ETC Travel News
Latest Travel News by ETCtravel.com
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Online Passport Renewal
After a number of pilot programs over the past few years, the U.S. has fully launched its online passport renewal program. All adult Americans are now able to renew their passports online, via the State Department’s portal, at any time of the day as long as their passport has expired within the last five years or willRead More…
U.S. State Department Reissues Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom
On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department reissued its travel advisory for the United Kingdom, telling Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the U.K. due to terrorism. “Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom,” the advisory reads. “Terrorists can strike suddenly and often target tourist spots and transportation hubs. Markets, shopping malls, localRead More…
Thousands of Hotel Workers Begin Strikes In Eight U.S. Cities
September 9, 2024 – Thousands of hotel workers across the U.S. went on strike on Sunday, the first of many days of planned work stoppages that could greatly impact guest experiences over the next few weeks. Members of the UNITE HERE union, which includes employees of Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott in 24 cities including Boston,Read More…
United Flight Attendants Vote to Strike, Though It’s Still Unlikely
August 29, 2024 – Flight attendants at United Airlines have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike, though the likelihood of an airline workers strike is slim. Represented by Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), 99.99% of flight attendants voted “yes” to authorizing a strike, with 90.21% of union members participating, if United Airlines doesRead More…
Seattle to Taipei Flight on STARLUX Airlines
STARLUX Airlines, a luxury carrier based in Taiwan, celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Seattle on August 16, 2024. This marks the airline’s third U.S. destination, following Los Angeles and San Francisco. The flight will operate with the following schedule: JX32 Taipei to Seattle departing 8:00PM arriving 4:15PMJX31 Seattle to Taipei departing 2:10AMRead More…
China Starts Screening All Visitors for Mpox
Mpox is transmitted through intimate contact and can lead to symptoms resembling those of influenza, including a rash that develops into blisters before crusting, as well as swollen lymph nodes. China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced that Chinese authorities have initiated the screening of individuals and goods entering the country for mpox, previously referredRead More…
Technical Issue Disrupts Flights Globally
Friday, July 19, 2024 Airlines around the world—as well as medical service providers, banks, media companies and other businesses—have had their operations negatively affected because of a global technical outage many companies reported. Follow updates on Business Travel News here. The primary victims of this crisis are reportedly users of Windows 10, as various sourcesRead More…
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Strike Update
Flight attendants at Alaska Airlines reached a preliminary deal with the airline for a new contract on June 21, 2024, while cabin crew at American Airlines inched closer to a summertime strike. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA union, which covers the work group at Alaska, said that the bargaining group had reached a tentative agreementRead More…
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Want to Strike Soon
June 13, 2024: Another flight attendant strike is a slight possibility after the union representing Alaska Airlines gave the carrier two weeks to reach a tentative contract or face possible action. Members of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) last week voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike in February, with 99.48% of crew membersRead More…
Daily Flights to Taipei are Underway on Delta Air Lines
SEATTLE – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) welcomed Delta Air Lines’ first nonstop flight to Taipei from the U.S. on June 6, 2024. Ahead of a potentially record-breaking summer, passengers now have even more options for direct access to international destinations as a record 51 services take flight from SEA. Delta now operates nearly 170 daily departuresRead More…
American Airlines Flight Attendants Are Preparing for a Strike
The union that represents American Airlines flight attendants is preparing to strike. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (AFPA) said on May 31st, 2024, that a strike could be coming amid failing negotiations with American Airlines. AFPA is awaiting word from the National Mediation Board (NMB), which it says will make a “last ditch” effortRead More…
