American Samoa fails to get REAL ID extension, alternate ID will soon be required

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granted extensions for REAL ID to all 50 states and to four of the five U.S. territories. However, the DHS said that American Samoa “has not been able to demonstrate a clear achievable plan for compliance as needed to receive a new extension,” and thus has listed it as non-compliant.

Therefore, starting February 5, 2018, the DHS will begin enforcing the requirements set forth by the Real ID Act. This means residents of American Samoa will no longer be able to use territory-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards to fly domestically. Instead, they will have to present an alternate form of ID. Some of the acceptable forms of ID include a passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents. To see the complete list of acceptable alternate forms of ID please visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Terminal 2 opens at Seoul’s Incheon Airport

Just in time for the Olympics, the high-tech new Terminal 2 has opened at Seoul’s Incheon Airport. In addition to a host of new amenities and luxury lounges, the new facility features many smart technologies such as 63 self-check-in kiosks and full-body scanners, which will significantly reduce traveler wait times. 

Korean Air, along with its SkyTeam partners Delta, KLM and Air France, will all be operating out of the new Terminal 2.

Lyft expands concierge service to all organizations

Previously available only to select groups, Lyft is now permitting organizations of all sizes to use its concierge service, which allows for rides to be scheduled by others within the organization. After setting up an account, a corporate travel manager can be designated as an administrator and can then request rides for other employees. They can also perform other functions such as monitoring and restricting ride activity. They can also designate other “agents” within the company who can also assist with ride arrangements.

Wyndham to acquire La Quinta

Wyndham Worldwide struck a deal to acquire LaQuinta. The move will help Wyndham boost its presence in the midscale and upper-midscale markets. Hotel officials said La Quinta’s loyalty program will be merged into the Wyndham Rewards program.