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Business Travel News: December 2023

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Week of December 4, 2023

Walmart+ takes flight with Delta: More to explore onboard this holiday season
From news.delta.com – Today, 2:20 PM

This holiday travel season, SkyMiles Members have even more ways to enjoy their time on board and beyond. With Delta Sync Wi-Fi, customers can shop holiday sales with an exclusive Walmart+ promotion, play new games from New York Times Games, explore new destinations from Atlas Obscura and more.
American plans expansion of high-speed Wi-Fi to nearly 500 regional aircraft
From news.aa.com – Today, 2:19 PM

American proudly makes high-speed connectivity available on more aircraft than any other domestic airline.
Air Canada Aeroplan Terms & Conditions Update February 2024
From loyaltylobby.com – Today, 2:18 PM

Air Canda begins banning Aeroplan member who sign up for their cobranded cards only to stop using them after collecting the sign up bonus.
Alaska Airlines to acquire Hawaiian Airlines in $1.9 billion deal
From www.cnbc.com – Today, 2:18 PM

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will operate from Seattle, led by Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci
Hawaiian Airlines adds 3 routes, 1 new city as it bolsters service to mainland
From thepointsguy.com – Today, 2:17 PM

Hawaiian Airlines is saying aloha to its 16th destination on the U.S. mainland.
A Self-Service Screening Option is Coming to the Airport 
From www.dhs.gov – Today, 2:12 PM

The pilot, part of S&T’s Screening at Speed Program, is scheduled to begin in January at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Sustainable science: How Delta is eliminating 7M pounds of single-use plastic on board with new paper cups
From news.delta.com – Today, 2:20 PM

Delta will begin its final testing of new paper cups on board transcontinental flights starting in December 2023. This latest sustainability milestone underscores the airline’s commitment to innovation and progress. Pending testing, the new paper cups will be rolled out throughout Delta’s network.
Air Canada launches new air-to-rail links
From www.railway-technology.com – Today, 2:19 PM

Air Canada customers can now purchase flight and rail travel within the same ticket.
Air Canada Now Offers Realtime Baggage Tracking For Domestic Flights
From simpleflying.com – Today, 2:19 PM

Air Canada passengers traveling on domestic routes are now able to track their baggage in real-time as it moves with them on their journey. The airline hopes that the new baggage-tracking feature on its mobile app will give passengers added confidence and will improve the overall customer experience.
Etihad brings flagship Airbus A380, with private onboard Residence, back to the US
From thepointsguy.com – Today, 2:17 PM

Etihad has a special upgrade offer for those looking to fly in the Residence — the most exclusive cabin in commercial aviation.
Lufthansa Expands Its “Green Fare” Offering To 12 Long-Haul Routes
From simpleflying.com – Today, 2:16 PM

It has been more than a year since Lufthansa first revealed its Green Fares program to the world, with the initial announcement in August of 2022. The idea of such tickets is to allow passengers to include full CO2 compensation in their ticket price, with this accounted for via offsets and sustainable fuel.
Exciting updates are coming to World of Hyatt
From newsroom.hyatt.com – Today, 2:11 PM

Starting January 1, 2024, World of Hyatt will unlock reimagined program benefits, offering even more flexibility and choices for members. Grounded in listening, World of Hyatt continues to invest in offerings that members find relevant and meaningful, encouraging them to embrace the transformative powers of travel. The newly expanded World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards are designed to offer more awards and more choice at more milestones, allowing members to choose earning points for future free nights, enhancing stays with suite upgrades or enriching their wellbeing experiences.

 

Week of December 11, 2023

Delta expands Digital ID program to LAX, LGA and JFK for touchless airport experience
From news.delta.com – Today, 3:03 PM

Digital ID, Delta’s time-saving, industry-first technology that allows customers to check bags and move through security without showing a physical government ID, is growing its presence with expansion to three major hubs.
Philippine Airlines and American Airlines launch new codeshare partnership
From news.aa.com – Today, 3:02 PM

Philippine Airlines and American Airlines have launched a codeshare partnership that introduces the first marketed flights by a Philippine carrier to several U.S. destinations and allows American’s customers to travel to the Pearl of the Orient, Manila, and the beautiful beaches of Cebu. American’s customers are now able to book tickets on aa.com for codeshare flights operated by Philippine Airlines to Manila and Cebu via Tokyo.
Porter and Alaska Airlines Announce Partnership to Provide Coast-to-Coast Connectivity
From www.todocanada.ca – Today, 2:57 PM

Porter Airlines and Alaska Airlines have joined forces in a strategic partnership that aims to expand their flight offerings and enhance service across Canada and the U.S.
MSP debuts new, larger Terminal 1 rideshare pick-up zone
From www.mspairport.com – Today, 2:55 PM

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has relocated and expanded its rideshare pick-up zone at Terminal 1 as part of a series of operational enhancements that will improve the ground transportation experience for passengers.
BWH Hotels to Install Tesla Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Hotels Across North America
From www.hotelnewsresource.com – Today, 2:54 PM

Article – BWH Hotels to Install Tesla Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Hotels Across North America – Beginning in 2024, BWH Hotels will begin installing Universal Wall Connectors at selected hotels across North America.
Indonesia Prepares To Return Visa Free Entry Option For 20 Countries + ASEAN From Early 2024
From loyaltylobby.com – Today, 2:52 PM

Indonesia’s Tourism Minister has announced that the ministry is currently preparing an amendment to remove the Visa on Arrival requirement for 20 nationalities, returning to the previous Visa Waiver entry option.
Delta unveils service to Taiwan for the 1st time in 7 years
From thepointsguy.com – Today, 3:03 PM

Delta Air Lines is officially returning to Taiwan with new long-haul service from Seattle.
British Airways Returns To Stansted, Agadir Joins Route Network, And More
From mediacentre.britishairways.com – Today, 3:02 PM

