ETC Travel News

REAL ID Deadline Pushed Back to 2021

The enforcement deadline for REAL ID has been pushed back to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Thursday.  DHS said there will be a 12-month delay, extending the deadline for states to comply until Oct. 1, 2021, as states across the country are temporarily closing or restricting accessRead More…

TSA is allowing 12 ounce liquid hand sanitizer in carry-on bags

Until further notice, TSA is allowing passengers to bring liquid hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in their carry-on bags. Please be aware that these larger containers will need to be screened separately, which may add some time to your checkpoint screening. All other liquids, gels and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue toRead More…

Canada and U.S. Close Border to Non-Essential Travel

Canada and the United States have agreed to restrict non-essential travel across the border in order to help stem any further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, announcing travelers will no longer be able to cross the border for recreation or tourism.  “These measures will lastRead More…

U.S. Expands Travel Ban to Include UK and Ireland

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday said the government is considering domestic travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic and added United Kingdom and Ireland to the Europe travel restrictions that went into effect late Friday. They did not offer specifics on domestic flight restrictions but Trump said earlier in the week that they would be considered if “anRead More…

Suppliers Issue New Cancellation, Change Policies Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impact

Updated 3/16/2020 AirlinesAlaska Airlines will waive fees for tickets purchased on or before Feb. 26, for travel through the end of March, as well as new bookings made between Feb. 27 and March 31, for travel through Feb. 28, 2021. American Airlines has no change fee on tickets booked on or before March 10, as wellRead More…

Coronavirus Factsheet: What Travelers Need to Know About COVID-19

Updated 3/24/2020 What is coronavirus? The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a “new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus first appeared in Wuhan, China, and has been detected in some countries outside China, including the U.S.Read More…

U.S. Suspends All Travel from Europe to U.S. for Non-Citizens

All travel from Europe to the U.S. is being suspended for 30 days, President Trump announced late March 11, 2020, “to keep new [COVID-19] cases from entering our shores.” During an Oval Office address, Trump said the new rules will go into effect on Friday at 11:59 pm. The restrictions won’t apply to the United Kingdom norRead More…

President Trump Announces Travel Ban from Europe to the US

US President Donald Trump has announced a ban on travelers to the United States from Europe during a televised address to the nation. The ban will be in place for the next 30 days in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus The ban on travel from Europe will go into effect Friday,Read More…

Alaska Airlines to Launch Daily Nonstop Service Between Seattle and Cincinnati

Alaska Airlines will launch daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on August 18.The daily flights will be operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, with the first departing SEA at 9:20 a.m. and arriving at CVG at 4:50 p.m. The return flight from CVG will depart one hourRead More…

Delta to Launch Seattle-DFW Service

Delta Air Lines will launch daily service between Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle on June 8. The service includes three daily flights from DFW to Seattle and three more from Seattle to DFW each day. Its DFW-Seattle flights will be serviced by new Airbus A220 aircraft. Delta’s move follows on AmericanRead More…

Alaska Airlines Peace of Mind Waiver

Don’t worry about booking your ticket. A waiver is currently in place for new tickets booked February 27 – March 12, for travel through June 1, 2020. Alaska Airlines will waive the change fee on tickets purchased between February 27 and March 12, 2020, with original travel between February 27 and June 1, 2020. Any differenceRead More…

United Airlines Ups Bag Fees to $35 for First Checked Bag

Starting in March 2020, United Airlines will begin charging $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on domestic and short-haul flights, up $5 from the previous charge and matching JetBlue’s January increase. The pricing will take effect for bookings made March 6 and anyone making bookings beforehand can prepay at theRead More…

Alaska Airlines to expand American Airlines relationship and join oneworld.

