Minerva Travel

07/15/2022

Post-pandemic Travel: A surge in travel demand has proven to be a double edged sword for suppliers experiencing record interest but without enough staff trained to handle the influx of travelers. With a steady stream of operational disruptions plaguing airlines, tour operators and travel professionals are facing unprecedented demand with far more questions than they did pre-pandemic. Calls from clients now range from requests for detailed information on availability, use of future credit redemptions and local health requirements and are taking up to four times as long to complete. To which should be added the time it takes to have a call answered due to staff shortages. As the pandemic peaked, suppliers were forced to let go of experienced employees. Most of these, due to necessity, found other positions. While recruiting and training new sales personnel, the short term solution has been to update websites and encourage online usage.
The complexity that arises from individual itineraries can rarely be resolved through the programed responses on these platforms which adds to the frustrations of advisors. The travel and hospitality industry is hard pressed to easily include wellness destinations for travelers post pandemic. Spas now have lots of new technologies that allow them to tackle the talent shortage in innovative ways. Temporary creative solutions are being put in place by some resorts through the extension of hours available for booking sessions. Understandably, consideration has to be made to avoid burnt out therapists. Other resorts are offering treatments that do not require hands-on staff. Hyperice or Theragun (massage gun) can be delivered to your room along with an iPad for a guided session with the device.
By all indications, business in the travel industry is booming but the level of service delivered by each sector of the industry has been severely impacted by measures adopted during the pandemic. While call center staff is being beefed up to reduce the long hold times it will be a while for hires to gain the on the job experience needed. As for travel professionals: the love of the business keeps them going as they try to main their reputation for giving the highest quality attention and yet not spread themselves too thin.

06/13/2022

COVID-19 Pretest: As of June 12, 2022, the United States no longer requires inbound international travelers to test negative for COVID-19 before entering, or re-entering, the U.S. The news brings an end to one of the last remaining COVID-19 era travel restrictions that burdened the U.S. travel industry. The requirement had been in place since January 2021 and, even with other restrictions ending, had remained a major hurdle for Americans traveling abroad. That is despite other major countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada, all eliminating similar requirements.

02/03/2022

Space Travel: There is much talk of travel into space. Tourists are signing up for these trips with costs, for now, which are fairly steep but what is the driving force. Travelers want to escape even for a moment– the general chaos of the world in which we find ourselves and the pandemic has fueled the need to breakout of the resulting claustrophobia.

The tourist industry is built on resiliency which is why despite the inconveniences of the past 2 years, while not thriving, it is still alive. A closer look at ways travelers are navigating the new travel protocols is their search for open space travel locations where they can tune out the rest of the world and be in open spaces. It does not get them closer to the stars but it brings them much closer to nature.

In the aftermath of a loss or major life change during the pandemic, a vacation no longer represents a simple getaway but a conduit to mental, emotional or spiritual healing. Travelers are looking for total and complete well-being not as a one-off but rather as an integral part of their travel experience. There has been a sense of awareness and deep desire to simplify lifestyles, reduce waste and increase sustainability practices. Also, in wide open spaces one renews ones spiritual strength.

Prior to the pandemic over tourism was a major concern in many of the popular destinations. While this still cannot be ruled out, there is hope that mankind’s production and consumption patterns would lead this decade into one of regeneration and preservation of open spaces. Here a delicate balance would have to be maintained as travelers are changing preferences from wanting to visit many locations in 1 visit to slowing the pace and focusing on a more meaningful experience in 1 destination.

Open space travel includes the opportunity to admire the stars through watching the Milky Way and other galaxies or the Northern Lights from various vantage points around the world. The night is half of everything as a vast number of animals and plants need the night and the dark to live. Not forgetting the underwater world which is still a mystery and offers new and different experiences that are closer to nature and support the health of the ocean .

It is difficult to predict whether the increased interest shown for these open space vacations is a temporary reaction or a long term trend but it is safe to say that the traveler seeking open spaces is usually seeking to make a positive impact on these spaces in our world.

01/23/2022

Inflight Dining on Caribbean Airlines. From 27th January 2022, customers can place orders for flights from 1st February 2022: Specialty Meals and Snacks, for your dining pleasure. Have a mouth-watering experience when you bite into the luscious cuisine. You may place your order at the time of booking or up to 36 hours before your scheduled flight departure time. Meals are affordably priced for passengers using the Economy Lite and Classic fares. Customers who purchase the Economy Flex can pre-order meals at no additional cost.

You're sure to find a meal to your taste as the chefs have incorporated both Caribbean and Western flavours into the menus. The menu options can be pre-ordered at the time of booking; and up to 36 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time. Meals, prices and dining experience vary based on your fare type and route.

