September 2, 2025
In This Edition… recent news articles relating to airline flight service updates and news, security updates, hotel information, traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… de récents articles d’actualité présentant des mises à jour et des nouvelles sur les services de vol des compagnies aériennes, des mises à jour en matière de sécurité, des informations sur les hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore.
Navigator Blog
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.
Podcast: Building a Modern Travel Program with ZS
Key takeaways from episode 1 of the Altitude with Attitude podcast. Direct Travel & ZS explore how travel managers can drive program success.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta to Expand Austin Nonstop Service
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines plans to launch three new nonstop routes between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and each Denver; Columbus, Ohio; and Kansas City, Mo.
Turkish Airlines €300M Investment Offer Accepted by Air Europa
Business Travel News — Turkish Airlines is acquiring a minority stake in Air Europa for €300 million, with the percentage to be finalized after closing in six to 12 months pending regulatory approval.
Delta Air Lines to Resume Tel Aviv Flights on Sept. 1
TravelPulse — Only a limited number of carriers have resumed flights to Israel, with only one other U.S. airline currently operating flights there.
Qatar Airways to Begin Operations at New Terminal One at JFK by 2026
Insider Travel Report — Qatar Airways is the most recent carrier to select the new Terminal One at JFK as its new home in New York.
Delta Wants You to Help Pick Its New Europe Flight Route
Afar Magazine — In a playful take on selecting its new summer service lineup, Delta Air Lines has put at least some of the decision making directly into the hands of its fliers. Added bonus: none of the three destinations currently have nonstop service from the U.S.
Finnair Launches Pilot Project to Produce Alternative Aviation Fuel
Business Travel News Europe — Finnair is taking part in a new production pilot program aimed at producing a “synthetic” type of alternative aviation fuel. The Nordic carrier is teaming up on the project with airport operator Finavia, specialist technology developer Liquid Sun and electrification expert ABB.
Delta to Add European Routes from Boston
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines for summer 2026 will launch two new nonstop routes between Boston and Europe and move up start dates for two others.
British Airways Adds Long-Haul Flights for Summer 2026
Business Travel News Europe — British Airways is to expand long-haul capacity from London to destinations in Asia, the US and the Middle East for its summer 2026 schedule.
Safety & Security
New eGates Could Make TSA Security Checks Even Quicker
Afar Magazine — Some of the country’s busiest hubs are starting to trial the new biometric eGates, which can be accessed by travelers who have Clear+ memberships.
TSA Bans 3 New Items From Checked Luggage
Fodor’s Travel — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has banned three hair tools from checked luggage for passengers traveling on the nation’s airlines.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Ground Transportation
DOT Takes Control of Union Station Away From Amtrak
Northstar Meetings Group (AP) — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the train station in Washington, D.C., has "fallen into disrepair."
Could Other Cities Implement Philly's Transit Cuts?
Northstar Meetings Group — The city's reduced transit services have taken effect, with further cuts planned for 2026 ahead of major tourist events. Other locations face similar shortfalls.
Gas Prices Drop Again as Summer Travel Wraps Up
TravelPulse — With the national average around $3.17 per gallon, U.S. drivers are enjoying the cheapest summer fuel prices since 2021.
Hotel News
Royal Sonesta Inducted Into Historic Hotels of America
Sonesta — The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, MO, is pleased to announce it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®.
Sonesta Executes Strategic Agreement with Aken Hotels & Resorts
Hospitality Net — Sonesta announced that it has entered a strategic alliance agreement with AKEN Hotels & Resorts LLC, a premier hotel group with a growing portfolio across South America and the Caribbean to join the Sonesta system.
45 Hotel Renovations Happening in 2025
Northstar Meetings Group — Properties around the country and around the world are undergoing transformations.
W Hotels Opens First All-inclusive Resort
Travel Weekly — The W Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is situated along roughly a quarter mile of beachfront in Uvero Alto.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Supersized United Lounge Opens at Denver Airport
Afar Magazine — The airline has unveiled a complete overhaul of a two-story, 33,000-square-foot space that had been closed since 2023.
Feeling Nervous About Flying? These Tips and Expert Advice Can Help
Afar Magazine — A variety of factors contribute to aviophobia, or a fear of flying. When plane crashes occur and there’s heightened media coverage of them, that only intensifies those fears. Experts offer ways to manage the anxiety.
Will TSA’s One Stop Security Make Traveling Easier?
TravelAge West — With the aim of enhancing the American travel experience, the newly launched One Stop Security program (OSS), a partnership between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.K. Department for Transport, eliminates the need for travelers arriving in U.S. airports from international destinations to undergo a second TSA screening before boarding onward domestic flights.
These Airlines Give Miles if Your Bag Isn’t on the Carousel Within 20 Minutes
Afar Magazine — Start your timer—some carriers offer miles if your checked luggage is delayed more than 20 minutes.
Help! I Left Something on the Plane or at TSA. How Do I Get It Back?
Afar Magazine — Forgot your laptop or keys at airport security or that beloved coat in the overhead bin? Here’s how to up your chances of getting them back.
Qatar Airways' First U.S. Lounge to Open at New York JFK
Travel Weekly — The lounge will be in the new Terminal 1, where Qatar is moving its JFK operations in 2026.
Chicago O'Hare Breaks Ground on New $1.3B Concourse D
TravelPulse — The investment marks the first phase of the airport's larger terminal-expansion plan.
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].