AUGUST 31, 2022

AIR TRAVELER COMPLAINTS UP 270% FROM PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS


According to new data released by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), air traveler complaints in June were up 270% from pre-pandemic levels as airlines canceled thousands of flights, reports CNN. "In June 2022, DOT received 5,862 complaints about airline service from consumers, up 34.9% from the 4,344 complaints received in May 2022 and up 269.6% from the 1,586 complaints received in pre-pandemic June 2019," the report states. "For the first six months of 2022, the Department received 28,550 complaints, up 27.8% from the 22,336 filed during the first six months of 2021 and more than the entire year of 2019." Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the airlines need to make sure they are able to handle their schedules and improve their customer service when flights are canceled. The DOT plans to post a new online dashboard where passengers can find "easy-to-read, comparative summary information" on what each of the large US airlines provides to passengers when delays or cancellations are caused by factors within the airline's control.

WHY TRAVELERS ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR TSA PRECHECK OVER GLOBAL ENTRY


If travelers are considering applying for a trusted traveler program, The Department of Homeland Security is encouraging travelers who mostly fly domestic to skip Global Entry and opt for TSA PreCheck, reports Travel + Leisure. Currently, “application processing delays” for Global Entry - along with other expedited programs SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST - are stretching up to 6 to 18 months to complete, according to DHS. Whereas "most TSA PreCheck applicants can schedule an appointment in less than 2 weeks and, if approved, can receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) in about 3 to 5 days after the appointment." Officials have struggled to keep up with Global Entry applications since the COVID-19 pandemic forced a five month closure in March 2020, according to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUSPENDS 26 U.S.-CHINA FLIGHTS OPERATED BY CHINESE AIRLINES


Due to a dispute over antivirus controls, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) will suspend 26 US-China flights operated by Chinese airlines in response to the Chinese government, requiring U.S. carriers to suspend their flights to China, reportsTravel Weekly. The suspensions, from September 5 to 28, will affect seven flights from New York and 19 flights from Los Angeles by four airlines - Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, according to a Reuters report. The 26 total equals the number of flights for American Airlines, Delta, and United that China recently canceled as "circuit-breaker" penalties resulting from passengers testing positive for COVID-19 "up to seven days after their arrival in China," according to the DOT. As of August 7, the Civil Aviation Administration of China revised its "circuit-breaker" measures for scheduled international passenger flights "in a bid to effectively coordinate Covid-19 prevention and control." For any airline carrying at least five passengers who test positive for COVID-19, if that number reaches 4% or more, the airline's operation on that specific route will be suspended for one operation. If the number of confirmed passengers testing positive reaches 8% or more, the airline's operation on that route shall be suspended for two operations, according to the Chinese agency.

JAPAN'S ANA TO RESUME AND EXPAND SELECT U.S. ROUTES


According to Business Travel News, Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced Tuesday that it will resume or increase service on select US routes, beginning next month. ANA will increase service to San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, and Washington, DC.  


The Chicago-Haneda route that had been suspended will resume October 30 with seven roundtrips per week, joining the daily Chicago-Narita flight. In addition, on the resumed flights ANA will introduce its “The Suite” first-class and “The Room” business-class cabins on both Chicago routes.

SOUTH KOREA TO LIFT PRE-ARRIVAL TESTING FOR INBOUND TRAVELERS


Skift reports that South Korea will be lifting its requirement for a pre-arrival COVID-19 test to enter the country beginning this Saturday, according to local media reports. After that time, travelers arriving in South Korea will no longer need to take a pre-arrival test, regardless of their vaccination status or the country of departure. However, incoming travelers will still need to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) within 24 hours of their arrival into the country. Currently, all inbound travelers to South Korea are required to submit the results of a polymerase chain reaction test taken within two days of traveling to the country or a rapid test taken within 24 hours. After arriving into the country, travelers are required to undergo a polymerase chain reaction test within 24 hours. 

conradnewyorkmidtown image

CONRAD NEW YORK MIDTOWN

151 WEST 54TH STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the luxurious Conrad New York Midtown offers discerning travelers a uniquely spacious and innately residential retreat. Conrad New York Midtown’s 54 floors encompass 562 luxury suites, striking views, a curated art program, a 1,500 square foot fitness center and 6,000 square feet of flexible function space. Guests can enjoy Dabble, located off the lobby, and discover a place to indulge in approachable cuisine in an energized atmosphere. The restaurant now features a new and exciting cocktail menu.