Meals will not be available for purchase on-board. Both hot and cold meals are available on the menu. Please note, that hot menu options are only offered on jet flights (737-800 NG’s & 737-8’s). No meals are available on domestic services between Trinidad and Tobago. Hot meals will be served heated. Complimentary beverages are available.

You may make changes up to 36 hours before your flight departs. However, there will be a cost for the change of meal. Currently miles cannot be used to purchase meals. You can pre-order your meal at the time of booking via www.caribbean-airlines.com, the Caribbean Airlines Mobile App, the Reservations Sales and Service Centre, Ticket Offices and Travel Agents, UP TO 36 hours before yo

Caribbean Airlines offers Caribbean flights, cheap tickets, low fares, extra legroom & comfort, free meals & inflight entertainment & Caribbean Miles rewards!

09/15/2021

TSA Bumps Mask Fines to Up to $3,000: The Transportation Security Administration -TSA, has increased penalties for those not complying with mask mandates on airplanes or at airports.

Starting immediately, first-time offenders will be fined between $500 to $1,000, up from $250 prior, while repeat offenders will be faced with fines somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000. The mandates, which have been in place by the TSA since February 2021 though some airlines had implemented earlier in the pandemic, will remain in place until at least Jan 18, 2022.

“Wearing a mask protects the traveling public and all of the personnel who make the travel experience safe, secure, and comfortable,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will continue to enforce the mask mandate as long as necessary to protect public health and safety.”

According to the TSA Administrator, David Pekoske , while appreciating the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement, this action is found necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system, and to contain COVID-19. . By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.

The TSA also reminded passengers that these mask mandate-related civil penalties are separate from the civil penalties the Federal Aviation Administration -FAA, issues for individuals who engage in unruly and unsafe behavior. As of August 2021, the FAA fines now exceed more than $1 million across 3,889 incidents in the sky. About 75% of those incidents have come from passengers refusing to comply with the face mask mandate.

08/09/2021

Canada reopens its border starting August 9, 2021: American travelers wanting to visit Canada by land, air or water must complete a COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before entry. The government of Canada accepts the Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will need to show proof of a coronavirus molecular test– such as a PCR test – to enter. Fully vaccinated travelers will not need to take a post-arrival test unless they are randomly selected to do so.
Visitors with COVID-19 symptoms will need to self-isolate. All visitors must provide a quarantine plan. Travelers must show proof of vaccination in either English, French or a certified translation.
Children under the age of 12 and unvaccinated dependent children will be allowed to enter the country with a fully vaccinated parent, stepparent, tutor or guardian who is eligible to enter Canada. People with health conditions that prevent them from becoming fully vaccinated can qualify for eased quarantine and testing requirements but must follow a modified quarantine.
Travelers who give false COVID-19 vaccination information will be fined thousands of dollars
Travelers will be required to follow public health measures, including monitoring for signs of COVID-19 and keeping a copy of vaccine documentation and test results 14 days after entry. Canada's government suggests mask wearing in shared spaces, and certain provinces – including Quebec and Ontario – enforce mask mandates.

It's not yet clear when the U.S. will reopen to Canadian tourists. Last month, the U.S. extended travel restrictions on nonessential travel from Canada and Mexico through August 21 amid growing COVID-19 cases across the country. U.S. borders were first closed in March 2020 and restrictions have been extended monthly since then.
Cruises are not permitted to enter Canadian waters, but the country's ban on cruise ships with more than 100 passengers is set to end November. 1.

06/20/2021

Found despite misinformation: This week, June 19 has become the newest Federal holiday on the American Calendar and the first official commemoration of freed Black Americans from slavery. Juneteenth will be finally acknowledged as the National Independence Day on which will be celebrated Black liberation, Black excellence, as well as the determination of our Black ancestors who fought for freedom and justice. It will also be a day to remember the horrors of slavery, the persistence of systemic racism, and the need to continue our fight and keep pushing forward.

There is no doubt that better decisions start with better information. This public declaration puts the brake on misinformation and disinformation spread openly through under- estimated studies and skewed results shaped by bias to misleading headlines over the years. This devastating impact on the hundreds of adults around the world did not however break the spirits of our freedom fighters. Today, any fake news and conspiracy theories that occasionally spilled over into real life is firmly placed in context and opens the future to broader, real-world consequences of the sacrifices made and the consistent determination of those freedom fighters in the face of overt discrimination, and prejudiced policies that have continued to this day.

