DECEMBER 1, 2021

The United States is considering requiring all inbound international travelers to be tested for COVID-19 one day before departure, regardless of vaccination status, in order to stop the spread off the emerging Omicron variant, reports The Washington Post. Government officials are also considering a proposal to require all travelers, including US citizens, to self-quarantine for seven days, even if their test results are negative. The two testing measures are detailed in a draft public health order written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that is under review by officials at the US Health and Human Services Department and the White House. The self quarantine-related measures are not in that draft but could be added later if the proposals win broader sign-off. Details are still being worked out, and it is unknown at this time when the new policy would take effect. Currently, the US requires pre-departure testing for both unvaccinated and vaccinated air travelers to the country; however, the time frames are different. For those who show proof of full vaccination, that test must be conducted no more than three days before the flight’s departure. For travelers who cannot show such proof, the test must be done no more than one day before departure.

The United Kingdom has implemented stricter travel guidelines in response to the Omicron variant, requiring all fully vaccinated travelers arriving in the UK to take a PCR test before the end of the second day of their arrival and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. There are different rules for non-fully vaccinated travelers and for travelers that recently have been in red list countries. Travelers who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 must self-isolate regardless of vaccination status. For additional information regarding these requirements, please click here.

In addition to the UK’s new requirements, over 70 countries have introduced immediate response actions to the emerging Omicron COVID-19 variant, with many others expected to do so over the coming days. These actions include border closings, additional tracking/tracing and COVID-19 testing, mandatory quarantine requirements, and/or flight suspensions to/from countries including: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Different countries and territories have taken different approaches toward preventing the spread of this new variant, and governments can change their regulations on a moment's notice. This is clearly still an evolving and dynamic situation, and therefore it’s reasonable to anticipate further potential changes by more governments. Travelers are encouraged to refer to local government COVID-19 sites for the latest information before making new travel plans. For additional information and updates as reported by CNN, click "Read More."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expanding surveillance efforts at four international airports in the US in order to combat the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, reports Travel Pulse. The agency will be assisted by testing service XpresCheck at terminals in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which are four of the busiest international airports in the country. According to XpresCheck's parent company, XpresSpa Group, the updated program is an expansion of a biosurveillance program first launched in September that tested travelers arriving from India at JFK, EWR, and SFO. "CDC is evaluating how to make international travel as safe as possible," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said, noting that efforts include "critical partner testing closer to the time of flights and considerations around additional post-arrival testing and self-quarantine." She added, "This program allows for increased COVID testing for specific international arrivals, increasing our capacity to identify those with COVID-19 on arrival to the United States and enhancing our surveillance for the Omicron variant."

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened 2.45 million airline travelers on Sunday, November 28, the highest number of daily travelers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Reuters. Despite concerns about the increase in demand, US air travel was relatively smooth over the holiday period. Volume for the 10-day Thanksgiving travel period was 20.9 million, about 89% of pre-pandemic travel numbers, TSA added, and more than twice the volume over 2020. Additionally, Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that in the week ending on November 14, US airline passenger volumes were 10% below pre-pandemic levels, with domestic air travel down 8% and international down 25%.

American Airlines has announced that it has finalized a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offtake agreement with Aemetis, an advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals company. The agreement brings the airline’s total SAF commitment to more than 120 million gallons, a signal of the integral role SAF will play in American’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve its sustainability goals. “The American Airlines team is committed to reducing emissions from our operations, and sustainable aviation fuel is the cornerstone of our strategy in this decade,” said Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of American. “We’re proud to join with our oneworld partners in supporting the growth of SAF through this agreement with Aemetis, and we’re eager to continue collaborating with like-minded partners to meet aviation’s climate challenge.” American’s goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and the airline was the first in North America to commit to set a science-based intermediate target for the year 2035.
C BALDWIN CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
400 DALLAS STREET
HOUSTON
The C. Baldwin participates in the Hilton CleanStay Program that offers a new standard of hotel cleanliness and disinfection to ensure each guest with a cleaner, safer stay. The C. Baldwin offers a variety of guest rooms, featuring modern, sophisticated décor. The hotel has 354 well-appointed guest rooms, including 11 suites, floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary wireless high-speed Wi-Fi, 55 inch-inch HDTV’s, limited collection of rooms featuring Peloton bikes, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a Lobby Bar with elevated entrée offerings by the culinary team of Chef Chris Cosentino.

The hotel is minutes away from: Houston Theater District, Bayou Place, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, Warehouse Live, House of Blues, and White Oak Music Hall.
FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA
138 ST. JAMES STREET
BOSTON
Celebrate this year's winter season in "America's Walking City" and see the city come aglow with its festively decorated historic landmarks, neighborhoods, and more. In the heart of Boston's famed Back Bay neighborhood, the historic landmark hotel connects guests to the quintessential Boston experience. Nearby, guests will find many of the city's finest sights and activities, from the historic Freedom Trail to the fashionable boutiques of Newbury Street. A luxury four-diamond property, the hotel offers 383 lavish guest rooms, including 17 elegant suites, daily in-room dining service, a complimentary on-site 3,000 square-foot rooftop health club overlooking Back Bay, and is home to one of the hottest drinking and dining destinations in the city, OAK Long Bar + Kitchen. Savor creative holiday cocktails and bites while cozying up next to one of the two working fireplaces in the restaurant.
LOEWS VANDERBILT HOTEL NASHVILLE
2100 WEST END AVENUE
NASHVILLE
Experience a true Nashville icon when staying at the beloved Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. The Music City-inspired gem offers an authentically local, luxury escape in the heart of one of the most dynamic destination in the country. Soulfully infused food and beverage, luxury designer suites and easy access to the very best of Nashville, make a stay at this one-of-a-kind enclave a must. The longest-running hotel in the state of Tennessee to maintain consecutive AAA Four-Diamond status, Loews Vanderbilt looks forward to welcoming guests like family for an unforgettable stay.
LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE HOTEL
455 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
Inspired by the timeless elegance of an Upper East Side residence, The Royal Suite Collection at Lotte New York Palace represents the ultimate in New York City style and sophistication. Among Manhattan’s largest hotel suites, this premier collection ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 square feet and features glamorous living spaces framed by panoramic skyline views. Custom furnishings, curated artwork, and luxurious Hästens beds, make the Royal Suite Collection among the most sought-after luxury accommodations in New York City.

Behind gilded walls and intricately carved doors, the kitchens of The Palace have made their long-awaited return. Enjoy breakfast at Villard or wind down over cocktails and sophisticated bar plates in The Gold Room.
OMNI LOS ANGELES HOTEL
251 SOUTH OLIVE STREET
LOS ANGELES
Sitting atop Bunker Hill, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza features luxurious accommodations and modern conveniences to exceed the desires of today’s business and leisure travelers. The hotel in downtown Los Angeles rises 17 stories and reflects the sophistication of downtown Los Angeles while offering an outdoor heated lap pool, spa services, fitness center, two restaurants, and an exclusive Executive Club Floor and Lounge. Iconic LA staples like Grand Central Market, The Broad Museum, and Angels Flight Railway are just a few steps from the hotel.
PARK HYATT NEW YORK
153 WEST 57TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
Rediscover the luster of Midtown Manhattan once again at Park Hyatt New York, where luxury is personal. Spacious guestrooms inspired by New York’s most well-appointed homes enjoy an abundance of natural light and luxurious spa-like bathrooms. Guests can relax and unwind in the stunning saltwater pool, revamp their fitness routine in the state-of-the-art fitness center, enjoy breakfast in bed, or delight in the open spaces of Central Park, just a short stroll away.