Amex GBT Ovation's (Ovation™) weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of August's top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. US SENATE INTRODUCES BILL TO ELIMINATE HOTEL RESORT FEES
Two US Senators have introduced a bill designed to force hotels and resorts to be more transparent about fees, reports NBC News. The bill, called the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, would establish federal guidelines for pricing transparency. The legislation would require anyone advertising a hotel room or a short-term rental to clearly state upfront the final price a traveler would pay to book lodging. It would make the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) responsible for pursuing violations, and it says state attorneys general could also bring civil action for violations. “Too often, Americans making reservations online are being met with hidden fees that make it difficult to compare prices and understand the true cost of an overnight stay,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, who is introducing the bill with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas. “This bipartisan legislation would help improve transparency so that travelers can make informed decisions.” Consumer Reports estimated that the hotel industry brought in $2.9 billion in resort fees in 2018. As a result, the Biden Administration announced that they would target junk fees in various industries, including hotels and resorts.
2. US AIRLINES SEEK EXTENSIONS TO NEW YORK FLIGHT CUTS
Major US airlines have asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend cuts to minimum flight requirements at New York City-area airports as well as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), citing a lack of adequate air traffic control staffing, reports Reuters. In March, the FAA agreed to the request of Delta and United to temporarily return up to 10% of slots and flights at New York-area airports and DCA through September 15. Recently, Airlines for America (A4A), a trade group representing major carriers, asked that the cuts be extended through October 28, saying air traffic staffing levels in a key northeastern sector have not "meaningfully improved." A4A said air traffic control staffing and extreme weather "are unique circumstances beyond our control." The group added, "Granting relief for the rest of the summer season is in the best interest of the flying public because it will minimize disruptions and provide greater predictability for airlines and consumers." Airlines can lose their slots at congested airports if they do not use them at least 80% of the time. The FAA said earlier this week that it was "in the final stages of review and will decide soon."
3. BRAZIL IS BRINGING BACK VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US TRAVELERS
Brazil will reimpose visa requirements on travelers coming from the US, Canada, and Australia beginning October 1, reports Travel Pulse. The decision has to do with the reimplementation of reciprocity measures by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s new administration, which came into power in 2023. Starting October 1, Americans who plan on traveling to Brazil will need to obtain a Visit Visas, or ‘Vistos de Visita’ (VIVIS), which can be requested through an online application. The digital visa will enable travelers to remain in Brazil for up to 90 days for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, study, volunteer work, etc. Visa requirements include a passport that’s valid through the end of their planned trip to Brazil, proof of residency for non-US citizens, a letter stating the purpose of travel, payment of visa processing fees ($160 for US residents), proof of an outbound transportation ticket within 90 days of entry, full trip itinerary with hotel reservation/host invitation, and proof of sufficient financial solvency to sustain the traveler during their visit. On top of securing a valid visa, travelers should also note that their passport must contain at least two blank pages or they risk being denied entry into Brazil, per international travel regulations.
4. DELTA ADDS FLIGHTS TO LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN WINTER SCHEDULE
Delta Air Lines has announced that it will add more than 35,000 seats to its 2023-24 winter flight schedule to Latin America and the Caribbean. The additional service includes more than 1,000 weekly flights to the region, while enhancing flight frequencies from six of its US hubs. This growth translates to a 30% increase in available seats compared to last year's winter season, with added frequencies to nine destinations including Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico. Additional routes with added flights include Cancun to New York City’s JFK; San Juan to Boston; and Detroit to Punta Cana, Montego Bay, and San Juan. The airline is also adding service from Minneapolis to Liberia, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, and San Juan.
5. ATLANTA HARTSFIELD-JACKSON AIRPORT TO OPEN PRIVATE, LUXURY TERMINAL IN SEPTEMBER
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) will open a new private terminal in September, offering convenience and luxury for travelers to fly commercially without entering the airport, reports CNN. The development of the terminal comes through a partnership with PS, a company that provides private luxury terminal service for commercial flights. It’s the second terminal PS has developed for an airport in the US, with a similar private terminal having been open at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) since 2017. According to PS, the terminal will feature private TSA screening, along with onsite customs and immigration processing. A PS host will also take care of all luggage, and travelers will be escorted to their flight by a private driver. Amenities in the terminal include an extensive menu of cocktails, chef-prepared meals, as well as spa and beauty offerings such as massages, manicures, and barber services. The company said the experience is reminiscent of a private members club and is perfect for getting work done, conversing, or relaxing. A non-membership experience costs $1,095, while the annual fee for an all-access membership is $4,850. PS plans to add more private terminals at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) in spring 2024 and Miami International Airport (MIA) in 2025.
