MARCH 16, 2022

The UK government has announced that all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions -- including the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and tests for all travelers regardless of vaccination status -- will be removed for travel to the UK beginning Friday, March 18. Additionally, given the current state of the pandemic and a move towards global travel volumes returning to normal, the UK's remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity will be fully removed by the end of March. According to the UK government website, the new rules will apply for travel to all four countries -- England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. To ensure the protection of public health, the government will maintain a range of contingency measures in reserve, which would enable it to take swift and proportionate action to delay any future harmful variants of COVID-19 entering the UK should the need arise. Travelers are reminded to be aware that while there will be no border health measures on arrival in the UK, other countries are at different stages in the pandemic and many still require them to comply with requirements.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the mask mandate for public transportation and transportation hubs through April 18, reports CBS News. The requirement remains for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the US, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems. The extension comes at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which will help government agencies with a framework to revise their policies regarding mask requirements on public transportation and in transportation hubs. According to a TSA official, the revised framework "will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science." TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement the agency's collaboration with industry and federal partners has been instrumental throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, "and now we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the travel industry." The mask requirement has stayed in place even after the CDC announced a shift in COVID-19 guidance in February.

The South Korean government has announced that it is easing its COVID-19 protocols and quarantine measures for international travelers to South Korea, reports USA Today. According to the US Embassy and Consulate in the Republic of Korea's website, the changes will go into effect as follows:
  • Starting from March 21, 2022, vaccinated travelers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination in Korea OR those who already registered their overseas vaccination history at a local Korean public health center, will be eligible for quarantine exemption.
  • Starting from April 1, 2022, vaccinated travelers who have completed vaccination overseas AND register their vaccination history through the Quarantine COVID-19 Defense (Q-Code) system BEFORE traveling to Korea will be eligible for quarantine exemption. Vaccination is considered to be complete 14 days after the 2nd shot for a two-dose vaccine (valid up to 180 days) or with booster shots.

International travelers must enter their vaccine records to the Korean immigration Q-Code system prior to arriving in Korea and scan the provided QR code upon immigration. The Q-Code system will ask for information such as a passport number, departure country, airline, phone number, and vaccine records. The US Embassy and Consulate in the Republic of Korea also noted that travelers may face "temperature screening, health questionnaires, quarantines, and/or COVID-tests, depending on points of departure, visa status, and nationality" upon arrival.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that New Zealand will open its border earlier than expected, allowing fully vaccinated international travelers from visa waiver countries, including the United States, to enter without any quarantine measures, reports Travel Pulse. Beginning May 1, international travelers must present proof of full vaccination as well as a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter New Zealand. Additionally, all travelers will be given two rapid antigen tests for free upon arrival to Auckland Airport for self-administration after leaving the airport. The first test will be done upon arrival, and the second is done on day five or six. Travelers who do test positive from either of the tests will be required to take a PCR test to confirm their result. If they are still positive, they’ll be instructed to quarantine. At this time, unvaccinated international travelers are still restricted from entering New Zealand; however, government officials have stated that there are plans in place to fully reopen the country's borders in October.

Delta Air Lines has announced that it is expanding its summer schedule to include new flights between Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) beginning May 14, and between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Stockholm-Arlanda Flygplats (ARN) starting July 1. Additionally, for the summer period between June 1 and August 31, the carrier announced that it is offering about 143 percent more seats in its three premium cabins than in summer 2021, for a total of approximately 750,000 premium seats. “Delta has been focused on building back our network to give customers easy, convenient access to wherever they want to go, and we’re delivering on that promise with up to 74 daily flights to 21 European destinations from 10 US gateways this summer,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s SVP of Network Planning. “We have also accelerated improvements to our aircraft so that customers can enjoy a more comfortable journey, including offering more seats than ever before in Delta Premium Select, which will be available on nearly every flight to Europe in the months ahead.”

American Airlines has announced plans to expand its operations at London Heathrow Airport’s (LHR) Terminal 5 for the summer season. From March 27 through October 30, American will co-locate up to 11 daily flights between LHR and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK). The plan includes a total of 14 daily flights departures from Terminal 5 at LHR to JFK. The move to Terminal 5 will allow travelers transferring to onward destinations via British Airways, American’s joint-venture partner, to connect more easily. “We are delighted to welcome American Airlines customers and colleagues to our main home — Terminal 5 at London Heathrow,” said Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances. The move does not affect American’s flights between London and Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU), as they will continue to arrive and depart from LHR’s Terminal 3.
FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH
4441 COLLINS AVENUE
MIAMI BEACH
A revered Miami Beach landmark for more than half a century, Fontainebleau’s iconic design is a spectacular blend of Miami’s glamorous golden era and stylish modern luxury.

Guestrooms offer luxurious comfort, elegant amenities, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. An expansive poolscape features 11 pools and luxurious cabanas. Indulge in 12 restaurants, bars and lounges including signature restaurants StripSteak by Michael Mina, and AAA Four Diamond award winning Hakkasan and Scarpetta by Scott Conant, as well as the high-energy nightclub, LIV. Relax and explore the 40,000 square foot Lapis Spa, The Shops at Fontainebleau, and miles of pristine beach.
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.
ROYAL SONESTA WASHINGTON, DC
2121 P STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC captures a sensational DC boutique hotel vibe and is centrally located in Dupont Circle which pulses with creative, current, and urban energy. The hotel has contemporary art inspired guestroom designs, while chic function and public spaces give a stylish edge. Guests will enjoy a complimentary beverage hour, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and complimentary bikes to ride around the many attractions in the local area. This is truly the place to be in Washington, DC.
SOFITEL MEXICO CITY REFORMA
297 AVENUE PASEO DE LA REFORMA
MEXICO CITY
The Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is the perfect place for business travelers with its privileged location, at the intersection of the most iconic landmarks and within walking distance of the thriving business district. Enjoy one of the 275 spacious, chic, and elegant rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting impressive views of the city, and technologically intuitive features.

Travelers may enhance their stay at Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane, the saltwater pool well known for its outstanding architecture or the innovative Sofitel fitness center fitted with state-of-the art equipment. The exclusive Club Millésime, located on the 36th floor, is the ideal place for a business meeting or for a relaxing moment enjoying sweeping views.

Ovation clients will enjoy a complimentary room upgrade and 10% off in the restaurant Balta or by ordering in-room dining (subject to availability at check-in, valid until September 30, 2022, black-out dates apply).
THE AMESWELL HOTEL
800 MOFFETT BOULEVARD
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, The Ameswell Hotel is a one-stop destination. With suites as large as 955 square feet, guests will have plenty of room to spread out between Zoom meetings.

Guests will never go hungry. With options available from 6am to midnight, guests can start their day with cafe fare at The Flyby, enjoy California cuisine at Roger Bar & Restaurant, or snack at the custom Airstream bar.

The hotel also offers an array of amenities including a 24/7 fitness center, spa services, and convenient access to the nearest hiking and cycling trails.
Ovation Travel Group is wholly owned by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT). GBT is a joint venture that is not wholly owned by American Express Company or any of its subsidiaries (American Express). “American Express Global Business Travel”, “American Express", and the American Express logo are trademarks of American Express and are used under limited license. “American Express Meetings & Events” is a division of GBT.