ETC Travel News
Latest Travel News by ETCtravel.com
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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…
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…
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…
Fully Vaccinated People Can Skip Mandatory Quarantines After Being Exposed
Those Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to skip quarantines if they are exposed to someone infected with the virus, according to a new update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Fully vaccinated persons who meet criteria will no longer be required to quarantine following anRead 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…
Southwest Airlines Celebrates Anniversary With $50 Flight Sale
Southwest Airlines is celebrating its 50th year in operation with one-way flight deals starting at $50 this winter. You have until February 8, 2021, to book the low fares, which require a 21-day advance purchase. The discounted seats are valid for travel within the continental U.S. from February 9 through May 26, 2021. Meanwhile, travelRead 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…
Lotte Hotel Seattle Grand Opening
The Lotte Hotel Seattle opened on September 24, 2020. The opening marked Lotte Hotels & Resorts’ 31st branch in the world and its second in the United States. The hotel is located in the F5 Tower, 801 Fifth Avenue in downtown Seattle. The 44-story hotel has 189 guest rooms, including 31 suites. The hotel offersRead More…
How Delta is Improving Air Quality on Aircraft and Jetbridges
Delta will replace the current filtering systems that pump air into jetbridges and parked aircraft with LEED Platinum MERV14 filters that will result in a 40% reduction in air particles. By mid-September, Delta will replace the current air filtering systems that pump outside air into our jetbridges and parked aircraft with LEED Platinum MERV14 filtersRead More…
Why You Should Renew Your Global Entry Membership Now
Global Entry is about to get more expensive. On September 9, U.S. Customs and Border Protection shared plans to implement changes to the Global Entry program. The proposed changes are intended to “harmonize the fees and application procedures” of three expedited entry programs, including Global Entry, the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection program (better knownRead More…
How Alaska, American, Delta, and United no-change-fee policies compare
Following United’s news that it’s eliminating most domestic change fees, Alaska Airlines, American and Delta also made similar announcements 24 hours later. Even though other airlines have now joined the no-change-fee party, there are still some significant differences in each carrier’s policy. Let’s take a look at how the policies stack up against each other.Read More…
Alaska Airlines Eliminates Change Fees Permanently
On September 1, 2020, Alaska Airlines joined other major carriers announcing that they would be eliminating change fees on most of their tickets, a move made as the industry continues to battle its way through the COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska made the announcement on September 1st, shortly after United, American and Delta did the same thingRead More…
Wave Goodbye to Change Fees
American Airlines is making travel easier and less complicated for customers. No more change fees. Change fees for all domestic and short-haul international flying on Premium Cabin fares and most Main Cabin fares will be eliminated Fly standby for free. All customers will have the ability to fly standby on earlier flights for the same destination onRead More…
United Airlines Change Fees are Gone
United Airlines is making a big change…for the better. To support you during your U.S. travels, they’ve decided to get rid of change fees for good, effective immediately. You can say goodbye to change fees on most Economy¹ and all premium cabin tickets when you travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.Read More…
Delta Air Lines Joins United, and Permanently Eliminates Change Fees
Delta Air Lines on August 31, 2020 announced that it would be making its change fee policy, which had gone to free change fees in March 2020 because of the impact of COVID-19, permanent for all domestic tickets within the U.S. Delta’s announcement comes a day after United announced a similar policy, waiving its $200Read More…
What You Need to Know About Alaska’s New Travel Rules
Alaska State officials, to continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, have released a set of new travel entry restrictions, which went into effect on August 11, 2020. With the new rules, non-residents will no longer have the option for a five-day pretest or the option to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving into the state.Read More…
U.S. State Department Lifts Global Travel Advisory
August 9, 2020 The U.S. State Department has lifted the global travel ban put in place more than four months ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Department is returning to the previous system of country-specific levels of travel advice “in order to give travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions,”Read More…
Paine Field Reopened
Paine Field in Everett, reopened August 1, 2020 with daily Alaska Airlines service to Phoenix and Las Vegas and a United flight to Denver. The airport completed a ramp rehabilitation project while it was closed for 10 weeks. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
Update ETC Travel Profile Information
Even though many of us are not traveling right now, we will again and ETC wants you to be ready. Please take a moment to update your traveler profile, and verify that all contact information is up to date. Concur Users: Log into Concur, select Profile (upper-right-hand-corner), Profile Settings, and Personal Information (including emergency contact).Read More…
Which Airlines Are Enforcing Face Mask and Middle Seat Rules?