U.S. State Department Issues ‘Worldwide Caution’ Travel Warning
On May 17, 2024, the U.S. State Department issued a Worldwide Caution travel advisory for all Americans traveling abroad. The State Department issued the warning “due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” The advisory particularly cited the “increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ personsRead More…
Upgrades in Progress at SEA Airport: Be Aware, Prepare, and Know What’s Ahead
SEATTLE – If you haven’t been to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for awhile, be prepared to see things you haven’t seen before. Construction is noticeable with 120 projects underway as part of Upgrade SEA, which is investing $5 billion over the next five years to create exciting opportunities now and into the future. SEA AirportRead More…
One Year Out, Americans Need to Get Serious About REAL ID
Almost 20 years since Congress passed the REAL ID Act, the U.S. is now officially less than 12 months away from the REAL ID enforcement date. And, while travelers may have gotten used to the delays for enforcement, the latest of which came in 2022, barring a dramatic change in heart from the DHS, this MayRead More…
Southwest to Begin Offering DOT-Required Vouchers
According to Business Travel News (BTN), Southwest Airlines now must provide a transferrable voucher worth at least $75 for any controllable cancellation or delay that causes passengers to reach their destination three or more hours after their scheduled arrival time, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced. The voucher requirement is part of the penalty DOT leviedRead More…
Flights Halted After Historic Rainfall Floods Dubai International Airport
A historic amount of rainfall in the U.A.E. flooded the runways and roads surrounding Dubai’s main airport on April 16, 2024, one of the busiest international gateways in the world, bringing inbound and outbound traffic to a halt. The AP reported on April 17, 2024 that the city received 5.59 inches of rainfall, more than whatRead More…
Ground Stop Lifted for Alaska, Horizon Airlines
SEATTLE, April 17, 2024 – A ground stop advisory issued by the Federal Aviation Administration for Alaska and Horizon airlines has been lifted. The ground stop was instituted at around 7:50 a.m. Wednesday, but not for a reason you might think. “Alaska Airlines asked the FAA to pause the airline’s mainline departures nationwide,” the FAARead More…
The CDC Warns Travelers About Increased Measles Risk
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning travelers about increased measles activity, urging vaccination prior to international travel. Although the measles virus is considered “eliminated” in both the U.S. and Canada, there has been a recent uptick in confirmed cases on both sides of the border. More than 1,000 cases have beenRead More…
Dengue Fever Travel Warning for Oahu, Hawaii
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a travel-related dengue virus case in Haleiwa, O‘ahu. Upon investigation, DOH found conditions that could increase the risk of transmission. Vector control teams have responded and will continue to be active in the Haleiwa area on Oahu’s Northshore. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease occurring inRead More…
Brazil Visa Requirement Delayed Another Year
Travelers to Brazil from the United States and Canada have another year before they’ll need a new visa. The program has been delayed to a start date of April 10, 2025. Brazil’s new visa requirement for U.S. and Canada passport holders has been pushed back at least twice now. It was first set to take effect onRead More…
Delta Air Lines is Changing to a Numbered Boarding System
Travelers flying Delta Air Lines will be greeted by a brand new boarding system in May of 2024. Delta had previously boarded by ticket, seat, and status, with Delta One or First Class boarding right after pre-boarding, and then Diamond Medallions, followed by Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, Sky Priority members, and main cabin guests dividedRead More…
SAS is Switching Alliance Programs
SAS on September 1, 2024 will join the SkyTeam airline alliance, leaving behind the Star Alliance program. The new alliance will provide SAS customers access to 19 new airlines and more than 1,060 destinations globally, according to the carrier. Star Alliance benefits will remain in place through August 31, 2024. The main North American carriersRead More…
SEA Welcomes Nonstop Service to Manila on Philippine Airlines
SEATTLE — The Port of Seattle welcomes Philippine Airlines’ announcement of upcoming nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, Philippines. Starting on October 2, 2024 SEA passengers will have three flight options per week to travel directly to the archipelagic nation. Share this post…FacebookGoogleTwitterLinkedin
China Airlines will launch Seattle (SEA) to Taipei (TPE) Starting July 14, 2024.
