Ovation's weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of October's Top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. Mobile Passport Control App Helps Speed Travelers Through Customs
The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App, the first app authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to use the Mobile Passport app to expedite their entry process into the United States. The app streamlines the traveler inspection process and enables CBP officers to focus more on the inspection and less on administrative functions. The app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Eligible travelers can download the Mobile Passport app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. MPC is available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors at 24 U.S. international airports and 1 sea port of entry. For more information and the list of eligible airports, click here.
2. Several States Under Review for REAL ID Extensions
According to the Department of Homeland Security's website, DHS is currently reviewing REAL ID extension requests from states with extensions that expired on October 10th, 2017. The states currently under review include Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York and Rhode Island. These states will have a grace period until January 22, 2018, and there will be no change in enforcement status for these states until then. During this time, Federal agencies (including TSA) will continue to accept driver's license and identification cards issued by these states in accordance with each agency's policies. DHS will update their website as these reviews are completed and new extensions are granted. For more information about each state's REAL ID status, click here.
3. Delta Will Automatically Check In Passengers on Its Mobile App
Delta Air Lines has become the first U.S. airline to offer automatic check-in on its mobile app, reports Condé Nast Traveler. Travelers using Delta's mobile app will automatically get sent their boarding passes 24 hours before a flight. This is a huge change from the standard check-in process in which travelers receive a reminder to check-in online to receive their boarding pass. As of now, the automatic check-in is geared towards travelers who aren't checking bags or requesting seat changes. To read more, click here.
4. U.S. and Turkey Suspend Visa Services
Both the U.S. and Turkey have suspended visa services for citizens looking to visit the other country, reports CNN. The decision followed the arrest of a U.S. consulate employee in Istanbul for alleged involvement in the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "Recent events have forced the United States government to reassess the commitment of the government of Turkey to the security of US mission facilities and personnel," the statement by the U.S. mission in Ankara said. Twenty-four hours later, Turkey issued a statement mirroring the one released by the United States -- only the countries' names were reversed. To read more, click here.
5. First Class is Shrinking in Favor of Business Class
In order to monetize the front of the plane, carriers are beginning to shrink First Class cabins, reports Skift. More carriers are opting to put in denser Business Class seat configurations, focusing on improving that product as the market for first class is growing more limited with Business Class seats getting continually better year over year. To read more, click here.
