September 16, 2025
In This Edition… airline updates (including new flight service, codeshare news, wi-fi announcements and more), TSA updates for checked and carry on bags, rideshare update at JFK, hotel expansions, and many traveler tips!
Dans cette édition… le point sur les compagnies aériennes (avec notamment les nouveaux services de vol, les nouvelles en lien avec les ententes de partage de code, les annonces concernant le Wi-Fi et plus encore), les mises à jour de la TSA au sujet des bagages enregistrés et les bagages à main, les actualités sur le covoiturage à l’aéroport JFK, les expansions hôtelières et de nombreux conseils pour les voyageurs.
Navigator Blog
How to Build a Travel Program That Puts Service First
Discover why service is the backbone of a strong travel program and how the right TMC partner can keep your travelers supported when it matters most.
Why Smoother Business Travel Starts With Better UX
Explore how Avenir: Travel Edition applies modern UX principles to simplify travel management and create effortless experiences for every journey.
Airline & Flight Updates
United Offers Nonstop Service Between Newark and Madeira
Travel Weekly — The Portuguese island's stunning vistas are more accessible to Americans with United's nonstop service from Newark.
Emirates Extends Premium Economy Rollout
Business Travel News Europe — Emirates is continuing the rollout of its new premium economy cabin across its A380 fleet. The carrier said its new cabin will be added to all A380-operated services to New York JFK from Dec. 1.
United, ITA Codesharing to Begin Sept. 15
Business Travel News — United Airlines and Italian carrier ITA Airways have begun selling tickets for a codesharing agreement that takes effect on Sept. 15, the carriers announced. With the codesharing agreement, United passengers can purchase a single ticket and earn miles on travel beyond United's service to Rome and Milan to ITA's domestic connections as well as elsewhere in Europe.
Air France to Offer Free Onboard Wi-Fi
Air France — The airline will progressively roll out an ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a “ground-like” experience.
Air Canada to Restore Tel Aviv Service
OpenJaw — Air Canada will restart service between Canada and Israel next month.
American Launching U.S. Flights to Bimini
Travel Weekly — The short flight from Miami to the Bahamas destination starts Feb. 14 and will operate three times per week.
United Expands Winter Schedule With New Flights Aimed at Spirit Airlines’ Customers
Travel Pulse — U.S. airlines are adding routes and adjusting their flight schedules following news that low-cost carrier.
Delta Adds Madrid and Nice Routes from Boston
Travel Weekly — The airline next May will begin daily Boston-Madrid and thrice-weekly Boston-Nice service.
Spirit Air Files For Bankruptcy for Second Time in a Year
Insider Travel Report — It’s been rumored for weeks, but Spirit Airlines finally did what many expected it to do—it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but vowed to continue flying.
American Adds 5 New Flights to Europe
Afar Magazine — American Airlines has unveiled its summer 2026 schedule with five new flights to destinations throughout Central Europe and the Mediterranean and expanded service to Argentina.
Delta Adds 3 New Direct Flights to Europe and Asia from the West Coast
Afar Magazine — Delta Air Lines is expanding its global route network out of key airports in California and Washington.
Safety & Security
TSA Expands List of Items Prohibited From Checked Luggage as Concerns About In-Flight Fires Mount
Afar Magazine — The new rule comes as the agency continues to crack down on electronics that use lithium ion batteries due to an increase in related fire incidents onboard airplanes.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
JFK Rideshare Updates
Time Out — Here are new rideshare updates you need to know about rideshare pickups at JFK’s Terminals.
Hotel News
Marriott’s Moxy Brand Continues Expansion With First Belfast Hotel
Business Travel News Europe — The 179-room property is located in the center of Belfast at the site of the former Park Inn by Radisson.
IHG to Expand Presence in Mexico with Six New voco Hotels
TravelPulse — The hotels, signed in partnership with Alliance Hotels, who own the existing properties that will be converted, will open in 2027 across six different locations in Mexico.
The Best Wellness Hotels in the World
Michelin Guide — These properties, which offer an experience that goes far beyond the spa, are nominees for the inaugural Michelin Wellness Award.
Radisson Hotel Group to Add Four Hotels in France
Business Travel News Europe — Radisson Hotel Group is strengthening its presence in France with the signing of four new properties to its growing portfolio. The four properties will take Radisson’s total footprint in France up to 34 hotels, including those under development.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Another Major U.S. Airline Will Offer Free Wi-Fi, Finally Making the In-Flight Perk the Norm
Afar Magazine — For some fliers—especially those trying to get some work done at cruising altitude—staying connected has become essential. Now, they’ll be able to do so no matter which major U.S. carrier they are flying with.
5 Easy Ways to Make Your Economy Flight More Comfortable
Afar Magazine — A long-haul flight in economy can feel less turbulent with some basic accessories and prep work.
Airlines Will No Longer Be Required to Compensate Passengers for Flight Delays Under New Administration Plan
Afar Magazine — Without regulatory oversight, airlines will get to decide for themselves what to offer travelers when flights are significantly delayed.
What to Know Before You Take an Electric Toothbrush on a Plane
USA Today (subscription may be required) — The Transportation Security Administration has “special instructions” for travelers packing electric toothbrushes for their trips.
How to Pack a Suitcase Like a Flight Attendant
Afar Magazine — A flight attendant shares her packing tips from over a decade of living out of a suitcase.
The 12 Best Airport Lounges That You Can Pay to Get Into
Fodor’s Travel — There are some fabulous lounges in airports across the world.
Useful Travel Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip
Afar Magazine — AFAR editors hand-picked these apps to make traveling easier at every step of your trip, from outlining a packing list and booking hotels to figuring out exchange rates and translating words.
Which Major US Airline is Best for Plus-size Travelers Right Now?
USA Today (subscription may be required) — Here’s what travelers can expect from the top four major U.S. airlines…
What’s the Best Seat on a Plane To Get the Fastest Wi-Fi?
Insider Travel Report — A top gaming expert is revealing the exact aircraft zones where passengers get the fastest and most reliable Wi-Fi connection.
The Secretly Amazing Things You Can Do in One of Europe’s Busiest Airports
Afar Magazine — A writer based in Amsterdam offers her insider’s take on how to make your next trip to, through, or from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport a smooth and memorable one.
Meetings & Events
20 Ways to Get the Most Out of Annual Business Conferences
Fast Company — Make each annual conference more than a calendar commitment and turn it into a springboard for growth, insight, and connection.
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].