ETC Travel News
Latest Travel News by ETCtravel.com
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How U.S. Government Shutdown Could Affect Corporate Travel
The looming partial U.S. government shutdown could have major implications for the travel industry if Congress doesn’t agree to a deal by Saturday, September 30, 2023. While TSA workers and air traffic controllers are required to keep working during a shutdown, though they don’t get paid, there’s still a lot more than just the costRead More…
Eurostar and Thalys Have Become One
Your favorite cross-border trains are now part of a single Eurostar network! Thalys is now Eurostar. And that means one single rail network connecting France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. Eurostar now covers a larger network that includes high-speed direct and indirect routes across France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. ThatRead More…
SEA Parking Garage ParkAssist is Now Active
The ParkAssist automated parking guidance system is now active across more than 85 percent of parking stalls in the SEA garage, providing real-time occupancy counts of open stalls along with LED indicator lights to help customers find an open stall quickly. Levels 1-7 are active with just Level 8 and the Over-height lot left toRead More…
New EU Visa Program (ETIAS) Delayed Again
The long-talked-about visa program for inbound travelers to Europe is reportedly delayed yet again. According to Schengen Visa Info, which cited European Union (EU) officials, the start of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) program has now been delayed to May 2025 at the earliest because of issues launching the Entry/Exit System (EES) that would trackRead More…
Southwest Airlines Pilot Strike Seems Imminent
Pilots working for Southwest Airlines could go on strike soon, meaning potential delays and cancelations for Southwest customers at the airport. The Southwest Airline Pilots Association (SWAPA) announced on its website that its members “voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.” The union is citing technological and operational management failures as their main complaints. It’s still unclear when theRead More…
Everything Travelers Should Know About ETIAS, EU’s Visa Requirement Starting in 2024
The European Union will require visitors to apply for travel visas in 2024. Citizens of the United States, Canada, and dozens of other countries (the EU estimates this to be about 1.4 billion people) will need to have been approved for the visa when boarding flights or cruises to any of the 30 European countriesRead More…
Easy-Breezy Global Travel: Verify your Passport from Home with Alaska Airlines’ Mobile Verify
With just a couple quick photos, you can securely verify your passport before arriving at the airport. Which means less time waiting in line at the airport to verify your documents. Every traveler leaving or entering the United States is required to have their passport verified by their airline. Guests traveling internationally on Alaska flightsRead More…
Delta to Revamp SkyMiles Elite Status Requirements and Sky Club Access
Delta Air Lines beginning Jan. 1, 2024, will streamline its SkyMiles program and set Medallion Qualification Dollars as the sole qualifier for Medallion status. Currently, members can earn status with MQDs as well as Medallion Qualification Miles and Medallion Qualification Segments. The carrier said that members can earn MQDs on flights with Delta and theRead More…
SEA Upgrades for Less Time in Line
A roomier, modern, and more efficient security screening experience is coming to SEA in 2024. This project relocates Checkpoint 1 from its current location on the Ticketing Level to the lower Baggage Claim Level. This will create new queuing, travel document verifications, and add additional security screening lanes. Project Overview Checkpoint 1 is located atRead More…
GSA Hikes 2024 Per Diem, Lodging Allowance
The U.S. General Services Administration for fiscal year 2024 increased its standard allowable per diem rates for federal travelers by $9 to $166, GSA announced Wednesday. The increase is due to a $9 year-over-year increase in the lodging allowance to $107. The standard allowable rate for meals and incidentals held steady at $59 per day.Read More…
U.S. State Department Updates Travel Advisories for 14 Countries
June 27, 2023 – According to the TravelMarket Report, this week, The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisories for 14 countries. The State Department is only advising Americans against travel to 2 of the 14 countries. Most of the updates or reissues are destinations in the Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution category. They include:Read More…
United Adds App Feature
United Airlines passengers will soon receive vouchers for meals and hotels on their smartphones when travel is disrupted in a bid to reduce customer service lines at airports and phone backlogs. The change will help with customer service bottlenecks over the phone and at the airport. United provides food vouchers for delays of at leastRead More…
Starting November 15, 2023, an ETA will cost approx. $12.65 U.S. to enter the U.K.
