CLOVERDALE TRAVEL AGENCY

12/09/2024

The UK will now require E visas beginning Jan 8

U.S. travelers will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visits or layovers in the UK starting January 8, 2025, as part of a broader digitization initiative.

11/12/2024

You can get 100% bonus Hawaiian miles and transfer them to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. You have to act by Nov 15 and here are the details,

Book business-class seats to Europe for less than $600 by buying Hawaiian miles with up to a 100% bonus during this sale and transferring the miles to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

10/29/2024

NEW AIRLINE REFUND RULES are in effect. Here's what you need to know.
A new rule that took effect this week requires airlines to issue customers a refund—not a voucher, not a new flight—if their flight is significantly delayed. This is a huge, positive change for U.S. airline passengers.

The rules are simple, and, importantly, you don't need to do much to get your refund should you qualify for it.

The new airline refund rules, explained: The first thing you should know is that refunds are automatic. You do not have to do anything besides deny the significant changes to your flight.

Cancellations qualify for a refund, as do domestic flights delayed three or more hours and international flights delayed six or more hours. Significantly changed flights — like those where the airport changes, stops are added, etc — can also qualify. Passengers are required to automatically get a refund for any flight that is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept the significantly changed flight, rebooking on an alternative flight, or alternative compensation.

So, in short, if the airline makes a big change to your itinerary and you do not accept that change, you get your money back with zero hassle. The new rule requires the refund to be processed within seven business days for a credit card purchase and within 20 days for other forms of purchase.
From Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

10/16/2024

This is from Elliott.org on travel mistakes that we don't want to make, and that did not make it into my monthly travel article in the Cloverdale Connect paper.
Fall travel mistake #5: Throwing caution to the wind
I probably don’t have to tell you that we’re heading into a contentious presidential election. No one knows what will happen, but there are some places that might get dicey. I’m not just talking about possible unrest on November 6 in the United States, but also some anti-American sentiment being directed at Americans who are overseas during that time.
Security experts say it’s more important than ever to review the government advisories around this time. There are State Department travel advisories for foreign travel. I also like to check out the government advisors for the United States issued by Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. If there’s trouble brewing here, you’ll probably find it there.
Ignoring the warnings would be pure folly, especially at a time like this.

Avoid these five travel mistakes this fall, or you might find yourself stranded and shivering. Are you prepared?

10/16/2024

Here's a how to cancel you flight and get a refund. This is about getting a lower fare and a credit for your originally booked flight. b

If you need to cancel a flight, you might wonder how to cancel and get a refund. Here's what you should know about canceling and refunding plane tickets.

10/14/2024

10/12/2024

The European Union has delayed the new Entry - Exit Systems EES

The EU has delayed the rollout of its new Entry/Exit System (EES) due to IT issues, affecting key countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, with no new date set for implementation.

10/06/2024

Here's an inside look on what happens to food waste onboard. From Cruise Critic

What happens to the leftover food on a cruise ship? It's more futuristic than you might think!

09/30/2024

Your passport can now be renewed online and here are details on how to renew.

Americans can now apply to renew their passports via the U.S. State Department's online program.

09/19/2024

Here's what to do if you lose your passport while traveling out of the country. From The Points Guy

How to replace a lost U.S. passport abroad.

09/18/2024

All US Citizens Can Now Renew Passports Online for First Time Ever
The U.S. Department of State has launched an online passport renewal service for all citizens following a successful beta test.

The U.S. Department of State has launched an online passport renewal service for all citizens following a successful beta test.

09/17/2024

Global Entry fee is increasing on Oct1. The application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is currently $100 and also provides TSA PreCheck access, but the fee will increase to $120 on Oct. 1. So, now is a good time to apply and still pay just a $100 application fee. However, if you have children you plan to enroll, you might benefit from waiting as kids will be free starting Oct. 1. Here are details from The Points Guy on which credit cards will pay for Global Entry

09/12/2024

Saw this on Cruise Critic and it's worth sharing. I like doing all the things mentioned except #8. Just can't see myself doing a belly flop in front of an audience. Check it out.

You don't get a do-over if you make bad choices on your cruise vacation. Yet it's so easy to let fear, inertia and budgets stop you from doing that thing you really wanted to, and then you come home from your sailing with regrets.

09/11/2024

If you're going to pay for an extra seat on your flight, for more room, don't forget to scan both boarding passes before boarding. This article from Elliott.org is interesting and a useful reminder.

Can you lose an extra seat you paid for? Two passengers discover the truth when United resells their seats. Will they get a refund?

09/07/2024

If you're a little anxious or afraid of flying this article is for you. It's from the Points Guy and you'll find it interesting.

The Fly with Confidence program has helped 50,000 people overcome their fear of flying and boasts a 98% success rate.