck and Global Entry members. Are you feeling secure about the new security?
TSA Launches BOGO $15 PreCheck Discount for Families
Travel Pulse — TSA offers a discount on PreCheck enrollment for families, saving $15 on the second enrollment through October 31.
Clear Launches Premium Concierge Service at 15 Airports
Travel Age West — Clear has launched Clear Concierge, a premium airport service that provides personalized assistance to Clear+ members at 15 U.S. airports, with additional locations planned.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Lyft, United to Partner
Business Travel News — Lyft in its second-quarter earnings release announced an upcoming partnership with United Airlines but provided few details.
Amtrak to Debut 'NextGen Acela' Trains
Business Travel News — Amtrak on Aug. 28 will debut its "NextGen Acela" trains on the Northeast Corridor.
Lyft Teams Up with Baidu to Launch Robotaxis in Europe
PhocusWire — Baidu announced a partnership with Uber to deploy robotaxis in the Middle East and Asia.
Hotel News
Radisson Collection Debuts in Hungary
Business Travel News Europe — Radisson Hotel Group’s Collection brand has debuted in Hungary with the opening of a new boutique property in Budapest. The Radisson Collection Hotel Basilica Budapest features 71 rooms and suites, along with two private boardrooms that can be connected for small meetings.
A New Boutique Hotel in Charleston Looks Like a European Townhouse
Afar Magazine — The stylish, residential-feeling new Nickel hotel in Charleston is in a neighborhood known for its historic charm and lively energy.
Hyatt Regency Times Square Makes Its Debut
Hyatt Hotels Corporation — New York City’s first Hyatt Regency hotel opens on Broadway with 795 rooms.
22 International Hotels Opening in 2025
Northstar Meetings Group — New properties in Aruba, China, and Greece are among those welcoming international events this year.
What’s New for Marriott in the Caribbean and Latin America
Travel Age West — Marriott is expanding its luxury portfolio in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), providing travelers with new reasons to visit Puerto Rico, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and island destinations across the Caribbean.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Delta Launches Remote Baggage Screening for Faster Connections in Atlanta
Travel Weekly — Delta and Korean Air customers flying from Seoul to Atlanta and Delta customers flying from London Heathrow to Atlanta no longer need to collect and recheck their bags at U.S. customs.
Airline Data Breach Warning — Air France And KLM Confirm Cyber Attack
OpenJaw — Air France and KLM have both confirmed a cyber attack on “an external platform that we use for our customer service,” and that customer data was accessed.
American Airlines Unveils New James Beard Dishes For Flagship Lounges in August
TravelPulse — The new menu items, which are available at four Flagship Lounge locations in the United States, have been designed by James Beard Award–winning chefs.
Primetime Hurricane Season Is Here
CNN — Historically, August through mid-September is the most active stretch of the season. Here's what to expect over the next few weeks.
This Jet Lag Cure Was Made for Navy SEALs and Pro Athletes—and Now You Can Use it Too
Afar Magazine — Flykitt says its personalized program can banish jet lag. One traveler puts it to the test.
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