Written on 22^nd September 2023

UK & US Travel Headlines - September 22, 2023

France to Launch Low-Cost Rail Pass in 2024 

France is set to launch a cheap monthly rail pass next summer, following the likes of Germany’s Deutschland-Ticket. ​​Transport minister Clément Beaune told France 2 that the rail pass will allow unlimited travel on TER regional and intercity trains throughout the country and cost around €49. 
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Delta to Revamp SkyMiles Elite Status Requirements  

Beginning 1 January 2024, Delta Air Lines will streamline its SkyMiles programme and set Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) as the sole qualifier for Medallion status, members can earn status with MQDs as well as Medallion Qualification Miles and Medallion Qualification Segments. 

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Virgin Introduces Flat £10 Fee for Transferring Virgin Points 

Virgin has introduced a new flat rate for Virgin Red and Flying Club members looking to transfer points to family and friends. Members will now pay a flat rate of £10 per transfer, with no limit on the number of points which can be moved to another member. 

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Lufthansa Expands US Services & Doubles A380 Destinations 

Lufthansa has announced it will serve two new US airports from next summer and is set to double its A380 destinations. The airline will add Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina and Minneapolis, Minnesota to its network, bringing its US gateways to 27. 

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New UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Requirement Coming Soon

An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will soon be a requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It will give you permission to travel to the UK, and it will be electronically linked to your passport.  

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Dutch Government to Press Ahead With Schiphol Flights Cut 

Airlines have criticised the outgoing Dutch government’s decision to press ahead with an enforced reduction in the number of flights permitted at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. Schiphol currently has a cap of 500,000 flights per year but the government wants to cut these permitted services to reduce noise pollution. The move is subject to receiving approval from the European Commission. 

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United, Cemvita Strike 20-Year SAF Deal 

United Airlines has agreed to purchase up to 1 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Cemvita Corp.'s first full-scale SAF plant. Under the agreement, Houston-based Cemvita would supply United with up to 50 million gallons of SAF made from CO2 annually, for 20 years. 

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EU Lawmakers Approve SAF Blending Mandate 

On Wednesday, 13 September, The European Parliament adopted a proposal to mandate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage targets for airlines in Europe. Airlines must ensure that 2% of fuel is from sustainable sources in 2025. The target will then increase to 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035 and then 70% by 2050. 

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Watershed Moment: Get Set for EU's Sustainability Reporting Directive 

The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) may sound dull but it could prove the most important development in travel management in 2023. Arguably, it marks the moment when sustainability becomes a mandatory, and perhaps even the dominant element of managed travel programmes. 

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Turbulence Ahead: Navigating Key Changes to Travel Emissions Reporting 

DEFRA (the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) conversion factors have changed, and corporations will need to decide whether to adapt to a custom DEFRA standard or redefine their reporting baseline using the updated DEFRA factors. 

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At 1 With Nature 

Just steps from London’s iconic Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair boasts sustainable practices throughout their entire operations. This property features 1,300 individual plants, shrubs, and trees throughout its verdant grounds, in addition to their lively green walls. Each room features filtered water taps, sustainable bed linens and organic mattresses, so you and the earth can sleep soundly.
 
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BLESS Hotel Madrid 

BLESS Hotel Madrid is an icon in the city. The pleasure of relaxing at BLESS Hotel Madrid becomes something sublime in its luxury rooms and suites, inspired by Madrid's elegant houses of the aristocratic Salamanca neighbourhood of the 19th century. Discover the rooftop bar, an Amazon-style setting with an Asian twist, where guests can enjoy spectacular views of Madrid, the refreshing pool and delicious light tapas and cocktails.

 

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The Other House South Kensington 

The Other House South Kensington is tearing up the rule book and launching a new sector of Residents Clubs, redefining hospitality. It effortlessly combines apartment-style living with hotel services and superb club facilities. Its Private Club for residents includes two bars and a screening room. The property also includes a vitality pool, gym and a meditation hub.

 

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Dream Hollywood 

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Dream Nashville

Dream Nashville reimagines two historic landmarked buildings steeped in a rich and colorful heritage while maintaining the celebrated history of Printer’s Alley. The hotel is a short walk from its downtown core, conveniently located near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, Nissan Stadium and the Broadway strip. Dream Nashville boasts 168 art deco-inspired rooms with high ceilings and sleek finishes.
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