Starting Spring 2020: Earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles on any American Airlines flights, domestically and internationally. Alaska Airlines is expanding their relationship with American Airlines and announcing plans to join oneworld, the highly rated global airline network. They see this as an exciting West Coast international alliance. See the details and available benefits here. Share thisRead More…

Here’s How Airlines Have Responded to the Coronavirus

In the few short weeks that it has been spreading, the coronavirus has made an impact across the travel industry, forcing hotel closures, tour cancellations, and cruise changes. Airlines, already having to deal with recommending U.S.-bound travelers arrive at airports earlier than usual because of new enhanced screenings that will apply to tens of thousandsRead More…

ETC is discontinuing local 800#

ETC has been inundated with Robocalls through our 800-786-7892 number.  We’ve reviewed the origination of these calls and determined that 99% of the calls are Robocalls.  Most travelers contact us on our (425) 453-8200 number.  Therefore, as of January 30th we’re doing away with our local 800#.  We will continue to print our after-hours internationalRead More…

State Department Issues Level 4 Warning to China’s Hubei Province

The U.S. State Department issued its highest travel advisory, Level 4, to the Hubei province in China due to an outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, which was first identified in the capital city of Wuhan. Level 4 advisories urge travelers “Do not travel,” the strongest terms the system employs, ahead of the Level 3 “Reconsider travel,” Level 2Read More…

Alaska Airlines is launching new flights between Seattle and Monterey

Alaska Airlines is launching new daily nonstop flights between Seattle and Monterey, California, starting June 18, 2020.The 2 hour and 25 minute flights will be operated by Alaska’s Horizon Airlines affiliate, using an Embraer 175 regional jet. The Seattle flight will depart daily at 11:10 a.m. and arrive Monterey at 1:35 p.m. The Monterey flightRead More…

Hilton Adds New Brand in Lifestyle Space

Hilton introduced its 18th brand, Tempo by Hilton, described as an “approachable lifestyle brand” serving the “modern achiever.” The limited-service concept will target a more upscale crowd than some of the hotelier’s existing lifestyle brands, such as Motto (an affordable micro-hotel concept that launched in October 2018). Tempo by Hilton rooms will range from $150-250Read More…

Sea-Tac Airport Holiday Travel Tips to Keep you Merry and Bright

The Port of Seattle’s Five Tips to Keep you Merry and Bright. For a more efficient experience, download (or update!) the Sea-Tac App. See checkpoint waits in real time, locate restaurants and shops to explore, water bottle refill stations, and use the interactive map to navigate the airport. Give yourself the gift of time. ArriveRead More…

LAX to End Curbside Pickup by Rideshare Companies and Taxis

Los Angeles International Airport will soon ban rideshare companies and taxis from picking up passengers outside its terminals. Starting on or about Oct. 29, travelers wanting to use Uber or Lyft or a taxi will be taken by shuttle to a parking lot next to Terminal 1, where they can book their rides. Drop-offs atRead More…

Singapore Airlines Launched New Service From Seattle to Singapore

Singapore Airlines now flies nonstop between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Singapore. Singapore flies nonstop three days per week with the airline’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Service will expand to four days per week beginning in October. Singapore’s hub at Changi Airport provides travelers with connecting options to Australia, Southeast Asia, and India. Here in Seattle, SingaporeRead More…

Love TSA PreCheck and Global Entry? Check your expiration date.

Global Entry, a trusted traveler program from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that provides travelers with a speedier trip through customs when returning from international flights, also includes TSA PreCheck, a sister trusted traveler program. PreCheck allows passengers to go through a dedicated, usually quicker, security lane where they can keep shoes and coats onRead More…

Alaska Airlines brings back Russell Wilson promotion

Alaska Airlines has brought back a popular promotion: guests wearing a Russell Wilson No. 3 jersey will be granted early boarding on all Seattle-departing flights for the duration of the football season. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin

Lufthansa Announces New Nonstop Service to Munich

Lufthansa’s new nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Munich, Germany beginning June 1, 2020. The new service will initially operate six times per week in the summer using the fuel-efficient A350-900, Lufthansa’s quietest and most environmentally-friendly aircraft. The flight will operate every day except Thursday and will offer 293 seats (48 business, 21 premiumRead More…

Alaska Airlines to begin Everett-Spokane Service on November 4, 2019

Getting across the state from Everett will be a lot easier starting in November, when Alaska Airlines begins daily nonstop service to Spokane. Flights from Everett Paine Field to Spokane are to begin November 4th. Flights from Spokane International Airport to Paine Field start the next day. The once-daily departure from Everett is scheduled forRead More…