As we celebrate, let us collaborate in the knowledge that we still have a long way to go to reach our full potential. Let us be wary of misinformation which can sometimes be openly spread. Let us be vigilant in our fight for viable alternatives that fulfil the pledge of liberty and justice for all.

04/22/2021

If you've had your COVID-19 vaccine - What's safe? Until researchers know more - even vaccinated people are advised to wear masks in public and take other precautions. The official word is: once you're vaccinated, sit tight a while longer, things will be better soon. Vaccination is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. But vaccinated people should feel safer – if they stay masked and distanced. This is going to be the rule until we're all vaccinated.

But travel possibilities seem to have increased tenfold. Ultimately, it isn't only the difference between seeing someone on a screen and sitting face to face. There is the broader context. Enjoying places with other people that increases your appreciation of both the person and the place. It's what a lot of us missed in 2020.

As the world grows accustomed to the hygiene protocols and other particulars of travel’s “new normal,” more people are considering taking a much-needed vacation. Destinations have opened with many countries enforcing travel restrictions. However, the number of destinations open to travelers immediately accessible with protocols for health safety, flexibility, solo trips as well as with families that still offer a great vacation experience, has decreased.

Luxury rail vacations offer local sightseeing, heritage tours, on board accommodations and excellent culinary experiences in the US and to other cities are available, if you now feel safe to travel. Should you need more information do not hesitate to contact your preferred travel professional.

02/17/2021

Jet Blue Fare change effective February 25, 2021: As travel continues to evolve Jet Blue asserts that this change will provide peace of mind with flexibility and a better boarding experience as it lets you choose what's most valuable to you.

All fares will still enjoy no change or cancel fees through 3/31/21. After that, changing or cancelling your plans will still be easy, with:
• Blue Basic fares changed or cancelled for a fee, based on route.
• No change or cancellation fees for Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra and Mint fares (fare difference applies). Same-day switches can be made on the day of departure (after 12:00 midnight in the departure city's time zone) for $75, without paying a fare difference.

There will be no charge for same-day switches with Blue Extra fares
Starting 7/20/21, the new carry-on bag policy will guarantee overhead bin space to those traveling on a Blue, Blue Extra or Mint fare or who book an Even More® Space seat on domestic flights within the U.S.— or you get a $25 Travel Bank credit. . Blue Basic fares booked on or after 2/25/21 for travel 7/20/21 or later will only include a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Carry-on bags that go in the overhead bin will not be allowed.

• Exceptions to the Blue Basic no-carry-on bag policy extend to Mosaic members, travelers combining a Blue Basic fare with an Even More® Space seat, unaccompanied minors and active military.

No matter what fare you choose, you'll always enjoy the award-winning JetBlue experience you know and love—like the most legroom in coach, fleetwide free high-speed wi-fi, free inflight entertainment, and free brand-name snacks + drinks.

01/03/2021

Covid travel regulations – consistency: With increased indications of pandemic fatigue there is an urgent need for national and global authorities to agree on a common protocol to be adopted in the travel industry. While it has been recognized that a vaccine will be helpful, until it is accessible in all countries, effective rules and protocols by local and national governments with health authorities in every sector of the industry have to be put in place for people to travel safely. This suggests that there has to be a layered approach including various testings taken as well as vaccine innoculations.

This brings up the introduction of a vaccination passport that should certify which vaccine was delivered with a list of countries in which it would be acceptable. At present, COVID-19 test results for travel are frequently shared on pieces of paper or photos of the paper —from unknown labs, often written in languages foreign to those inspecting them. The lack of a standard test result format and certification system leave room for confusion and falsification of results.

Currently some airlines have instituted a Common Pass to enable safer airline and cross-border travel thus giving both travelers and participating governments confidence in a traveler’s verified COVID-19 status. Nevertheless all countries face the challenge of how to reopen borders for travel and commerce while protecting their populations’ health. The International Air Transport Association – IATA, recently announced the imminent introduction of a digital health pass – The IATA Travel Pass, that should support the safe reopening of all borders. It will include a global registry of health requirements, a global registry of testing and vaccination centers, a lab app to share test results and a contactless travel app that creates a comprehensive digital passport for travelers.

However, the industry is still uncertain whether proof of vaccination would eventually be mandatory or left to the requirements of individual countries. At the moment, if consensus can be reached on a viable record of testings undertaken at recognised labs it would restore confidence and reduce uncertainty about quarantine regulations at destinations.

Concurrently, increased consumer education programs to reinforce policies would help make passengers feel more confident, and increase compliance with health and safety rules. Until testings are universally and consistently conducted and the production and distribution of vaccines reach an acceptable global level, every person should continue to embrace proven public health strategies including social distancing, good hand hygiene, and wearing a mask in public to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid the recurrent spikes in virus variants that are being reported.

