The BTA Pulse | Border Chaos, Major Conference News and Big Changes in Business Travel

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The BTA Podcast.  In these podcasts we will endeavour to share our thoughts, concerns, optimism and build those all-important human connections with our Partners, Members and Guests.Episode Overview:In this episode of The BTA Pulse, hosts Clive Wratten and Andrew Clarke bring you the latest from the Business Travel Association — because summer or not, business travel cracks on.Top of the agenda is the continued frustration around EES at European borders, along with the news that ETIAS — the €20 pre-travel authorisation — has been delayed into Q1 next year. With leisure travellers about to swell the summer queues, Clive and Andrew explain why the BTA is keeping business travellers' voices front and centre, from media interviews to ongoing calls with the DfT.Attention then turns to the 2026 Conference in Alicante, with headline speakers now confirmed: political journalist Steve Richards returns with his unique take on British politics, adventurer Bonita Norris shares her remarkable story of resilience, and Lloyd Figgins delivers an update on the increasingly complex world of travel risk.Elsewhere, the pair discuss our Sustainability Conference, a refreshed approach to the BTA's social channels, accreditation momentum with 10 members now on board, a brand-new partner board about to be unveiled, and the accessibility group's second members-only paper.And with England facing Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, there's cautious optimism in the air. Fifty-fifty, apparently.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by The BTA and edited & distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about The BTA visit TheBTA.org.ukSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThe NoJetStress Podcast is a traveler wellbeing podcast for frequent business travelers covering health and peak performance on the road as well as to help business travelers maintain optimal health and avoid burnout no matter how much they travel.  Christopher Babayode, a Corporate Travel Wellness Expert shares his insights on Traveler Wellness.Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Leaders In short episode, Shannon shifts gears from discussing crew wellness and corporate aviation standards to her passion as an educator. She highlights how her company, Unbridled Air, actively lowers barriers to entry for youth by introducing them to the vast world of aviation and aerospace early on.Beyond the Cockpit (Kindergarten to Career):Aviation education shouldn't start in adulthood; it needs to start as early as kindergarten. While everyone envisions becoming a pilot, Shannon points out there are 380 different jobs in aviation and aerospace that kids can explore. Breaking Barriers to Entry:Whether students come from inner cities or rural communities, exposure is key. Unbridled Air uses hands-on, creative learning to bridge the gap. Early Lifestyle Education:For middle and high school students serious about aviation, Shannon highlights the importance of discussing lifestyle choices early, such as preparing for mandatory background checks and drug testing.Global Records and Aviation History:As an education delegate to the FAI, Shannon talks about her role in documenting global aerospace events. ... and more.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by Christopher Babayode and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about NoJetStress, visit us at NoJetStress.com and check out the P.H.A.R.E Well Audit Checklist.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The BTA Podcast.  In these podcasts we will endeavour to share our thoughts, concerns, optimism and build those all-important human connections with our Partners, Members and Guests.Episode Overview:The latest edition of the BTA Pulse reflects on the momentum following the Business Travel Show, where the BTA launched its new Accreditation programme — a significant step forward in recognising professionalism, standards and best practice across the business travel sector. Andrew and Clive discuss the strong response from members, buyers and suppliers, alongside the wider conversations shaping the industry.The episode explores the BTA’s ongoing work bringing all industry sectors together, from aviation and rail to hotels, sustainability and talent development. Key topics include improving industry processes, strengthening collaboration, supporting future travel professionals through Generation BTA, and addressing challenges around safety, technology and changing travel requirements. The latest BTA Pulse highlights the association’s continued commitment to driving positive change across the business travel ecosystem.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by The BTA and edited & distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about The BTA visit TheBTA.org.ukSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The BTA Podcast.  In these podcasts we will endeavour to share our thoughts, concerns, optimism and build those all-important human connections with our Partners, Members and Guests.Episode Overview:In this episode of The BTA Pulse, Clive and Andrew recap a busy fortnight for the Business Travel Association, starting with our Aviation Conference, which brought together 80 delegates from across airlines and the TMC community. Key outcomes include a new action group tackling ADMs - long overdue conversations around the cost and inefficiency affecting both airlines and travel managers. Content parity also surfaced as a priority, with a working group now forming to drive best practice.The pair also highlight the BTA's newly launched accessibility guide for travel consultants, which has generated remarkable industry feedback, alongside updates from the People & Talent Conference, where conversations around future skills and HR's role took centre stage.Andrew shares his experience giving evidence at Westminster on the proposed UK visitor levy, while both hosts vent frustration at the ongoing EES entry/exit scheme challenges at European borders.The Business Travel Show is up next — come and see us at stand J71.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by The BTA and edited & distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about The BTA visit TheBTA.org.ukSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the What’s Up in Business Travel  podcast for Week 23 of 2026.  