New Alaska Lounge at SeaTac Now Open

A new Alaska Lounge has opened at SeaTac’s North Concourse. The new lounge is over 15,800 square feet, making it the biggest Alaska Lounge ever. The lounge is located on the Mezzanine level, above gates N13-18. That means it features great views of the apron, runways, and Olympic Mountains. With the opening of this lounge,Read More…

Air Canada Announces New Nonstop Service to Montreal

Air Canada will fly nonstop between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Montreal, Canada beginning May 4, 2020. The new service will operate daily on a year-round basis using an A220-300. Air Canada’s A220-300 will feature 137 seats, 12 in business class and 125 in economy class. Flight details are as follows: Seattle to Montreal, Flight #564,Read More…

Sea-Tac Airport Parking Rates Increase July 1, 2019

SEATTLE – Parking rates at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport garage will increase on July 1. The rates will increase five to six percent. Daily parking will cost an additional $2/day, and hourly rates will increase by $1/hour. Weekly rates will increase $9/week. Airport parking garage rates will rise according to the chart below: Product…………….Current…….July 1,Read More…

Here’s What Wi-Fi Costs on Major Airlines

Over the years, the internet has made the leap from a novelty, to a commodity, to a basic necessity for millions of people all over the world. Folks just feel the need to stay connected, including while they’re traveling. More and more airlines are making it easier and cheaper to connect to the internet whileRead More…

Boeing Completes Software Update for 737 MAX

Boeing said it has completed the software to fix the flight control issue for the 737 MAX, having tested the updated software on 207 flights for more than 360 hours. Now it heads to the FAA for review, in consultation with a Technical Advisory Board, before the aircraft can be re-certified. The fleet has beenRead More…

U.S. Joins Rest of World in Grounding All Boeing 737 Max Jets

All Boeing 737 MAX Jets have been immediately grounded in the U.S. following an executive order by President Trump on Wednesday, the same day that Canada’s transportation minister grounded all of the MAX Jets in that country. The grounding comes three days after 157 people were killed when an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX aircraftRead More…

Link Delta Air Lines SkyMiles and Lyft Accounts

Link your SkyMiles and Lyft accounts to start earning miles on every U.S. ride. Earn 1 mile per $1 on every U.S. ride, for a limited time, earn 2 miles per $1 on airport rides and get up to $20 in ride credit as a new Lyft user. Link Now Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin

TSA Pre-Check Adds Nine Additional Airlines

The Transportation Security Administration announced the expansion of its TSA Pre-check expedited screening program to nine additional domestic and international carriers. The new partnering airlines are Air India, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Elite Airways, EVA Airways, Japan Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and Volaris. Today’s announcement brings the number of airlines participating in TSARead More…

Japan Airlines (JAL) Nonstop from Seattle to Tokyo

Japan Airlines (JAL) will launch daily nonstop service between Seattle and Tokyo (Narita) starting March 31, 2019 with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The new Seattle service will connect us to JAL’s extensive Japan-domestic network as well as to destinations throughout Asia and Oceania. Flight 67 will depart Seattle at 2:15 p.m., arriving in Tokyo theRead More…

Cathay Pacific Nonstop from Seattle to Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific will commence new nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Hong Kong on April 1, 2019. The four-times-weekly service will be operated by the Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Flight 857 will depart Seattle on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 1:05 a.m., arriving in Hong Kong the following day at 5:25 a.m. ThisRead More…

Alaska Airlines Tickets now on Sale for Paine Field flights.

