January 6, 2026
In This Edition… Direct Travel CEO named one of Business Travel News' 25 Most Influential People of 2025, new airline flights and codeshare agreements, a reminder about Real ID at the airport, ground transportation news, hotel updates, many traveler tips, and more!
Dans cette édition… La PDG des Services Direct Travel nommée parmi les 25 personnes les plus influentes de 2025 par Business Travel News, la mise en place de nouveaux services de vol et d’accords de partage de code, un rappel concernant le Real ID à l’aéroport, des informations sur les transports terrestres, des mises à jour sur les hôtels, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
The Top Business Travel Articles of 2025
Revisit the most popular business travel topics of 2025. Use these key takeaways to prepare your corporate travel program for 2026.
Podcast: Embracing Modern Travel Management
Top insights from episode 2 of the Altitude with Attitude podcast. Direct Travel & the Conrad Hilton Foundation explore how to modernize a travel program.
Travel Management
BTN's 25 Most Influential People of 2025
Business Travel News — We're incredibly proud to share that CEO Christal Bemont has been named to Business Travel News' 25 Most Influential of 2025.
Business Travel AI Assistant 'Otto The Agent' Launches
PhocusWire — AI-powered travel assistant Otto the Agent is now available to function as an executive assistant for business travelers.
Airline & Flight Updates
American Airlines to Boost Chicago O'Hare Operations
Travel Weekly — The airline said its busiest March days will have 500-plus departures out of O'Hare, a year-over-year increase of approximately 100 flights.
Air India, AirBaltic Enter Codeshare Agreement
Business Travel News — Air India and AirBaltic have launched a codeshare agreement, Air India announced Tuesday. Air India has begun to add its code on AirBaltic-operated flights between Riga, Latvia, and Air India's European gateways in Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, Zurich and London Gatwick.
American Airlines Overhauls Dallas-Fort Worth Schedule to Improve Connections
Travel Weekly — American will move to a more balanced daily schedule at its largest hub, a move AA said will improve connection times and airspace efficiency.
British Airways to Terminate Some Private Channel Agreements
Business Travel News Europe — British Airways is understood to be ending selected private channel agreements at the end of the year, leaving the customers of some travel management companies newly exposed to the airline's Distribution Technology Charge (DTC).
Safety & Security
TSA to Charge $45 Fee for Travelers Without Real ID Starting Feb. 1
TravelAge West — Passengers without acceptable identification will be referred to a paid alternative verification system.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Lyft, Uber to Introduce Baidu Robotaxis in London
PhocusWire — Lyft and Uber announced separate partnerships with Beijing-based Baidu over the summer.
Expensify Integrates with Uber for E-Receipt Delivery
Business Travel News — Expense management platform Expensify has established an improved integration with Uber for Business, enabling automated receipt collection for employees using both Uber and Uber Eats.
Hotel News
What Hotel Chains Are Doing to Increase Guest Loyalty
Travel Weekly — Major chains are rolling out new partnerships and membership perks, while smaller players are making waves with alternative models.
Hyatt Completes $2 Billion Sale of Playa Hotels & Resorts Real Estate
TravelPulse — Hyatt Hotels Corporation has officially closed the sale of Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V.’s real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts, a real estate and asset management platform.
How Preferred Hotels Will Open or Reopen 11 Luxury Properties in 2026
Insider Travel Report — Preferred Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest brands with a collection of independent hotels, is set to grow its global portfolio with eight distinctive new openings in 2026.
Marriott Celebrates 100 Signings for City Express by Marriott
Insider Travel Report — With six properties opened so far in 2025, and four more slated to open by the end of the year, City Express underscores the demand that is fueling the Marriott's expanding midscale portfolio.
Marriott adds Philippines wellness resort to its Autograph Collection
Travel Weekly — The Farm offers personalized detox programs designed by medical professionals. Accommodations include suites with private gardens and villas with private pools.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Is Upgrading to Premium Economy on International Flights Worth It?
Afar Magazine — Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of spending a bit more for a cabin class that bridges the gap between business and economy.
Why Americans Are Dissatisfied With the U.S. Airport Experience
TravelAge West — A new survey shows that Americans feel improvements are needed for air traffic control, security technology and more.
Face ID could make it easier for border control to search your phone
USA Today — Face ID could make a difference in your privacy at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Here's what travelers should know.
FIFA – 2026 Safety Tips for Crowded Fan Zones
Idyllic Pursuit — The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to draw millions of fans across North America in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami. While the atmosphere will be thrilling, safety is crucial. Here are 11 detailed safety tips for U.S. fan zones.
AA Has Started Holding Some Tight Flight Connections for Customers—Here’s How It Works
Afar Magazine — At select U.S. airports, American Airlines passengers may now have a better chance of making their connecting flight.
Meetings & Events
Cvent to Acquire ON24 for $400M
Business Travel News — Cvent will acquire ON24 in a $400 million all-cash deal, offering $8.10 per share in cash, with closing expected in 2026, making ON24 privately held.
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