May 14, 2025
In This Edition… airline updates including flight expansions, TSA safety alert on power banks, more on TSA device inspections, updated schedule on ETIAS launch, ongoing concerns about New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International airport (EWR), traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… des actualités sur les compagnies aériennes, notamment de nouvelles liaisons, une alerte de sécurité de la TSA concernant les chargeurs portatifs, des précisions sur les contrôles des appareils électroniques effectués par la TSA, le calendrier actualisé du lancement de l’ETIAS, des inquiétudes persistantes autour de l’aéroport Newark Liberty du New Jersey (EWR), des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Beyond Cost Cutting: How a TMC Delivers Value When It Matters Most
Learn how the right travel management company can transform uncertainty into opportunity by helping you save costs and drive program success.
Building a Respectful and Responsible Global Travel Program
Implement these tips for more intentional, informed business travel. Learn how this can benefit your team, the planet, and the communities you visit.
Airline & Flight Updates
American, DFW Airport Expand Plans for New Terminal
Business Travel News — American Airlines and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport have expanded their plans for the new Terminal F at the airport, the carrier and the airport announced.
Porter Airlines Adds LaGuardia Service
Business Travel News — Canada-based Porter Airlines has launched service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
American Airlines Announces In-Flight Upgrades
Travel Pulse — The airline offers new snacks, drinks and entertainment options.
Air Canada Free WiFi Service for Aeroplan Members Begins
Open Jaw — On May 1, Air Canada introduced “fast, free Wi-Fi” for Aeroplan members for flights across North America, and on sun destination flights for the Caribbean and Mexico.
Delta, Latam Add Argentina to Joint Venture
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and Latam Airlines have expanded their joint venture to include Argentina.
Air France and KLM Boost Winter Long-Haul Network
Business Travel News Europe — Air France is bolstering its network to Asia by adding a route from Paris to Phuket in Thailand. The carrier will introduce flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Phuket airports from November 27, with the route operating three times per week.
United Airlines to Purchase 100 Futuristic Aircraft
Travel Pulse — United Airlines’ fleet is about to get a little more futuristic…
EVA Air Launching New Nonstop Route From Dallas to Taipei
Travel Pulse — EVA Air is launching a new nonstop route from Dallas-Fort Worth to Taipei on October 3, making it the only Asian carrier with two Texas destinations. The route will use Boeing 777-300ER planes and offer three flights per week.
Alaska Airlines Unveils Newest Disneyland Themed Aircraft
Travel Pulse — In its ninth collaboration with Disneyland Resort, the airline has revealed its newest themed aircraft.
United’s Original Polaris Lounge Just Got a Major Upgrade With a Speakeasy Bar and Wellness Wing
Afar Magazine — United Airlines loyalists who fly from or through the Midwest’s busiest hub are sure to be pleased with this major upgrade.
London Heathrow Initiative Would Cut the Hassle for Connecting Flyers
Travel Weekly — Under a pilot program, American Airlines customers flying from DFW to London and connecting to an outbound British Airways flight don't have to recheck their luggage or get rescreened.
Safety & Security
New TSA Regulation: Keep This Device Out of Your Checked Bag
Travel Pulse — With the busy summer travel season approaching and millions of Americans preparing to jet off on their vacations, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reissuing a critical safety alert: portable battery chargers, also known as power banks, should never be packed in checked baggage.
Can TSA Search Your Phone? What to Know About Electronic Device Inspections at the Airport
Afar Magazine — Here’s when you need to hand over your device, and whether you must provide passwords when you do.
TSA Is Using Facial Recognition in Even More Airports—Should You Opt In?
Afar Magazine — Touchless ID is now an option for PreCheck and Global Entry members. Are you feeling secure about the new security?
Europe’s New Entry System for International Travelers Now Has a New Timeline for When It Will Launch
Afar Magazine — ETIAS, Europe’s new travel authorization regulation that will require international arrivals to get advance approval and pay a fee before entering Europe, was supposed to go into effect in 2025. The European Union has released an updated schedule.
New Digital Entry Requirement for Thailand From May 1
Travel Weekly Asia — From May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors to Thailand will be required to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering the country, according to a statement from Thai authorities.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Lyft Agrees to Acquire European Taxi App Freenow
Business Travel News — Lyft has agreed to acquire Freenow, a European taxi-hailing and mobility app, from BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility for about €175 million, the ride-hailing company announced.
Hotel News
Choice Hotels Will Enhance Breakfast at Two of Its Brands
Insider Travel Report — Choice Hotels International, one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, is refreshing its complimentary breakfast at Comfort and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson as part of its broader strategy to refine and differentiate its upper midscale brands and help attract travelers.
These Are the Best New Hotels of 2025
Afar Magazine — Afar’s picks for the 25 best new hotels in the world.
Marriott Acquires CitizenM for $355M
PhocusWire — Last year it was reported that citizenM was exploring opportunities to sell the brand.
Waldorf Astoria Makes Costa Rica Debut
Hotel Investment Today — The 188-room property features 10,000 square feet of event space, and a 17,000-square-foot spa and fitness center.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
What’s Going on at Newark Airport, and How It Could Affect Your Upcoming Flights
Afar Magazine — An air traffic control crisis at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International is creating massive problems for travelers and raising safety concerns. Here’s what to know.
FAA Pledges Fixes for Newark, But Disruptions Could Continue
Travel Weekly — Travelers flying from, to or through Newark Airport might have to endure a long summer of travel disruption.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Exchanging Money Abroad
Afar Magazine — Here’s how to make sure you get the best currency conversion rate and aren’t overcharged for international transactions.
How Safe Is Hotel Wi-Fi Really?
Afar Magazine — It can be. But sometimes it isn’t. Here’s what you need to know to use hotel Wi-Fi wisely.
United Opens Expanded Polaris Lounge at O'Hare
Business Travel News — United Airlines has opened its newly expanded Polaris lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The Aspire WestJet ‘Garden Lounge’ Opens at Calgary Airport
Open Jaw — A stylish new lounge has opened at the Calgary International Airport at the U.S. Transborder Terminal E Gates.
This Airport Was Just Voted the World’s Best—Guess Who’s Back on Top?
Afar Magazine — After falling to No. 2 in 2024, Singapore’s Changi Airport has reclaimed its best-in-class spot.
4 Ways to Overcome Language Barriers When Traveling
Afar Magazine — An ASL interpreter shares some travel-friendly tips and techniques that she’s learned from the Deaf community, the real masters of cross-cultural communication.
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