This weekly podcast is great for those who need to know what’s happening in the world of business travel - in under 15 minutes.On this week's podcast, we cover the following stories:Business events sector worth $1.3TAir France, Airbus found guiltyIndia approves $1 billion fund to help airlinesInternational airfares hit a seven-week lowBCD Travel breach raises cybersecurity concernsEurope struggles with EES rolloutTravelport taps Cognizant and AnthropicPhilippine Airlines joins oneworldJuniper Group acquires DeemExpedia Group to acquire CarTrawlerMews partners with UberKayak for Business, Blockskye and FCM partnerTSA introduces Gold+ screening modelHilton debuts Undergraduate by HiltonAvianca adds a new top loyalty tierDelta Air Lines to debut AI ConciergeYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The BTA Podcast.  In these podcasts we will endeavour to share our thoughts, concerns, optimism and build those all-important human connections with our Partners, Members and Guests.Episode Overview:Bringing you up to speed on a continued busy period for the Business Travel Association, and of course our industry.Clive Wratten, CEO & Andrew Clarke, Commercial Director, welcome new additions and direction to the BTA Executive Board, discuss the Partner Board revival success, plus Gen BTA’s latest event highlights, recent podcast release and the benefits and opportunities of careers in the travelling for work industry.There's also the latest on BTA’s growing engagement with train operation companies, the debate on proposed hotel levy, including a letter to government and upcoming MP meetings.Finally, a preview of our upcoming Aviation Session, People & Talent Conference, and the Business Travel Show at ExCeL London.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by The BTA and edited & distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about The BTA visit TheBTA.org.ukSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to The BTA Podcast.  In these podcasts we will endeavour to share our thoughts, concerns, optimism and build those all-important human connections with our Partners, Members and Guests.In this episode of The BTA Pulse, Clive and Andrew reflect on a busy conference season, including the ITM conference in Brighton and their joint finance event with BEAM, covering topics like e-invoicing, virtual cards, and open banking.With aviation and people & talent conferences still to come, the diary remains full. The pair also turn their attention to the bigger picture, discussing the global geopolitical climate, oil prices, and the impact on business travel. A key focus is the UK's proposed visitor levy, with the BTA set to make their case directly to ministers at Westminster in June.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by The BTA and edited & distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about The BTA visit TheBTA.org.ukSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the What’s Up in Business Travel  podcast for Week 20 of 2026.  This weekly podcast is great for those who need to know what’s happening in the world of business travel - in under 15 minutes.On this week's podcast, we cover the following stories:JD Power: Airline Satisfaction Up Despite Industry PressuresAmexGBT to go private in $6.3 billion dealMemorial Day travel set to hit record levelsSouthwest bans humanoid robots onboard flightsAirlines cut flights as fuel prices surgeBoeing faces another major 737 Max crash payoutAirlines race to replace former Spirit routesTikTok launches in-app travel booking platformTrivago files antitrust lawsuit against GoogleUnited flight attendants approve new labor contractAccor and Uber link loyalty ecosystemsJetBlue and United expand loyalty partnershipJourney acquires Epicurate to expand experiencesCitation invests in World Travel HoldingsPorter adds disruption protection productSingapore Airlines selects Starlink Wi-FiBrightline expands distribution through AmadeusDelta deploys premium-heavy A321neosYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe NoJetStress Podcast is a traveler wellbeing podcast for frequent business travelers covering health and peak performance on the road as well as to help business travelers maintain optimal health and avoid burnout no matter how much they travel.  Christopher Babayode, a Corporate Travel Wellness Expert shares his insights on Traveler Wellness.In this episode, Christopher talks about:What Part 135 charter operations actually are and how they differ from commercial (Part 121) carriers.Shannon's work with the ASTM F46 Aerospace Personnel Committee , a global standards body tackling the gaps in business aviation safety and crew certification.Why crew fatigue is far more than just a sleep issue, encompassing lighting, air quality, dehydration, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing.The wellness blind spots hiding in plain sight for frequent flyers and the crews serving them.How wearable tech like the Oura ring is helping bring data-driven awareness to crew health.The duty of care argument for employer wellness investment, and why it doesn't have to break the budget.The generational shift, pushing the next wave of aviation professionals to demand healthier workplaces.You can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created by Christopher Babayode and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  For more information about NoJetStress, visit us at NoJetStress.com and check out the P.H.A.R.E Well Audit Checklist.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the What’s Up in Business Travel  podcast for Week 18 of 2026.  This weekly podcast is great for those who need to know what’s happening in the world of business travel - in under 15 minutes.On this week's podcast, we cover the following stories:Spirit Airlines shuts down after failed bailout talksAirlines move quickly to capture demand after spirit exitAmerican Airlines tightens rules on portable battery use onboardRecord-long DHS shutdown endsAirline Trade Group Asks for $2.5 BillionAir Europa to Add GDS FeeSouthwest reports transformed financial results in Q1American and Alaska in Talks Over a Revenue-Sharing PartnershipHawaiian Airlines Joins OneworldUber adds hotel bookings in partnership with ExpediaLyft Agrees to Acquire Gett's U.K. BusinessAmadeus to acquire biometrics tech specialistAir India enters into interline partnership with WestjetAlaska Airlines embarks on its first flight to EuropeLyft Now Allows Riders to Pay With United MileagePlus MilesAmerican Airlines and TSA expand TSA PreCheck Touchless IDHertz Launches Operating Co. for Uber Robotaxi, Driver SupportHilton to bring app to more AI platformsAmerican Airlines Overhauls AppYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show