As major airlines around the world continue to adjust their health and safety policies and requirements, here is an updated guide for how major North American airlines are handling face mask policies and seat distancing at airports and onboard aircrafts. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
Temperature Screening at SEA
In partnership with Alaska Airlines, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is conducting a voluntary proof of concept to screen domesticdeparting passengers for elevated temperatures above 100.4 degrees. This work builds on voluntary temperature equipment testing they conducted in June. In that three-day study, no high temperatures were detected among approximately 1,400 international arriving passengers. No singleRead More…
ETC has the COVID-19 Plugin
The COVID-19 Plugin provides our Travel Assistants with the ability to click on an icon and get a full worldwide map with up-to-date COVID information, policies, closures, etc. The interactive map allows the selection of any country/state. Icons on the map (differently colored to indicate the level of restrictions) provide the ability to click deeperRead More…
Concur Displays COVID-19 Airline Information and TripIt has a COVID-19 Resource Center
Concur Travel has added information regarding COVID-19-related reassurances provided by certain airlines are now displayed. The information is available in the More Details section of the Benefits/Services link for each itinerary option. The following points provide additional details: • This information is provided directly from the airline to Concur Travel. As such, each airline isRead More…
Major U.S. Airlines Announce Health Acknowledgement Requirement
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2020 – Today, Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, announced that its member carriers are voluntarily implementing temporary health acknowledgment policies and procedures for passenger travel as an additional level of protection during the pandemic. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways,Read More…
Americans Barred from the European Union, Except for Ireland and the U.K.
The European Union on Tuesday confirmed earlier reports that Americans will be barred from entering its member nations when borders open up for travel on July 1. The decision reportedly comes after rounds of negotiating between E.U. who weighed both COVID-19 risks with the impact that the ban would have on its tourism industries (sevenRead More…
Alaska Airlines Next-Level Care Safety Measures
Alaska Airlines will require a new flyer health agreement at check-in beginning June 30 as part of a Next-Level Care program, which includes 100 measures to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers and employees. The agreement will verify that passengers haven’t exhibited COVID-19 symptoms during the past 72 hours or come into contact withRead More…
Concur Travel Profile Bug
May 29, 2020 Concur is returning a passport place of issue error when updating traveler profiles. This is a bug Concur created with the latest release. Development has been engaged to correct the issue. Removing the comma between the city and state is a temporary work around for now. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
Hertz Car Rental Files Chapter 11
May 22, 2020 Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. announced today it and certain of its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The impact of COVID-19 on travel demand was sudden and dramatic, causing an abrupt decline in the Company’s revenue andRead More…
Paine Field Passenger Terminal Suspends Service Until August 1st
SEATTLE (May 15, 2020) – After a successful first year in operation, serving more than one million passengers, Propeller Airports and Snohomish County announced that passenger service at Paine Field will be temporarily suspended from May 22, thru July 31, 2020. Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
TSA Updated Security Procedures
TSA has updated security procedures, including keeping possession of your boarding passes. Instead of handing the boarding pass to a TSA officer at the travel document podium, travelers should now place their boarding pass (paper or electronic) on the boarding pass reader themselves. After scanning, travelers should hold their boarding pass toward the TSA officerRead More…
Is International Travel Allowed Yet?
