February 3, 2026
In This Edition… UK to increase ETA fee, airline flight updates along with onboard services and airport lounge news, London Heathrow ends liquid limits for carry-on bags, TSA wants more biometric data, hotel news and property additions, traveler tips, and more!
Dans cette édition… le Royaume-Uni augmente les frais de l’AVE, des mises à jour sur les vols des compagnies aériennes, les services à bord et les salons d’aéroport, l’aéroport de Londres Heathrow met fin aux restrictions sur les liquides dans les bagages à main, la TSA souhaite recueillir davantage de données biométriques, des actualités sur les hôtels et les nouveaux établissements, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
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What’s Ahead for Business Travel in 2026
Discover the latest corporate travel trends in AI, sustainability, loyalty programs, global complexity, and cost resilience.
Travel Management
U.K. Gov't Plans Further Rise in ETA Fee
Business Travel News — The U.K. government is planning a further 25 percent increase in the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation, which would raise the fee from £16 to £20. The online pre-travel entry system is now required by travelers from countries who do not need a visa to visit the U.K.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta Revamps Philadelphia, Atlanta Sky Clubs
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines has completed renovations at its Sky Clubs in Philadelphia and Atlanta, the carrier announced.
KLM Debuts Free Wi-Fi on European Flights
Business Travel News — KLM introduced complimentary Wi-Fi on European flights, with half of their European fleet equipped with this complimentary service.
Delta Orders More Airbus Widebodies for International Fleet
Travel Weekly — Delta said adding more A350s will enable continued growth into Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific.
American Airlines Expands Service from Chicago and Los Angeles
TravelPulse — American Airlines is expanding service with new domestic flights from Chicago and Los Angeles, including routes to Allentown, Columbia, Kahului, Cleveland and Washington, DC.
United Escalates Turf war with American at Chicago O'Hare
Travel Weekly — United will respond to American's flight surge at O'Hare with a surge of its own, and CEO Scott Kirby vows United will be profitable doing it.
WestJet Targets South America with 100th Destination from Calgary
OpenJaw — As of this fall, WestJet will offer flights to Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, Brazil, marking the airline's 100th destination from YYC Calgary Airport, operating three times weekly.
Delta Air Lines Is Expanding ‘Basic’ Fares to Premium Seats
TravelPulse — Delta Air Lines plans to introduce “basic” versions of its business- and first-class fares sometime this year, a move that would make it the first U.S. airline to apply stripped-down pricing to premium cabins.
Singapore, Air India Sign 'Framework' Agreement on Path to Joint Venture
Business Travel News — Singapore Airlines and Air India signed a framework agreement toward a joint venture, subject to regulatory approval. Ultimately, a deal could include cooperation on corporate contracted business.
Hawaiian Airlines unveils $600 million plan to improve airports, widebody jets
Travel Weekly — Airport renovations will concentrate on lobbies and gates, and will include the construction of brighter and more open spaces with better seating and increased power charging.
American Challenges United With New Routes From Chicago and Los Angeles
Travel Weekly — Maui is one of three Chicago O'Hare route announcements American Airlines made Thursday as a turf war intensifies with United in the Windy City.
Safety & Security
This International Airport Just Ended Liquid Limits for Carry-On Bags
TravelPulse — Travelers passing through one of the world’s busiest airports will no longer need to pack miniature liquids in their carry-ons in order to get through security.
TSA Wants More Biometric Data from PreCheck Travelers
USA Today (subscription may be required) — The Transportation Security Administration wants to update the way it uses and shares biometric data from Trusted Traveler program enrollees.
TSA Prepares to Start $45 Fee, Warning That 6% of Travelers Will Pay
USA Today (subscription may be required) — The TSA says 6% of travelers still aren't using REAL ID-compliant documents at airports and warns they'll have to pay a new fee.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Hotel News
IHG Sets Chicago for Ruby's U.S. Debut
Business Travel News — IHG Hotels & Resorts will introduce Ruby Hotels, the lifestyle brand it acquired in February 2025, to the United States via a renovated property in Chicago.
Hyatt Begins 2026 With Record Pipeline
TravelPulse — Hyatt Hotels Corporation saw a surge in U.S. room signings and set a global pipeline record in 2025.
BWH Hotels Finishes 2025 With Huge Expansion, Eyes Continued Growth
Insider Travel Report — BWH Hotels added more than 200 hotels in 2025—with even more development expected worldwide in 2026.
NYC Bans Hidden Hotel Junk Fees
TravelPulse — New York City will require full price transparency by February 21, 2026, to enhance consumer protection and affordability.
Wyndham Adds 2,000 Rooms With Choctaws
Hotel Investment Today — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is expanding its upscale and lifestyle offerings through a new multi-hotel deal with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Hotels Are Getting Rid of Proper Bathroom Doors and Guests Are Revolting
Wall Street Journal — Lodgers looking for peace and quiet are struggling in the era of sliding barn doors, frosted glass panes and sometimes no separation at all.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
10 Simple Tricks to Finally Overcome Your Fear of Flying
Afar Magazine — Ten expert-approved methods to help almost everyone feel more comfortable in the air.
United Airlines Teases Changes to Loyalty Program
TravelPulse — United Airlines plans changes to its MileagePlus program, focusing on rewarding existing loyalty, with details expected soon.
America Has a New Busiest Airport
TravelPulse — Chicago's O'Hare International Airport saw 857,392 aircraft movements in 2025, according to the FAA.
We Tried 5 Unusual Jet Lag Remedies to See Which Ones Worked
Afar Magazine — Jet lag can really put a damper on international travel. Here’s how you might be able to beat it.
Atlanta Was the World's Busiest Airport of 2025
Business Travel News — Three other U.S. airports made the top 10 list, along with destinations in Asia and Europe.
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