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 December's top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. TSA WILL BEGIN TESTING A SELF-SERVICE SCREENING OPTION IN JANUARY
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin trialing a self-service screening option in January 2024 at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, reports Travel Market Report. The trial will enable travelers with TSA PreCheck eligibility to select a self-service screening option to speed up the security process. The new technology will send PreCheck members down one checkpoint lane with four integrated stations, each containing a video monitor with instructions and a help button that connects to a TSA officer if more assistance is needed. Travelers will have to pass the requirements of each station before moving on to the next one. TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the idea behind the Las Vegas installation is to offer another benefit to PreCheck members. “Since the system is designed for use in PreCheck lanes, highlighting the benefits to PreCheck travelers should be a priority. We want them to understand the value we’re trying to bring to them for taking the time to be pre-cleared for travel,” he said. Ultimately, the TSA’s mission is to speed up the security process at US airports, while also allowing TSA officers to direct their attention elsewhere.
2. NEW CULINARY AND GATE DELIVERY OPTIONS ARE COMING TO AIRPORTS IN NORTH AMERICA
New culinary and gate delivery options are coming to several airports in North America over the next year, reports Forbes. Airport culinary concessionaire OTG has developed a mobile app that will allow travelers the ability to order freshly prepared meals up to 24 hours in advance and either be picked up or delivered to their connecting gate. Called Order Ahead, it’s scheduled to be available by Q1 2024 in the 11 North American airports where OTG operates 350 outlets in 23 terminals. “Regardless of whether a traveler prefers a full-scale dining experience or the speed and convenience of fast-casual, we know every guest values fresh, high-quality food,” said Rick Blatstein, OTG CEO. “Consumer preferences are extremely diverse across our airports, so we try to focus on consistently offering dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the unique flavors of the surrounding region.” For example, when the company opens Sunset Loop Bar & Grill at Denver International Airport (DEN) next spring, the menu will include items such as steak and eggs with locally sourced ribeye and Rocky Mountain Trout Salad prepared with local trout and produce from nearby farms.
3. UNITED AIRLINES INTRODUCES NEW SNACK STATION ON SELECT FLIGHTS
United Airlines is introducing a new snack station aboard certain select flights, reports Travel Pulse. The 'Grab-N-Go' station will be free and features traditional snacks and bottles of water. According to the carrier, the complementary snacks will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The new feature rolled out at the beginning of December on a flight from Houston to Chicago. The snack station will only be available on United's fleet of new A321neo aircraft after the main cabin has been served. A United spokesperson said that the selection of the snacks will be dependent on the length of the flight, with availability on flights of 801 miles or more in its introductory stages. The new snack station is just part of several changes being made by United. The carrier also plans to revamp its entertainment system on select planes by 2025.
4. US PASSPORT WAIT TIMES RETURNING TO NORMAL
The US State Department has stated that processing times for passport applications are back to pre-pandemic levels, reports CNN. The return to normal wait times comes after several years of delays as the department worked through a backlog caused largely by COVID-19. Processing time for routine service is now six to eight weeks and two to three weeks for expedited service, the department said. The updated times apply for applications submitted on or after December 18. “With this update, we have fulfilled our commitment to return to benchmarks from March 2020. This reflects the work of dedicated employees working for the American people,” the department said. Processing times for passports reached 18 weeks in 2021 when the State Department faced unprecedented demand and a backlog of nearly 2 million applications. This October, processing times were reduced to eight to eleven weeks.
5. DOT TO INVESTIGATE AIRLINE FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is looking into airline frequent flyer programs for potential deceptive or unfair practices, reports Reuters. According to the DOT’s report, the agency has been looking into transparency when booking award tickets, transferability of award miles, and notice given before making changes to such programs. One other key issue DOT is looking at is the devaluation of frequent flyer miles over time that makes it harder to book award tickets. "We plan to carefully review complaints regarding loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that hurt travelers as warranted," a department spokesperson said. "DOT officials are actively meeting with US airlines and gathering more information on this issue." The meetings come as some members of Congress have raised concerns about frequent flyer programs. In October, Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Roger Marshal asked the Transportation Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about "troubling reports" of unfair and deceptive practices in airlines’ frequent flyer and loyalty programs.