As the calendar flips closer to the program’s official launch later this year, the U.K. this week revealed the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa waiver, its upcoming program that will require foreign travelers to pay a fee prior to entering the country. The U.K. this week announced that the ETA will cost allRead More…
Alaska Airlines Reopening D Concourse Lounge
Alaska Airlines is reopening its lounge in the Seattle airport’s D Concourse June 21 after a renovation that added 50% more seating, artwork by Coast Salish artist Louie Gong and additional amenities. The upgrades are part of a $30 million improvement program for Alaska lounges that is upgrading facilities in Portland, Ore.; Seattle and SanRead More…
First London Heathrow Security Strike Postponed
The union representing security officers at London’s Heathrow Airport has paused their plans to strike after they received an improved pay offer from the airport. Unite, the union that represents over 2,000 security workers at London Heathrow, called after the initial strikes, which were due to start later this month, because of the improved offer.Read More…
London Heathrow Security Officers Announce 31 Days of Strikes this Summer 2023
The union representing security officers at London’s Heathrow Airport announced a new round of strikes this summer that could have a major impact on travel plans. Over 2,000 members of the Unite union will strike for 31 days starting on Saturday, June 24 and ending on Aug. 27. The strike days are June 24 throughRead More…
U.S. Wants Airlines to Compensate Flyers for Delayed, Cancelled Flights
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on May 8, 2023 proposed new rulemaking that would require airlines to compensate passengers whose flights get delayed or canceled, a move it says is part of a two-year-long battle in favor of the consumer. “When an airline causes a flight cancellation or delay, passengers should not foot theRead More…
Navigating SEA Airport During Construction
If you’ve visited Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Airport this year you might have seen construction barricades at several points around the airport. We get that construction can be frustrating and may shake up your routine so we’re committed to providing regular progress updates that will help you navigate more efficiently during the peak spring andRead More…
Short-Haul Flights Now Banned in France
The government of France published a new decree banning short-haul flights on some domestic routes that are possible to travel by train in two and a half hours or less. As a result of new regulation, dozens of daily flights between Paris and regional hubs like Nantes, Lyon, or Bordeaux, will be terminated, making short-haulRead More…
American Airlines Pilots Vote to Strike
American Airline pilots have officially voted to authorize a potential strike. Over 99% of members of the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents 15,000 American Airline Pilots, voted to authorize a strike as the union continues to negotiate a new contract with American. While there is now a potential that American could strike, aRead More…
U.S. to End COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for International Travelers
The U.S. will end its COVID-19 vaccination requirement for inbound travelers. The White House on May 1, 2023, announced that the policy would officially end on May 11 on the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. The requirement was the last major COVID-19-era travel requirement on the books—the U.S. had rolledRead More…
SEA Airport Welcomes New Service to Paris from French Polynesian Airline Air Tahiti Nui
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) welcomes new international service to Paris (CDG) through French Polynesian airline Air Tahiti Nui that will begin on June 13 and operate year-round. After launching non-stop 787-9 Dreamliner service last October from SEA to Tahiti, French Polynesia, Air Tahiti Nui is extending its service to connect Seattle and Paris. In partnershipRead More…
One More Thing to Worry About, Juice Jacking
Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. The FBI Denver office shared this on social media. The FBI is remindingRead More…
Alaska Boosts Self Service Options in Airport Upgrade
Alaska Airlines has launched a 3-year, $2.5 billion project to improve the passenger experience at hubs like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, focusing on technological improvements like biometrics and kiosks that will allow passengers to pay for and tag baggage using iPad tablets. Learn more and take a sneak peek here. Share thisRead More…
China Reopens Borders to Travelers for First Time in Three Years
China is once again issuing visas to foreign tourists, just under three years since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, effectively shutting down tourism in the country. According to China’s Embassy in the U.S., starting on March 15, travelers can once again apply for all categories of Chinese travel visas, one of the last hurdles in theRead More…
Southwest Airlines Now Charges $8 Per Flight Leg for WiFi
The carrier announced that it will no longer charge $8 for an all-day WiFi pass. Instead, starting immediately, it will charge $8 per flight leg, meaning that someone with a connection would have to pay again for the second leg of their flight. Share this post…FacebookGoogleTwitterLinkedin
European Union Delays Launch of ETIAS Until At Least 2024
The European Union (EU) has officially delayed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until at least 2024. The EU has not provided a specific launch date for the ETIAS, but it has been confirmed that it will not take effect in November 2023 as originally planned, and will instead beRead More…
The Seattle Convention Center is Now Open
The public can now go inside Seattle’s new Convention Center. The Convention Center expansion stands 14 stories high, holding 10 football fields of event and meeting space and a ballroom that can seat 4000. It fills the blocks between Pine Street and Olive Way, Boren and Ninth avenues, the convention center expansion totals 573,770 square feet. There are 62Read More…
American and Alaska Elites Now Eligible for Reciprocal Complimentary Upgrades.