11/24/2020

Airlines adjust loyalty programs: In view of the rising number of new Coronavirus cases worldwide, but the expectation of the impending release of a globally accepted vaccination program, airline industry executives believe that consumers are growing more comfortable with the ability to protect themselves from COVID-19 during future travel. In an effort to maintain loyal clients, some have rolled out modified rules governing benefits starting 2021 for points accrued prior to the pandemic.

For 2021, American Airlines Elite status requirements will start at 20,000 qualifying miles, 20 qualifying segments and 2,000 qualifying dollars to achieve Gold status, which would remain valid through Jan. 31, 2023. That's an increase compared with 2020 , for which American lowered requirements by 40% in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is 20% lower than the pre-Covid requirements. In addition, American will count travel in the fourth quarter of 2020 toward Elite status next year. Travelers earning status this year will continue to see fourth-quarter travel count toward this year's requirements as well. American will also remove the dollar requirement for all tiers besides Executive Platinum for travelers who have AAdvantage credit cards and spend at least $30,000 on purchases with the card.

Delta Air Lines has extended some loyalty program benefits and is eliminating fees around reward travel rebooking. Sky Club memberships active as of March 1, 2020 are now extended through June 30, 2021. The carrier also is extending expiration dates for some benefits for American Express SkyMiles cardholders -- including flight credits, companion certificates and Sky Club guest passes -- through the end of 2021. The carrier already extended all Medallion status levels achieved for this year to last through 2021.
For rewards travel, Delta has eliminated its $150 redeposit fee and $150 reissue fee related to changing awards tickets for all ticket types besides Basic Economy fares for travel within the United States. In addition, Delta now is allowing award ticket changes and cancellations, including on Basic Economy fares, within 72 hours of departure. Both of those changes are permanent, according to Delta.

Spirit Airlines will overhaul the Free Spirit loyalty program, including offering more redemption opportunities and allow customers to keep points for longer. For the first time, Spirit will also offer free seat selections, carry-on bags and checked bags to members who achieve the required loyalty status level. These changes will take effect Jan. 2021.

Under the revised program, Free Spirit members will earn points based on how much they spend for tickets, ancillary purchases or with a Spirit co-branded credit card. Every seat on every Spirit flight will be made available for points redemption, with redemption prices correlating to the cash price of a flight. Points will expire after a Free Spirit member goes 12 months without account activity.

The program will differ sharply from what Spirit currently has in place. At present, Free Spirt members earn miles based on how far they fly. The redemption price is also based upon the distance of the flight. And Spirit makes only a portion of its seat inventory available for rewards redemption. Miles expire after just three months of inactivity.

The revamped Free Spirit program will also offer new redemption options. Members will be able pool their points with up to eight friends and family members. They will also be able to use points in combination with cash to reduce the price of a ticket.

Spirit is also introducing Silver and Gold loyalty status tiers. They'll replace its current Elite and VIP tiers, while offering new benefits. Free Spirit's current Elite and VIP status designations offer quicker mileage accrual and priority boarding, but little else.

11/19/2020

Beginning December 1, 2020, guests staying at registered accommodation service providers in St Lucia will be required pay a prescribed nightly levy on their stay. In the two tier system, guests will be charged US$3.00 or US$6.00 per person per night, depending on a room rate below or above US$120.00. A rate of 50% of the Tourism Levy will apply to guests who are 12 to 17 years at the end of their stay. The fee will not apply to children under 12 years. Registered accommodation service providers are required apply and collect the levy and remit to the administering authority.

In addition, the Government of Saint Lucia with effect from December 1, 2020 will reduce the Value Added Tax -VAT, from ten percent -10% to seven percent -7% for accommodation for tourism accommodation service providers.

Tourism taxes and levies are common practice in many destinations, including those with far greater resources than Saint Lucia. These countries include Canada, Italy, and the USA. Several Caribbean countries such Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have implemented similar levies on accommodation for visitors.

Adding her voice, President of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association – Mrs. Karolin Troubetzkoy said: “Our Saint Lucia hotels appreciate the importance of an appropriately funded Tourism Authority to promote the destination and maintain our competitive edge by further developing our amazing and diverse range of island experiences. This is why we support the introduction of this tourism levy and will do our utmost to facilitate its implementation.” Saint Lucia continues to be a destination of top choice globally in niche areas of romance, culinary, adventure, dive, family and health and wellness.

