ETC Travel News
Latest Travel News by ETCtravel.com
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ETC Holiday Hours
In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed on Monday, May 30th. We will resume normal office hours on Tuesday. We remember and honor all who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Wishing you a happy holiday from all of us at ETC. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
ETC Office Hours
Effective Wednesday, June 1st, our office hours will change from (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) to (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday. When you call ETC outside of these business hours, we offer an automatic transfer option to our after-hours service. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
When Will Car Rental Prices Go Down?
The cost of travel is getting more and more expensive for travelers everywhere, and that trend is not letting up, according to car rental company Hertz. Stephen Scherr, a former Goldman Sachs finance chief who was named Hertz CEO in February, spoke about the rental car market and what that says about the prospects forRead More…
Average U.S. Airfare Highest in Seven Years
Airlines Reporting Corp.-accredited travel agency air ticket sales totaled $7.7 billion in April 2022, a 156 percent year-over-year increase, the company announced Thursday. This figure is just under the $7.8 billion total from March, which saw “strong growth in corporate travel.” In addition, the average U.S. roundtrip ticket price totaled $585 in April, an 8Read More…
Japan Could Reopen to North Americans Next Month
May 9, 2022 After a more than two-year closure, Japan could open its door to residents of the United States and Canada as soon as next month. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told media in London late last week that the country is set to introduce a “smoother entry process similar to that of otherRead More…
EU Lifts Mask Mandates for Planes, Airports
The European Union (EU) announced it would lift mask mandates for airplanes and airports as coronavirus-related travel restrictions continue to be eased. The mask mandates will be officially lifted on May 16, 2022 but each airline will still be able to enforce the policies if deemed necessary and facial coverings will be required on flights toRead More…
U.S. Justice Department Says It Will Appeal the Lifting of the Travel Mask Mandate
It might be time to pump the brakes on travel’s full return to normal. The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) on April 20, 2022 said that it will appeal the ruling by a federal judge that lifted the mask mandate for public transportation. The Justice Department had said earlier in the week that it would onlyRead More…
Masks are Now Optional at Most Airports, Including SEA but Not NYC.
Face masks will no longer be required on planes and other forms of public transportation after a federal judge in Florida on Monday ruled against the federal mask mandate and the White House, shortly after, said it would no longer enforce it while it is under review. A number of travel industry names, including the U.S.Read More…
Federal Mask Mandate on Planes and Public Transportation No Longer in Effect
Face masks will no longer be required on planes and other forms of public transportation after a federal judge in Florida on April 18, 2022 ruled against the federal mask mandate and the White House, shortly after, said it would no longer enforce it while it is under review. The ruling, which can be read inRead More…
The U.S. is Changing the Way it Categorizes Destinations Based on COVID-19 Concerns
The U.S. Department of State on Thursday announced that it had “reassessed how COVID-19 considerations factor into our Travel Advisory levels for U.S. citizens.” “Given the increases in international travel, the availability of effective COVID-19 mitigation measures, and recently announced changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Travel Health Notice (THN)Read More…
Alaska Airlines is All-In at Paine Field – Full Schedule Resumes This June
Starting June 17, Alaska Air will increase flights to 18 peak daily departures – their full allotment of departures at the airport – which will include four daily nonstops to San Francisco, one of our key hubs that is the center of Bay Area business travel. Service between Paine Field and San Francisco resumes onRead More…
Congressional Call for Exempting Vaccinated Travelers from Inbound Testing
It’s become one of the last major issues affecting the travel industry: the inbound antigen testing rule for Americans seeking to reenter the U.S. If they test positive, they are forced to quarantine abroad until they test negative—something that has become the greatest barrier to travel today. That’s why the American Society of Travel AdvisorsRead More…
Pilot Shortage Leads to Dozens of Alaska Airlines Flight Cancellations at Sea-Tac
As of 9 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, Alaska Airlines had cancelled more than 120 flights – about 9% of its overall operation – impacting more than 15,300 travelers. A company spokesperson said additional cancellations are possible over the weekend. Alaska Air and the pilot union have been locked in contract negotiations for nearly threeRead More…
SEA Airport Welcomes Turkish Airlines’ Nonstop Service to Istanbul
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will soon welcome Turkish Airlines with nonstop service to Istanbul (IST) on May 27, 2022. Turkish Airlines will begin SEA service with four weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) using a 300-seat Boeing 787-9. SEA will be the airline’s 334th destination in 128 countries and its 12th destination in theRead More…
