October 28, 2025
In This Edition… Direct Travel acquires UK-based ATPI, Guest travel and expense platform Juno and Direct Travel partner, airline updates, Qantas cyberattack, TSA cracks down on lithium ion batteries, passport & visa news, ground transportation and hotel updates, and much more!
Dans cette édition… Les services Direct Travel font l’acquisition de la société britannique ATPI; Juno, une plateforme dédiée aux voyages et aux dépenses des invités des entreprises, rejoint le réseau des partenaires des Services Direct Travel; des mises à jour concernant les compagnies aérienne; Qantas victime d’une cyberattaque; la TSA prend des mesures plus restrictives au sujet des batteries lithium-ion; des actualités relatives aux passeports et aux visas; des nouvelles sur les transports terrestres et les hôtels; et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Direct Travel Acquires ATPI
Direct Travel, Inc. has announced the acquisition of its long-time strategic partner, ATPI, creating one of the world’s largest travel management companies. Together, the two companies will drive over $6 billion in annual total travel volume and offer leading technologies and unparalleled service across global corporate, leisure, events, and specialized travel sectors.
The Travel Manager’s Guide to Demonstrating ROI
By connecting travel outcomes to broader business objectives, travel managers can demonstrate the true strategic value of every trip.
Building a Travel Culture That Supports Employee Well-Being
Discover strategies travel managers can use to support traveler wellness, reduce burnout, and build healthier business travel programs.
Travel Management
Direct Travel Acquires Longtime Partner ATPI
Business Travel News — Direct Travel has acquired U.K.-based travel management company ATPI, boosting its global reach and together forming one of the world's largest TMCs with a reported $6 billion in annual total travel volume.
Juno Launches Meetings Capabilities, Partners with Direct Travel
Business Travel News — Guest travel and expense platform Juno is launching new meetings management capabilities for guest travelers and has added Direct Travel as its latest TMC partner.
Airline & Flight Updates
Air Canada to Expand Toronto Bishop U.S. Service
Business Travel News — Air Canada in 2026 will expand service at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport with four new transborder routes and increased daily flying to Montréal and Ottawa, Canada.
Delta to Add Seattle-Philadelphia Service
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines on May 7, 2026, will add daily nonstop service between Seattle and Philadelphia.
Delta, Aeromexico Challenge DOT Order to End Joint Venture
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico have jointly filed in a U.S. appeals court a petition for review of the U.S. DOT final order that terminates the antitrust immunity agreement between the carriers.
United Airlines Launches First Starlink-Equipped Mainline Aircraft
TravelPulse — A new era of in-flight connectivity launched at United Airlines.
Delta Air Lines To Roll Out New Check-In Areas
TravelPulse — Delta will introduce upscale check-in areas for business class passengers at all major U.S. hubs by the end of 2025, enhancing its premium offerings and contributing to its record revenue.
Air Canada Anticipates a Rebound in Transborder Travel
Travel Weekly — The airline is banking on a resurgence next summer, saying it will match summer 2024 capacity. It is a strategy not without risks.
Air France Strengthens Its Presence Across Africa
TravelPulse — Air France is enhancing its presence in Africa by expanding services on existing routes with strong demand.
United Just Announced 4 New European Routes
Afar Magazine — The Chicago-based carrier will become the first U.S. airline to offer service or nonstop routes to these four cities in Europe.
American Airlines Makes Change to Carry-On Bag Boarding Policy
TravelPulse — The next time you board an American Airlines flight, you might notice a familiar piece of equipment missing from the gate area.
Customer Data Leaked as Part of Qantas Cyberattack
TravelPulse — Around 5.7 million customers' data was stolen, though very few of it is compromising.
Air France Opens Chicago O'Hare Lounge
Business Travel News — Air France has opened a new lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the carrier announced.
Pittsburgh's New $1.7B Airport Terminal Will Open Soon
The Points Guy — Opening just in time for the Thanksgiving and year-end holiday rush, the new space uses natural light and design features to invoke the rolling western Pennsylvania landscape.
Safety & Security
TSA Expands List of Items Prohibited From Checked Luggage as Concerns About In-Flight Fires Mount
Afar Magazine — The updated rules come as the agency continues to crack down on electronics that use lithium ion batteries due to an increase in related fire incidents onboard airplanes.
Yes, U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to These 9 Countries—Including a New One
Afar Magazine — You can visit 180 countries without getting a visa in advance, but these others require one.
Need a Passport During the Shutdown? What Travelers Should Know.
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Travelers shouldn't be too worried about getting their passport in time, even during the government shutdown.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Enterprise Mobility Reports FY25 Revenue Up
Privately owned Enterprise Mobility—which includes the Enterprise, National and Alamo car rental brands—reported record annual revenue of more than $39 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
Lyft Goes Premium With Acquisition of TBR Global Chauffeuring
Business Travel News Europe — On-demand transport platform Lyft has acquired Glasgow-based TBR Global Chauffeuring for £83 million as it builds out its premium offering. TBR, which offers luxury rides through a network of operators in more than 120 countries and 3,000 cities, will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership team.
Hotel News
These Hotels Are Raising the Bar for Sustainability
Northstar Meetings Group — Today's planners increasingly strive to incorporate more green practices in their events, and these Stella Award-winning hoteliers have heeded the call with environmental protection initiatives, socially conscious team building activities and more.
Hilton’s New Boutique Hotel Collection
Afar Magazine — The Outset Collection, which launches in November, will allow travelers to book at 60-plus independently owned and boutique properties, most located in the U.S.
Days Inn by Wyndham Singapore Novena to Open 2026
Travel Weekly Asia — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has inked a franchise deal with Worldwide Hotels (WWH) to launch Days Inn by Wyndham Singapore Novena, come August 2026. The existing 362-room Value Hotel Thomson will undergo rebranding renovations starting end 2Q 2026.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Phased Closure of Terminal 5 at LAX Begins
Travel Weekly — Airlines are clearing out this month, then the terminal will be demolished and rebuilt ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
What Really Happens if You Don’t Switch Your Phone to “Airplane Mode” In-Flight
Afar Magazine — Air travelers are required to turn off cell service during a flight. But what does airplane mode do?
India Launches e-Arrival Card to Streamline Entry for Foreign Nationals
NewlandChase — India has begun rolling out a new Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) for foreign nationals, gradually replacing the traditional paper disembarkation card used at immigration counters.
Can Airlines Switch Your Seat?
USA Today (subscription may be required) — A plane swap can ruin your seat plans. These are the passenger rights airlines don’t tell you about.
The Difference Between Premium Economy, Business and First Class
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Airline premium cabins, from premium economy to first class, can be confusing. Here's what to know.
British Airways Debuts Lounges in Miami, Dubai
Business Travel News — British Airways has opened new lounges at Miami and Dubai, as part of the airline's £7 billion "transformation program."
5 Biggest Travel Trends for 2026 According to Skyscanner
TravelPulse — In 2026, travel trends include exploring culinary culture through local stores, seeking mountain getaways, engaging in literature-inspired travel, prioritizing meaningful connections, and choosing destinations based on unique hotels.
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