Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg has said the approach to regulating airlines and ensuring passengers are treated properly needs improving, reports Skift. Last week, the DOT introduced a proposal that would require airlines to provide vouchers that do not expire when passengers are unable to fly for some pandemic reasons; Buttigieg said the rule could be the largest expansion of passenger protections in years. He also plans to finalize a July 2021 proposal that requires airlines to refund fees for bags that are significantly delayed and for onboard services that don’t function, such as Wi-Fi. Buttigieg has additionally urged airlines to implement realistic scheduling and boost staffing to improve performance. “We’ve been due for a refresh on a lot of our rules toward airlines and when you get it right, the entire system is better off — certainly passengers are better off,” he stated. “(Airlines) have a responsibility to take good care of passengers and we have a responsibility to hold them accountable.”

American Airlines is the latest carrier to announce cuts to its schedule in the coming months, primarily from its hub in Philadelphia, reports USA Today. American is cutting roughly 3% of its schedule there in September, equivalent to about 7 flights per day, and 5% of its schedule there in October, equivalent to about 13 flights per day. In a statement, the airline said, “American has taken steps to size our airline for the resources we have available and to build additional buffer into the remainder of our summer schedule. Last month, American took proactive steps to add resiliency into our schedule by reducing overall September system capacity by approximately 2% […] These adjustments were made in markets with multiple frequencies—with the goal of moving customers to different flights." American said it would contact customers whose flights are affected about making alternative arrangements; those who choose not to travel under a new itinerary may be entitled to a refund.

France has eliminated all remaining COVID-19 protocols for incoming travelers, bringing the country’s entry requirements back to pre-COVID times, reports Travel Market Report. Inbound travelers to the country are no longer required to complete a health declaration form prior to travel, and they no longer have to present proof of vaccination or show a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. France’s Ministry of Interior stated, “Faced with the new phase of the pandemic, the border health control system is lifted, in accordance with the law putting an end to the exceptional regimes created to fight against the epidemic linked to COVID-19.” A caveat to the changes is that France could re-institute the requirements; the government stated it has until January 31, 2023, to activate “emergency brake” measures for two months if COVID-19 numbers increase or a new variant stresses its health system.

Delta Air Lines has opened its only international Sky Club lounge, reports Travel + Leisure. Located in Tokyo's Haneda Airport in Terminal 3, the lounge was initially scheduled to open in the summer of 2020 before building was interrupted by the pandemic; it is the only one at the airport operated by an American airline and is Delta's first lounge expansion outside the US. The Sky Club lounge is more than 9,000-square-feet with views of the Tokyo city skyline and Mount Fuji. It features a buffet bar with both international and Asian-inspired meals, high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets at nearly every seat, and booths for quiet work. Travelers will also have access to five shower rooms. Claude Roussel, managing director of Delta Sky Clubs, stated, "We've been looking forward to this day for years […] Bringing the signature Delta Sky Club experience to Haneda as we continue to grow our network of premium, one-of-a-kind lounges is a huge moment for our Asia-Pacific partners, and all future Haneda Club customers."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of State have updated their respective travel advisory lists, reports Travel Pulse. The CDC has placed Jordan and the Caribbean Island nation of Sint Eustatius on its “Level 3 Risk List,” which is the highest level on their risk chart, designating more than 100 positive cases of COVID-19 for every 100,000 residents dating back the previous 28 days. The Department of State has also added ten countries to its travel advisory lists. Azerbaijan, China, and Hong Kong are designated as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”; Jordan, Malawi, and Zimbabwe are designated as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution”; and Senegal, Sint Eustatius, Suriname, and The Kyrgyz Republic are designated as “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.” While the Department of State designates advisories in conjunction with COVID-19 levels, it also outlines other reasons. Of particular note are the political tensions in China and Hong Kong, with notations on “arbitrary enforcement of local laws” and to “exercise increased caution […] due to wrongful detentions.”