Sweden, New Zealand and Malaysia Have Updated Entry Requirements
Sweden will no longer require travelers to show proof of vaccination or negative test in order to enter starting on April 1. Sweden Drops All Covid-19 Travel Restrictions On May 2, 2022 New Zealand will re-open to travelers from visa-waiver countries, including the USA and Canada. Government officials in Malaysia announced many of the coronavirus-relatedRead More…
SEA Airport Parking Rates Will Increase on April 1st
The daily rate will increase from $32 to $34. Since 2019, the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 9%, including 6.3% in the past year. The local City of SeaTac tax increased from $3.28 to $3.49 per parking transaction, providing $4 million in commercial parking tax to the City in the last year with anRead More…
SEA Revealed Its New International Arrivals Facility (IAF)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) revealed its modern welcome to the world, demonstrating how the new International Arrivals Facility (IAF) dramatically improves the travel experience and advances the Puget Sound as a leading tourism and business gateway. The opening comes just in time to support the continuing recovery of international travel. Demand for Seattle remained highRead More…
Removal of UK Travel Restrictions
The UK Government has confirmed all remaining COVID-19 travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and tests for all arrivals, including passengers who are unvaccinated, is removed for travel to the UK. Customers can continue to use Sherpa to check entry and testing requirements for travel to or from their destination. British Airways has also reviewed theRead More…
Airfare Increased 34% Year-Over-Year
Flight prices are up from this time a year ago. The average U.S. roundtrip ticket price in February 2022 was $464, signaling a 34 percent increase from $346 in February 2021. However, the 2022 total was still down five percent from the pre-pandemic February monthly average of $488. Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) has revealed itsRead More…
SEA Previews Incredible Improvements Ahead with C Concourse Expansion
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) revealed 30 percent design renderings of its next marquee capital improvement project. The C Concourse Expansion will elevate SEA, literally, by adding four additional floors above the existing building and raising the bar on the airport experience and sustainability. The project spans the C and D Concourses with 145,530 more square feet ofRead More…
These Countries Are Requiring Travelers To Have COVID-19 Booster
Several foreign countries have begun requiring international visitors to show proof of a booster shot in addition to their original COVID-19 vaccine series. Travelers with upcoming plans may find that the definition of “fully vaccinated” has suddenly been altered. Health authorities around the world are revising their entry policies to include vaccine booster requirements. TheRead More…
The Two-Year Dry Spell is Over
Southwest Airlines will resume alcohol sales on its flights this month after nearly two years. U.S. airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic had mostly suspended in-flight services on domestic flights to avoid having passengers remove their masks while eating or drinking. Southwest, which had paused alcohol services in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic,Read More…
Spirit and Frontier Airlines Are Merging to Form the 5th Largest Carrier in the U.S.
Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines announced plans to merge their operations, which means that the U.S. air travel market is getting a major new player. Once combined, the new airline—whose name has yet to be announced— will be the fifth largest carrier in the U.S., behind the so-called “Big Four” carriers: American, Delta, United, andRead More…
India Scraps Quarantine for Vaccinated Travelers
India has announced the removal of the need for travelers vaccinated against Covid-19 from the United States, United Kingdom and 80 other countries to quarantine on arrival, beginning Feb. 14. In other changes to its Covid-19 testing requirements, the country will accept a certificate proving full vaccination in place of a negative PCR test. TravelersRead More…
Canada To Ease Entry for Vaccinated Travelers
Canada will ease entry requirements for travelers fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on Feb. 28, including ending the requirement of molecular tests taken with 72 hours of departure. Fully vaccinated travelers—those who have received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or both doses of an accepted two-dose vaccine— still will need to test upon arrival, butRead More…
Companies are Loosing Revenue as a Direct Result of Inability to Travel
Financial leaders at US companies say business travel is likely to boom by the end of 2022. According to a poll from SAP Concur, more than half (52 percent) of the finance managers surveyed say it’s very or extremely likely that their industry will see a substantial increase in business travel by the end ofRead More…
Hong Kong Bans Transit Travelers From the US
Passengers traveling from countries with the high risk of the COVID-19 virus spread will not be allowed to transfer or transit via the Hong Kong international airport from January 16 to February 15, 2022. The Group A countries list currently consists of about 150 countries, including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia,Read More…
Are Corporate Travelers Willing to Travel?