Alaska Airlines is making considerable changes to first-class upgrades by decreasing the upgrade window for MVP and MVP Gold members. Additionally, all American Airlines AAdvantage elite members will be eligible for first-class upgrades on Alaska-operated flights, while all Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite members will be eligible for first-class upgrades on most American Airlines-operated flights. Read MoreRead More…
Arctic Club Hotel – Downtown Seattle is Now Open
A perfect blend of historic architecture, thoughtful details, and modern luxuries, the iconic Arctic Club Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of downtown Seattle. Built in 1916, the historic 10-story, 120 room landmark has been beautifully restored with a nod to a heritage rooted in exploration and adventure and a past richly associatedRead More…
The U.K. Will Soon Require an Application Fee Prior to Travel
The U.K. will soon require everyone wishing to travel to the country to apply for permission, and pay for an application, in order to travel to the country. Starting sometime by the end of 2023, the U.K. says it will put an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in place for all inbound international travelers outsideRead More…
China Ended Quarantine Regime for International Visitors
While Covid-19 cases continue to surge in China, China ended its quarantine regime for inbound travelers as the country continues to rapidly lift many of its Covid-19 restrictions. The destination, which has largely been closed to international visitors for nearly three years due to the pandemic, will end the requirement for arriving passengers to spendRead More…
U.S. Extends Covid Restrictions for International Visitors to the U.S.
The U.S. government has extended its existing Covid-19 entry requirements for another three months to mid-April. The current requirement, which requires international visitors to the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against the virus, had been due to end on Jan. 8, 2023 but now has been extended to April 10 by the Transportation Security Administration. Read More…
Delta Air Lines Will Offer Free Wi-Fi on Most of its Domestic Flights Starting on Feb. 1
Delta Air Lines will start offering free Wi-Fi on most of its domestic flights starting Feb. 1, 2023. Delta CEO Ed Bastian announced at the Consumers Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Initially, free Wi-Fi will only be available on planes that are capable of providing it, Bastian said, which accounts for nearly 80% ofRead More…
Hong Kong Lifts PCR Test Requirement Upon Arrival
January 6, 2022 – Travel to Hong Kong is almost back to normal. The Hong Kong Tourism Board on Thursday announced that inbound travel requirements, including all mandatory PCR test requirements upon arrival in Hong Kong, have been lifted. The destination will also no longer require Vaccine Passes, which allowed access to specified premises inRead More…
DHS Delays REAL ID Deadline Another Two Years
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it was extending the deadline by roughly two years for air passengers to use a REAL ID when traveling. The agency announced on December 5, 2022 it will begin enforcing the more stringent identification requirement on May 7, 2025, after previously setting a deadline of May 3, 2023.Read More…
Alaska Airlines Trials Electronic Bag Tag Program
Alaska Airlines hopes to offer all its passengers the opportunity to skip the line at the baggage check counter. The airline is now the first in the United States to launch an electronic bag tag program. Alaska will be utilizing software and hardware from a Dutch company called BAGTAG. Several major international airlines, such asRead More…
Alaska Airlines and Priority Boarding
Flying out of Seattle or Everett any time soon? Make sure to wear your Kraken jersey. Alaska Airlines announced that it will offer priority boarding to all travelers flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or Paine Field in Everett who are wearing jerseys of the Seattle Kraken or gear from the Coachella Valley Firebirds, anRead More…
SEA Spot Saver Expanded Hours
SEA Spot Saver is expanding service hours to 10 p.m. starting November 1, just in time for the upcoming busy holiday travel season. Previously, the advanced check-in option for security checkpoint lines was only available during the busiest times of the day at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), until 1 p.m. Now afternoon and evening options forRead More…
What’s Happening at SEA?
