Week in Review

USA Today reported on two risk-based, trusted traveler programs this week. Bart Jansen wrote that travelers from Germany will be able to join the Global Entry program for trusted travelers, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection announcement. Charisse Jones reported on a GBTA study showing business travelers with TSA PreCheck not only have a much better experience getting through airport security, they also have better air travel experiences in general.

Speaking of security and airport screening, federal authorities have ended extra Ebola screening for travelers arriving from West Africa following a health declaration that the outbreak was over. Department of Homeland Security Chief Jeh Johnson told USA Today that border officers will continue routine monitoring of all arriving travelers for illness. The Chicago Tribune reported on another illness – the Zika virus – and its impact on business travel.

The Economist talks about the resilience of hotel demand in London despite the impact of room-booking apps, which it says have had little impact in the city. Hospitality Net takes a look at the booking patters for independent hotels finding out who is booking, when they are booking and how they are booking.

In airline news, complaints are up. The Palm Beach Post reports that complaints for U.S. airlines jumped 30 percent in 2015, according to the Department of Transportation. CNBC writes that while in theory airlines love cheap oil, in practice most airlines are less than thrilled because of the impact on their business travel units. The Los Angeles Times reports that airlines have raised fares for the second time this year. Finally, Tnooz writes about a new app called Dr Now, which can connect an air passenger to a land-based doctor.

Hugo Martin of the Los Angeles Times writes about the cost of travel declining and says it isn’t all because of cheaper fuel prices. Martin writes that travelers are enjoying big savings on rental cars citing price wars among competitors and increasing competition from ride-sharing services.

Looking to do business in Cuba? The United States and Cuba have taken another step toward making that possible by signing an agreement to restore scheduled air service, according to Travel Daily News.

Finally, your list for this week shows you how to behave in a business meeting in 18 countries covered in USA Today’s Road Warrior blog courtesy of GetVoIP.