Despite the emergence of the Omicron variant, government restrictions and international policy inconsistencies, travel managers are optimistic about the return of business travel in 2022, according to the latest poll from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). The poll showed that three in four travel managers expect business travel volume at their companies to be “much”:Read More…
England to Eliminate Covid Testing for Vaccinated Travelers
England will end Covid-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated inbound adult travelers and for all inbound travelers under age 18 beginning February 11 at 4:00 a.m. Passengers entering England who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to book a Day-2 arrivals test. Passengers who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be required to take aRead More…
Airport Parking Reservation Reminder
If you’re parking a vehicle at the airport, we recommend making a parking reservation at your favorite off airport location. Select the “Read More” to view links to our favorite SEA off airport parking locations. Also, make sure and print one of our discount coupons before you go. Master Park AJax Wally Park Share thisRead More…
U.S. Passport Fee Increasing $20
On Dec 27, the cost for a passport book will increase by $20. The U.S. Department of State Consular of Affairs advises that the increased fee is necessary to ensure they continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world. Find your fee in one of three ways: theRead More…
US Airlines Warn of 5G Flight Disruptions
Major U.S. air carriers warn that plans by wireless carriers to use spectrum for 5G wireless services starting Jan. 5 could disrupt thousands of daily flights. AT&T and Verizon Communications must delay the plans to use C-Band spectrum for 5G wireless services, United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby said following a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing, saying itRead More…
New COVID Testing Requirements for U.S. Entry
President Joe Biden’s administration has announced stricter COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers arriving in the United States following the discovery of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Instead of the three days (72 hours) testing requirement, travelers entering the country by air will have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within oneRead More…
What to Know About the COVID-19 Omicron Variant and How it’s Impacting Travel
On November 25th, the world digested news of a new COVID-19 variant called omicron, yet another variant that has caused concern among the public in countries all over the world. The variant was first found in South Africa, with health officials attributing it to a recent spike in infections in that country (3,200 dailyRead More…
The U.S. Officially Reopened to International Travelers
The United States has taken the next major step in its post-COVID-19 return to normalcy when it lifted pandemic travel restrictions, finally allowing international travelers, who have been largely absent since March 2020, to enter the country. There will be strict rules for inbound passengers—all inbound non-citizens will need to show proof of vaccination (onlyRead More…
Business Travel Boosts the Bottom Line.
Business travel is still essential for next year’s budget and according to CFO Daily News, here’s why… It’s about that time of year when you’re looking at finalizing next year’s T&E budget and evaluating the importance of business travel. Many of your peers might be considering significant cuts. Due to the pandemic, employers may thinkRead More…
New International Border Openings Set to Accelerate Lift in Business Travel
The latest GBTA poll reports increased industry optimism, a rise in business travel bookings, support for vaccine programs and an eagerness to get back to traveling for work. Optimistic signs of return and tangible recovery in the business travel sector could be seen over the past month. In the latest poll from The Global BusinessRead More…
New Access Route Opens at SEA Airport Cell Phone Lot
The latest step in the continuing upgrade of the cell phone lot at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) opens a new overpass and south entrance to dramatically reduce wait times exiting the lot, increase efficiency and provide reconfigured parking spaces. Travelers will see the new access along with the elimination of the most challenging aspect ofRead More…
Introducing Sherpa – A simple way to understand entry requirements
Sherpa allows travelers to quickly and easily check entry requirements by country. Sherpa returns requirements for both direct and indirect trips, making it a valuable tool for customers wishing to transfer via London as well as those whose journey is point-to-point. It will return COVID-19 test requirements, quarantine protocols and entry restrictions for anywhere inRead More…
Mobile Food Ordering and Gate Delivery Onboard at SEA Airport
Use Order SEA to order from your phone and choose pick-up or delivery to your gate from robot. Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) is expanding programs that make travel less stressful. The airport recently introduced OrderSEA, a mobile food ordering service that includes gate delivery. This service saves passengers from standing in crowded lines while expanding your options;Read More…
TSA Bumps Mask Fines Up to $3,000
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) increased penalties for those not complying with mask mandates on airplanes or at airports. First-time offenders will now be fined between $500 to $1,000, up from $250 prior, while repeat offenders will be faced with fines somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000. The mandates, which have been in place by theRead More…
WestJet to Begin New Service from Seattle to Calgary
