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01/16/2025

Here's another big new change for air travel in 2025:

A new DOT Rule on Refunds went into affect in late October of 2024. The new rule is designed to make it easier for impacted passengers to be reimbursed when their flights are cancelled or significantly altered.

"Passengers will now be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed so long as they do not accept a rebooked flight or travel credits that are offered.

A "significant change" is defined as an adjustment where departure or arrival times are changed by more than three hours domestically and six hours internationally. Other qualifications include "departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability,"

Also, passengers who file a mishandled or lost baggage claim are now entitled to a refund of their checked baggage fee if the bag is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15 - 30 hours for an international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.

Finally, passengers can request a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service such as wi-fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment if their carrier fails to provide it.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A REFUND?
"As part of the new rule, refunds are required to be automatic, prompt, in the full amount and issued in cash or the original form of payment.

This means that passengers will not have to explicitly request refunds or jump through any hoops. What's more, refunds are required to be issued within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for any other payment methods.

Airlines are not permitted to substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation, DOT confirmed.

To properly meet this new rule, airlines are also required to provide live customer service communication channels 24/7, whether through live chat or phone support. "

As with all things Federal Government are concerned, be aware that this can be changed at any time, especially if and when a new adminstration with new objectives takes office. It's happened before with the airlines' full disclosure laws that were put into affect by one administration and then promptly removed by the next. It would be nice if these new "passenger rights laws" stick around for awhile.

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01/15/2025

TSA is stating that YES, enforcement of Real ID's will begin on May 7, 2025.

The TSA announced a final rule for REAL ID enforcement, which begins on May 7, 2025, requiring REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs for official purposes like boarding commercial aircraft.

01/14/2025

Just a reminder from the US DHS:
Are you REAL ID ready?
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

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01/06/2025

The BIG travel news for 2025 is the long-awaited roll-out of the EU's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), sometime in May, 2025. This authorization will require all citizens from visa-exempt countries (like the USA) to obtain travel authorization before visiting any Schengen Area Country*.

The ETIAS authorization will allow for multiple entries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) and remain valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Once the system is available, travelers can apply for the ETIAS online. Once approved, the ETIAS will be electronically linked to the traveler's passport. The cost of the ETIAS is set at 7 Euro.

* The Schengen area is made up of 29 countries in Europe, including:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Schengen area includes all EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus. Bulgaria and Romania are EU members that only partially apply Schengen provisions.

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01/06/2025

Something for Domestic Travel, with fingers crossed, beginning on May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. This also applies to entering certain federal facilities. By enforcing this new requirement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to enhance security by mandating that all state-issued IDs meet federal standards.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit their state's driver’s licensing agency and provide documentation verifying their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, proof of address and lawful status.
In lieu of a REAL ID, alternative TSA-approved forms of identification—such as passports, trusted traveler program cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI) or Department of Defense IDs—will also be accepted.

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01/06/2025

As of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, US Citizens, Canadians, Australians, and non-European travelers traveling to or THROUGH the UK are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization. This means whether you're staying in the UK for your trip or passing through a UK airport for a flight connection. In either case, you must have an ETA.
The ETA is for short stays of up to six months for purposes of tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study stays.
Basically, if you're setting foot on ANY UK land, whether it be airports or cruise ports, you must have an ETA.
The ETA costs 10 GBP or $13 USD and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA will be linked to your valid passport and will enhance UK Security.
Travelers can apply online with a valid passport, a digital headshot, travel details, and a debit or credit card for payment.

https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app

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12/19/2024

March of 2025 will find me in Vienna, Austria attending my second River Cruise Expo, an experience where I get to visit and compare at least 15 river cuise line ships. This year, I'll be staying on a Viking River Cruise ship because .....

Multiple reasons why I like to sell Viking Cruises! (River, Ocean, Expedition):

Dear Valued Travel Advisor,

What an incredible year we have shared together! We cannot thank you enough for your ongoing dedication and support of Viking. We are honored to be recognized for the following 2024 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards:

BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE, SALES & SERVICE

BEST EXPEDITION CRUISE LINE

BEST NEW RIVER CRUISE SHIP: THE VIKING ATON

BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE, CABINS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER – MICHELE SAEGESSER

Our continued success would not be possible without your ongoing commitment to selling Viking. Your acknowledgement is a tremendous honor for us, and we will continue to work harder for you and your clients. We are proud to partner with the best advisors in travel. Thank you!

