November 11, 2026
In This Edition… airline updates and new flight service routes, hotel portfolio expansion, Best Western rebrands, new attestation requirement for travelers flying into the U.S., confusion on EU entry requirements, many traveler tips, and more!
Dans cette édition… des mises à jour concernant les compagnies aériennes et les nouvelles liaisons aériennes, l’expansion d’un portefeuille hôtelier, le repositionnement de marque de Best Western, une nouvelle exigence en matière d’attestation pour les voyageurs se rendant aux États-Unis par avion, la confusion entourant les exigences d’entrée dans l’Union européenne, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Your Travel Data Has More to Tell You. Ask Avenir.
See how Ask Avenir uses natural-language analytics to help travel managers understand data, uncover trends, and identify opportunities to improve program performance.
What’s New in Avenir: Expanded Global Reach and Traveler Flexibility
September 2026: Avenir extends the most direct access to travel content into new markets, alongside new tools for more flexible program management.
Airline & Flight Updates
United Is Bringing Back Nonstop Flights to Newfoundland
Afar Magazine — You can easily build an entire travel itinerary around this forthcoming route. Here’s how.
WestJet to Build Massive Hangar in Winnipeg to Support Fleet of New MAX-10s
OpenJaw — WestJet is slated to be the first anchor tenant at a massive new business park near Winnipeg's airport.
American Airlines Relaunches Daily Flights to Haiti After 6-Year Pause
TravelPulse — The relaunch is a major milestone for the airline and sees American now operating daily nonstop service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Cap-Haitien, Haiti (CAP) aboard a Boeing 737 aircraft.
United Airlines to Exit Tulum International Airport
Travel Market Report — United will fly its final flight into Tulum early next year.
Air New Zealand Delays Launch of Skynest Sleeper Bunks
Travel Weekly — The postponement until after the Southern Hemisphere summer will enable the airline to get its Boeing 787 Dreamliner into service right away.
Air France Boosts Service to Canada to 45 Weekly Flights Over Holidays
Open Jaw — Air France is increasing transatlantic capacity by 6% this winter in response to strong demand.
WestJet and Qatar Airways Codeshare Expands Canada-Doha Network
Open Jaw — WestJet and Qatar Airways have launched a codeshare partnership, adding connections to Qatar Airways’ global network via its Doha hub.
United Expands Summer 2027 Schedule with New Bermuda and SFO Flights
Travel Market Report — The San Francisco flights include two old routes that United is bringing back.
Safety & Security
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Hotel News
Fairmont Makes Highly Anticipated Return to New Orleans
Travel Market Report — Fairmont New Orleans is now open, marking the brand’s highly anticipated return to the city and 100th hotel worldwide.
Hyatt Expands Canadian Portfolio With 10 Hotel Openings Planned for 2027
OpenJaw — Hyatt Hotels Corporation is planning a record 10 hotel openings across Canada in 2027, building on a portfolio that has quadrupled since 2017 and a development pipeline of more than 40 deals.
Hyatt Unveils Plans to Bring StandardX Brand to New York
Hyatt.com — Set to open in the second half of 2028, the approximately 1,800-room StandardX Times Square will mark the North American debut of the brand.
BWH Rebrands to WorldHotels, Unifies Loyalty Programs, Boosts Digital Offering
PhocusWire — The franchise hotel group’s website and mobile app have been rebuilt using the Adobe platform, enabling greater personalization and the ability to evolve the digital experience.
Preferred Hotels Expands Global Portfolio with 28 New Properties
Insider Travel Report — Preferred Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of 28 new members to its global portfolio and to celebrate, I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at any of these participating locations, for a limited time.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
There’s a New Rule for Travelers Flying into the US
Fodor’s Travel — Both passengers and crew will be required to make a new attestation before boarding flights to the U.S., starting Nov. 3.
Travelers Are Getting Scammed Over the Confusing EU Entry Requirements
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Scam websites are attempting to mislead travelers by charging high fees for the non-operational ETIAS.
When There’s an In-Flight Emergency, How Airlines & Passengers Are Supposed to Respond
Afar Magazine — Everyone onboard plays a role in ensuring that things go more smoothly in what can be a highly stressful and hectic situation.
American Airlines Wants Your Premium Dollars. Here’s Everything It’s Changing to Win Them
Afar Magazine — Fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi, its largest Admirals Club yet, and an app that finds you a better seat are part of the carrier’s bid to win back high-paying fliers.
Surprising Touches: What It’s Like to Fly Air Canada’s A321XLR
Open Jaw — Air Canada unveiled its new narrow-body Airbus A321XLR to great fanfare at Toronto Pearson Airport in June before its first international flight from Montreal to Toulouse. So what’s it like to fly on this brand-new aircraft? Open Jaw had the chance to find out on the Montreal-Porto route.
Meeting People at the Airport Gate Feels Like a Throwback. At These 32 U.S. Airports, It’s Still Possible.
Afar Magazine — Between Gateside by TSA PreCheck and airports’ own visitor pass programs, here’s where you can drop off and pick people up directly from the gate.
Want to Skip Checking a Bag? Use One of These Handy Companies That Ship Luggage
Afar Magazine — Sometimes, it’s easier to ship luggage instead of checking it. Here’s what you need to know about how it works, along with a list of the best shipping companies.
Meetings & Events
Hilton Launches Wellness-Focused Meetings Framework
Northstar Meetings Group — The hotel company has launched a new initiative that helps planners support attendee wellness by focusing on mindset, nutrition, movement and recovery.
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].