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) welcomes today’s announcement that WestJet Airlines will begin service between Seattle and their main hub in Calgary, Canada (YYC) beginning on November 4, 2021. This will be WestJet’s first service to Seattle and will provide additional options for travelers to and from Alberta’s largest city. WestJet will begin Seattle service withRead More…
Alaska Airlines Brings Back Food & Drinks
As more passengers start to fly again, Alaska Airlines says it is expanding food and beverage service on its flights, part of a process that started earlier this year. With even better service, the airline is now offering an expanded selection of freshly prepared, West Coast-inspired First Class meals on all flights more than 670Read More…
Canada Opened to Vaccinated US Citizens on August 9th
TORONTO (AP) — Canada announced it will begin letting fully vaccinated U.S. citizens into Canada on Aug.9, and those from the rest of the world on Sept. 7. Officials said the 14-day quarantine requirement will be waived as of Aug. 9 for eligible travelers who are currently residing in the United States and are atRead More…
U.S. Passport Wait Times Are Now 12 to 18 Weeks
As travel continues to turn back on, with it is coming some growing pains. One of the biggest has been an increase in the time it takes to get a passport, waiting times are stretching into 18 weeks now. The State Department is adding staff to help with the delays. Over 150 staff will returnRead More…
SEA Airport Kicks Off Cell Phone Lot Improvements
With summer travel steadily increasing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), a little preparation goes a long way towards lowering summer travel stress. New facilities and amenities can help you save time, minimize time in crowded lines, and travel with peace of mind this summer. Just north of the Main Terminal construction is now underway at theRead More…
Alaska Airlines New Service Between Seattle and Cincinnati
Alaska Airlines is ready to provide its guests with a brand-new destination: Cincinnati. Daily nonstop service between Seattle and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Start Date City Pair Departs Arrives Frequency Aircraft May 20 Seattle – Cincinnati 10:10 a.m. 5:35 p.m. Daily 737 May 20 Cincinnati – Seattle 6:35 p.m. 8:25 p.m. Daily 737 Flight times based on local timesRead More…
First Gates Open in Long-Awaited Modernized and Expanded SEA Airport North Satellite
Just shy of marking its fifth decade of service, the North Satellite is stepping into the light — literally and figuratively. Just in time to serve passengers returning to travel, the fully modernized facility adds new gates, open space and natural light, more restaurants and shops, Pacific Northwest-inspired art, and sustainability features like the useRead More…
Try SEA Spot Saver!
A free way to jump the line for TSA general screening security checkpoints. SEA is one of the first airports in the U.S. to investigate a virtual queuing system as a solution for crowded general screening lines. SEA Spot Saver is a free, reservation-based system for TSA general screening security checkpoints. The pilot program will test ifRead More…
Why are Rental Cars so Expensive?
Rental car companies fell on hard times at the start of the pandemic. Demand dropped as much as 90% in the early weeks. In the process, rental car companies sold large portions of their rental fleets. Many of these companies canceled orders for new cars too. Now that demand is coming back, rental car companiesRead More…
Europe Easing Restrictions for Vaccinated Travelers
After being essentially closed for more than a year, the European Union (EU) is starting the process of returning to normal tourist operations ahead of the summer travel season. According to reports in Reuters and in the New York Times, the European Union agreed to start to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers and other non-vaccinated touristsRead More…
DHS to Delay Deadline for REAL ID Compliance
The Department of Homeland Security will again delay the requirement for air travelers to have a Real ID-compliant form of identification. The deadline, which was set for October 1 of this year, is being postponed because of the pandemic. The new deadline is May 3, 2023. Similar delays in the past have been the resultRead More…
Get to the Airport Early
Sea-Tac is no longer the empty airport that you may have seen a year ago. Those that feel comfortable traveling have been booking flights and looking to get out of town for spring break in recent weeks. You might have thought you were the only one with this idea, but SEA is seeing a continuedRead More…
Positive Momentum Continues For Return To Business Travel
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s largest business travel association, issued the findings from its 18th COVID-19 poll assessing the impact of the pandemic and the road to recovery for the business travel industry. Nearly one-quarter of poll respondents report that their company has resumed non-essential business travel, or that the company hasRead More…
What to Expect When Flying This Summer
After more than a year of grounding flights in record numbers, it’s official: Air travel is making a comeback. As more Americans are vaccinated, the number of air passengers is also growing. According to the latest data from the Transportation Security Administration, more than 1 million fliers have consistently passed through U.S. airport security checkpoints each dayRead More…
New American Airlines Seattle to London Flight
American will operate three times a week between Seattle and London Heathrow on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The new service will operate with the following schedule: AA156 Seattle to London departing 7:15PM arriving 12:50PM (+1 day)AA155 London to Seattle departing 10:05AM arriving 12:10PM The 777-200 operating the route will feature 273 seats, including: 37 businessRead More…
Delta Air Lines Will No Longer Block Middle Seats Starting May 1
Delta Air Lines, the last remaining airline to block middle seats in order to allow for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, will stop doing so on May 1. Delta was the last holdout to keep the policy of blocking the middle seat, allowing flyers to easily socially distance while onboard. Delta’s policy lasted farRead More…