More Seats and Exciting Eats to Debut at Central Terminal at SEA. As you rushed by the barricades in Central Terminal to catch your flight, have you wondered … What? Why? When? Well, the barricades are coming down this week to reveal one of the most buzz-worthy and noticeable parts of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Here’sRead More…
American Airlines Relaunches Seattle to London
On October 30th 2022, American Airlines relaunched its nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and London Heathrow (LHR). Flight schedule The Boeing 777-200 has several premium seating options, including 37 lie-flat seats in Flagship® Business, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 66 Main Cabin Extra seats. Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft, and every seatRead More…
Simultaneous Pilot Negotiations at all Four of the Largest Airlines are Taking Place Now
According to CNN Business, United pilots reject contract as airline negotiations ramp up. A shortage of airline pilots is leading pilots at America’s largest carriers to push for better pay and benefits. The union representing United Airlines (UAL) pilots said its members rejected a tentative contract, voting 94% against the deal. It accused management of delays andRead More…
Japan’s Fast Track Entry Changed on November 14th.
A while ago, Japan Introduced the option to use the MySOS service which allowed travelers to breeze through quarantine procedures by pre-registering documentation for a smooth and seamless entry into Japan. Recently, the Japanese government announced that the MySOS service will end on November 13, 2022, and passengers entering Japan will need to use a new service called Visit Japan WebRead More…
You Can Now Earn Delta SkyMiles Rewards by Drinking Starbucks Coffee
Effective immediately, SkyMiles members who are also enrolled in Starbucks Rewards can link their accounts, and then earn one mile for every $1 spent at Starbucks. Delta will then double that reward for purchases made on days when enrolled members have a scheduled flight with Delta. The move is the second time that Starbucks hasRead More…
U.S. State Department Adds Some European Travel Advisories
A day after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it was dropping all country-specific COVID-19 travel advisories, the U.S. State Department updated its own travel advisors. On October 4, 2022, the U.S. State Dept. added 81 new travel advisors, including some of the most popular European destinations. Of the 50 new warnings, thereRead More…
Canada to Drop Entry Restrictions and Mask Mandate on October 1, 2022
Effective Oct. 1, the federal government of Canada will no longer enforce the remaining COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine mandates for inbound travelers. That means that starting then, travelers will be able to enter Canada without a random COVID-19 test at the border, will no longer have to complete their ArriveCan application prior to entry, and willRead More…
Hong Kong Dropped Travel Quarantine Requirements on September 26, 2022
Hong Kong will no longer require travelers to undergo three days of mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival, lifting the burden on international travelers to Hong Kong for the first time since early 2020. The new rules, which were announced by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on Friday, take effect starting Sept. 26, 2022. OnRead More…
Japan to Officially Drop Daily Traveler Limit, Lift Ban on Individual Travel in October
For the first time in nearly two-and-a-half years, Japan is opening its border to foreigners without heavy COVID restrictions. Starting Oct. 11, individual international travelers will be able to enter Japan without being part of a tour group. Japan is ending its international daily arrivals cap and will reinstate visa waivers. The daily visitorRead More…
U.S. State Department Issues Worldwide Travel Advisory
The State Department posted a rare Worldwide Caution travel advisory on August 2, 2022, the first worldwide travel advisory since January 15th, 2019. In the Worldwide Caution, the State Department states that they are “concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas” following the death of the al-Qaeda leader AymanRead More…
Canada is Now Allowing More Travelers to Complete Customs and Immigration Forms Ahead of Time.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will now allow travelers at seven more airports to submit their customs and immigration declaration forms digitally, through the ArriveCAN app, up to 72-hour prior to arrival. CBSA had been allowing it for international travelers arriving to three of Canada’s busiest airports—Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, and Vancouver International—but will nowRead More…
New DOT Proposal Would Give Travelers Better Protection
The stress put on the travel ecosystem, and travelers, since the spring is spurring moves to give consumers a little more protection when their plans are impacted. On Wednesday, August 3, 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed a new rule that would make it easier for travelers to be compensated for when aRead More…
