Trending Travel News
Post-COVID Delays to Passport Processing
Now that many destinations around the world are reopening, and travelers are beginning to feel more comfortable traveling internationally, passport processing wait times are through the roof. The U.S. Department of State says the current normal processing time for new passports is 18 weeks from the time you submit the application, to the time you receive your booklet or card in the mail. Expedited service is available, but still taking about 12 weeks for processing.
Officials recommend that you plan far in advance if you intend to renew or obtain a new passport and apply for renewals by mail when eligible to do so.
Click here to read more from AZ Family
Is your passport valid?
Now is a good time to check your passport and be sure that it is up to date if you intend to travel in the next year.
As a general rule, passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of travel, but these rules may also vary depending on your destination.
If you need assistance in renewing or applying for a new passport, give us a call today!
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Airline Updates
United Finalizing Its Largest-Ever Narrow-Body Jet Deal
The airline is set to buy more than 200 Airbus SE and Boeing Co. jetlines, one of the largest purchases in its history.
TSA to Resume Defense Training
In response to a surge in incidents involving disruptive or violent passengers, TSA will offer voluntary self-defense training for airline attendants and pilots.
Click here to read more from Seattle Times
Alaska and Qatar Announce Codeshare Plans
The agreement will allow Qatar passengers to connect on more than 150 of Alaska’s routes.
Korean Air Named Airline of the Year
Air Transport World recently announced that Korean is the winner of the 2021 ATW Airline of the Year.
United Adds Seatback Entertainment
The airline is purchasing nearly 300 new planes and will outfit each of them with seatback entertainment screens.
Lufthansa: Service to Munich from Charlotte will restart beginning July 3. The route will fly 3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
American Airlines: Beginning on November 6th, the airline will resume twice weekly service to Guadeloupe from Miami. Starting on November 6th, the airline will also operate two flights per week from Miami to Martinique.
Air France: Service from Miami to Guadeloupe will resume on July 13th, operating Tuesdays and Fridays.
Cape Air: On November 20th, the airline will launch service from St. Thomas to Anguilla, with two daily 55-minute round-trip flights.
Now Open in Travel
Spain: Effective immediately, travelers from the U.S. are permitted to enter Spain regardless of vaccinated status with no test or quarantine period required.
Switzerland: As of June 26th, travelers entering from the Schengen area are no longer required to quarantine. Testing will only be required of travelers arriving by plane who have not been vaccinated or who have not recovered from the virus.
Sweden: As of June 30th, Americans are permitted to enter the country for non-essential travel. Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Ireland: As of July 19th, U.S. travelers are permitted to enter the country without quarantining with proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 6 months.
Thailand: As of July 1st, fully vaccinated international tourists traveling to Phuket will no longer need to quarantine.
We Want to See Your Travel Photos!
They say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” In this case, a picture could be worth up to 55,000 Travel Rewards Points!
We are offering you the chance to win up to 55,000 Travel Rewards Points that can be applied toward the purchase of cruises, tour packages, vacation upgrades, and more!
Click here for the official contest rules and here to join the contest entry Facebook group!
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Reminder!!
Don’t forget to give us a call at least three days prior to your trip and request your complimentary Smart Travel Kit!