Airlines Adopt Digital Health Passports to Help Streamline Travel
There’s an array of international travel requirements, varying country to country and changing frequently. In addition to no international standard on test type, timeframes, or documentation, a new U.S. requirement for a negative COVID-19 test for international travel to the United States took effect on Jan. 26. In an effort to streamline the process, airlinesRead More…
Good News for Hertz Rental Car
Two investment firms will buy a majority stake in Hertz Global Holdings Inc for $4.2 billion under a restructuring plan expected to help it out of bankruptcy by early- to mid-summer. Under the proposed investment, Knighthead Capital Management LLC and Certares Opportunities LLC will buy up to 100% of Hertz’s shares, with the funds expectedRead More…
What Fully Vaccinated Travelers Need to Know
New Guidance for Vaccinated Travelers. New guidance for vaccinated people issued by the CDC states that fully vaccinated people two weeks past their final shot (or from the sole shot, in the case of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine) can reasonably gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people, unmasked and without distancing. But vaccinated individuals, including travelers, should continue toRead More…
New York Easing Travel Restrictions for those with Vaccine
Governor Andrew Cuomo announces that New York is easing entry and quarantine requirements for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The governor made the comments in a news conference on Wednesday, March 3. Cuomo said, “Domestic travelers are no longer required to quarantine or test out within 90 days of full vaccination.” Unfortunately,Read More…
Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Passport in 2021
For the majority of U.S. travelers, it has probably been a while since you have opened your passport. But, with an expected boom in travel revving up as COVID-19 infection numbers drop and vaccination numbers rise, it’s probably a good time to make sure that those travel plans you’ve been dreaming of can, eventually, becomeRead More…
JetBlue says goodbye for good to change fees — for most flyers
JetBlue has become the last of the six largest U.S. airlines to do away with change fees long term. The move will apply to all JetBlue fares except its basic economy tickets, called Blue Basic. Like other airlines, JetBlue hasn’t imposed change fees since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Blue Extra ticket holders willRead More…
25% Off Radisson Hotel Group
The Radisson Hotel Group is offering ETC clients 25% off the best available rates for bookings through March 31, 2021. These rates are last-room availability and include all standard amenities at over 600 hotels in North and South America. This discount is available on ETC’s online booking tools and when utilizing our full-service/travel agent assistRead More…
Now Arriving: COVID-19 Travel Guidance in TripIt
For our clients that utilize our online booking tool, Concur and have downloaded the TripIt app, TripIt now shows you the latest COVID-19 travel guidelines, restrictions, and requirements—alongside infection rates—for the destinations you’re visiting. This new feature will help you stay as informed as possible, with the latest information all in one place. How doesRead More…
Horizon Air Now Flies from Seattle to Monterey Carmel, CA
Horizon Air, Alaska Airlines sister carrier is now flying daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) in central California. The new, year-round service is the only nonstop flight offered between these two cities. The all-jet service between Seattle and Monterey will be provided by Alaska’s sister carrier, Horizon Air, flying the Embraer 175 aircraft featuring firstRead More…
Delta Air Lines Will Block Middle Seats through April 2021
Delta Air Lines announced that it will extend its policy of blocking the middle seat through at least April 2021, making it the last major U.S. airline to keep the policy in place. Delta first started the policy in April 2020 and most major airlines matched it. However, over the last few months, most ofRead More…
How to Find Local Testing Facilities for COVID-19
To look for the latest local information on testing, visit your state or local health department’s website. NACCHO has created a tool to help you search for local health departments in your area. Find contact information for local health departments using the map, and than select “COVID-19 Testing”. Note: When traveling, keep in mind thatRead More…
U.S. Citizens Flying Out of the Country Will Need a Negative COVID-19 Test to Return to the U.S. and Self-Quarantine
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on January 12, 2021 issued a new ruling that air passengers flying to the U.S. from a foreign country will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or Antigen test) taken no more than three days prior to the flight. The regulation willRead More…
Alaska Airlines will continue to block middle seats in premium economy class only
Alaska Airlines premium economy class travelers receive four extra inches of legroom, a complimentary drink, and priority boarding. Plus, the middle seat is blocked through May 31, 2021. Upgrades to Premium Economy Class start as low as $15 one-way, with some transcontinental flights more than $100. The next time you travel, ask your ETC advisorRead More…
Alaska Airlines is Adding a New Top Elite Status in 2022
Alaska Airlines has revealed that it will be offering a new top tier of elite status beginning in 2022. Here’s what we know so far about Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold 100K. Qualifying for Alaska MVP Gold 100K As of now, Alaska Airlines has just three tiers of elite status that are earned withRead More…
First Domestic and now International…Delta Air Lines Eliminates Change Fees on Tickets Originating from North America.
