Ovation's weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of November's Top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. TSA: More Than 45,000 PreCheck Memberships to Expire by February
The TSA is reminding travelers to check their PreCheck status before the end of the year, as its first wave of expirations are approaching. Membership lasts five years and the TSA began selling PreCheck memberships in December 2013; the agency estimates that more than 45,000 travelers' PreCheck memberships will expire between December and February. Additionally, Global Entry, which began in 2008, is seeing its second wave of expirations this year. Global Entry memberships spiked in late 2013 when PreCheck expanded to the general public. Travelers can check their membership status on the TSA's website by clicking on check my service status, or calling 855-347-8371 weekdays between 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. ET. To read the more from USA Today, click here.
2. IATA: Brexit Declaration Doesn't Cut It
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is concerned with the Brexit declaration that the EU and Great Britain will maintain open competition in the commercial aviation sector, reports Travel Weekly. The 27 EU members of continental Europe agreed to the declaration on Sunday; however, its path to ratification in Great Britain will be complicated by opposition from both Brexit opponents and supporters. Under current agreements, airlines from all current 28 members of the EU can fly freely in and out of the UK and within the EU's continental member states. But IATA has warned of chaos if the terms of the post-Brexit aviation landscape aren't clearly defined ahead of the breakup. Already, the uncertainty means airlines are selling flights that they can't be certain they'll be legally allowed to operate, IATA has said. To read more, click here.
3. TSA to Test New Screening Technology
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has given the green light to test technology that is designed to screen multiple travelers at the same time, reports The Los Angeles Times. The technology, described as "passive terahertz" screening, is one of several advances that the TSA hopes will help U.S. airports handle the growing demand for air travel. The new technology can screen up to 2,000 people an hour and detect concealed items at a distance of up to 25 feet. Initially, the system will be used in addition to the existing full-body scanners already deployed at airports, but the plan is to eventually replace parts of TSA's security scanning system. To read more, click here.
4. American to Allow Early Boarding for Travelers With Nut Allergies
American Airlines will soon allow people who suffer from nut allergies to board flights early so they can wipe down their seating areas to avoid potential exposures, reports Bloomberg. The change will take effect on December 12th when flight-service manuals are updated. "Customers with nut allergies who would like to board flights early to wipe down surfaces may ask to do so at the gate," American said. While the carrier doesn't serve peanuts, it said it can't guarantee customers won't be exposed to nuts during flights. To read more, click here.
5. American Raises Elite Status Qualification Criteria
American Airlines has become the final legacy carrier to raise the elite status qualification criteria for earning its top-tier elite status, reports Skift. In 2019, travelers who want to earn Executive Platinum elite status for 2020 will need to fly 100,000 miles and spend $15,000 by the end of the year, up from $12,000. To read more, click here.
