September 30, 2025
In This Edition… Direct Travel acquires ATPI, BTN publishes sustainability report, airline flight and service updates, how to check your passport processing status, new hotel opening and chain expansions, meetings news, and many traveler tips!
Dans cette édition… Les services Direct Travel font l’acquisition d’ATPI, BTN publie son rapport sur le développement durable, des mises à jour sur les services de vol des compagnies aériennes, comment vérifier l’état d’avancement du traitement de votre passeport, l’ouverture de nouveaux hôtels et l’expansion des chaînes hôtelières, des actualités sur les réunions et de nombreux conseils pour les voyageurs!
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.
Creating a Global Organization to Transform Travel Management
Direct Travel CEO Christal Bemont shares her vision for the global travel company after acquiring longtime partner, ATPI.
Travel Management
Direct Travel Acquires ATPI, Forming $6B Global Travel Heavyweight
OpenJaw — Direct Travel, Inc. has acquired UK-based ATPI, its longstanding strategic partner, forming a global travel management company with over $6 billion in annual travel volume.
BTN Intelligence's Business Travel Sustainability Report 2025
Business Travel News — Awareness of sustainability options for business travel are growing as new data requirements and procurement standards push increase accountability for buyers and suppliers alike. How travel managers are choosing what projects to pursue, which partners to leverage and to what strategic purpose is still a work in progress.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta Air Lines to Debut Nonstop Flights to Porto, Portugal in 2026
TravelPulse — Delta will launch nonstop service from New York-JFK to Porto, Portugal, next summer, along with six other new European routes.
FAA Will Limit Newark Airport Flights Through Oct. 2026
CNN — The rate of flight arrivals and departures will continue to be capped in order to maintain safety, and to alleviate delays due to staffing and equipment issues.
United’s First Mainline Flight With Free Starlink Wi-Fi Is Set for Oct. 15
Travel Weekly — United will fly its first mainline flight with free WiFi for MileagePlus members on Oct. 15. That inaugural service follows the airline receiving FAA certification for its Starlink satellite service on Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
San Diego Airport Opens New Terminal 1
Business Travel News — San Diego International Airport has opened its new Terminal 1 and closed the previous Terminal 1.
New Air Canada US and Domestic Routes Announced
TravelPulse — Air Canada is rolling out new routes domestically and across the border.
DOT Orders Termination of Delta, Aeromexico Joint Venture
Business Travel News — The U.S. DOT has terminated the approval of the antitrust immunity agreement between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico, citing Mexico's noncompliance with the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.
United Says Newark Airport Operations Have Stabilized
CNN — Six million people flew United on time through Newark this summer, the most in the airline's history.
WestJet Changes UltraBasic and Econo Fare Bag Fees
WestJet — Effective September 16, 2025, WestJet made a change to select bag fees. A $5 increase will apply to the first checked bag on UltraBasic fares on routes to Canada, U.S. and Latin Caribbean destinations along with Econo fares on routes to Canada, U.S., Latin Caribbean and transatlantic destinations.
New Changes to Air Canada’s Aeroplan Program
Air Canada — Starting January 1, 2026, Air Canada is changing the way you’ll earn Aeroplan points and achieve Aeroplan Elite Status.
Delta Will Fly to Malta and Sardinia in the Spring
Travel Weekly — Delta will launch service to Malta and Sardinia next spring. The flights, both from New York JFK, will be the first connecting the U.S. with either Mediterranean island.
Safety & Security
New Travel Regulations for Europe Coming Next Month
CBS News — Americans will soon need to have their fingerprints scanned and picture taken when traveling to most of Europe as part of a new Entry/Exit System.
How to Check Your Passport Status—and What to Do if It’s Taking Too Long
Afar Magazine — U.S. passports are normally processed in four to six weeks, but if the waiting seems endless, here’s how you can check your passport application or renewal status.
Yes, You Can Bring Food Through TSA—With Some Exceptions
Afar Magazine — Here’s what to know before you attempt to bring a home-cooked meal or tasty souvenir through airport security.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Hotel News
Lifestyle Hotel Opens at University of Colorado – Boulder
Meetings & Conventions — According to the developers, the 252-room Limelight Boulder in Colorado is the largest all-electric hotel in the country.
IHG Hotels & Resorts' Ruby Brand to Make US Debut
TravelPulse — The hotel giant's 20th global brand was founded in Germany in 2013, and now includes 34 open or pipeline hotels in major cities across Europe.
Marriott International to Launch Series by Marriott in the US
TravelPulse — Marriott International and Hawkins Way Capital have announced signed agreements to convert five properties to the Series by Marriott brand, the company’s newest collection.
IHG Reaches for the Sky in Dubai
Travel Weekly Asia — The world’s tallest hotel and the highest infinity pool in the world, Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, will open its doors in November 2025. The 82-storey tower has more than 1,000 rooms and suites and at 377-metres high becomes world’s tallest all-hotel building.
Hilton Surpasses 200 Hotels in Canada, Accelerates Multi‑Brand Expansion
Hilton — With its Canadian footprint nearly doubling over the past decade and more than 100 properties in development, Hilton is driving strategic growth across focused‑service, extended‑stay, and lifestyle brands.
New Graduate Hotel Debuts in Dallas
Meetings & Conventions — Steps from Southern Methodist University, the 93-room property features an outdoor pool and terrace, and a Tex Mex–style smokehouse.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
A Surprise Win for Fliers’ Rights Follows a Recent Major Setback. But Will It Help?
Afar Magazine — After the Department of Transportation issued a stinging blow to consumers by rolling back a rule requiring airlines to compensate passengers for delays, the agency has upgraded its airline complaint system. Will there be any real gains for air travelers?
The 4 Biggest Airport Wi-Fi Scams to Avoid While Traveling
Fodor’s Travel — Don't be the victim of an airport Wi-Fi scam.
Dine Michelin-Style at Denver International Airport
Michelin Guide — Who knew airport dining could be this good?
Which North America Airports Are Truly Best in Class? Travelers Have Spoken
Afar Magazine — A new J.D. Power survey ranks airports in North America based on passenger satisfaction. These airports came out on top across three categories.
FAA Asks Airlines to Reevaluate Evacuation Procedures
NBC News — The recommendations are meant to deter passengers from evacuating planes with their carry-on suitcases during an emergency.
Which Is Worse: Westbound or Eastbound Jet Lag?
Fodor’s Travel — Ponder this while you’re trying to fall asleep…
Gas Prices Increase Slightly Due to Pipeline Outage
TravelPulse — With the national average around $3.17 per gallon, U.S. drivers are enjoying the cheapest summer fuel prices since 2021.
Meetings & Events
Gen Z - How They Are Reshaping the Future of Meetings
The Meetings Magazine — Meetings are undergoing a generational shift, and Gen Z is leading the charge.
Brex Data Shows Growth in Offsite Meetings
Business Travel News — Large-group corporate offsite travel is on the rise, with an increasing share of those meetings occurring outside of the United States, according to analysis by card and spend management platform Brex.
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].