December 9, 2025
In This Edition… Direct Travel 2026 predictions, new flight service routes, many airline updates, UK entry requirements begin in February, TSA implements fee for travelers without a U.S. REAL ID, Hilton status updates and hotel debut, traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… Les prévisions des Services Direct Travel pour 2026, les nouvelles liaisons aériennes, plusieurs mises à jour concernant les compagnies aériennes, les conditions d’entrée au Royaume-Uni à partir de février, la TSA instaure des frais pour les voyageurs ne disposant pas d’une carte d’identité américaine REAL ID, les mises à jour concernant le statut Hilton et l’ouverture d’un nouvel hôtel, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Travel Manager 2.0: Top Takeaways from BTN’s Webinar
Use insights from the webinar’s panel of experts to strengthen your travel program with actionable data, intelligent automation, and personalized service.
Q&A: How Can Data and AI Strengthen Your Corporate Travel Program?
Direct Travel EVP Martin Tuncaydin explores how human expertise, data, and AI can combine to build smarter, more resilient travel programs.
Travel Management
Direct Travel 2026 Predictions
Open Jaw — Direct Travel, Inc. has unveiled its 2026 business travel outlook, revealing a shift from transactional trips to experiences shaped by human-centric and technology-driven principles.
Airline & Flight Updates
Air Canada Lands in Brazil
TravelPulse Canada — Air Canada’s first flight from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro landed in the sunny seaside city this morning, Dec. 5, 2025. “The expansion of Air Canada’s route comes at a particularly positive moment, as the number of Canadian visitors to Rio de Janeiro has grown compared to last year,” says Luiz Strauss, Executive President, Visit Rio.
Cathay Pacific to Bring New Cabins to U.S. Flights
Business Travel News — Cathay Pacific on Dec. 31 will introduce its new Aria Suite Business Class, new premium economy and refreshed economy cabins on select flights between San Francisco and Hong Kong.
American Raises Checked-Bag Fees on Some Int'l Routes
Business Travel News — American Airlines on Dec. 1 raised the price of its first checked-bag fees for Canada and short-haul international flights, bringing it in line with fees on U.S. routes.
United Is Adding a New Flight to One of Asia’s Most Exciting Cities—Here’s What to Do There
Afar Magazine — It’s about to be much easier to get to ancient palaces, epic shopping, and barbecue for days.
Air France Ups the Ante with Its Premium Lounge Offerings Around the US
TravelPulse — Air France has enhanced its US airport lounges, introducing elegant, upgraded facilities in Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston.
Delta to Revise SkyMiles Choice Benefits for '26
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines for 2026 is updating Choice Benefits, the perks it offers Platinum and Diamond status members in its SkyMiles loyalty program, the carrier announced.
Take a Look at American Airlines' Newest Seats on Its 787
USA Today (subscription may be required) — From business class to economy, American Airlines is introducing new seats in all cabins on its latest 787 aircraft.
Air Canada Affirms Leading Transatlantic Position with New Routes
Open Jaw — As WestJet and Transat grow their transatlantic footprint, Air Canada has announced additional routes, reinforcing its dominance as the second-largest North American carrier to Europe.
After Five Years, Air Canada Reinstates Codeshare with Air India
Open Jaw — Subject to regulatory approval, Air Canada is reinstating its codeshare agreement with fellow Star Alliance member Air India effective 02DEC, five years after the partnership was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lufthansa Makes a Play for Minority Stake in TAP Air Portugal
Business Travel News Europe — Lufthansa Group is the latest European aviation giant to throw its hat in the ring for a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal. The Germany-based group said it intends to play “an active role” in the privatization of the Portuguese flag carrier.
European Airline Hit by Data Breach
Security Week — The Spanish carrier Iberia is notifying customers that their personal information was compromised after one of its suppliers was hacked.
Vietnam Airlines, Etihad Launch Codeshare Agreement
Business Travel News — Vietnam Airlines has a new codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways and has expanded an existing partnership with Scandinavian Airlines.
Qantas Unveils New First Class Perks for A380 Cabins
Travel Pulse — Qantas is enhancing its A380 first class offerings with new amenity kits by Aesop, redesigned pajamas, a chef-curated dining experience, and premium wine selections, starting December, aiming for completion by mid-2026.
Safety & Security
UK to Enforce New Digital Travel Permit Rules Effective February 2026
Euro News — Visitors from countries such as the US, Canada and Australia will not be able to enter the UK without an ETA from 25 February 2026 onwards.
TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1
Transportation Security Administration — Agency will refer passengers to the fee-based TSA “Confirm.ID” payment option if they do not present a valid, acceptable ID at checkpoints.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Rerouting: Reimagining U.S. Travel With High-Speed Rail
CNN — Here's what it might look like if three of the busiest flight and road-trip routes across the United States were transformed into high-speed rail lines — offering a glimpse into a faster, more connected future.
Hotel News
Spark By Hilton Makes Caribbean and Latin America Debut In Puerto Rico
TravelPulse — Spark by Hilton has opened its first hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America in Ponce, Puerto Rico, offering affordable yet high-quality accommodations and expanding Hilton's presence in the region.
Hilton Unveils New Top-Tier Status & Easier Access to Loyalty Perks
Afar Magazine — The updates, including a new top-tier Diamond Reserve status, come as Hilton Honors has reinvented itself in recent years, adding AutoCamp, Graduate Hotels, and boutique properties from Small Luxury Hotels of the World to its portfolio.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Canadian Airlines Adopt Standardized Medical Form for Passengers With Complex Needs
Fox59 News - CBS4 — Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet have adopted a single, standardized Air Travel Requirements Assessment Form for passengers with complex health and accessibility needs.
More Travelers Have Lounge Access Than Ever. Is That a Good Thing?
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Thanks to a proliferation of premium credit cards that include lounge access, more travelers than ever are passing through the frosted glass doors and taking advantage of their local airport’s more secluded spaces.
Accessible, Inclusive Travel in Japan
Japan National Tourist Organization — Japan continues to invest in accessible travel to eliminate barriers and provide a stress-free travel experience, making travel accessible to everyone.
You Can Now Add Your U.S. Passport to Your Apple Wallet. Here’s What That Means for Travel
Afar Magazine — Apple’s latest Wallet feature allows users to store passports digitally, but is the new digital documentation actually useful?
Southwest Airlines Reveals New Details for Updated Boarding Process
TravelPulse — Southwest Airlines will introduce assigned seating and a new boarding process on January 27, 2026, replacing the current open seating policy with eight boarding stages and digital displays at gates.
Meetings & Events
Lynn Wirch joins Creative Group as VP, Strategy & Design
Creative Group — Along with other key leadership advancements, this move reflects a renewed focus on elevating our creative core through data-powered design.
Encore Expands Global Reach With New Acquisition
Meetings & Incentive Travel — The company has acquired FIRST, a global event marketing and brand experience agency, to help strengthen its in-venue and outsourced event services.
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].