Taiwan-based China Airlines will launch five new nonstop flights a week to Taipei (TPE) from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) starting July 14, 2024. SEA welcomes the announcement as passengers will now have even more options to reach Asia directly. With a busy summer travel season ahead, SEA expects to see more record-breaking international travel daysRead More…
Alaska Airlines is Phasing Out Printed Boarding Passes via a Kiosk
Alaska Airlines is moving forward with its plans to modernize the airport check-in process, announcing that its kiosks will no longer print boarding passes and passengers will be required to check in online or through Alaska’s app. The airline eventually plans to replace the kiosks with stations that handle only baggage check-in and tagging. AlaskaRead More…
Starting April 10, 2024 Brazil Will Require a Visa
Starting April 10, 2024 all U.S., Canadian and Australian citizens will need a visa to enter Brazil. The Brazilian visa will be valid for 90 days and can be requested for tourism, business, study, transit purposes, artistic or sporting activities. The request can be made online or in person at a Consular Office. Online: FillRead More…
BTN’s 2024 Corporate Travel Index
BTN’s 2024 Corporate Travel Index is the business travel industry’s definitive resource for business travel costs in 200 cities around the world. Use it to benchmark your current program or to offer insights into rate trends in the markets you care about most. The index is unique in that it tracks actual corporate booked hotel andRead More…
SEA Reserved Parking Begins March 5
Reserved Parking launches March 5, 2024 on Floor 4 of the SEA airport parking garage. Reserved Parking is a premium, reservation-only parking product located on a dedicated floor of the garage (Floor 4, currently Terminal Direct) and offers a stall guarantee regardless of garage occupancy or travel seasonality. Our existing Pre-Booked Parking program, and the Terminal DirectRead More…
United Airlines Increases the Cost of Checked Bags
Just days after JetBlue and American Airlines announced their own increases for checked bags, United Airlines is following suit. Effective immediately, all passengers on new bookings with United will be charged an extra $5 for their first and second checked bags—the first checked bag for United economy passengers on domestic flights will cost $40 whileRead More…
FAA Gives Green Light for Boeing 737 MAX 9 to Fly Again
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on January 24, 2024 laid out its plan to allow the Boeing 737 MAX 9s, which have been grounded since the Alaska 1282 incident earlier this month, to fly again. The plan includes a full, detailed set of inspection and maintenance instructions, which the FAA wrote after reviewing data fromRead More…
Alaska Airlines is Adding Toronto Service
Alaska Airlines on May 16, 2024 will launch daily nonstop service between Seattle and Toronto, making it the sixth Canadian city they fly to, in addition to Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria. The Toronto flights will operate with Boeing 737-900 aircraft. New Seattle-Toronto nonstop service Route Start Date Departs Arrives Frequency Aircraft Seattle –Read More…
Southwest Pilots Approve New Union Contract
Southwest Airlines pilots have voted in favor of approving a new five-year contract, avoiding a potential strike that loomed for many months. Members of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) voted 92.73% to 7.27% in favor of the tentative contract agreed upon in December between SWAPA and Southwest representatives under federal mediation. The new contract,Read More…
Boeing 737 Max 9 Safety Woes: Loose Bolts Discovered on United and Alaska Fleets
The issues with the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft continue, four days after Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 was forced to make an emergency after a piece of fuselage on the side of the plane blew out, taking one of the passenger side windows with it, and rapidly decompressing the cabin. The issues are impacting twoRead More…
North Americans No Longer Need E-Visa to Travel to Turkey
Turkey has dropped its e-visa requirement for passport holders in six countries, including the United States and Canada. Those with valid passports from the U.S., Canada, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman can now travel to Turkey for up to 180 days every 90 days without purchasing an e-visa, according to the TurkishRead More…
Alaska Flight 1282 Update: Flight Cancellations Increase
Cancellations are piling up as carriers await word from officials and from Boeing on the immediate future of the Boeing 737 9 MAX aircraft, the plane that was involved in January 5 Alaska Airlines incident. Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 was scheduled to travel from Portland International Airport (PDX) on Friday night to Ontario International AirportRead More…
Brazil Delays Visa Requirement
Travelers to Brazil from the United States and Canada are being given a three-month reprieve from a new e-visa requirement, which was slated to begin Jan. 10, 2024. It will now launch April 10, 2024. According to a representative for the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur), the extension is “intended to complete the process of implementing theRead More…
Sleigh the Lines at SEA Airport for the Holidays
December 8, 2023, travel tips for three key lines from the SEA Port of Seattle. The winter holidays are here. Travelers, are you ready to beat the lines? Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is offering the secrets to get ahead in three key lines you might see — getting to the airport, check-in, and security checkpoints.Read More…
Southwest Reaches Tentative Agreement with Pilots Union but what about the Flight Attendants?
