September 16, 2026
In This Edition… Spotnana and Marriott connect, many airline updates including flight expansions, introducing Gateside by TSA, 2027 lodging per diem rate increase, hotel news, traveler tips, and more!
Dans cette édition…Spotnana et Marriott se connectent, de nombreuses actualités sur les compagnies aériennes, notamment des extensions de liaisons, le lancement de « Gateside » par la TSA, une hausse des indemnités journalières d'hébergement pour 2027, des actualités hôtelières, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
Navigator Blog
Direct Travel Recognized with 2026 TrustRadius Tech Cares Award
Recognition highlights the impact of Direct Travel employees volunteering in communities around the world.
Direct Travel becomes first TMC to achieve BTA Accreditation Level 1
Independent accreditation recognises the high standards of governance, service and professionalism across the Direct Travel and ATPI businesses.
Travel Management
Spotnana Builds Deep Integration in Direct-Connect Deal With Marriott
Spotnana’s Blog — Spotnana and Marriott announced a direct integration that provides access to Marriott’s central reservation system.
Airline & Flight Updates
Air Canada to Add Five Int'l Destinations in 2027
Business Travel News — Air Canada in summer 2027 will add five international destinations to its network and add a new route to a city already served, the carrier announced.
Delta Ascends in Texas With Rapid Austin Growth
Travel Weekly — In a state where American, United and Southwest are strong, Delta has large growth targets in Austin.
United Announces 10 Surprising New Global Destinations
Afar Magazine — The airline is focused on developing new routes that inspire exploration, like flights to islands in Portugal and Japan and to underrated capitals in Slovenia and Luxembourg.
Emirates Adds Premium Economy Privacy Screens
Business Travel News — Emirates has added electrically powered privacy screens in its Premium Economy cabins on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft.
Delta to Expand SkyMiles for Business Elite Features
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines will offer annual account reviews for SkyMiles for Business Elite customers and plans to add unlimited name changes for a fee in early 2027.
Air Canada Launches “Most Extensive Intercontinental Expansion” In Its History
Open Jaw — Air Canada announced a significant expansion of its global network for summer 2027 adding five new international destinations and seven new routes, along with increased schedules on key routes.
American Airlines Adds Expanded Premium Seating Options for International Flights
Travel Pulse — American Airlines is revamping its premium travel offerings, launching the first international flights on its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which has the most premium seating options of any U.S. carrier.
United Launches In-App Standby Functionality
Business Travel News — United Airlines has introduced rebooking functionality in its app for customers who are placed on a later flight after a travel disruption.
This Busy US City Just Got Cleared for a New Commercial Airport
Travel Pulse — The FAA has just granted a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate to Washington Manassas Airport (HEF) in Manassas, Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C.
Alaska Adds 2 New Europe Flights as It Continues on International Growth Path
Afar Magazine — Taking advantage of the wide-body planes that joined its fleet after it acquired Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska can offer long-haul international routes out of its growing Seattle base.
Delta Air Lines Is Dropping Boston to Honolulu Nonstop Service Next Year
Travel Market Report — The flight was the longest domestic nonstop in the U.S. at almost 5,100 miles.
Premium Economy Seats on Emirates Now Come With Privacy Screens
Travel Weekly Asia — Emirates is setting new benchmarks for Premium Economy cabins with a range of elevated experiences, including the launch of the world's first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, featuring a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat.
Manchester Airports Group Hit by Cyber Attack
Business Travel News Europe — Manchester Airports Group (MAG), operator of Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports, has reported a “cyber security incident” that exposed millions of customer records.
Safety & Security
TSA Now Lets You Go Through Airport Security Without a Flight Ticket at 13 Airports
Travel Market Report — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out a new program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck that will allow people to go through airport security even if they don’t have an airline ticket.
TSA PreCheck May Soon Permit Full Water Bottles Through Security
TravelPulse — TSA may allow TSA PreCheck passengers to carry full water bottles at select airports with newer CT screening technology.
Government Travel Warnings
TravelPulse — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
Uber to Lay Off 10 Percent of Workforce
Business Travel News — Uber is laying off 10 percent of its workforce, the company announced Wednesday, in part as an effort to eliminate layers of management. Meanwhile, Uber and AI company Wayve have launched autonomous rides in London.
Sixt Adds Dallas, Boise Airport Locations
Business Travel News — Sixt has opened two new airport locations in the United States, at Dallas Love Field and Boise Airport, the Germany-based car rental company announced.
Hotel News
Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach to Reopen After a $40 Million Revamp as The James Miami Beach
Hotel Magazine — Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, the first property under the renewed The James Hotels brand, owned by Sonesta International Hotels, will reopen in late 2026 as The James Nautilus Miami Beach after a $40 million revamp.
GSA Slightly Hikes 2027 Per Diem, Lodging Allowance
Business Travel News — The U.S. General Services Administration for fiscal year 2027 increased its standard allowable per diem rates for federal travelers by $3 to $181, according to GSA.
World of Hyatt and Delta Airlines Announce Loyalty Partnership
OpenJaw — Hyatt and Delta Air Lines are linking their loyalty programs, allowing members to earn points across flights and hotel stays.
Radisson Blu Mall of America Completes Major Renovation
Meetings & Conventions — The Bloomington, Minn., hotel has wrapped a propertywide redesign, refreshing all 500 rooms and enhancing its meetings offerings.
Air India, IHG Partner On Loyalty
Business Travel News — Air India and IHG Hotels & Resorts have formed a new loyalty partnership that would allow Air India Maharaja Club members to earn rewards for IHG stays and IHG One Rewards members to exchange points for Maharaja Points.
IHG Opens Crowne Plaza Manhattan Times Square
Travel Market Report — The premium blended stay hotel is located steps from iconic New York City attractions.
As Hotel Rates Rise, Buyers Weigh a Changing Procurement Landscape
Business Travel News — Business travel has rebounded somewhat in 2026, but higher room rates appear to be contributing more to higher spending than rising booking volume. Travel manager respondents to BTN's annual Hotel Survey on the whole expect to spend more on hotels in 2026, but not necessarily book more of them.
Marriott Signs Multi-Property Deal In Europe
TravelPulse — Marriott International and PASHA Real Estate Group have agreed to develop new hotel and residential properties in Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Nashville Airport to be Renamed After Dolly Parton
Travel Market Report — It's official: Nashville International Airport (BNA) will be renamed after country icon Dolly Parton.
How to Gift a TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Membership—for Free
Afar Magazine — If you already have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, giving a free membership to someone else courtesy of your credit card’s credit system is simple. But there are a few things to keep in mind.
United Tests New Time-Saving Customer Benefit at Newark Liberty International Airport
PR Newswire — Customers can now order food, drinks and other travel essentials in advance through the United app and have their items waiting for them at the gate. Available on select flights departing from or connecting through up to nine designated gates in Terminal C.
FAA Awards $481M for Airport Infrastructure
Northstar Meetings Group — The funding will support terminal upgrades, airfield improvements and other safety-related projects at facilities across 36 states and two territories.
Meetings & Events
West Palm Beach Commission OKs New Convention Center Hotel
CBS12.com — Plans call for a 400-room Curio Collection by Hilton property with two floors of meeting and event space.
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].