July 22, 2025
In This Edition… airline flight service updates and codeshare news, US & Canada airport security eliminate shoe removal requirement, hotel expansions, tourist tax in Baja California Sur, travel tips including updates from safety experts, and more!
Dans cette édition… des mises à jour sur les services de vols des compagnies aériennes et des actualités sur les partenariats de partage de codes, les autorités aéroportuaires américaines et canadiennes mettent fin à l’obligation d’enlever les chaussures, des expansions hôtelières, la taxe de séjour en Basse-Californie du Sud, des conseils de voyage, y compris des mises à jour d’experts en sécurité, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Top Tips for Navigating GBTA 2025 Like a Pro
Ready for GBTA? This guide has everything you need to get the most from this year’s convention, from must-attend sessions to insider tips.
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.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta to Add LAX Service to Chicago, Hong Kong
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines in June 2026 will launch new service between Los Angeles International Airport and each Chicago and Hong Kong.
American to Open To-Go-Style Lounge in Charlotte
Business Travel News — American Airlines in the late summer will debut a new lounge product geared for "travelers on the go" at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Air Canada, ITA Airways to Expand Codeshare
Business Travel News — Air Canada and Italy's ITA Airways on July 21 will expand their codeshare agreement to include 10 additional cities in each carrier's network.
Delta Expands Popular Onboard Food and Drink Options for Summer
Travel Pulse — This summer, Delta Air Lines passengers will see more of the carrier’s most popular meal items, snacks, and beverages expand across the airline’s route network.
Air France-KLM, Qantas Expand Codeshare
Business Travel News — Air France-KLM and Qantas have expanded their partnership with additional codeshare routes.
United to Introduce, Expand Latin America Service
Business Travel News — United Airlines will offer new and expanded service to Latin America and the Caribbean this winter.
Air Canada to Add Latin America Routes
Business Travel News — Air Canada in December will resume nonstop Lima service and add new Latin American destinations.
Virgin Atlantic to Add Starlink Wi-Fi, Premium Seating
Business Travel News — Virgin Atlantic plans to upgrade multiple aspects of its flight experience in the coming years, adding Starlink Wi-Fi, more premium seating and upgraded lounges.
American to Add New Tier to AAdvantage Business Program
Business Travel News — American Airlines on July 21 will add a new tier within its AAdvantage Business program, which it introduced in October 2023 for small and midsize companies as a replacement for the former Business Extra program.
United Airlines To Resume Flights to Israel
Travel Pulse — United Airlines will resume its route from New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on July 21. A second flight will restart on July 22 as well.
Air France-KLM Agrees to Take Majority Stake in SAS
Business Travel News — Air France-KLM intends to take a majority stake in Scandinavian Airlines, the national airline of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the carriers announced.
American Airlines Launches New Domestic Routes—Putting Smaller, Regional Airports in the Spotlight
Afar Magazine — As domestic travel continues to see strong demand, one of the country’s largest airlines is focusing more on regional hubs in scenic western U.S. destinations.
Lufthansa's Allegris suites are coming to more U.S. routes
Travel Weekly — The German airline plans to launch the Allegris first-class cabin in mid-August on flights to Charlotte and on Oct. 26 on flights to Miami and New York JFK.
WestJet, Aeromexico Expand Codeshare Agreement
Business Travel News — WestJet and Aeromexico have expanded their codeshare agreement with 10 additional destinations and four in Canada, WestJet announced.
Safety & Security
Feds Eye Changes to Liquid Carry-On Allowance
Northstar Meetings Group — After ending the TSA's shoe-removal requirement at airport checkpoints, the DHS is now considering revising the amount of liquid that can be taken onboard.
TSA Officially Announces an End to Shoe Removal Requirement
Travel Pulse — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will allow travelers passing through domestic airports to keep their shoes on during the security screening process.
Canada to Follow US TSA Shoe Policy
Open Jaw — The Canadian government says it will follow the lead of US authorities and drop a rule that requires some passengers to remove their shoes during security screening.
Clear Launches Premium Airport Service Offer
Business Travel News — Airport security identification expediter Clear now offers a premium experience for Clear Plus members.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Hong Kong Plans to Regulate Ride-Hailing Services
Northstar Meetings Group — Uber and other platforms will have to comply with a series of licensing and quota parameters set out in the proposed legislation.
Hotel News
After Eight-plus Years, the Waldorf Astoria New York is Back
Travel Weekly — The landmark hotel reopened its doors on Tuesday, following an extensive revamp. The luxury property had been closed since 2017.
Hilton Opens First LivSmart Ext.-Stay Property
Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide has opened in Tullahoma, Tenn., the first property of its new LivSmart Studios midscale extended-stay brand.
What’s New for Marriott in the Caribbean and Latin America
Travel Age West — Marriott is expanding its luxury portfolio in the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), providing travelers with new reasons to visit Puerto Rico, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and island destinations across the Caribbean.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Airport Technology Saves Travelers Up to 30 Minutes, Reduces Stress
Travel Age West — Airport technology saves nearly half of global travelers an extra 10-30 minutes per trip while reducing stress and improving the travel experience, according to a new Priority Pass study.
Baja California Sur Implements Mandatory Tourist Tax
Open Jaw — Effective immediately, all foreign travelers staying in the state of Baja California Sur for more than 24 hours are required to pay a per person tax.
Concerned About Travel Safety Amid Global Geopolitical Instability? Safety Experts Offer Travel Tips
Travel Pulse — Despite ceasefire between Iran and Israel, travelers worldwide remain concerned about international trips this summer.
This European Country Will Now Fine You for Smoking on the Beach
Fodor’s Travel — Starting July 1, it is illegal to smoke in public places (where children might be present) in France.
E.U. Wants to Ban All Fees for Carry-on Bags
Fodor’s Travel — The European Union could prohibit airlines from charging fees for carry-on bags if new legislation becomes law.
Qantas Updates Cyberattack, Experts Counsel Data Safety Plan
Business Travel News — Qantas this week confirmed that 5.7 million unique customers' data was in the system that was breached last week by a cyberattack, the third airline breach in as many weeks, yet again highlighting what experts called the necessity for travel managers to have data-protection action plans.
Meetings & Events
Checklist: Sustainable Events Questions for Your RFPs
Northstar Meetings Group — Planners should consider adding these points concerning policy, energy use, purchasing, F&B, and more to their requests for proposal.
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