June 10, 2026
In This Edition… rethinking legacy travel booking systems, airline flight services additions and suspensions, a refresher on the TSA 3-1-1 rule, hotel updates, critical learnings about the ETA Entry System, and many traveler tips!
Dans cette edition... Une nouvelle approche des systèmes de réservation de voyages traditionnels, des ajouts et des suspensions de liaisons aériennes, un rappel de la règle « 3-1-1 » de la TSA, des mises à jour concernant les hôtels, des renseignements essentiels sur le système d’autorisation d’entrée (ETA) et de nombreux conseils pour les voyageurs!
Navigator Blog
Change Management in Business Travel: How to Modernize with Confidence
Travel program transitions don’t have to feel disruptive. Discover how Avenir reduces friction during implementation with structured onboarding and dedicated support.
Innovation and the Perfect Business Trip: Key Findings from GBTA’s Report
Top takeaways from the latest business travel research report from GBTA in partnership with Direct Travel, Spotnana, and Marriott.
Travel Management
No More Legacy Headaches – Avenir, the Modern Platform for Global Business Travel
The Business Travel Magazine — Direct Travel is proud to be featured throughout the latest edition... hear from Katie Skitterall (page 28) on how travel leaders are rethinking legacy systems and embracing modern platforms designed for a more connected global travel program AND Louisa Toure (page 17) shares how to incorporate sustainability throughout your program so seamlessly, that your travelers don’t even notice.
Airline & Flight Updates
Fanfare at the Gate as Air Canada Relaunches Toronto-Shanghai Service
Open Jaw — Open Jaw's Karen Dahdah joins Air Canada for the inaugural Toronto-Shanghai flight, which industry insiders say is about "strengthening long-term relationships."
American Airlines to Suspend Six Domestic Routes This August
Travel Market Report — The cuts include several flights from California.
European Carriers Add New Routes to Asia and Africa
Business Travel News Europe — European aviation giants Lufthansa and Air France-KLM are adding new connections to Asia and Africa as well as increasing frequencies on existing routes.
Delta Air Lines Extends Suspension of Flights to Tel Aviv, Israel
TravelPulse — Delta Air Lines is extending its pause of service from Atlanta to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV) through December 18 as the conflict in the Middle East continues.
American Airlines to Offer Starlink Wi-Fi Beginning in 2027
Reuters — American Airlines will start installing Starlink Wi-Fi on over 500 narrowbody aircraft in 2027, offering fast and reliable in-flight connectivity.
American Airlines Is Launching 5 New Nonstop Flights to Europe
Afar Magazine — New nonstop flights are making it easier to reach some of Europe’s most compelling cities. From major museum debuts to hotel openings and revitalized neighborhoods, here’s what to do when you get there.
Alaska Airlines to Open Seattle 'Global' Lounge
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines has committed to a "multimillion-dollar investment" in its lounge portfolio, including a new lounge in Seattle, the airline announced.
Air Canada to Operate Rouge on YHZ-LHR this Fall
Open Jaw — As Air Canada integrates mainline aircraft into Rouge, the Halifax to London route will see the 737 MAX 8 currently in operation change over to Rouge service from 01JUL through 30NOV, 2026.
2 Major U.S. Airlines Now Share Loyalty Benefits Across Their Frequent Flier Programs
Afar Magazine — United and JetBlue will extend perks like same-day standby, priority boarding, and free baggage as part of their Blue Sky collaboration.
Delta to Open Second Delta One Lounge at LAX
Travel Weekly — Phase one of the Delta One Lounge in Terminal 2 will open this summer, with completion expected ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Safety & Security
A Refresher on TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule: Carry-On Limits, Exceptions, and Packing Tips
Afar Magazine — Here’s what to know about what’s considered a “liquid” and how to carry food through airport security.
The Free TSA Shortcut Most Travelers Still Don’t Know About
Afar Magazine — Travelers flying through select U.S. airports can reserve a free TSA security screening time before departure.
TSA’s Newest Screening Program Could Change Your Airport Experience—but It Already Has Some Critics
Afar Magazine — TSA Gold+ is a public-private partnership with the aim of overhauling security screening. But there are some potential drawbacks.
New “Remote Terminal” Allows Passengers to Avoid Crowded Security Lines at a Busy Northeast Hub
Afar Magazine — The pilot program will allow some fliers to use an off-site location for screening and check-in.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Amtrak’s New Airo Trains Are Ready for Departure—This Is the First Route They Will Travel
Afar Magazine — Amtrak’s long-awaited next-generation trains will make their debut on the West Coast this fall.
Hotel News
Sonesta Expands Caribbean Footprint
Hotel Management — Sonesta expands Caribbean footprint with a new MOD Collection hotel in the Dominican Republic.
Viceroy Rebrand Focuses on Storytelling Through Experiences
Hotel Dive — The luxury hospitality brand, with hotels and residences worldwide, is revamping its experiential offerings and growing its portfolio to new destinations.
Pittsburgh Plans New Convention Center Hotel
WTAE News — A 500-room headquarters hotel is planned as part of a $418 million project.
Preferred Hotels Debuts New Preferred Wellbeing Collection
Insider Travel Report — Preferred Hotels & Resorts has launched Preferred Wellbeing, a new global designation program celebrating a curated collection of more than 50 member hotels and resorts that deliver exceptional, holistic wellness experiences.
The Margot Hotel in San Diego Opens as an Outset Collection by Hilton Property
Travel Market Report — Here’s what to know about the new design-first, all-suite boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Virgin Limited Edition Unveils Plans for Luxury Hotel on Moroccan Estate
Travel Weekly — The hotel near Marrakech is slated to open in the first quarter of 2027.
Hilton Debuts Undergraduate by Hilton, a New Lifestyle Brand
Travel Market Report — Undergraduate by Hilton will target travelers visiting college communities, including parents and families, alumni and sports fans.
Caesars to Be Acquired by Golden Nugget Owner Fertitta
Northstar Meetings Group — Fertitta Entertainment, which owns the Houston Rockets and Landry's, will establish a major footprint on the Las Vegas Strip with the $17.6 billion deal.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Flying to the U.K.? Here’s What to Know After the ETA Entry System Outage
Afar Magazine — The tech issues have been resolved, but the incident offers some critical learnings for travelers.
What to Know About Flying With Lithium-Ion Chargers
Meetings & Conventions (AP) — High-capacity batteries, such as those used in professional video gear or medical equipment, will need airline approval.
Alaska Airlines to Open New Portland Lounge
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines is set to open its newest airport lounge on June 4 at Portland International Airport, the carrier announced.
JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark—Which New York City Airport Is Best?
Afar Magazine — We break down each airport’s standout features, how to get to and from these New York area hubs, and where to eat and what to do while there.
These Are the Most Exciting New Airport Lounges in the U.S.
Afar Magazine — The splashiest new airport lounge openings in the U.S., including Amex Centurion, Chase Sapphire, Delta Sky Club, and Priority Pass locations—and what to know before you go.
You Can Now Earn Delta SkyMiles on Your Entire Airbnb Booking—Here’s How It Works
Afar Magazine — The only thing better than a tricked-out vacation home experience is a tricked-out vacation home experience that also earns you miles.
CLEAR, Samsung Launch CLEAR ID in Samsung Wallet
TravelPulse — CLEAR unveiled a partnership with Samsung Electronics America to launch Samsung ID with CLEAR, a digital ID linked to U.S. passport information and verified by CLEAR.
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