Iceland set to re-open on June 15th and it is expected they will give travelers the choice between a test for the virus on arrival or a two-week quarantine, or otherwise proving that they are free of coronavirus infection. Exact requirements are still being developed but travelers will likely be required to download and use the official tracing app already in useRead More…
Face Masks are Required on Airplanes and in Airports
May 5, 2020 All major airlines and airports require passengers to wear a face mask from checking-in at the airport, to departing the airport at your destination, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at airports and on airplanes. Travelers are expected to bring their own face covering which may include a cloth mask,Read More…
How to Receive International Travel Advisories
If you are not traveling now, but are interested in monitoring safety conditions for specific destination(s) overseas, sign up for email advisories to receive the latest Travel Advisories when they are posted on travel.state.gov. The State Department issues Travel Advisories for every country in the world. These advisories provide one of four standard levels ofRead More…
Safety and Security Information for Overseas Travel
This site provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you. Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local lawsRead More…
Are Overseas Flights Still Suspended?
May 7, 2020 ETC utilizes a Timatic system to determine a countries entry requirements through our Global Distribution System (GDS). Timatic is used by airlines and travel agents to verify passenger travel document requirements for their destination and any transit points. We use various Timatic solutions to ensure our customers are compliant with border controlRead More…
When You Travel Overseas Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe!
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. Help theRead More…
The U.S. and Canada Extended Cross-Border Travel Restrictions
April 22, 2020 The U.S. and Canadian governments agreed to extend cross-border travel restrictions to non-essential travel for an additional 30 days from April 21. Non-essential travel includes tourism, recreation, and entertainment. Essential travel still permitted includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety andRead More…
Making Masks for Seattle Children’s Hospital
Kelli is using her spare time at home to help make masks and face shields for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Right now, she is working on filling an order for 3000 face shields. Thank you Kelli! Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
Are Air Travel Health Regulations Here to Stay?
The coronavirus outbreak has caused historic shifts in the air travel industry, including sweeping new health and safety measures in airports and on planes. Airlines are blocking middle seats, altering in-flight food and beverage services, and sanitizing their planes more deeply than ever before, while fliers are having their temperatures checked multiple times in someRead More…
Delta Air Lines Extends Rebooking Window and Applies Social Distancing Changes
April 17, 2020 Delta Air Lines announced it is extending its change fee waiver policy to include existing bookings or canceled travel through September 2020, as well as extending the expiration date for tickets into September 2022. Delta customers who have upcoming travel already booked between now and Sept. 30, or those who have canceled travelRead More…
Alaska Airlines is Blocking Center Seats and Reducing Onboard Service
April 21, 2020 Alaska Airlines is taking additional precautions to help create extra space on board aircraft—now through May 31, 2020—they are blocking all middle seats on large aircraft and aisle seats on smaller aircraft. If you’re a family or large group who wants to sit together, we can make a request with reservations orRead More…
United Airlines Extends Ticket Validity to 24 Months
April 20, 2020 United announced it is extending the window for flyers to use travel credits from one to two years. Any tickets issued between May 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 will now have a 24-month validity for reissue and tickets issued between April 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020 will have a 12-month validity forRead More…
Is COVID-19 Instant Testing Coming to Airports?
April 15, 2020 No country was able to do it, but Emirates Airlines is beating airlines and countries in the race to re-open travel and aviation and make it safe. The future in travel may be for countries immigration and health authorities to require a health certificate from airline passengers, so they can show thereRead More…
Air Canada Requires Face Masks
Air Canada requires all customers at check-in, during the boarding process and during flight to wear cloth coverings or masks over their mouth and nose, beginning April 20, 2020. The coverings do not need to be medical masks – any face covering including a scarf or similar item is acceptable. Customers must bring their ownRead More…
Delta Extends Medallion Status, SkyMiles Benefits and Expands Travel Waiver Amid COVID-19
Delta flyers now have the flexibility to change their flights for up to two years without paying a change fee. Tickets normally expire after one year, but Delta announced it is extending its policy for travel through May 31, 2022. The two-year window applies to customers who were due to fly in April or May and booked by April 3, asRead More…
Alaska Airlines is Extending Status Through 12/31/21
Your current Mileage Plan status will be extended through December 31, 2021. Elite status updates & frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 Share this post…FacebookTwitterLinkedin
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…
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…