The wait is over! And Alaska Airlines is ready to celebrate. The Seattle area’s hometown airline announced today tickets are now on sale for 18 daily nonstop flights between Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport in Everett, Washington, and eight West Coast cities. The first day of scheduled service is Feb. 11, 2019, subject to government approval.Read More…

Alaska Airlines nonstop Seattle and Columbus

Alaska Airlines announced today it will begin daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio. The new service, which is scheduled to begin March 7, 2019, will be the only nonstop flight offered between the Pacific Northwest and Central Ohio. Effective Date   City Pair         Read More…

Signs You Need a Corporate Travel Manager

Travel Management by Executive Travel Consultants Corporate travel is one of the biggest expenditures a business can have. Yet many companies still don’t take corporate travel all that seriously. The truth is that if you rely on staff to visit a different part of the country, or even a different country altogether, to carry out business,Read More…

New Seattle Hotels Under Construction

Moxy (Marriott) South Lake Union Guest Rooms: 146 Proposed Open Date:February 2018 Embassy Suites Pioneer Square Guest Rooms: 282 Proposed Open Date: February 2018 Hotel @ The Mark Financial District Guest Rooms: 184 Proposed Open Date: Q2 2018 EVEN Hotel South Lake Union Guest Rooms: 123 Proposed Open Date: April 2018 Staybridge Suites South LakeRead More…

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines Partnership Changes

Alaska has grown a lot recently, by acquiring Virgin America, expanding to 118 cities, and growing our global partner network. With growth comes change, and starting January 1, 2018, Alaska and American Airlines will be making important updates to our partnership, though a lot will remain the same. What’s not changing: You’ll still earn milesRead More…

TripIt to Now Include Traffic Data and TSA Wait Times

TripIt, a travel app owned by SAP Concur, said Wednesday that it plans to input the Iinside data from airports in Austin, Texas, Orlando, Florida, Denver and Phoenix. Users will receive an alert three hours before a flight with current wait times, as well as real-time updates. Airport maps in the app will also show the nearestRead More…

United Airlines Premium Plus

United Airlines’ long-awaited premium economy addition appears to be on its way and it will be called United Premium Plus. “Later this year, we’ll begin to introduce United’s Premium Plus. Available on select international flights, United Premium Plus will give you more space, comfort and amenities,” according to a memo, which was published on BoardingArea.Read More…

Alaska Airlines Flights out of Paine Field

Alaska Airlines will offer 13 non-stop flights out or Paine Field in Everett every day. New cities include Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orange County, California; Phoenix; Portland; San Diego; San Francisco; and San Jose, California. Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive said he welcomed the announcement: “As Paine Field becomes a connection to the world, ourRead More…

Delta and WestJet Agree to Form Joint Venture

Delta Air Lines and WestJet have agreed to deepen their existing partnership by entering into a comprehensive transborder joint venture that will increase travel choices between the U.S. and Canada. The airlines have entered into a preliminary memorandum of understanding regarding their intention to deepen their existing partnership to form a commercial joint venture arrangement,Read More…

Air France and Alaska Airlines to End Partnership in April

Effective April 30th, 2018, the partnership between Air France/KLM and Alaska Airlines will end. Alaska still continues to serve it’s international customers through partnerships with British Airways, Icelandair, Condor, and Finnair. For mileage redemption information between now and then, please visit the Alaska Airlines website and view the redemption chart. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin

Smart Bag Policy Changes on American Airlines and Alaska

Smart bags contain lithium battery power banks, which can pose a possible risk if stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Alaska Airlines: Beginning in early 2018, Alaska airlines will only accept smart bags equipped with lithium ion battery power banks as carry-on baggage. American Airlines: Beginning January 15, American will require that theRead More…

Global Entry vs. TSA Pre-Check

What does each one actually do? TSA PreCheck is a government-sponsored program that began in October 2011 and grants approved passengers on domestic—and some international—flights expedited screening. PreCheck passengers don’t need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, which means less time in line—and more in the lounge. It helps you when you’re leavingRead More…

New TSA Screening Rules for U.S. Inbound Passengers Begin Today

Passengers on inbound flights to the U.S. will be subject to new security screening procedures, that will see both citizens and non-citizens questioned about their trip and their luggage. The new rules, which will impact all of the 2,000-plus international flights to the U.S. each day, comes at the 120-day window for enforced regulations after the TrumpRead More…

Alaska Airlines Will Fly Daily, Round-Trip, Non-Stop Flights to Pittsburgh from Seattle

