Weekly client e-newsletter from Amex GBT Ovation (Ovation™); The 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 for October.
One. U.S. Department of State Issues Worldwide Travel Advisory
The U.S. State Department reported that it has issued a global advisory for Americans traveling abroad and urged travelers to be cautious. travel pulse. “Due to heightened tensions in many parts of the world and the potential for terrorist attacks, protests, and acts of violence against U.S. citizens and interests, we advise U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution,” the State Department said. The Department of Health advises U.S. travelers abroad to pay attention to places frequented by tourists and follow the Department's information and warnings through social media or the Smart Traveler Registration program. Travel advisories have been issued globally for Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, where conflict and tensions have recently escalated. The global warning is the first the State Department has issued since August 2022.
2. Shorten wait times for U.S. passport renewals; Now 8-11 weeks
The U.S. State Department announced that the wait time for standard passport renewals is now 8 to 11 weeks, and for expedited applications, it is 5 to 7 weeks. The new timeline was shortened from 10 to 13 weeks this year, but still longer than the four to six weeks the State Department had projected for 2019. The State Department also said it issued more than 24 million passport booklets and cards between October. September 2022 and 2023 are the largest ever in a single fiscal year. “Our dedicated staff have worked countless hours to reduce passport processing times. We are constantly reassessing our operations to maximize efficiency and introducing innovations in our customer service and processing models,” a State Department official said. “We are investing in technology enablement and modernization, increasing staffing levels by 10% and adding hundreds of additional employees to our hiring pipeline. “We are focused on reducing processing times and this reduction is an important first step.” To ensure on-time delivery of your passport, the Department of State recommends that travelers check their passport expiration date before planning to travel abroad and renew their passport at least 6 to 9 months prior to international travel.
three. CBP launches new Global Entry mobile app
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports the launch of the new Global Entry mobile app designed to enhance the travel experience of Global Entry members. travel pulse. Current Global Entry members can use the new app to help them complete their arrival processing without waiting in line to use the portal. The new app allows travelers to take a photo of their face and compare it to a photo gallery to verify their identity through facial biometrics. After submitting a photo, users will receive a receipt in the app. You can then use your mobile receipt to bypass the Global Entry Portal upon arrival at the primary screening area. Currently, the app is available at seven airports, including Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). . , Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). CBP said it plans to evaluate and expand the use of the app at airports where Global Entry is processed in the future. The new app is free and can be downloaded from: Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
4. Delta Air Lines Modifications and SkyMiles Loyalty Program New Benefits
Delta Air Lines announced that it has revised changes to its SkyMiles loyalty program announced in September and has also added several new benefits. Delta is adjusting the number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) required to achieve Medallion Status in 2025, further enhancing the Million Miler program, updating Delta Sky Club access policies for eligible cardmembers, and introducing rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQDs). MQM) options will be strengthened. The changes come weeks after the September announcement drew negative reactions from SkyMiles members. “Over the past few weeks, many of you have shared feedback on the changes we announced to Delta’s SkyMiles program,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “It was a challenge to balance membership growth with the need to provide a premium service experience. We made some difficult program decisions to address this issue… However, your response makes clear that the changes do not fully reflect the loyalty you have shown to Delta. “Based on your feedback, we’re adjusting the program and adding new benefits that will allow you to start earning in 2024 to meet your 2025 eligibility.”
5. United is changing its boarding process this month.
United Airlines reported this month that it is updating its boarding process to allow passengers in window and middle seats to board earlier to speed up the process. Travel + Leisure. A new procedure called “WILMA” for window, center and aisle areas will come into effect from October 26th. According to the airline, this procedure can save up to two minutes on boarding time. The boarding process was used before 2017, when United introduced basic economy fares with carry-on restrictions. Advances in technology have now allowed United to bring it back. Similar to current processes, pre-boarding will begin for passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, active-duty military, Global Service members, families with infants 2 years of age and younger, and United Premier 1K members. United Polaris business class, United First Class and other premium class passengers and status holders are also eligible to board. The airline then boards passengers sitting in window seats or exit rows. New this month, the airline will start putting passengers in middle seats and then aisle seats. Finally, United will board passengers in basic economy seats and travelers whose boarding group is not listed on their boarding pass.