The Real ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 as a response to the security lapses exposed by the September 11 attacks. Designed to enhance the security standards for state-issued identification, the program aims to ensure that all driver’s licenses and IDs meet stringent federal guidelines. Initially scheduled for full enforcement in May 2023,
admin
The recent announcement of a Department of Transportation (DOT) investigation into the rewards programs of the leading U.S. airlines has ignited a fervent debate among industry stakeholders. While consumer advocacy groups welcome the investigation, skeptics—including executives from within the travel industry—argue that the federal inquiry constitutes an excessive regulatory intervention that distracts from more pressing
In a groundbreaking move set to transform the flying experience, United Airlines has revealed its plans to provide free WiFi across its full fleet, embracing a remarkable technological partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service. With over 1,000 aircraft slated to receive this high-speed wireless connectivity, United is positioning itself as a pioneer in customer service
The recent developments at Boeing illustrate a critical juncture for both the company and its workforce. Over 30,000 employees at Boeing are poised to initiate a strike following a staggering rejection—an overwhelming 94.6% dissent—of a proposed labor contract by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). This strike has significant implications not only
Langham Hospitality Group is poised to transform its global footprint, with ambitious plans set forth by CEO Bob van den Oord to extend its operations to over 100 hotels worldwide. This expansion will be heavily concentrated in Asia, responding to a growing market demand in the region. Currently boasting a portfolio of 32 operational hotels,
Traveling, for many, is an exhilarating escape from the routine of daily life, but the task of organizing trips can often transform that joy into frustration. A 2024 survey conducted by CivicScience revealed that a staggering 71% of travelers find the process of booking travel arrangements at least somewhat stressful. Parents of younger children experience
The airline industry, significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is reportedly witnessing a revitalization, particularly in unit revenues as the summer season winds down. This positive trend signals a potential increase in airfares and reflects a broader industry recovery, despite challenges and setbacks from technological disruptions and staffing issues. This article delves into the latest
In January, the launch of STAY., heralded as Los Angeles’s pioneering “Zero-Proof” bar, epitomized a novel trend in social drinking. This uniquely focused establishment dedicated itself to crafting sophisticated non-alcoholic (NA) beverages within an ambiance designed for adults looking to unwind without the effects of alcohol. However, despite the burgeoning appeal of sober-curious lifestyles and
In a significant move for the airline industry, flight attendants at American Airlines have ratified a five-year labor deal that promises substantial wage increases and stability for nearly 28,000 cabin crew members. The agreement, which garnered an impressive 87% approval from the voting flight attendants, reflects a culmination of intense negotiations that have persisted over
Mallorca is often associated with sunny beaches and crystal-clear waters, but the island also boasts stunning mountains and unexpected rain showers. During a tour bus ride through the Tramuntana mountain range towards the village of Valldemossa, I was surprised by the heavy raindrops falling outside. Valldemossa, known for its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and historic
Boeing is currently at a pivotal juncture as its workers deliberate on a new labor contract, an event that could potentially lead to significant disruptions in operations if the deal is rejected. This vote, occurring against the backdrop of a recovering but still fragile production environment, reflects the growing tension between management and labor, serving
Azamara Cruises is launching a new training and incentive program for travel advisors. This program offers advisors the opportunity to earn bonus commissions on 2025 bookings if certain requirements are met. To qualify for the bonus, advisors must complete the Azamara World Academy training and earn an Azamara Cruises Expert certificate by October 31. Once
Park City’s Deer Valley Resort is set to undergo a massive expansion, with the new Deer Valley East Village opening earlier than expected. This development will more than double the size of the resort, offering visitors access to 20 new runs spanning 316 skiable acres. Additionally, three new lifts will be in operation during the
In an impressive evaluation by Point.me, Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program has emerged as the leading airline loyalty program worldwide. This ranking, which included 62 different airline programs, aimed to identify those that provide optimal value for consumers—regardless of how often they fly. Notably, Air Canada’s Aeroplan and United MileagePlus rounded out the second and
The world has lost a vibrant voice in the travel journalism community with the passing of Valarie D’Elia, who died at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with ALS. D’Elia was not just a travel journalist; she was an institution who inspired countless others through her passion for exploration and her commitment to
Experts warn about the dangers of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during air travel, a condition that can affect anyone irrespective of the class they are seated in. Dr. Pinakin V. Parekh, a consultant cardiologist, emphasizes that DVT is not exclusive to economy class passengers, as even business class travelers can be susceptible. The formation of
As the world turns its gaze towards the dazzling spectacle of Fashion Week, one cannot help but wonder: what drink complements such a vibrant and stylish occasion? For many, the answer is a delightful glass of rosé. This versatile wine not only embodies the essence of both summer and fall but also mirrors the dynamic
Rosé wine is often associated with warm summer days and outdoor gatherings. However, it is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed all year-round. As we transition from summer into fall, it’s important to consider which rosé wines are suitable for the changing seasons. Here’s a case to prove that rosé is stylish and fashionable
Southwest Airlines, a stalwart in the aviation industry, has recently found itself in a rather unusual situation. Known for its solid financial performance and customer satisfaction, the airline has now attracted the attention of activist investor Elliott Investment Management. This unexpected turn of events has spurred discussions and speculations about the future of the company.