Delta Air Lines is permanently eliminating change fees for tickets when flying from North America to the rest of the world (except for basic economy tickets, which are excluded), including those operated by its joint venture and codeshare partners. At the same time, Delta said it would be extending its existing waiver of no changeRead More…
Business Travelers Are Itching To Get Back On The Road
News of effective vaccines renews optimism for a return to travel and in-person events in 2021. The Global Business Travel Association, GBTA conducted a poll of its members across the globe from November 9-16, 2020. A total of 822 responses were received and below are the results. Alexandria, VA (November 19, 2020) – Half (50%) ofRead More…
Hyatt to Cut Elite Status Requirements for 2021
World of Hyatt, the hotel company’s loyalty program, will reduce its requirements for elite status by 50% for the 2021 calendar year. Additionally, World of Hyatt is extending several reward offers through the beginning of 2021, giving members more time to accelerate point earnings and boost tier status when they are ready to travel. ForRead More…
Research Shows Business Travel Will Return ‘In Full Force’
For every $1 invested in business travel, firms realized $12.50 in incremental revenue. When business travel resumes, it will do so “in full force,” according to a report from CBRE Hotels Research called “The Future for the Lodging Industry: When Will Convention and Group Demand Come Back?” The study showed that business travel may lookRead More…
Boeing 737 MAX Cleared by the FAA to Return to Service
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it has approved the Boeing 737 MAX to fly again, bringing an end to a 20 month grounding that started in March 2019. The jets won’t start flying right away as the flight software will need to be updated, pilots will need to undergo extra training, and internationalRead More…
New Marriott Tacoma Downtown has Opened
The 304-room Marriott Tacoma Downtown, managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading, global, third-party hotel management company, opened its doors on November 18th in downtown Tacoma, Washington. The 22-story hotel located at 1538 Commerce Street is the latest addition to Marriott Hotels , the signature brand of Marriott International. Located in the heart of Tacoma’s financialRead More…
Hilton Extends Loyalty Program Status Through 2021
Hilton Hotels Corp. has made several adjustments to its Hilton Honors loyalty program, including point extensions and lowered status milestones. No Hilton Honors points will expire until Dec. 31, 2021. Previously, points could expire if a member did not show activity in their account for at least 15 months, according to the program’s terms andRead More…
IATA Released COVID-19 Air Travel Statistics
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported 1.2 billion passengers have travelled on airplanes since the start of 2020, with 44 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported, probable or potential transmission associated with a flight…this equates to 1 in 27 million. IATA also reports that most of these 44 cases happened before mask-wearing or biosafetyRead More…
When Will Blocking Middle Seats End?
Delta Air Lines will block middle seats until March 30, 2021. Delta is the airline who has left the policy in place the longest—United and American have already begun doing so, Southwest said they will stop at the end of November. Alaska Airlines extended its blocking of middle seats on mainline jets — Airbus 320s,Read More…
U.S.-Canada Border will Stay Closed Until Further Notice
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he expects to keep the U.S.-Canada border closed for the foreseeable future, as both countries continue to try and combat COVID-19 spread. Trudeau said that the “U.S. is not in a place where we would feel comfortable reopening those borders” and that as cases rise in the U.S. andRead More…
New International Corridor Doubles SEA’s International-Gates in 2021
International flights will soon be cleared for arrival at Concourse A with the International Arrival Facility’s (IAF’s) new International Corridor. Located along the west side of Concourse A, this elevated one-way corridor leads arriving international passengers at A Gates directly to the Grand Hall, for baggage claim and customs processing. This is a major elementRead More…