Week in Review

According to CNN Money, the Trump administration announced new security restrictions on Tuesday, in what is being called an electronics ban. Passengers flying from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa are barred from bringing electronics larger than a smartphone into cabins for U.S.-bound flights. The UK shortly followed suit, announcing similar restrictions.

Skift reports the travel industry has reacted with caution and frustration to the new ban. The ban has raised concerns among business travelers, since it could compromise business traveler productivity and confidentiality of information.

According to Buying Business Travel, Emirates has responded to the ban with a free-of-charge laptop and tablet handling service. Passengers flying with the airline will be able to use their electronics during the first half of their trip and layover in Dubai before handing them over at the gate, where the devices will be packed into boxes, loaded into the aircraft hold, and returned to the customer in the U.S.

According to TravelDailyNews International, a recent GBTA study revealed how safe business travelers feel in developed and emerging destinations. Los Angeles Times notes business travelers feel safest in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

NBC Washington reports Ronald Reagan National Airport is preparing for a $1 billion renovation, which includes two new security checkpoints and a new commuter concourse.

Business Traveller notes low-cost carrier Jetstar has extended its mobile boarding pass service to 21 additional destinations.

According to Buying Business Travel, an Italian air traffic strike led to the cancellation of nearly 40 percent of Alitalia flights on Monday.

Tnooz reports companies aren’t getting the hotel rates they negotiated. A new study by GBTA in partnership with HRS revealed only two percent of companies conduct weekly audits to ensure that the rate they negotiated is the rate that appears in the GDS.

According to USA TODAY, airlines carried a record 823 million passengers last year, the first time U.S. airlines have carried more than 800 million passengers in one year.