Week in Review

According to Buying Business Travel, passengers traveling through major European airports are facing up to four hours of immigration delays caused by the introduction of a new set of rules.

4Hoteliers reports that the TSA has announced new U.S. airport screening procedures for electronics in carry-on bags. Travelers must begin placing all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for screening.

According to The Hill, the Senate unanimously confirmed David Pekoske as the next TSA administrator on Thursday.

CNN notes that the Trump administration’s ban on U.S. citizens traveling to North Korea will take effect early September.

Reuters reports that Qatar Airways has reversed their decision to buy into American Airlines.

According to hotelmarketing’com, Hyatt has reached a new distribution agreement with Expedia.

Skift notes that Wyndham has acquired home exchange program Love Home Swap in order to bolster its position in alternative accommodations.

In other acquisition news, Travel Weekly reports that Flight Centre has made its fifth acquisition in four weeks. Most recently, the company acquired Quebec City-based travel company Les Voyages Laurier du Vallon.

According to Business Traveller, AirAsia is expected to expand its India network with the addition of two new Indian destinations.

According to Skift, American Airlines plans on reviving direct-connect moves. In order for travel management companies to receive incentives, they must book directly through the airline’s new technology platform.

TIME shares tips on beating the system to avoid overpaying for flights.

According to TravelDailyNews International, Chicago, Orlando and D.C. are the most common destinations for meeting planners.

Skift reports that the UK laptop ban has been eased on some Turkish Airlines flights.

According to 4Hoteliers, AccorHotels launched a series of emotion-based gifs called “The Feelings” in order to interact with internet users.

The Economist reports that a judge has ruled on the case of the “incredible shrinking airline seat” requiring the FAA to take a second look at the minimum requirement for seat pitch.

TravelDailyNews International claims Helsinki Airport officially boasts a zero carbon footprint.

According to Skift, Altour has joined Travel Leaders Group in the latest travel agency consolidation move.