November 25, 2025
In This Edition… airline flight route updates and frequent flier program changes, a new terminal in Pittsburgh, renewing your passport, driverless car services, new hotel partnerships, new hotel openings, hotel loyalty program changes, and many traveler tips!
Dans cette édition… Des mises à jour sur les liaisons aériennes et les changements apportés aux programmes de fidélisation, un nouveau terminal à Pittsburgh, le renouvellement de votre passeport, les services de véhicules autonomes, de nouveaux partenariats hôteliers, de nouvelles inaugurations d’hôtels, des changements apportés aux programmes de fidélité hôteliers, ainsi que de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs!
Navigator Blog
Travel Manager 2.0: Top Takeaways from BTN’s Webinar
Use insights from the webinar’s panel of experts to strengthen your travel program with actionable data, intelligent automation, and personalized service.
Q&A: How Can Data and AI Strengthen Your Corporate Travel Program?
Direct Travel EVP Martin Tuncaydin explores how human expertise, data, and AI can combine to build smarter, more resilient travel programs.
Airline & Flight Updates
Air Canada Extends Codeshare with Emirates to 2032
OpenJaw — Air Canada and Emirates are extending their strategic partnership to 2032 in a move they say will significantly strengthen tourism and trade between Canada and the UAE.
Air New Zealand to Revamp Loyalty Program
Business Travel News — Air New Zealand's Airpoints loyalty program will be renamed as "Koru" beginning April 2026 and gain two new status tiers for a total of five.
Air France Strengthens European Network, Enhancing Options for North American Travelers
TravelPulse — Air France is expanding its European operations this winter, creating improved connectivity that directly benefits travelers from North America seeking seamless access to destinations across the continent.
Pittsburgh's New Airport Terminal is Set to Open
Travel Weekly — The new central terminal will open Nov. 18. The facility will have a 12-lane TSA checkpoint.
Delta Introduces Comfort Basic Fare
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines is adding a Basic option to join the Classic and Extra categories in its Comfort class.
Air Canada Cancels Montreal to Tel Aviv and Delhi Routes for Summer 2026
OpenJaw — Flights from Montreal to Tel Aviv and Delhi, both originally scheduled to operate three times weekly beginning May 2026 aboard Boeing 787 Dreamliners, have been pulled from the schedule.
Etihad, Hong Kong Airlines to Launch Codeshare
Business Travel News — Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement that also will include reciprocal loyalty benefits, Etihad announced.
Safety & Security
Yes, You Can Renew Your U.S. Passport Online—if You Meet These Requirements
Afar Magazine — Renewing your U.S. passport online takes less than 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Waymo Expands Service in Bay Area, L.A. and Phoenix
Northstar Meetings Group (AP) — California's San Jose airport will be the first to allow passenger drop-offs from the driverless cars, and the service is being tested at San Francisco International Airport.
Hotel News
Marriott Inaugurates Series Collection in India
Business Travel News — More than two dozen properties in India under The Fern brand have joined Marriott's new Series collection brand, becoming the first hotels outside the U.S. to do so.
Hilton Unveils New Top Loyalty Tier
Business Travel News — Hilton Worldwide in January will introduce a new top tier to its Honors rewards program and will lower the number of room nights required to attain membership in some of its lower tiers.
SilverDoor to Offer IHG Extended-Stay Properties
Business Travel News — SilverDoor has partnered with IHG Hotels & Resorts to add 750 extended-stay properties to its platform, allowing customers to view prices and book IHG's Staybridge Suites online across various regions, with future expansion planned.
Four Seasons Announces Six New Hotels in Saudi Arabia
Hotel News — Four Seasons is set to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia with the introduction of six new hotels and three residential projects. This expansion is part of the company's broader strategy to increase its footprint in the Middle East.
Marriott to Launch City Express in Japan
Business Travel News — Marriott International will open two properties in Japan under its City Express brand, the company announced Monday, continuing the global expansion of the midscale brand that it acquired in 2022.
Marriott Ends Sonder Licensing Agreement Over Default
PhocusWire — Marriott said Sonder "is no longer affiliated with Marriott Bonvoy and Sonder properties are not available for new bookings on Marriott’s channels."
Apartment-hotel Brand Sonder is Winding Down Operations
Travel Weekly — After Marriott International abruptly ended its licensing agreement with Sonder, the company said it was filing for Chapter 7 liquidation.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
No REAL ID? You Might Have to Pay a Fee the Next Time You Travel
Travel Pulse — Travelers who don’t have a REAL ID or passport with them the next time they head to the airport might be charged an $18 fee, according to a new proposed rule by The Transportation Security Administration.
Airlines Are No Longer Required to Automatically Reimburse Passengers for Flight Delays and Cancellations
Afar Magazine — The Department of Transportation has officially rolled back a Biden-era rule, thus allowing airlines to decide for themselves what to offer travelers when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.
Before Thanksgiving Travel, Brush Up on Which Foods You Can (and Can’t) Bring Through TSA
Afar Magazine — Here’s what to know before you attempt to bring a home-cooked meal or tasty souvenir through airport security.
Apple Rolls Out Digital ID for Domestic Air Travel
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Apple launches Digital ID for passengers with iPhones and watches to be used while going through TSA on domestic flights.
Overhead Bin Space Isn’t Guaranteed
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Airlines don’t guarantee overhead bin space unless you pay extra or board early. Here’s what travelers need to know.
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