March 31, 2026
In This Edition… travel management news, airline waivers due to long security lines, flight service and many other airline updates, hotel expansion, traveler tips, airport lounge info, EU border goes biometric, and much more!
Dans cette édition… Les actualités sur la gestion des voyages, les dérogations des compagnies aériennes en raison des longues files d'attente aux contrôles de sécurité, les informations sur les vols et bien d'autres actualités du secteur aérien, l'expansion des hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, des informations sur les salons d'aéroport, la mise en place de contrôles biométriques aux frontières de l’UE, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Global Travel Program Transitions: Key Insights from BTN’s ‘In the Know’ Webinar
Learn how to implement, scale, and transition a global travel program without disruption, with firsthand insights from travel managers and industry experts.
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.
Travel Management
Hitting RFP Reset on TMC Sourcing
Business Travel News — How three travel managers gave TMC selection a radical overhaul.
Airline & Flight Updates
Airlines Waive Change Fees Due to TSA Delays
MSN — Amid TSA delays from the government shutdown, airlines like Delta and United are waiving change fees at major hubs, while Allegiant offers refunds without penalties.
United's 'Relax Row' — a first class seat for the rest of us?
Yahoo Finance — While United didn't reveal pricing on the Relax Row, it should come in below first class and business.
ITA Airways to Join Lufthansa's Loyalty Program
Business Travel News — ITA Airways on April 1 will join the Lufthansa Group's Miles & More loyalty program, Lufthansa announced.
Delta Air Lines Adds New Nonstop Service From Austin, Texas
Austin American-Statesman — By December 2026, Delta will serve 30 destinations from Austin along with advanced routes to Phoenix and Boseman.
United’s First Polaris Studio Suites Flights in April
The Points Guy — Flight UA 1, departing San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on April 22 for Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), is the first long-haul route with the new Elevated product. A second service from SFO to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) as Flight UA 901 will commence April 30.
British Airways to Expand Long-Haul Network in Winter
Business Travel News Europe — British Airways will expand its long-haul network by nine per cent this winter, with plans to add two new routes and increase flights on existing connections.
Qantas to Launch Nonstop Flight from Sydney to Vegas
Travel Weekly — Service will begin in late December and run until mid-March 2027.
European Airlines Add More Flights to Asia
Business Travel New — European airlines are adding extra short-notice flights to key Asian destinations as the Middle Eastern war enters a third week.
WestJet Adds Fiji and New Zealand Codeshares
OpenJaw — WestJet has been issued licenses to operate scheduled codeshare flights to Fiji and New Zealand.
Southwest Airlines to End Flights at 2 Major Airports
Fox Business — Southwest Airlines said it will stop flying to Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare starting June 4.
Rising Jet-Fuel Prices Could Impact Summer Airfares
Meetings & Conventions (AP) — Experts say it's not a question of if airfares will go up, but when, for how long and by how much.
Qatar Airways Operating Limited Flight Schedule Out of Doha
Qatar.com — Qatar Airways will continue to operate flights to a select number of destinations on its network until 15 April 2026.
Safety & Security
Airport Lines Ease as TSA Workers Start to Recoup Back Pay
CNN — Abysmal wait times at airports shrank Monday morning as tens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration workers started getting back pay after more than a month without income — apparently prompting fewer to call out.
More Americans Are Now Eligible for a Canadian Passport Thanks to a Newly Passed Law
Afar Magazine — Canada has opened up the path to citizenship for millions of additional people, including many Americans.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Uber to Acquire Blacklane
Uber Investor — Uber plans to move deeper into the premium and corporate segments with an agreement to acquire chauffeured transportation platform Blacklane, the company announced Monday.
Uber Introduces 'Elite' Option
Business Travel News — Uber has introduced what it called a new luxury ride experience designed for executives and frequent travelers.
Hotel News
IHG’s European Growth Boosted by Germany Expansion
Business Travel News Europe — IHG Hotels & Resorts has accelerated its growth in Europe with a particular focus on the German market as well as an increased level of “conversion” properties.
Radisson Hotel Group Plans 100 'Net Zero' Hotels by 2030
Business Travel News — Radisson Hotel Group plans to roll out a global net-zero emissions hotels program and add 100 properties to the portfolio by 2030, the company announced Monday.
Marriott Brings Midscale Series by Marriott Brand to Europe
Business Travel News Europe — Marriott International has announced the expansion of its Series by Marriott brand to Europe for the first time after agreeing deals for 11 properties across the UK and Italy.
Yotel Joins New Hilton Brand, Distribution Channels
Business Travel News — Compact guest-room hotel brand Yotel will be available for booking in Hilton Worldwide's distribution channels later this year under the terms of a new agreement.
Hyatt Unlocks Growth in the Southeast United States with Expanding Essentials Portfolio
Hyatt.com — Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces significant expansion of its Essentials portfolio across the Southeastern United States, with more than 30 Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt House hotels representing approximately 4,000 rooms in its executed pipeline.
Choice Hotels Marks Major Milestone in Upscale Market
PR Newswire — Choice Hotels International celebrated a major milestone this month, with its Ascend Collection brand opening its 500th property.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
The World’s Best Airport Has a Semi-Olympic Pool, Giant Trampoline, and More Than 60 Places to Eat
Afar Magazine — Hubs in Asia dominated the Skytrax 2026 World’s Best Airport list, with a strong showing from Europe as well, and one North American airport making the top 10.
Miami Just Became the First U.S. Airport to Open These Design-Forward, Hourly Nap Rooms
Afar Magazine — An inviting bed within the terminal sure beats an uncomfortable snooze atop a row of gate chairs.
Why Airlines Tell You Not to Retrieve Your Phone if It Falls Between Seats
Afar Magazine — It’s frustrating when your phone falls into the cracks between airplane seats. But it could be dangerous if you try to fish it out yourself.
EU Border Control Goes Biometric; What To Know Before April 10
USA Today — The European Union is replacing passport stamps with biometric scans under its new Entry/Exit System.
How Long Are TSA Wait Times at Your Airport? Here’s a Quick Way to Find Out
Afar Magazine — From surging flier volumes during popular travel times (hello, spring break) to shutdown-related staffing shortages, there are numerous reasons why airport security lines get backed up. Here’s how to check before you head out.
Heathrow Falls Behind Istanbul as Europe's Busiest Airport
BTN Europe — London Heathrow has issued another plea to be allowed to build a third runway after being overtaken by Istanbul Airport as Europe's busiest hub.
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