Ovation's weekly customer e-newsletter, Informed TravelerWe keep our readers up to date on travel industry news and trends.
Below is a summary of the top five (most clicked on by Ovation customers) e-newsletter articles from May.
One. 12 summer travel etiquette rules from flight attendants
Kristie Koerbel, a flight attendant with over 21 years of experience, shared 12 rules for travelers. new york times, advising on proper flying manners ahead of your summer travel. Her rules of etiquette aim to strike a balance between the reasonable comfort of the traveler herself and consideration for those sitting near her. Koerbel exposes the most frustrating things about being a flight attendant – who has the right to the middle armrest and whether you need a seat swap. Additional tips include proper etiquette for reclining seats, how and when to deal with seat problems, and proper use of overhead bins. With her fair share of common sense and courtesy, Kristie Koerbel believes that her own 12 rules can make her flights a more enjoyable experience, leading to stress- and drama-free flights.
2. The carrier improved its on-time performance in April.
North American airlines' on-time performance in April reportedly improved after the slump in March. business travel news. The average on-time performance of North American airlines in April was 73.2%, up from 71.4% the previous month, according to a monthly report from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Delta Air Lines (83.3%), Alaska Airlines (82.0%), and American Airlines (79.0%) ranked third, each improving their monthly scores. United remained in fourth place, but fell slightly from 78.1% to 78.0%. Air Canada ranked seventh, improving from 60.3% to 66.8% after ranking last for the past 11 months. Delta and American top the global on-time performance rankings, ranking 6th and 10th, respectively. Airlines also canceled more flights in April than in March, up nearly 15% to 12,311.
three. TSA uses facial recognition technology to reduce airport wait times
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is continuing a facial recognition technology pilot program at several major airports across the country, according to reports. travel pulse. The technology testing program is part of an effort to strengthen security and streamline processes as travel demand continues to surge. Travelers entering a participating airport must go to a security checkpoint, insert their photo ID into a machine and look through a small camera. TSA agents verify that the data is correct and that passengers can get through the checkpoint faster than usual. TSA officials said the pilot program has had positive results and no major issues related to discrimination based on age, gender, race or ethnicity have been reported. “Because we come into contact with so many people every day, we take these privacy and civil rights concerns very seriously,” said Jason Lim, Identity Management Function Manager. Facial recognition technology systems can be found at 16 airports, including major cities such as Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles and Orlando.
4. US proposes new rules on airline cancellations, delays
The Biden administration has reported that it is creating new rules that would require airlines to provide compensation and provide meals and hotel rooms to air travelers if they are stranded for reasons within their control. AP News. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and the airline is at fault, compensation will be provided in addition to your ticket refund. This would provide U.S. travelers with protections similar to those in the European Union. The new rules are the latest in a series of steps by the Biden administration to strengthen consumer protections for domestic flights and international flights that include U.S. destinations or origins. President Biden said, “I know how disappointed many people are with the service of American airlines.” “So our top priority has been to provide better conditions for U.S. air travelers.” Biden added, “You deserve full compensation, beyond just getting your ticket price (refund).” “Your time matters, and so does the impact it has on your life.” Officials at the Department of Transportation (DOT), which will write the new rules, said there is no set timeline for the new rules, but they are working to quickly post the necessary notices to begin the process.
5. WHO declares end to COVID-19 emergency and calls for lifting travel restrictions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency, saying the pandemic has been “showing a downward trend” for more than a year. travel pulse. Among the interim recommendations issued by WHO is that member states continue to lift health measures related to COVID-19 international travel based on risk assessments and not require COVID-19 vaccination certificates as a prerequisite for international travel. The news comes just days after the U.S. government announced it would end COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers and federal employees on May 11. “The move to lift vaccine requirements alleviates a significant barrier to entry for many people,” said Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Travelers from around the world are contributing to the development of our industry and our country.”