Agadir has become the latest destination to join British Airways’ route network from London Gatwick.
JAL to debut A350-1000 “to enhance customer satisfaction”
From www.futuretravelexperience.com – Today, 3:01 PM

Japan Airlines will begin introducing its new Airbus A350-1000 international aircraft in January 2024 “to enhance customer satisfaction”.
Get free food and drinks! How to use your Priority Pass restaurant credits at US airports
From thepointsguy.com – Today, 2:56 PM

You can get free food and drinks at 37 different restaurants in 25 U.S. airports with select Priority Pass memberships. Here’s what you need to know.
Accor announces a wide range of hotel openings worldwide in 2024 
From hospitality-on.com – Today, 2:55 PM

Accor is set to open a diverse range of new hotels in 2024, spanning different segments and categories within its extensive portfolio of more than 40 hotel brands worldwide.
Paris is getting a whole new Metro network
From www.cnn.com – Today, 2:54 PM

The Grand Paris Express will add four lines, 68 stations and 200 kilometers of track to the French capital’s 120-year-old Metro system, providing vital suburban links – just not quite in time for the Olympics.
Brazil Launches eVisa Platform for American Travelers
From www.travelagentcentral.com – Today, 2:51 PM

Brazil has officially launched the platform through which citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia can obtain the | Travelers from the U.S., Canada and Australia will need the visa to enter Brazil by air starting January 10, 2024. Here’s what you need to know.

Week of December 18, 2023

Delta, LATAM expand network in Brazil with new and returning services to Rio de Janeiro
From news.delta.com – Today, 2:48 PM

Service to Atlanta from Rio de Janeiro has expanded to year-round, while the seasonal New York route will be offered until Feb. 21, 2024*.
Delta Air Lines Confirms New Sky Club For Charlotte Coming In 2024
From viewfromthewing.com – Today, 2:48 PM

Back in March I wrote that Delta Air Lines was planning a Sky Club for Charlotte, the major American Airlines hub in the Southeast. Construction on the club is now evident.
Alaska scraps its 2 longest routes from Boise, shifts focus to the West
From thepointsguy.com – Today, 2:42 PM

Alaska Airlines will stop flying from Boise to Austin and Chicago.
Frontier Airlines adds 7 nonstop routes
From thepointsguy.com – Today, 2:40 PM

Frontier Airlines announced seven new routes on Thursday, with Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Dallas Fort Worth emerging as big winners in the news.
TAP Miles&Go Service Fees Increases January 11, 2024
From loyaltylobby.com – Today, 2:35 PM

TAP Miles&Go is budging the trend of airlines lowering or removing service fees associated with awards, as they are significantly increasing many on January 11, 2024.
TSA now accepts mobile IDs in Samsung Wallet on Samsung mobile devices, starting with Arizona 
From www.tsa.gov – Today, 2:28 PM

WASHINGTON– In collaboration with the State of Arizona and Samsung, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now accepting, for limited testing and evaluation purposes, Arizona-issued mobile driver’s licenses and identification (ID) cards in Samsung Wallet on Samsung mobile devices at select TSA airport security checkpoints. Passengers will be able to use this new feature at checkpoints for identity verification at 27 participating airports.
Kenya to scrap visas for all visitors, president says
From www.tbsnews.net – Today, 2:32 PM

Visitors to Kenya from across the world will no longer require a visa from January, President William Ruto said on Tuesday.

Ruto said his government had developed a digital platform to ensure all visitors would receive an electronic travel authorisation in advance, instead of needing to apply for a visa.
Delta and EL AL Israel Airlines launch long-term codeshare agreement
From news.delta.com – Today, 2:48 PM

Delta Air Lines and EL AL Israel Airlines will offer reciprocal codeshare and frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem SkyMiles or Matmid points across both carriers.
American is using machine learning to keep its hubs moving this holiday season 
From news.aa.com – Today, 2:47 PM

American is using machine learning to keep its hubs moving this holiday season American developed Smart Gating technology so our aircraft spend less time waiting on the tarmac and customers have more time to make their connections.
Alaska Air flight attendants again picket at Anchorage airport as union plans strike vote
From www.adn.com – Today, 2:42 PM

Alaska Airlines said in a statement that it has meetings planned early next year to find common ground with the union.
Lufthansa Group Airlines Set to Return to Israel in January 
From airwaysmag.com – Today, 2:40 PM

The airlines operating in the Lufthansa Group aim to resume scheduled flights to Ben Gurion International Airport on January 8, 2024.
TSA PreCheck® program adds four new airlines 
From www.tsa.gov – Today, 2:28 PM

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announces the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® program with the addition of Norse Atlantic Airways, Lynx Air, Starlux Airlines and Fiji Airways. With these additions, there are now 94 domestic and international carriers participating in the TSA PreCheck program.
Here’s Why Now Is the Best Time to Renew Your Passport
From www.travelandleisure.com – Today, 2:33 PM

Passport processing times are back to a “pre-pandemic norm.”
TSA is prepared for busy winter travel season, expects high volumes through New Year’s Day 
From www.tsa.gov – Today, 2:29 PM

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for sustained higher passenger volumes during the winter holiday travel season and expects airport security checkpoints to be busier this year compared to last year. The official end-of-the-year holiday travel period starts Thursday, Dec. 21, and will continue through Tuesday, Jan. 2. The busiest days are projected to be Thursday, Dec. 21, Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, when the agency will screen more than 2.5 million passengers each day, which is a 6% increase from 2022. The busiest day last year was Dec. 29, when TSA screened nearly 2.4 million passengers.

That’s a wrap for our business travel news for December 2023.

Contact CTM’s expert team today to arrange your travel.

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