August 5, 2026
In This Edition… Spotnana launches enhanced AI capabilities, ranking the best U.S. suppliers for business travel, airline flight service updates and other changes, more airports joined TSA Gold+, Europe pushes back ETIAS entry requirement again, additional security news, ground transport and hotel updates, many travel tips, and more!
Dans cette édition… Spotnana lance de nouvelles fonctionnalités d’IA améliorées, le classement des meilleurs fournisseurs de voyages d’affaires aux États-Unis, des mises à jour sur les services aériens et d’autres changements apportés par les compagnies aériennes, de nouveaux aéroports rejoignent le programme TSA Gold+, l’Europe reporte une nouvelle fois l’entrée en vigueur de l’ETIAS, d’autres actualités en matière de sécurité, des mises à jour sur les transports terrestres et les hôtels, de nombreux conseils pour les voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
The Travel Pro’s Guide to GBTA 2026
Use these tips to navigate this year’s GBTA like a pro and get the most out of your convention experience.
What One Global Travel Program Learned About Modernization
See how thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and the right technology foundation can help your organization achieve lasting program success.
Travel Management
Spotnana Introduces AI Tools for Agents as Part of New 'AI Architecture'
Business Travel News Europe — Spotnana has launched new AI capabilities for travel agents as a part of a new "multi-agent AI architecture" that eventually will expand to include functionality for travel managers and travellers as well.
United, Marriott Lead U.S. Business Travel Rankings
Business Travel News — The companies came out on top in the U.S. News & World Report's list of best U.S. suppliers for business travelers.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta Air Lines Quietly Hikes Change, Cancellation Fees
TravelPulse — Delta Air Lines has increased change and cancellation fees for premium cabin basic fares, with charges for Basic Business tickets reaching up to $500.
American Airlines Adds Two Seasonal Canada-JFK Routes for Summer
Open Jaw — American Airlines is adding two new seasonal routes to Canada, launching daily service to Québec City and a three times weekly Calgary flight in early August from New York's JFK.
United’s New Economy Upgrade Isn’t Just About More Space
Afar Magazine — By replacing the middle seat with a shared table, the airline’s new A321XLRs create more personal space while carrying fewer passengers.
Air Canada Launches Basic Fares for Premium Cabins
Open Jaw — Following a number of US carriers, Air Canada has introduced Premium Economy Basic and Business Class Basic fares. The new products mirror many of the restrictions of Economy Basic.
United Is Launching 4 New U.S. Routes—Let Them Inspire Your Fall Getaways
Afar Magazine — The airline is introducing service to intriguing destinations across the South and Midwest. These are the routes and what the destinations have to offer.
Hawaiian Airlines Will Upgrade Fleet for Interisland Flights
Travel Weekly — Starting in 2028, Hawaiian will replace aging Boeing 717 jets with larger Boeing 737-800s sourced from sister carrier Alaska Airlines.
Qantas Celebrates Successful Test of New Ultra-Long-Distance Aircraft
TravelPulse — Qantas’s new ultra-long-distance aircraft landed in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, July 24, after a 19-hour test flight from Toulouse, France, moving the airline’s ambitious Project Sunrise one step towards completion.
Delta’s New “Basic” Business-Class Fares Offer the Same Comfy Seats for Less, But with Fewer Perks
Afar Magazine — The lower-priced premium product excludes options such as seat selection, extra checked bags, and, in some cases, lounge access. Here’s how it works.
United Airlines Removes Thousands of Flights From Its Summer Schedule
Afar Magazine — The carrier has reduced its domestic seat capacity by nearly 5 percent. Here’s what travelers need to know.
Delta to Begin L.A.-Manila Flights
Travel Weekly — Delta will operate its first U.S.-Philippines service three times per week starting in late March, ramping up to daily service in June.
American to Add Flagship Check-In, New Lounges at DFW
Business Travel News — American Airlines later this year will introduce a premium check-in experience at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, along with plans for two additional lounge spaces at the airport.
Safety & Security
TSA Gold+ Program Expands to More U.S. Airports
Afar Magazine — Three more airports have joined TSA Gold+, the agency’s public-private initiative aimed at modernizing airport security.
Travelers Get a Reprieve as Europe Pushes Back Its ETIAS Entry Requirement Again
Afar Magazine — The border-crossing process will require eligible travelers to pay an application fee and receive preapproval before visiting 30 European countries.
TSA’s New Security Scanners Could Mean Stricter Carry-On Size Limits
Afar Magazine — Newer CT machines let travelers keep laptops and liquids packed, but their smaller openings may mean some bulging carry-on bags no longer fit through the scanner.
3 U.S. Airports Will Switch to Privately Operated Security
Travel Weekly — Airports in Tampa, Charleston, S.C., and Des Moines, Iowa, will use a private contractor to conduct airport screening rather than federal TSA workers.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Avis Budget to Prioritize Longer Rentals Amid Fleet Reduction
Business Travel News — Avis Budget at least for the second and third quarters is prioritizing "longer-duration, higher-contribution transactions" over shorter rentals, executives noted during a Wednesday earnings call.
Amtrak Highlights Efforts to Improve Accessibility
TravelPulse — In tandem with the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Amtrak is continuing to raise the bar on creating more accessible rail travel experiences for its customers.
Hotel News
Viceroy to Open Flagship New York City Hotel
Travel Market Report — Viceroy Park Avenue will feature a rooftop pool and lounge, signature restaurant, Wellness Penthouse Suite, and more.
Marriott Will Open New Properties in Jamaica, Zanzibar
TravelPulse — The hotel giant is partnering with Catalonia Hotels & Resorts to open two all-inclusive properties.
IHG Adds 24 Holiday Inns in Greater China
Business Travel News — Holiday Inn has signed 24 new hotels across Greater China, spanning key cities and regional markets, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Washington Dulles Airport to Get a $22.5 Billion Makeover
Travel Weekly — The project will feature 5 million square feet of new or renovated space, an upgraded main terminal, a 32,000-space parking garage and an expanded AeroTrain.
London Gatwick Airport To Deploy Autonomous Robots To Park Cars
Aviation Week — LGW will institute a robot automobile parking service in August, enabling passengers to drop off cars to be autonomously parked.
Traveling to Edinburgh, Scotland? You Now Have to Pay a Tourist Tax
USA Today — Edinburgh is the first United Kingdom destination to charge a tourist tax. Here's what travelers should know.
What to Do if You Get Injured or Sick While Traveling
Afar Magazine — If things go wrong on a trip, you need to know about insurance, air travel, and medical care. Here’s how to navigate the situation, who to call, and what to ask.
Booked the Window. Got a Wall. United Faces Lawsuit Over Seat Fees
Afar Magazine — Passengers who paid extra for window seats without actual windows scored an early legal victory against United Airlines.
Don't Leave the Airport Before You Do This If Your Bag Is Missing
USA Today — Travel experts share how to lower your chances of lost luggage and what to do if your checked bag never arrives.
Expensify Adds Card Availability in European Markets
Business Travel News — Expense management platform Expensify has expanded the availability of its commercial card offering to 13 markets outside the U.S., including the U.K.
Can Airports Be Beautiful? These 7 New Terminals Were Just Recognized for Their Stunning Design
Afar Magazine — Airports in the United States, Europe, and Asia were selected by the 2026 Prix Versailles international architecture competition.
Meetings & Events
Cool it With Creative Cocktails and Zero-Proof Drinks
Cohera — Check out these creative summer drink ideas that will wow guests.
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