Amex GBT Lawyers Travel's (Lawyers Travel™) weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of December's top 5 (most clicked by Lawyers Travel's clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. TSA WILL BEGIN TESTING A SELF-SERVICE SCREENING OPTION IN JANUARY
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin trialing a self-service screening option in January 2024 at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, reports Travel Market Report. The trial will enable travelers with TSA PreCheck eligibility to select a self-service screening option to speed up the security process. The new technology will send PreCheck members down one checkpoint lane with four integrated stations, each containing a video monitor with instructions and a help button that connects to a TSA officer if more assistance is needed. Travelers will have to pass the requirements of each station before moving on to the next one. TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the idea behind the Las Vegas installation is to offer another benefit to PreCheck members. “Since the system is designed for use in PreCheck lanes, highlighting the benefits to PreCheck travelers should be a priority. We want them to understand the value we’re trying to bring to them for taking the time to be pre-cleared for travel,” he said. Ultimately, the TSA’s mission is to speed up the security process at US airports, while also allowing TSA officers to direct their attention elsewhere.
2. NEW CULINARY AND GATE DELIVERY OPTIONS ARE COMING TO AIRPORTS IN NORTH AMERICA
New culinary and gate delivery options are coming to several airports in North America over the next year, reports Forbes. Airport culinary concessionaire OTG has developed a mobile app that will allow travelers the ability to order freshly prepared meals up to 24 hours in advance and either be picked up or delivered to their connecting gate. Called Order Ahead, it’s scheduled to be available by Q1 2024 in the 11 North American airports where OTG operates 350 outlets in 23 terminals. “Regardless of whether a traveler prefers a full-scale dining experience or the speed and convenience of fast-casual, we know every guest values fresh, high-quality food,” said Rick Blatstein, OTG CEO. “Consumer preferences are extremely diverse across our airports, so we try to focus on consistently offering dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the unique flavors of the surrounding region.” For example, when the company opens Sunset Loop Bar & Grill at Denver International Airport (DEN) next spring, the menu will include items such as steak and eggs with locally sourced ribeye and Rocky Mountain Trout Salad prepared with local trout and produce from nearby farms.
3. US PASSPORT WAIT TIMES RETURNING TO NORMAL
The US State Department has stated that processing times for passport applications are back to pre-pandemic levels, reports CNN. The return to normal wait times comes after several years of delays as the department worked through a backlog caused largely by COVID-19. Processing time for routine service is now six to eight weeks and two to three weeks for expedited service, the department said. The updated times apply for applications submitted on or after December 18. “With this update, we have fulfilled our commitment to return to benchmarks from March 2020. This reflects the work of dedicated employees working for the American people,” the department said. Processing times for passports reached 18 weeks in 2021 when the State Department faced unprecedented demand and a backlog of nearly 2 million applications. This October, processing times were reduced to eight to eleven weeks.
4. BRAZIL ADDS NEW E-VISA OPTION FOR TRAVELERS FROM US, CANADA, AUSTRALIA
Brazil has launched an electronic visa platform for visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia when the waiver currently in place for those countries expires in January 2024, reports Business Travel News. For arrivals beginning January 10, 2024, visitors from US, Canada, and Australia can apply for visas via a system developed by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and obtain them at the cost of $80.90 per person. The electronic visas allow multiple entries and will be valid 10 years for US residents and 5 years for Canadians and Australians. Brazil issued a visa waiver for all three countries in 2019, but that was contingent on a reciprocal waiver agreement from each country, which has not happened.
5. FIVE US AIRPORTS AMONG WORLD'S BUSIEST IN 2023
Five of the ten busiest global airports in 2023 are in the US, reports Business Travel News. According to global travel data provider OAG's latest report, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) ranked number one as the busiest global airport with more than 61.2 million departing seats. ATL was also the busiest global airport in 2022 and in 2019. The other US airports in the top ten global list included Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in fifth, Denver International Airport (DEN) at sixth, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in eighth, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in ninth. Outside of the US, Dubai International Airport (DXB) was the busiest, coming in second overall with more than 56.4 million departing seats.
