July 8, 2025
In This Edition… Qantas cyber-attack details, United app enhancement, American restores standby, airline flight alliance updates, flight service additions and suspensions, airport lounge news, hotel growth, many traveler tips, and more!
Dans cette édition… informations sur la cyberattaque de Qantas, Améliorations de l’application United, retour de la liste d’attente chez American, mises à jour sur les alliances entre compagnies aériennes, ajouts et suspensions de services de vol, actualités sur les salons d’aéroport, expansions hôtelières, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs, et plus encore!
Navigator Blog
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.
From Friction to Flow: How Avenir Simplifies Business Travel
Avenir: Travel Edition delivers intuitive booking, broader content, and real-time support to fix business travel’s biggest frustrations.
Airline & Flight Updates
United App Now Says If You Can Make a Flight Connection
Travel Weekly — Passengers will receive flight notification in the app, along with turn-by-turn directions to the connecting gate and how long it will take to walk there.
American Restores Airport Standby for All Passengers
One Mile At A Time — American Airlines is undoing a negative policy change that it implemented last year, as part of its effort to become more customer friendly.
Oman Air to Join Oneworld Alliance
Business Travel News — Oman Air on July 1 will join Oneworld Alliance, becoming the group's 15th member, the alliance.
Air Canada Maintains Dubai Flight Suspension
Open Jaw — Due to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East, and as a precautionary measure, Air Canada is temporarily suspending its daily, non-stop service between Toronto and Dubai.
Lufthansa Breaks Ground on New $120 Million YYC Maintenance Facility
Open Jaw — Expect to see more of the blue Lufthansa crane flying over Calgary as construction begins on a $120 million investment near YYC.
Air Canada Launches Flights from Montréal to Edinburgh
Open Jaw — Air Canada is proud to launch service to Edinburgh from Montréal, the latest route strategically added to their extensive transatlantic network.
American Airlines to Launch New Routes to Ski and Wine Destinations This Winter
Travel Pulse — American Airlines is expanding its domestic network this winter by adding seven new U.S. routes, including flights to Santa Maria, CA, and Sun Valley, ID, offering services that cater to wine and ski destinations.
American to Expand Miami Lounges
Business Travel News — American Airlines plans to build a new Flagship lounge and expand its Admirals Club lounge footprint at Miami International Airport.
Delta to Open New Seattle Lounges, Add Int'l Service
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines this week will open new Seattle lounges and in May 2026 will add nonstop service to Barcelona and Rome.
Safety & Security
Qantas Cyber Incident
Qantas Airlines — A cyber incident occurred in one of the airline's contact centers, impacting some customer data.
FBI Warns of Cybercriminal Group Targeting US Airlines
TravelPulse — Information on a cybercriminal threat affecting the airline ecosystem.
This U.S. Airport Just Turned Global Entry Into an Easy, Pre-Flight Errand
Afar Magazine — Another U.S. airport will now let you apply before taking off.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Hotel News
IHG's Upscale Voco Brand is Coming to Canada
Travel Weekly — New hotels will be built in downtown Montreal and near Toronto Pearson Airport. Also, Voco will brand an existing hotel in Niagara Falls.
Hilton's Tapestry Collection Makes Northern Ireland Debut
Travel Weekly — The Marcus Portrush breathes new life into a landmark Victorian building. Hilton said a renovation preserved the original mosaic signage, decorative floor mosaics and tiled facade.
A 1,000-Room Hyatt Hotel and Casino Could Come to Manhattan
The Points Guy — It's a gamble for now, but Hyatt could soon be associated with a megadevelopment in New York City that could introduce the first casino to Manhattan.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Airlines Issue New Check-In Policies as “Airport Theory” TikTok Trend Goes Viral
Afar Magazine — Travelers who have a tendency to cut it close at the airport will want to take note.
You’re Flying Through These Airports, You Need to Pay Special Attention to the News
Fodor’s Travel — Americans planning travel to or via Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar; Dubai International Airport or Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi, both in the UAE; or Bahrain International Airport should closely monitor their flight status using their airline’s website or app.
Airport Security Gave Me a RED Sticker — What Does It Mean?
Fodor’s Travel — Is this a good or bad sticker?
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.
9 Places You Can Visit for (Almost) Free on a Stopover Flight
Afar Magazine — Airline stopover programs provide a great, affordable way to extend your trip and visit an additional destination. Here’s how to see two countries for the price of one.
Meetings & Events
Designing Events That Put People in Control
Creative Group Blog — When people feel seen and valued, their experience deepens. By using event psychology and behavioral principles like autonomy and identity, we design events that don’t just fill a schedule, they leave a lasting impression.
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].