Ovation's weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of May's top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. A FLIGHT ATTENDANT SHARES THEIR 12 ETIQUETTE RULES FOR SUMMER TRAVEL
Flight attendant, Kristie Koerbel, who has over 21 years' experience, shared her 12 rules for travelers in The New York Times, advising on proper flying etiquette ahead of summer travels. Her etiquette rules aim to strike a balance between traveler's own reasonable comforts and thoughtfulness for those sitting nearby. Koerbel exposes her biggest pet peeves as a flight attendant, and also reveals who has the right to the middle armrests and whether swapping seats is required. Additional tips include the proper etiquette on seat reclining, how and when to handle seating issues, properly using the overhead bins, and more. With some common sense and courtesy, Kristie Koerbel believes her 12 rules can make flying a more pleasant experience, leading to a stress and drama free flight.
2. CARRIERS IMPROVE ON-TIME PERFORMANCE IN APRIL
North American carrier on-time performance in April improved after its downturn from March, reports Business Travel News. According to aviation analytics company Cirium's monthly report, average North American airline on-time performance in April was 73.2 percent, up from 71.4 percent last month. Delta Air Lines (83.3 percent), Alaska Airlines (82.0 percent), and American Airlines (79.0 percent) took the top three spots, with each showing an improved monthly score. United remained in fourth but dropped slightly to 78.0 percent from 78.1 percent. Air Canada, after placing last for the past 11 months, improved to 66.8 percent from 60.3 percent and landed in seventh place. Both Delta and American made the top global on-time performance list, at sixth and tenth, respectively. Additionally, airlines canceled more flights in April than in March, increasing nearly 15 percent to 12,311.
3. TSA USING FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY TO SPEED UP AIRPORT WAIT TIMES
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is continuing its pilot program for facial recognition technology at several major airports nationwide, reports Travel Pulse. The technology test programs are part of an effort to enhance security and streamline procedures as travel demand continues to surge. Travelers entering participating airports will be asked to walk up to a security checkpoint, insert their photo ID card into the machine, and look into a small camera. A TSA officer will verify the data is correct and passengers can move through the checkpoint faster than normal. TSA officials said the pilot program has yielded positive results and no major issues of discrimination based on age, gender, race, or ethnicity have been reported. “We take these privacy concerns and civil rights concerns very seriously, because we touch so many people every day,” identity management capabilities manager Jason Lim said. The facial recognition technology systems can be found in 16 airports, including in such major cities as Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, and Orlando.
4. US TO PROPOSE NEW RULES FOR AIRLINE CANCELLATIONS, DELAYS
The Biden administration is creating new regulations requiring airlines to compensate air travelers and cover their meals and hotel rooms if they are stranded for reasons within the airline’s control, reports AP News. The compensation would be in addition to ticket refunds when the airline is at fault for a flight being canceled or significantly delayed. It would give US travelers protections similar to those in the European Union. The new rule is the latest in a series of moves by the Biden administration to bolster consumer protections for domestic US flights and international flights involving US destination or origin. “I know how frustrated many of you are with the service you get from your US airlines,” President Biden said. “That’s why our top priority has been to get American air travelers a better deal.” Biden added, “You deserve more than just getting the price of your ticket (refunded) — you deserve to be fully compensated. Your time matters, the impact on your life matters.” Officials at the Department of Transportation (DOT), which will write the new rules, said they don't have a set timeline for the new rule, but indicated they are working to quickly publish a notice that is required to get the process started.
5. WHO DECLARES END TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY, URGES LIFTING OF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the COVID-19 global health emergency, stating that the pandemic "has been on a downward trend" for more than a year, reports Travel Pulse. Among the temporary recommendations issued by the WHO is that member states continue to lift COVID-19 international travel-related health measures, based on risk assessments, and not require any proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a prerequisite for international travel. The news comes just days after the US government announced it would end COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international travelers and federal workers on May 11. US Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman said the move to "lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward."
