July 22, 2026
In This Edition… airline cabin redesigns or seat reconfigurations, new flight routes and codeshares, airport lounge updates, Australia’s new digital passenger care, another ETIAS delay, Lyft and Curb expand, hotel news, traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… les réaménagements de cabines d’avion et les reconfigurations de sièges, les nouvelles liaisons aériennes et les nouveaux accords de partage de codes, les nouveautés concernant les salons d’aéroport, la nouvelle carte numérique pour les passagers arrivant en Australie, un nouveau report de l’ETIAS, l’expansion de Lyft et de Curb, des actualités hôtelières, des conseils aux voyageurs et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Why Your Travel Program Needs Access to Connected Content
Travel content comes from more sources than ever. Learn how direct access to connected content helps improve visibility, servicing, and traveler experience.
You Can’t Reduce What You Can’t See: Fixing the Travel Emissions Data Gap
Fragmented travel data makes emissions reporting harder. Learn how a single source of truth improves visibility, reporting, and carbon insights.
Travel Management
Spotnana Introduces AI Tools for Agents as Part of New 'AI Architecture'
Business Travel News — 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 travelers as well.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta Air Lines Adds First-Ever Nonstop LAX-Manila Service
Travel Market Report — The service will debut on March 28, 2027.
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.
Air New Zealand Unveils New Cabin Designs
Business Travel News — Air New Zealand has released details of its new Business Premier and Economy cabin designs for its Boeing 777-300ER fleet.
United Airlines Debuting New Economy Plus Seats
Travel Weekly — United Airlines is launching a new Economy class seating for its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which will eliminate the middle seat and provide more elbow room for travelers.
Air Canada Launches Montréal Trudeau Airport Shuttle
Business Travel News — Air Canada has launched shuttle service between the Palais des congrès de Montréal and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.
United Expands 'Meet and Assist' Program to O'Hare
Business Travel News — United Airlines has expanded its "high-touch" Meet and Assist service to Chicago O'Hare.
A First Look at Alaska Airlines’ Ambitious New Airport Lounge
Afar Magazine — It’s getting increasingly delightful to fly out of this Pacific Northwest hub.
FAA Grants $1.776 Billion for US Airport Upgrades in Honor of America 250
TravelPulse — The FAA is celebrating America’s milestone birthday in a major way...
Delta Air Lines Rolls Out New Basic Fares for Premium Cabins
TravelPulse — A taste of the premium air travel experience is now within reach for fliers on tighter budgets, thanks to Delta’s latest fare launch.
FAA Extends O'Hare Flight Cap to October 2027
Business Travel News — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has extended its cap on flight operations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport due to construction.
Porter Expands American Airlines Codeshare With 38 US Routes
Open Jaw — Porter Airlines is significantly expanding its codeshare partnership with American Airlines for winter 2026-2027, adding 38 new US routes via Chicago O'Hare (ORD).
Safety & Security
Australia to Introduce Digital Passenger Cards for Visitors
Business Travel News — Australia plans to introduce digital passenger cards across all its international airports as the country moves away from visitors having to fill out paper forms.
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.
Peanut Butter? Ranch? The Surprising Things You Can't Bring Through TSA
Afar Magazine — Remember to limit anything liquid-y in your carry-on to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less—and that includes ranch dressing.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Lyft, Curb Expand Partnership to New York
Business Travel News — Lyft and Curb, a ride-hailing platform for taxis, have expanded their partnership to New York City following launches in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Hotel News
Amid $1B Tech Revamp, Marriott Readies Next Steps in Distribution
PhocusWire — Marriott International EVP and chief revenue and technology officer Drew Pinto discusses the hotel company's tech updates, its stance on corporate travel partners and more in conversation with BTN.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint in Canada
TravelPulse — In celebration of its continued growth in Canada, IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to extend its presence in the country with nearly 40 hotels in the development pipeline.
Hyatt, Air Canada Link Loyalty Programs
Business Travel News — Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Air Canada have formed a loyalty program partnership that allows World of Hyatt and Aeroplan members to earn, convert and redeem rewards across travel experiences.
Japan Airlines, Marriott Expand Loyalty Benefits
Business Travel News — The loyalty programs of Japan Airlines and Marriott International have expanded their partnership to introduce status matching and mutual member benefits, JAL announced.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Why the Bill to Make Daylight Savings Permanent Will Complicate Travel
Fodor’s Travel — Daylight Saving Time is a surprisingly controversial and complicated topic.
At U.S. Customs, a Single Piece of Fruit Can Cost You $300. Here’s How to Avoid Being Fined.
Afar Magazine — The best way to avoid being fined at U.S. customs is to know what you can—and can’t—bring in.
It’s Now Easier to Access TSA’s Touchless ID Thanks to Google Wallet
Afar Magazine — Yet another layer of technology is making the TSA airport screening process more streamlined.
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.
Frequent Flyers Weigh In on Best Airline Food and Drinks
TravelPulse — Award flight search and loyalty platform point.me recently published its 2026 Best Airline Food and Drinks Survey, revealing which airlines are and aren't succeeding when it comes to pleasing travelers' taste buds along their journey.
Travel + Leisure Reveals 2026 World’s Best Awards in Travel
Travel + Leisure — The results of Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World's Best Awards are in—revealing the destinations, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and travel experiences that earned top honors from readers around the world.
Palm Beach Airport Officially Renamed After President Trump
TravelPulse — The airport is even getting a rare airport code switch, to be completed on August 18.
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].