March 17, 2026
In This Edition… recent news articles relating to airline flight service updates and news, security updates, hotel information, traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… de récents articles d’actualité présentant des mises à jour et des nouvelles sur les services de vol des compagnies aériennes, des mises à jour en matière de sécurité, des informations sur les hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore.
Navigator Blog
What the World Cup Means for Hotel Pricing and Travel Budgets
From rate spikes to limited availability, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reshaping hotel costs. Here’s how travel managers can plan ahead.
Duty of Care in a Volatile World: What Travel Programs Should Prioritize Today
From traveler visibility to escalation protocols, discover the key actions travel leaders should take to strengthen duty of care in times of unrest.
Travel Management
Direct Travel CEO Christal Bemont Named in TravelPulse’s 2026 Influential Women in Travel
TravelPulse — As part of TravelPulse's effort to ensure that the achievements of women do not go unnoticed, we have curated a list of the Most Influential Women in Travel.
Airline & Flight Updates
United’s New Rule: If You Don’t Wear Headphones, You Can Be Banned
Afar Magazine — United Airlines recently updated its contract of carriage to make its policy regarding headphones very clear.
Qantas Announces the First-Ever Scheduled Non-stop Service Between Sydney and Las Vegas
Qantas.com — The Qantas seasonal route will operate three times per week from December 29, 2026, through March 12, 2027.
New Airline Routes: March 2026
Business Travel News — Airlines often update their networks, and BTN is providing a list of select new airline destination announcements.
US Department of Transportation Approves Flights to Venezuela for First Time in Seven Years
Travel Pulse — American Airlines announced its move to be the first airline in the nation to fly nonstop to Venezuela…
Delta Opens New Denver Sky Club
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines' newest Sky Club now is open at Denver International Airport, located on the fourth floor of Concourse A.
Korean Air to Open Renovated LAX Lounge
Business Travel News — Korean Air on March 6 will open a newly renovated flagship lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport, the carrier announced.
Turkish Airlines Joins Google to Debut New Baggage Locating System
Insider Travel Report — Turkish Airlines has entered into a collaboration with Google, marking yet another milestone in its digital transformation journey aimed at enhancing the travel experience for its guests.
Air France Boosts Paris-New York Routes for 2026
TravelPulse — This summer, Air France will offer up to 11 daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York, split between New York-JFK and Newark Liberty International airports.
FAA To Cut Flights at Chicago O'Hare Starting in March
USA Today (subscription may be required) — The Federal Aviation Administration said it will reduce flights at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. What travelers should know.
Air Canada Further Extends Tel Aviv, Dubai Flight Suspensions
Open Jaw — Air Canada has extended its suspension of Dubai and Tel Aviv flights until 02MAY, 2026 and is offering flexible rebooking or refunds for affected travellers.
American to Build New Austin Admirals Club
Business Travel News — American Airlines later this year will begin construction on a new Admirals Club at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas.
Safety & Security
Global Entry Reopens Amid DHS Shutdown
Travel Weekly — Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reopened Global Entry following a 17-day closure of the Trusted Traveler Program.
How to Check TSA Wait Times as Shutdown Impacts Airports
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Airports across the country are experiencing a surge in security wait times as TSA officer numbers dwindle due to a federal funding lapse.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
3 Stylish New Trains Coming to Europe and Asia in 2026
Afar Magazine — A new class of stylish trains debuting this year promise immersive interiors, elevated dining and scenic journeys.
Hotel News
21 Hotel Renovations Happening in 2026
Northstar Meetings Group — From the Southwestern United States to Southeast Asia, these hotels and resorts will have new offerings for groups this year.
Wynn Resorts Receives 18 Five-Star Awards From Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes Travel Guide — Wynn Resorts once again received the highest ratings across its resort portfolio as part of this year’s Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star Awards, distinguishing itself as having the longest-running Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards of all independent hotel companies in the world.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Why Airlines Board Planes the Slow Way (and charge you for it)
USA Today — The board-by-group method isn't the most efficient way for passengers to get on a plane, but it does earn the airlines some extra cash.
Plaza Premium First Airport Lounge Brand Comes to the U.S.
Travel Weekly — Plaza Premium First lounges offer more service, personal space and amenities at a higher price than the standard Plaza Premium Lounge brand.
Electric Air Taxi Plans Advance in the U.S.
PhocusWrite — Joby and Archer are set to deploy aircraft under a pilot program testing eVTOL operations in U.S. markets.
American Express Launches a New Centurion Lounge Concept
Afar Magazine — Sidecar offers a speakeasy-inspired space for travelers at Harry Reid International Airport.
The New Rules for Flying With Power Banks and Portable Chargers
Afar Magazine — As mid-flight battery fires increase, some airlines are updating their policies about which electronics you can fly with and when you can use them.
Airline Rewards Are Changing How You Earn Miles
USA Today — US airlines are increasingly relying on co-branded credit cards for revenue, changing how loyalty programs reward travelers.
You May Want to Think Twice About Drinking Coffee on a Plane
Afar Magazine — A new study analyzed the water quality across several U.S. airlines. Here’s what it found.
The Most Expensive Cities for Business Travel
Business Travel News Europe — The rankings are calculated using the average daily rate of spend per city, which includes costs for accommodation, transportation and meals.
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].