08/25/2020

Cancellation/Refund fees: In March the CDC issued an alert that the safest thing to do as cases of COVID 19 were spiralling, was to stay home. This guidance was, and still is, sound advice — especially for those persons in high-risk categories. But this warning caused many travelers to immediately pick up the phone and cancel their travel plans — without checking what it meant in terms of refund eligibility. The consequence of this knee-jerk reaction is now becoming clear for anyone hoping for a full refund for their reservation.

This really new crisis, in terms of the magnitude of its impact is now revealing situations that could not have been imagined earlier on. While Zoom might have, to some extent replicated much of the experience of an in-person exchange, for many businesses there’s nothing quite like receiving clients in person, especially in the hospitality industry. Hashing out the finer details of a sensitive deal or understanding how a business works from the inside is critical. As we approach the six-month mark of the onset of the coronavirus crisis a lot more information is unfolding on the settlement of cancelled vacations.

If your travel plans were ruined leaving you stuck with a bill, you’re not the only one. This crisis brought the travel industry to a halt, and travelers need guidance navigating the complicated, ever-changing, and often confusing cancellation and refund policies created as a result of the pandemic. Here are some things that you need to know about cancellation policies that are now coming to light.

For tickets purchased via a consolidator, many travelers were blindsided by their restrictions. A consolidator is a third-party agent that sells heavily discounted tickets at prices that are generally not available directly through the airlines and are nonrefundable and not changeable. The Department of Transportations refund regulations only cover fares purchased directly from the airline. If the airline canceled the flight before you canceled the booking, you might only have a credit to use towards a future flight. Even if the airline had not canceled the flight, any refund would depend on the terms of the booking.

Bottom line: There are no standard rules that cover the consolidator ticket-seller. The responsibility rests entirely with you, the consumer, to research all the terms and conditions of your ticket before you make the purchase.

Payment by credit card which normally offers a safety net in the event that the customer is not satisfied with the product or services purchased has also churned up rules and regulations that govern disputes not entirely to the satisfaction of the traveler. The Fair Credit Billing Act which allows consumers to file chargebacks in cases of fraud and billing errors has indicated that canceling a reservation over fears of the coronavirus is not a valid reason to dispute a charge. Regrettably, filing an appeal with the credit card company would not result in a different outcome.

Hotels and resorts are not excluded from the revision of their policies. Depending on the classification – chain or boutique and location, the tendency is to offer credit for future travel.

Also, be very careful about canceling a future cruise. The cruise industry is probably the hardest hit sector and as a result, flexible cancellation policies are proving to be very challenging. Remember, after accepting the terms of your cancellation, you can’t ask the cruise line to renegotiate a better deal later.

There can be no universal rules governing the whole travel industry. Due to the myriad changes that are required in very short spaces of time in response to the latest findings of the behaviour of the virus, one of the safest measures would be to stay in contact with your Travel Professional. As new challenges arise you can only benefit from their adaptability to craft an incredible experience in this ever changing environment.

08/08/2020

No consensus on airline seat blocking: Seat blocking has emerged as a contentious issue. In recent weeks, US airlines have largely aligned their health measures as they seek to assure the public that it's safe to fly. On mandatory masks, health declarations at check-in and advocacy for the TSA to begin temperature screenings, the large US carriers are now speaking with one voice. But there's a notable exception to this widespread agreement on seat blocking.

The number of new reported Covid-19 cases trending at its highest levels yet in the US, reducing the overall number of customers on every aircraft across the fleet is one of the most important steps that can be taken to ensure a safe experience for customers and staff. But blocking middle seats, could be seen more as a PR than a safety strategy. For airlines blocking middle seats to make more money with higher yields and lower loads, this strategy could backfire, should they ultimately drop the policy before the pandemic has ended.

Medical experts largely agree that blocking middle seats, though less important than requiring masks, does have a meaningful impact on reducing the spread of the coronavirus in-flight. Viral load amount that can be exchanged between passengers separated by an empty seat will, in theory, be smaller than that between elbow-rubbing passengers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC director Robert Redfield testified in a recent Senate Committee hearing that the wrong image was being sent by airlines deciding to sell full seat inventory despite any assurance that multiple layers of protection were in place: including required face coverings, enhanced cleaning procedures and a pre-flight Covid-19 symptom checklist. Not withstanding, the Federal Government has taken only a hesitant official position on seat blocking by issuing a Federal framework for mitigating risks in air travel. The document asks Airlines to consider the feasibility of limiting seat availability to enable passengers to maintain social distance from each other during flight and also calls on airlines to alert customers, ahead of flights, on which the passenger load will make social distancing unachievable.