HILTON CHECKERS

LOS ANGELES

535 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE

LOS ANGELES

Hilton Checkers Los Angeles is a full-service hotel located in the heart of the financial district in downtown Los Angeles. Recently renovated, this boutique-style, historic hotel is walking distance to all that downtown has to offer including entertainment, dining, and shopping destinations. Travelers can indulge in the beautiful Southern California weather, while taking in sweeping views of downtown’s skyline, from the iconic hotel’s rooftop terrace. Enjoy a restful sleep in the well-appointed guest rooms and meet in style in the flexible meeting rooms, ideal for corporate events and social gatherings. All while traveling with confidence knowing that Hilton’s CleanStay program delivers an even cleaner stay.

loewssantamonica image

LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL

1700 OCEAN AVENUE

SANTA MONICA

Situated where the coast meets the city, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is one of Los Angeles' most celebrated beachfront hotels offering impeccable views of picture-perfect sunsets and the historic Santa Monica Pier. This luxury, family-friendly hotel offers 347 guest rooms and suites that were inspired by its coastal location and the laidback Southern California lifestyle. Guests can soak up the sun or relax and unwind at the hotel’s award-winning pool deck, which features poolside bites and beverages by Blue Streak Restaurant, and 13 campfire-inspired fire pits with premier oceanfront views. The hotel also features a For Five Coffee Roasters shop for on-the-go meals and snacks as well as any sundry needs, an expansive fitness center, indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, a pop-up gift shop and immediate proximity to Santa Monica's iconic attractions.

lottenewyorkpalace image

LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE HOTEL

455 MADISON AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, the Lotte New York Palace Hotel is best known for its breathtaking views, spacious accommodations, and unrivaled service. The Palace is a premier landmark hotel with a prime Midtown location. Following a recent $140 million renovation, Lotte New York Palace Hotel has introduced an entirely new level of sophistication and style. Featuring thoughtful amenities, each guestroom and suite offers the perfect blend of modern conveniences and historic charm to ensure a comfortable stay. From complimentary shoeshine and valet pressing services to impressive in-room workspace, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline amid guestrooms 25% larger than other luxury hotels in the city. Enjoy cocktails, shared plates, and a celebration of history at the one and only Gold Room at Lotte New York Palace.

NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN

1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS

NEW YORK CITY

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of savings at New York Hilton Midtown, ideally situated in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by public transportation options and a short walk away from the major transportation hubs of Grand Central and Times Square, allowing business travelers to maximize their time and minimize their commute.


Whether guests have 2 hours or 2 days to explore the city while here on business, New York Hilton Midtown puts guests within a few short blocks to enjoy a morning walk in Central Park, find that perfect gift for a loved one (or themselves) on Fifth Avenue, take in a Broadway show or transport their taste buds at one of the many neighborhood restaurants specializing in international cuisine. 

THE WALL STREET HOTEL

88 WALL STREET

NEW YORK CITY

The Wall Street Hotel, located in Manhattan’s Financial District has officially opened its doors. Historically, the heart of the building has offered an establishment of community gathering and international trade. Embracing the vibrant change of the neighborhood, modern travelers will now enjoy a stylish cultural hub that unifies the neighborhood with a modern and gracious approach to service and hospitality.180 rooms and suites span the premises with original artwork and luminous wallcoverings inspired by Mother of Pearl; a sea-stemming tribute to the hotel’s owners, the Paspaley family, who have a storied history in pearling and oyster cultivation. The Lounge on Pearl offers a calm oasis for light bites and everything from coffee to cocktails. Enjoy a lighter take on French fare at La Marchande, the hotel’s signature restaurant by Michelin-Starred Chef, John Fraser.

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin