TSA completes rollout of enhanced screening procedures; adds new airlines to PreCheck
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said that enhanced screening procedures for carry-on items are now in place at all U.S. federal airports. The stronger measures, which were rolled out over the past year, require travelers who are not part of the PreCheck program to separate out all personal electronics larger than a cell phone into bins for X-ray screening. In addition, TSA officers may ask airline passengers to separate other items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders and anything that may prevent clear images on the X-ray machine.
The TSA also announced that it has added six more international airlines to its PreCheck program bringing the number of participating carriers to 52. The newly approved airlines include: Air Serbia, Condor Airlines, Porter Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines (UK) and Thomas Cook Airlines (Scan).
AirTrain closures announced at San Francisco International
Airport officials said AirTrain service at San Francisco International Airport will be closed overnight from May 14 through June 15, 2018. The closure will begin at 8 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. Passengers can instead use buses to transit between all terminals and the Rental Car Center. Buses will be available on the center island of the departure level for all terminals and will run every five minutes except between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. when they will operate every 15 minutes. Travelers are advised to allow extra time during the AirTrain closures.
American has relocated its operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport from Concourse A to Concourse B. All American flights now arrive/depart from Gates 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26. American’s check-in and baggage claim facilities in the main terminal will not be impacted.
American will become the first U.S. carrier to offer direct service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The new year-round, Saturday service from Miami will commence Dec. 22, 2018. Tickets will go on sale on May 14, 2018.
British Airways
British Airways is expanding the ways its customers can spend their Avios earnings. Members can now use Avios to cover all or part of the cost to select seats in advance. Airline officials note that Gold, Silver and Bronze British Airways Executive Club members will still be able to select seats in advance for free. All customers can still make seat selections at check-in 24 hours prior to departure.
In other news, British Airways officially launched its new five times weekly service between London Heathrow and Nashville. British Airways is the only airline to offer direct service between Europe and Nashville.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest said it will increase its presence at New York’s LaGuardia and Washington’s Reagan National airports after a new agreement to lease takeoff and landing rights from Alaska Airlines was finalized. Southwest will gain 12 slots at LaGuardia and eight at Reagan National for 10 years under the plan, which has already been approved by regulators. Southwest officials said it will release specific route details in the coming weeks.
As a result of the lease agreement, Alaska will end flights from both airports to Dallas Love Field in October. Alaska Airlines officials said, “The move reflects Alaska’s efforts at ensuring the combined Alaska-Virgin network is configured the way we want it.”
Hurtigruten offers amazing destinations and a very different cruise experience
Have you dreamed of visiting some of the world’s most fascinating, off-the-beaten-track destinations? How about far Northern Europe or the Americas or even the polar regions of the Artic? Or, is experiencing the remote, pristine wilderness of Antarctica on your ultimate bucket list? Hurtigruten expedition cruises can take you there!
Adelman’s Lori Blue just returned from an eight-day Hurtigruten adventure cruise aboard the MS Fram that took her along the Northeast coast of the U.S. and Canada. The itinerary included fascinating ports such as St. John’s, Newfoundland and the French territory of St. Pierre just south of Newfoundland.
According to Lori, “A cruise on Hurtigruten is completely different from any sailing on the big, major cruise lines because Hurtigruten uses smaller ships specially designed to reach some amazing places that larger cruise ships can’t get to.”
Hurtigruten also offers a fascinating and educational experience thanks to its knowledgeable expedition team that consists of biologists, ornithologists and photographers. According to Lori, the ship experts are quick to take advantage of in-the-moment experiences. “One day we were in the middle of a seminar about birds when whales were spotted around the ship,” said Lori. “Not only was the seminar paused, but the ship was slowed down so that everyone could get to a good position to see the whales as long as possible. This was truly amazing.”
Lori takes in the sights near St. Johns Newfoundland
Lori found the MS Fram to be comfortable and well-appointed with spacious outside decks that allow access to the front of the ship, which is a great place to observe marine wildlife. “The observation lounge has comfy sitting areas at the top of the ship and large panoramic windows giving you incredible views of nature,” said Lori. “A pair of binoculars is installed for spotting wildlife and details of the everchanging landscape.”
In addition to the uniquely delicious menu options such as reindeer soup and Arctic Char, guests will appreciate the multi-level restaurant, which allows for spectacular views of the landscape regardless of where a guest is seated. Even the well-equipped fitness room offers panoramic ocean views. At the of top of the ship guests can get warm in the sauna or bathe in one of the outdoor Jacuzzis while icebergs float past the ship.
Lori or any of our experienced vacation advisors can provide you with more information on Hurtigruten’s amazing adventure expeditions. Simply give us a call at
Members of the IHG rewards program can earn even more when staying at any of the 12 award-winning Kimpton boutique hotels in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas.
Rewards Club members not only receive personalized preferences and exclusive offers but will also enjoy Kimpton’s elevated special amenities such as the hosted nightly wine hour, complimentary Wi-Fi and $10 bar/minibar credit for Elite members. In addition, members will also now receive 5,000 points per stay through December 2018. Also, as part of the Adelman Hotel Collection, Adelman customers will have access to other periodic promotions. For more information contact your Adelman travel consultant.
Cities where travelers can most easily skip the car rental
A recent study conducted by USA Today and MobilityScore, a website that assesses the transportation options available in metropolitan areas around North America, named the top U.S. cities that travelers can visit without a car. The study took into consideration a variety of public transportation options that include train or metro, bus, taxi and ridesharing such as Uber and Lyft along with bike-share options. The top cities followed by their score are:
Hilton Hotels announced that it is adding to its Connected Room strategy. Guests who have the Hilton Honors app will be able to use their smartphones as a remote for lighting, temperature and television at select hotels. Hilton is in the process of rolling out this new enhancement across multiple Hilton brands and properties so that several thousand rooms will be equipped by the end of the year.
If you do not have the app because you are not a member of Hilton Honors, you can quickly join by registering with our special link, https://www.hiltonhonors.com/en_US/HHCM/adelman-ftgold/landing. Plus, for a limited time, Adelman customers can earn Gold status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program in just four stays with our Fast Track program. Normally customers don’t earn all the benefits that come with Hilton Honors Gold status until they achieve 20 stays!
Simply register as above, then book your Hilton brand hotel via Adelman and complete the four stays within 90 days of registration.
NY Port Authority to adopt new rules at JFK to ease weather delays
After suffering severe weather-related disruptions this winter at New York’s JFK, the Port Authority announced new rules and procedures aimed at avoiding future problems at the airport during weather emergencies. Among the changes is a new mandate that requires “airlines to request and receive explicit confirmation from their terminal operator that a gate will be available for flights arriving during a storm window.” Also, because JFK’s eight terminals are operated by different entities, the new measures also include “mandated requirements for mutual aid between airlines, terminal operators, and ground handlers to share equipment, staff and gates during emergency situations.” All requests for mutual aid will be facilitated through the Emergency Operating Center.
Ecuador delays health Insurance mandate for visitors
As previously reported, Ecuador has been in the process of revamping its immigration policies. As part of the new procedures, visitors were going to be required to prove that they have health insurance when entering the country. The new rules were to go into effect on May 1, 2018. However, there is still considerable vagueness in the legislation and thus the mandate has been postponed. Now the earliest that proof of health insurance could be required is July 22, 2018. However, there are questions that need to be addressed. For example, it is unclear as to whether this will apply to all visitors or those staying longer than 90 days. There are also still no clear guidelines as to what type of health insurance will be required or what form of proof will be needed.
Unions continue to apply pressure to Air France as they have added additional dates to their series of labor strikes. The latest planned walk outs currently include May 3-4 and May 7-8. Air France flights operated by an aircraft other than that of Air France or Joon will not be affected by these strikes (HOP!, KLM, Delta). Air France is working to minimize disruptions for its travelers but has also issued waivers to passengers who would like to make changes. Delta is also offering waivers.Travelers can find additional details on the Air France web site, click here. (https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/page_flottante/hp/news-air-traffic-air-france.htm) and the Delta web site, click here. (https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/advisories.html)
Customers are also reminded to check Adelman’s website at www.adelmantravel.com for travel advisory information including the Air France strike, which appears on the scrolling header and can be clicked on for additional details.
American Airlines
American is launching several new routes in May and early June. As of May 4, American will have flights from Philadelphia to Budapest, Hungry and Prague, Czech Republic. Then starting on June 7, American will offer new service from Charlotte, North Carolina to Panama City, Florida; from Dallas/Fort Worth to South Bend, Indiana and Reykjavik, Iceland; and from Miami to Bonaire.
British Airways
British Airways along with its partner American Airlines is now offering great double decker aircraft service on one of its six daily frequencies between Chicago and London. The comfortable and spacious Airbus A380 is designed to ensure customers arrive relaxed and refreshed. The aircraft boasts innovative jetlag-reducing features such as purer cabin air, soothing LED lighting and a quieter cabin. Plus, flyers will enjoy great-tasting meals, advanced in-flight entertainment along with award-winning service on the world’s largest passenger plane. And now with six overall frequencies daily between Chicago and London, customers will have plenty of options for travel across the pond.
Thai Airways
In an effort to enhance safety, the Zodiac Cirrus seats in Thai Airways’ Royal Silk business class on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft have been outfitted with airbag systems. However, the airline is cautioning that the safety belts used with the new systems “cannot extend round passengers waists more than 56-inches thick”. The new safety systems also cannot accommodate parents with a child on their laps. The airline therefore cannot accept affected passengers in its business class on flights using the new Dreamliner aircraft.
Are you looking to experience a different side of Mexico? Adelman’s Marsha Craig recently vacationed in Huatulco, which is located along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. Unlike Mexico’s larger resort areas, Huatulco has a quieter and more peaceful vibe with pristine beaches and landscapes, yet it still offers visitors a range of activities and cultural experiences. According to Marsha, “The coastline is beautiful and there are many hotel choices – something for everyone!”
Marsha stayed at both the Dreams and Secrets luxury resorts in Huatulco. The Dreams Resort & Spa offers an excellent experience for all types of travelers with its six swimming pools, including a large infinity pool and adults-only pool, along with a variety of ways to enjoy the water with kayaks, wave runners, sail boats, banana boats, and snorkeling equipment, plus it features an Explorer’s Club for Kids. The Dreams resort offers spacious rooms and suites, delicious dining and a world-class spa.
Water sports beach at Dreams
Secrets Resort & Spa Huatulco is an adults-only resort that is located on a secluded coastline of Conejos Bay. Its golden sand, sapphire waters and interesting rock formations help to deliver a serene escape. Guests can simply relax at one of Secrets’ pools or large beach area or can be more active by taking advantage of the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga and other workout classes and watersports. There are also theme nights and parties along with live musical performances and shows.
View from the Secrets Spa
Both resorts offer Unlimited-Luxury® service and elevated amenities such as limitless access to premium beverages and gourmet à la carte dining options without reservations required, 24-hour room and concierge services, endless activities and more. No wristbands are required.
As wonderful as the Dreams and Secrets resorts are, Marsha advises visitors to get out and explore Huatulco and its many sites. The downtown area, which is just a few minutes from the Dreams Resort, is charming. “The plaza offers visitors the opportunity to shop for items such as black pottery, which is unique to the state of Oaxaca; mescal; wood carvings called alebrije; cotton products made in the area; coffee and chocolate,” Marsha says. “There is a beautiful church there, too.”
The colorfully painted interior of La Crucecita church features a 65-foot image of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Marsha also visited the Copalita, an Eco-Archeological park that has been open to the public for about 10 years. With the aid of her guide, Marsha said she learned a lot about how the people of this area worked and lived so many years ago. “There are great walkways throughout the park along with a beautiful overlook area where the Copalita River meets the ocean,” Marsha says.
Where the Copalita River meets the Pacific Ocean
With nearby mountains, jungle, 36 unspoiled beaches, nine pristine bays, unique cultural opportunities and a variety of world-class resorts, Huatulco offers a well-rounded vacation experience anytime of the year and without the crowds. For more information on Huatulco or for help with your next vacation getaway, contact Marsha Craig or anyone of our experienced vacation advisors at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.
Hotel Zoo Berlin: a unique option at a great Adelman rate
Built in 1891 as a private residence, HOTEL ZOO BERLIN was converted to a hotel in 1911 and became the glamorous hotspot for many celebrities during the Berlin Movie Festivals in the 1920s-1950s.
The Hotel Zoo Berlin has been carefully restored to allow the building’s past to come alive again. Guests are drawn into the hotel by crouching leopards woven into the jade-colored Catwalk towards a floating reception desk of black glass and pressed flowers. From there, the space opens into the heart and soul of the hotel, the Living Room. Large windows flood the room with natural light, illuminating the scene. Overhead, a two-ton molding of grand lilies erupts into a gigantic chandelier– the crowning fantastical piece that will sweep guests into another world.
Hotel Zoo Berlin is located on Kurfuerstendamm Boulevard, a cultural hub, and puts galleries, luxury shopping and trendy restaurants within easy reach. Then, after spending time in Berlin’s urban jungle, guests can relax with a luxurious spa treatment at Hotel Zoo Berlin’s new Beauty Suite. This Urban Spa features the well-known beauty experts, Treat Beauty, whose tailormade treatments are suited to each guest’s individual needs with natural, organic products with the best botanical ingredients.
In addition to the unique ambiance and upscale services found at Hotel Zoo Berlin, Adelman customers will also enjoy special pricing through our Hotel Collection program. For more information or to book this distinctive hotel please contact your Adelman Travel Consultant.
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