France Drops COVID-19 Requirements
Effective immediately, inbound travelers to France will no longer have to present proof of vaccination or show a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. They also won’t be required to complete a health declaration form prior to travel. France could bring back the requirements—the French Government said it has until Jan. 31, 2023, to activate “emergencyRead More…
Southwest Airlines Flight Credits Will No Longer Expire
Effective July 28, 2022, all Southwest flight credits, whether current or issued in the future, will no longer have an expiration date, giving flyers the option to hold them for as long as they want. Customers will soon see a placeholder expiration date of Dec. 31, 2040, on their credits, but Southwest said that willRead More…
JetBlue Airways Has Reached a Deal to Buy Spirit Airlines
JetBlue Airways has reached a deal to buy ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, bringing an end to a months-long bidding war with Frontier, and creating a “national low-fare challenger to the dominant big four airlines.” JetBlue announced the deal on Thursday morning, writing that it will acquire Spirit for $33.50 per share in cash, including aRead More…
Lufthansa Workers to Strike, BA Averts Labor Action
According to Business Travel News (BTN), Lufthansa ground workers are scheduled to go on an all-day “warning strike” on July 27—from 3:45 a.m. until 6 a.m. July 28—the labor union Ver.di announced Monday. The strike is to affect “all Lufthansa locations,” including Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Munich and Berlin, and will result in “major flightRead More…
Thailand Officially Drops Thailand Pass, Insurance Requirements for Travel
Thailand dropped two of its last remaining requirements for travel—the Thailand Pass, the web-based system to upload documents needed for inbound travel to Thailand; and the $10,000 health insurance requirement. Going forward, all inbound travelers to Thailand will still be required to show proof of complete vaccination (either paper or digital forms are acceptable), orRead More…
Scandinavian Carrier SAS Files for Bankruptcy in U.S.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, officially filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in a move to cut its debt. SAS made the move as the major union that represents its pilots continue striking, adding to the travel chaos that has been plaguing European travel this summer. SAS said thatRead More…
London Heathrow’s Airport Is Struggling
As a summer of travel chaos continues, the head of London’s busiest airport announced that it will mandate a cap of 100,000 daily departures in order to deal with ongoing passenger disruptions. British Airways announced that it canceled another 10,300 flights, mostly short-haul routes in or out of London airports scheduled for August through October.Read More…
U.S. to End COVID-19 Air Travel Testing Requirement
Friday, June 10, 2022 The United States will no longer require inbound international travelers to test negative for COVID-19 before entering, or re-entering, the U.S. That is according to multiple reports citing administration officials on Friday morning. The White House is expected to make an official announcement Friday afternoon, but, according to the reports, the testingRead More…
Airport Parking is a Challenge
Why is parking so congested? Demand is up and supply is down. More customers are driving private vehicles than choosing ride share or public transit. Pandemic-related closures reduced the number of parking stalls in the area outside the airport while a garage improvement project and a recent fire has led to temporary reductions at theRead More…
Which European Countries Are Open For Restriction Free Travel?
Spain just dropped its vaccine requirement to enter the country, now allowing unvaccinated travelers to enjoy visiting Spain, too, though all travelers will be required to test negative prior to arrival. Below are the easiest countries in Europe to enter right now, since they don’t require any testing, proof of vaccination or other pandemic-related entryRead More…
Average U.S. Airfare Highest in Seven Years
Just like so many other things in the U.S., the price of travel is increasing. The average U.S. round-trip air ticket price for March 2022 was $540, a 41% increase from $382 in March 2021 and an 11% increase from March 2019 when the average ticket was $487. That’s according to new data released fromRead More…
The CDC Issues a Travel Warning for Monkeypox
Another viral disease is making headlines, and while it is not impacting travel, authorities in the U.S. have issued a new travel warning in light of its spread. Monkeypox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a disease with symptoms similar to but milder than smallpox. So far, dozens of casesRead More…
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…FacebookGoogleTwitterLinkedin
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…
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 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…
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…
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…