August 5, 2025
In This Edition… A recap of the GBTA convention, what to know about the “Big Beautiful Bill,” JetBlue and United alliance approved, airline flight route updates and other news, TSA updates on airport safety and security, ground transportation news, traveler tips, and more!
Dans cette édition… Un retour sur la convention de la GBTA, ce qu’il faut savoir sur le projet de loi surnommé le « Grand et beau projet de loi », l’approbation de l’alliance entre JetBlue et United, des mises à jour sur les liaisons aériennes et autres actualités, les dernières annonces de l’Administration de la sécurité des transports (TSA) concernant la sécurité dans les aéroports, des actualités sur le transport terrestre, des conseils aux voyageurs, et plus encore!
Navigator Blog
6 Steps for More Sustainable Business Travel
From setting climate goals to engaging employees, learn how to embed sustainability into every stage of your business travel program.
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
GBTA Upbeat Despite Unsteady Business Travel Sentiment
Business Travel News — The Global Business Travel Association held its annual convention in Denver last week, CEO Suzanne Neufang sat down with BTN VP of content Elizabeth West to discuss the business travel return on investment, the realities of the business travel outlook in the face of trade and economic uncertainty as well as how GBTA and other organizations continue to advocate for travel across the board.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” Act Will Have Some Very Real Effects on Travel—Here’s What to Know
Afar Magazine — With the country preparing to host major international events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the 2028 Summer Olympics, a lot is on the line when it comes to travel to and within the United States.
Airline & Flight Updates
DOT Approves JetBlue-United Blue Sky Deal—But Not Everyone's Happy
Insider Travel Report — JetBlue and United's proposed Blue Sky partnership is all clear for takeoff.
United and American add Mexico City Routes
Travel Weekly — United will fly from Denver, American from Chicago O'Hare.
Japan’s Largest Airline Has a Bold New Vision for Its Business-Class Seats
Afar Magazine — All Nippon Airways (ANA) recently unveiled “The Room FX,” its next-generation business-class seat, complete with a sofa-style bed.
Air Canada: Q2 Corp. Demand 'Stable,' Transborder Soft
Business Travel News — Air Canada's second-quarter corporate demand held steady as the airline benefited from "sixth freedom" traffic and premium sales growth, executives reported during a quarterly earnings call.
American Lets Connecting DFW Flyers from London Skip Security
Business Travel News — American Airlines has launched a new process that allows customers traveling from London Heathrow to Dallas-Fort Worth for a connecting flight to clear U.S. customs at the arrival gate, the carrier announced.
United Expands Newark-Dominica Service
Travel Weekly — The airline has added a second weekly flight.
New DOT Restrictions Threaten Delta-Aeromexico JV
Business Travel News — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Saturday announced restrictive actions on flights from Mexico, which could threaten the Aeromexico-Delta Air Lines joint venture.
American Airlines Introduces “Provisions by Admirals Club” Lounge at CLT
The Points Guy — American Airlines is getting set to open a new grab-and-go lounge location at its busiest East Coast hub, a first-of-its-kind setup for the carrier, along the A Concourse at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Safety & Security
TSA Looking To Private Sector to Continue Changing Air Travel
Travel Pulse — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is turning towards the private sector for help in transforming all aspects of the air travel process, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for "turnkey solutions" at airport security checkpoints.
TSA Is Finally Creating Some Dedicated Family Security Lanes at Select U.S. Airports. Is That a Good Thing?
Afar Magazine — A new program called Families on the Fly aims to make airport security easier for families, as well as for the general flying public. But whether it works will depend on how it’s executed.
New Airport Scanners Can Spot Liquid Explosives
Meetings & Conventions (AP) — About a third of airports still aren't equipped with the upgraded technology, so a new policy might be rolled out only to the largest airports at first.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Uber Soon Will Match Women Riders and Drivers
CNET — The ride-sharing service will start offering "Women Preferences" in three U.S. cities.
This New Program Eliminates the Most Annoying Parts of Car Rentals
Fodor’s Travel — The biggest pain points of car rentals are finally being eliminated.
Avis Introduces Curbside Concierge Service
Business Travel News — Car rental brand Avis has launched a new premium service that includes a concierge, luxury cars, and airport curbside pick-up and drop-off.
Hotel News
Venice’s Most Anticipated New Hotel Is Now Accepting Reservations
Afar Magazine — Hot on the heels of La Minerva in Rome, Orient Express is now taking bookings for its second hotel, Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, in a 15th-century palace.
Accor Makes Vegas Debut With Treasure Island Deal
Travel Weekly — The 2,884-room hotel and casino will become the company's first Vegas property and its largest hotel when it joins the Accor portfolio later this year.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Missed Your Flight? Here's What To Do (and How to Avoid it)
USA Today (subscription may be required) — With summer air travel at record highs, experts say missed flights are more likely than ever.
Here’s How People Around the World Say Hello
Afar Magazine — Greeting someone properly is the basis for polite interactions and even making friends while traveling.
Airports That Wow With Art, Culture and Museums
TravelPulse — Many travelers consider airports a necessary evil for getting from point A to point B, but some terminals make it worthwhile to spend a little extra time exploring.
5 Easy Ways to Make Your Economy Flight More Comfortable
Afar Magazine — A long-haul flight in economy can feel less turbulent with some basic accessories and prep work.
European Union Plans to Raise ETIAS Entry Fee for International Travelers
TravelPulse — The European Commission has recently announced a proposal that would require international visitors from visa-exempt countries to pay three times the current fee to enter the European Union, starting in 2026.
U.S. Adds $250 Visa-Integrity Fee for Int'l Travelers
CNBC — The charge will apply to all visitors who need nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States, but it's not clear when it will begin.
Meetings & Events
Creative Group Celebrates – 55 Things We’ve Learned in 55 Years!
Creative Group Blog — It's been 55 years of big ideas, shared wins, and working better—together. Collaboration has always been our edge, and belonging is what makes it matter. From kickoff calls to standing ovations, it’s the people alongside us who make the journey meaningful.
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