Southwest Airlines and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), the union representing 11,000-plus Southwest pilots, have reached a tentative agreement on a contract. The pilots, who had been ready to strike if a deal was not met, now have until Jan. 22 to vote to approve or reject the contract, which the union’s board says, “achieves the goalsRead More…
Travelers Beware…First the Southwest Airlines Pilot’s and Now the Flight Attendants
Flight attendants for Southwest Airlines voted down a tentative contract last week with only 36% of the union workers voting in favor of an agreement made between their union and negotiators for the airline. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, which represents the Southwest flight attendants, supported the decision and said it “stands firmlyRead More…
Alaska Airlines Partners with Porter Airlines
Canada-based Porter Airlines has partnered with Alaska Airlines to allow combined itineraries. As part of the partnership Alaska’s Mileage Plan members can earn points on Porter flights booked via Alaska Airlines from January. Later in 2024, both VIPorter and Mileage Plan members will earn miles in their respective loyalty programs no matter where they bookRead More…
Amtrak Adds Train Service ~ Seattle to Portland
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced there will be two more daily Amtrak round trips between Seattle and Portland. The two additional trips brings the total up to seven. The new service begins on December 11, 2023. Trains will now depart Seattle starting at 5:52 a.m. and Portland at 6:45 a.m. In the previous schedule,Read More…
Brazil Launches Electronic Visa Platform for U.S. and Canadian Travelers
Brazil has officially launched its website and platform for Americans and Canadians who will soon need to apply for and obtain, a visa ahead of travel. Brazil has employed VFS Global, a technology company based in Dubai that caters to governments and diplomatic needs, to launch the platform, which is live now on the visa website.Read More…
Delta Air Lines Adds Flights from SEA to Taipei
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) welcomes the announcement by Delta Air Lines for new international daily service to Taipei (TPE) beginning June 6, 2024. This continues SEA’s increase of international services since the pandemic and the rapid success of the new International Arrivals Facility (IAF) to welcome the world to the Puget Sound region. Delta isRead More…
French Airports Forced to Cancel Flights
Several French airports will experience flight cancellations on November 20, 2023 due to a scheduled strike by French air traffic control unions. The DGAC, France’s Civil Aviation Authority, has requested airlines to cancel 25% of flights at Paris-Orly and Toulouse-Blagnac airports due to an ongoing strike action. Bordeaux-Mérignac and Marseille-Provence airports are also expected to witness a 20%Read More…
Traveling During or Around the Holidays and Parking a Car at the Airport?
Are you traveling during or around the holidays and parking a car at the airport? So are 30 million other travelers. Don’t forget to make a parking reservation. SEA off airport parking coupons can be found on your companies Concur Home Page. The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period in the U.S. is expected to beRead More…
Alaska Airlines Offers Apple Pay in Flight
Alaska Airlines passengers can now pay for inflight purchases seamlessly with iPhones and Apple watches. Coming soon to your next flight, you can pay for your alcoholic beverage or snack pack with just a simple tap from your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay with Apple Pay, other digital wallet, or contactless credit or debitRead More…
Southwest Pilots Set Up Regional Strike Center in Preparation for a Strike
The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) has opened a regional strike center in Dallas, Texas, signaling its first official step toward a strike. SWAPA, the union representing Southwest pilots, is still in negotiations with Southwest Airlines for a contract. The two parties have been meeting with a mediator once a week for months since SWAPARead More…
InterContinental Bellevue Opening Soon
A Luxury Hotel at Avenue Bellevue Premiering this Fall (end of November) in the Pacific Northwest, InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue sets the new standard for luxury and refinement in the region. A destination in its own right, the hotel’s prime position within Avenue Bellevue creates a sense of intimacy and scale modeled after the pedestrian-friendlyRead More…
Concur Sign In Security Changes -Two-Factor Authentication and New Password Policy
All users who employ basic authentication (entering an SAP Concur username and password) when signing in at www.concursolutions.com on web or on the mobile app will be required to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) at the time of their next sign in. How do I setup two-factor authentication? In addition to 2FA, there will beRead More…
American Airlines Flight Attendants Ready to Strike During Holiday Travel Crunch
The union that represents American Airlines flight attendants is preparing for a strike this holiday season as it continues to negotiate a new deal with the carrier. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) this week set a Nov. 17, 2023 deadline for progress to be made in negotiations with American. If, by then, theRead More…
U.S. State Department Issues ‘Worldwide Caution’ Alert for Americans Traveling Abroad
October 19, 2023 The United States Department of State has issued an advisory for Americans traveling to all international destinations in light of increased geopolitical tensions. The warning specifically calls out “increased tensions in various locations around the world” and the “potential” for terrorist attacks. “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world,Read More…
Delta Air Lines Rolls Back Some of the SkyMiles and Sky Club Changes
Delta Air Lines’ planned changes to its SkyMiles status and Sky Club Access rules caused some significant pushback from both advisors and consumers. The changes, which made it more difficult to gain status with Delta and get access to its Sky Clubs, were revealed in September. Not long after, Delta CEO Ed Bastian told theRead More…
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…
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…