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Industry news round-up: November 2025

November’s corporate travel news round-up highlights CTM’s multimillion-dollar overcharging disclosure, TSA’s new Real ID workaround, and Delta’s launch of its pared-back Comfort Basic fare. The EU also advanced plans for a continent-wide high-speed rail network aimed at reducing short-haul flights.
December 1, 2025
Industry news round-up: November 2025

The travel industry is navigating a wave of significant regulatory and product updates that could reshape how organizations manage mobility in the months ahead. From shifts in airline fare structures to major transportation policy developments, here are November's top stories corporate travel teams should know.

CTM admits to overcharging UK clients by millions

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) admitted that it overcharged a small number of its UK clients by about £77.6 million (about $102.6 million), triggering a planned reversal of revenue and client refunds. As a result, the company has temporarily stood down its UK and Europe chief executive and launched an external review of its governance and record-keeping practices. This development casts fresh uncertainty on CTM’s previous financial statements and raises reputational and compliance risks for the firm.

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TSA plans REAL ID workaround

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out a temporary “workaround” for travelers who lack a compliant REAL ID Act license or other accepted ID—instead offering a new alternative identity-verification program for a fee. Under the plan, non-compliant passengers can pay $18 (per 10-day period) to register for the program, granting them access to airports without a REAL ID at least temporarily.

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Delta introduces Comfort Basic fare for value-focused corporate travel

Delta Air Lines has introduced Delta Comfort Basic—a pared-down version of its extra-legroom Comfort cabin—on select domestic flights starting Nov. 19, 2025. The fare keeps perks like extra legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, Zone 3 boarding, and complimentary drinks but adds major restrictions, including no advance seat selection, no upgrades, no same-day changes, non-refundable tickets, and reduced SkyMiles accrual. The move reflects Delta’s ongoing “unbundling” strategy, offering more pricing options while shifting flexibility into paid add-ons.

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EU advances high-speed rail expansion aimed at reducing short-haul flights

The European Commission has published its latest roadmap to build a continent-wide high-speed rail network by 2040, aiming to slash travel times between major European cities and offer a viable alternative to short-haul flights. The blueprint calls for trains traveling at speeds of 200–250+ km/h, harmonized cross-border routes and ticketing systems, and more than €350 billion in investment to connect capitals and under-served regions across the EU.

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