“We’re pleased to add Pittsburgh to our growing list of destinations from our hometown of Seattle,” John Kirby, VP of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines, says in a statement. “With the addition of Pittsburgh, Alaska flies nonstop to 90 destinations, which is more than twice as many as any other airline.” The new non-stop route toRead More…

Trump Administration Issues Revised, Expanded Travel Ban

The Trump Administration on Sunday announced new, permanent restrictions on travel by foreigners from eight countries, as part of its updated version of the travel ban that was signed earlier this year. The new version of the ban will include five countries from the previous list—Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia—along with three new countries—Chad,Read More…

More Important Than Ever to Cancel Flight Before Departure

Beginning October 2nd, 2017, Alaska Airlines is updating their no-show refund policy. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to cancel your unneeded flights prior to departure. Currently, when our travelers no-show flights, the ticket is suspended and ETC is able to reinstate the ticket credit for future travel. Beginning October 2nd, if you no-show a flight,Read More…

Proposed Increase in Air Travel Fees

Have you heard about the proposed airline tax hike working its way through the senate? The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a fiscal 2018 spending bill that would raise the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) from $4.50 per flight segment to $8.50. The proposed increase would go to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s airports, however thoseRead More…

Changing Hotel Cancellation Policies

Some of the largest hotel chains are revamping their hotel cancellation policies. They are increasing the time required before check in to cancel to 24 or even 48 hours. They are saying this will provide better accommodation for people seeking last minute hotels while reducing the number of unsold rooms per night. Here is theRead More…

Can Online Passport Renewal Be On The Way?

Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to go to the passport office to get your passport renewed? It just may happen. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is considering online passport renewals, according to a story in Federal News Radio. Speaking on a panel at a symposium in Washington last week, community relations officerRead More…

Parking Rates at the Sea-Tac Airport Garage are About to Increase

The Port of Seattle plans to raise the parking rates at the Sea-Tac Airport garage beginning April 14. This is the first increase in airport parking fees since 2010. This rate adjustment is due to a recent local commercial parking tax increase, and will help fund investment in the garage for customer service, technology andRead More…

ETC Travel is on Facebook!

Be sure to like ETC Travel on Facebook for up to the minute news, vacation specials and updates on the ETC Travel Team! Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin

Marriott Rewards to Offer United Airlines Elite Status to Its Top Members

Marriott International and United Airlines announced a new partnership under which the hotel chain’s top-level loyalty program members will be able to obtain complimentary elite status with the airline. Members of Marriott Rewards, the hotelier’s guest loyalty program, with Platinum Premier Elite status will be eligible for United MileagePlus Premier Gold benefits, while Platinum EliteRead More…

15% OFF AT HOTEL 1000, EXCLUSIVLY OFFERED THROUGH ETC TRAVEL

ETC is very excited to announce that we now offer a 15% discount off of the lowest room rate at Hotel 1000! This upscale and edgy property in the heart of Seattle offers a unique experience in addition to an unbeatable location. About Hotel 1000 A Luxurious, Personalized Downtown Seattle Hotel Experience In the heartRead More…

NEW STUDY FINDS TRAVEL AGENTS SAVE CONSUMERS AN AVERAGE OF $452 PER TRIP

Press Release: The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Alexandria, VA, May 2, 2016 – New research from The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) proves that travel agents save consumers time and money. Consumers report that travel agents save them an average $452 per trip, and four hours in travel planning. Perhaps most importantly,Read More…

WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT? ISN’T IT OBVIOUS?

There you have it, right from Craig Sechler of the HBO series Veep. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin

ALERT: TRAVELERS TO CANADA WITH CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS MAY BE DENIED ENTRANCE

Canada has an enforced law that may deny you entrance if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense. The list of applicable convictions include: 1) a minor offense (including shoplifting, theft, assault, possession of an illegal substance, etc.); 2) an “indictable” criminal offense (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter; etc.), or 3)Read More…

CONSIDER AN EASIER RIDE TO THE AIRPORT

Sound Transit’s Link light rail runs right to the airport from as far as the University District with multiple stops along the way. Once you are at the airport, you can walk from the station right up to the ticket counter under cover and out of the elements.   Travel News by Executive Travel Consultants,Read More…