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, a Chinese official recently announced that Kanye West, now known as Ye, would be hosting a „listening party“ for his latest studio album, „Vultures,“ on the Chinese island of Hainan. This decision has left many Chinese fans, such as 33-year-old Ziteng Du, in awe at the prospect of
Universal’s domestic theme parks are gearing up to offer guests a truly enchanting experience with the introduction of new „Wicked“ themed attractions. Set to debut in late October at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, these attractions will transport visitors into the magical world of „Wicked.“ At Universal Orlando, „Wicked: The Experience“ will take
The food and beverage industry has been experiencing significant inflation, leading to shifts in pricing strategies across the board. Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner recently mentioned the possibility of implementing „dynamic pricing“ to adapt to the changing market conditions. While some feared this would result in surge pricing akin to Uber, Tanner clarified that Wendy’s is
Chef Enrique Olvera is a man of many talents, and his love for tacos, tequila, and tennis knows no bounds. As the visionary behind Pujol, a renowned two Michelin Star restaurant in Mexico City, Olvera has managed to elevate street food into a veritable art form. Not limited to just his culinary prowess, Olvera’s passion
White Bourgogne wines, often overshadowed by their red counterparts, offer a unique charm and elegance that is worth exploring. From lean and minerally to rich and buttery, these wines showcase the versatility of the Chardonnay grape and the distinct terroir of the Bourgogne region. With aromas of citrus, white flowers, and stone fruits, coupled with
In the wake of the pandemic, the U.S. travel sector has continued to show remarkable resilience, with domestic travel numbers bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels. Surprisingly, air travel has even experienced a surge, despite the fact that over a third of travelers were willing to incur debt for their summer trips. However, there appears to
Flaviar, a leader in the Beverage-Alcohol ecommerce industry, recently acquired Speakeasy Company, a move that solidified its position in the market. With this acquisition, Flaviar gained access to a wider range of resources, including Speakeasy’s bicoastal US warehouses, which will enhance their capabilities in serving their clients. By merging under the Flaviar brand, the companies
Standing atop the steep vineyard slopes of the Thörnicher Ritcher Vineyard in the Mosel region, one may question the rationale behind planting vineyards in such unforgiving terrain. However, when considering the ideal cool microclimate and complex slate and quartzite soils, it becomes evident why this region is renowned for producing high-acid Rieslings with unparalleled tension
The recent appointment of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as the chairwoman of Hornblower Group has garnered attention in the industry. With a background that includes being the former CEO and president of Celebrity Cruises, Lutoff-Perlo brings a wealth of experience to her new role. During her time at Celebrity Cruises, she oversaw the introduction of the innovative
Embarking on my first cruise in Asia with Viking’s inaugural oceangoing China voyage for Western travelers, I found myself in a state of anticipation and familiarity. The 10-day sail from Shanghai to Hong Kong aboard the Viking Yi Dun, formerly known as the Viking Sun, marked a significant milestone for both Viking and myself. The
Recent trends in the Chinese travel industry have shown a significant shift towards last-minute bookings by travelers. This change in behavior is said to be a result of increasing cautiousness with spending, driven by a lackluster economic recovery in the country. According to Anthony Caputano, president and CEO of Marriott International, there is a „real
Southwest Airlines is set to make significant changes to its board of directors in response to pressure from activist firm Elliott Investment Management. This move comes as the airline seeks to address declining margins and stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences in the aviation industry. The upcoming overhaul will see six out of 15 board
Avelo Airlines recently celebrated its first quarterly profit but now faces stiff competition from Breeze Airways at Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut. This move has raised eyebrows in the aviation industry as Breeze Airways aims to challenge Avelo’s dominance in the region. Breeze Airways, led by their chief commercial officer Lukas Johnson, is making
The use of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries has become more prevalent in recent years, leading to a rise in overheating incidents onboard airline flights. According to a report released by UL Standards, these incidents have increased by 28% from 2019 to 2023. While still relatively rare, the frequency of these events is concerning. Among
Air Canada is currently facing a significant challenge in its negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The two parties are in a legally mandated 21-day cooling-off period that concludes at the end of the day on September 17. Despite efforts to reach an agreement, Air Canada announced that they remain far apart in
Jenny Hunnicutt and her husband were fully immersed in the van life experience in late 2021 when they stumbled upon Royal Caribbean International’s groundbreaking world cruise. This 274-day adventure, promising to circumnavigate the globe, ignited a spark within the nomadic couple, prompting them to secure a cabin for $54,000 per person by the end of
Boeing and the union representing over 33,000 of its workers have successfully negotiated a new labor agreement, avoiding a potentially costly strike at the company’s main factories. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced that the tentative deal involves a 25% pay raise over four years, along with enhancements to health-care coverage and
The Scotch Whisky Masters recently unveiled the winners of their 2024 blind tasting competition, showcasing the finest liquids the whisky category has to offer. With a panel of expert judges renowned for their discerning palates, the competition recognized a total of 30 expressions with the prestigious „Master“ honor across various sub-styles of whisky. Among these,
When it comes to accommodation options at Walt Disney World, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground stands out for its unique outdoor experience. The resort offers a variety of activities such as horseback riding, archery, fishing, and campfire sing-alongs. For decades, guests have had the opportunity to stay in one of the 350 cabins scattered across
Oceania Cruises prides itself on its reputation for offering the „finest cuisine at sea.“ While such a claim may seem bold in a sea of luxury cruise competitors, Oceania Cruises manages to deliver on this promise without the added upcharges that have become commonplace in the industry. On a recent voyage through the Greek Isles
Signature Travel Network has recently announced a significant partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to launch exclusive Indigenous Tourism Education Modules. This collaboration aims to provide valuable resources for Indigenous tourism in Canada and educate travel professionals about the importance of Indigenous communities in the country. The three-part series, developed in conjunction with