Warm regards,

Your Viking Sales Team

12/16/2024

3. Europe’s New Entry/Exit System – SOMETIME in 2025
While the date still remains up in the air, Europe is planning to launch its new Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-Europeans starting sometime in 2025. The EES will be for travelers who do not have a short-stay visa or are not staying more than 90 days in a 180-period, which typically means all North American travelers. Just like the ETA, the EES will likely require travelers to enter some personal data, along with entry and exit dates. Also just like the ETA, Europe says the purpose is to “modernize” its border management system and improve security.
The EES was supposed to be operational in 2023 and has suffered from delays, like a lot of these programs. As of December 2024, Europe still says that the EES “is due to start in 2025” but has not yet given an exact date. The EES lays the groundwork for the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require all non-European, including travelers from the U.S., Canada, and U.K., to apply for, and pay for, a visa before entering any of the EU member nations. The ETIAS is scheduled to go into effect six months after the EES launches, SO, the ETIAS requirment MAY OR MAY NOT happen in 2025.

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12/16/2024

2. REAL ID Launch – May 7, 2025
A long awaited, and dreaded, requirement for American travelers will finally go on the books in May when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) starts enforcing its new REAL ID requirement.

Starting on May 7, 2025, Americans flying with their driver’s license will only be able to do so if they are REAL ID approved. REAL ID-compliant IDs and driver’s licenses will usually have a marking on the top portion of the card—most often a star—that will prove its compliance.

For travelers who do not have a REAL ID and want to get one before the May 2025 deadline, the first stop is to go to their state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what is needed to get a REAL ID. Typically, at minimum, those applying for a REAL ID will need to provide a full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and two proofs of address. Other requirements could be needed depending on the state.

Of course, if you use your passport for identification, it will be accepted without question.

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12/16/2024

This post as well as the next couple of my posts are going to cover THREE very important changes that will impact ALL US travelers, especially those traveling to Europe.
This one is DEFINITELY going to happen on this schedule:
1. The United Kingdom’s ETA – Jan. 8, 2025
Starting on Jan. 8, 2025, Americans and Canadians will both be required to apply and get approved for the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when traveling to the U.K.
The ETA will be required for everyone regardless of how long they are staying in the U.K. or their reasons for travel, including simply connecting through a U.K. airport. AGAIN, even if you are just CONNECTING to another flight in a UK airport, if you're coming from the US and/or Canada, you MUST have and ETA. It essentially grants permission for travelers to be in the U.K. as part of the country’s mission to modernize its immigration system and strengthen its border.
Applicants will have to fill in their information on the U.K. government website or via the U.K. ETA app on their phone. The application requires a photograph and some personal details, including passport information, along with a £10 application fee.
Travelers will be able to apply on behalf of others, so one member of a family or a group can secure ETAs for the whole traveling party.
The U.K. promises that the application process is “simple and fast” and that applicants will get a decision within three working days, but maybe sooner. If an ETA application is refused, travelers will need to apply for a visa instead, which is a longer and more extensive process.
The UK ETA allows Canadian and US citizens to enter the UK for up to 6 months without a visa.

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10/03/2024

I've been receiving requests seeking information about the re-opening of Notre Dame in Paris so I thought I'd post the most recent information sent out by my travel Consortium:

*December 8: Cathedral reopens, but only to officials and those who worked on the restoration.
*December 8-15: A week of ceremonies and celebrations.
*December 15 and forward: Opening to the public (with limited reservations). Details to follow.
*June 2025: Opening to groups of 25 max with licensed guides. No groups during Vespers and Lauds (times to be announced), Saturday evenings, and Sundays all day.
*The cathedral will be open daily from 7:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Possible late-night opening on Thursday, TBD)

Reservations
*Reservations for visits are free, but ONLY on the Cathedral website.
*Reservations for visits are optional – and possibly only available for the 3 days before preferred date of visit (TBD).
*Entrance to Mass will be free of charge, reservations not required.

Please note that all of this is still tentative and we will continue to update you as soon as we know more!

10/03/2024

I know a lot of people on my flist travel to Mexico, especially Cancun or Cozumel. Here's an important update for you:

Important Notice: Enforcement of Mexico Customs Regulations on Electronics

Effective immediately, please be aware of the following guidelines concerning the import of electronic devices for travelers to Mexico. Each traveler is permitted to bring ONE portable computing device (e.g., laptop, notebook, or iPad) without incurring an import fee.

If passengers bring multiple devices, such as a laptop and an iPad, each will be treated as a separate item, which may result in additional fees.

Allowed Items:
1 laptop or similar portable computing device (e.g., iPad)

Limited Items:
Up to 3 cell phones
1 GPS
2 cameras
1 pair of binoculars
4 fishing poles

Exceeding these limits may result in customs duties starting at 19% of the item's estimated value, with some cases reporting fees as high as 200%. To avoid these potential charges, please advise your clients traveling to Mexico to adhere to these guidelines.

08/19/2024

While this has been talked about, it looks like this may definitely move forward by the end of this calendar year. This is a good article that explains who, what, when, where, and how you can prepare these documents for any upcoming trips to the EU.

After many delays we now have a start date for the first of the two big changes to EU travel rules - so if you have a trip planned, here's what you need to know in advance.