Author: Laura Schad

Treat yourself to an adult-only luxury beach experience at Secrets Akumal

Adelman’s Tracy King recently returned from Mexico’s Riviera Maya where she immersed herself in an idyllic resort experience at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya. Located along the renowned white-sand beaches and clear, calm waters of Akumal, this new resort tempts visitors with its stunning yet relaxing settings and its unique nature experiences.

According to Tracy, “Secrets Akumal is an amazing adults-only all-inclusive that offers delicious food and beverages, lots of nightly entertainment, and great service.” Secrets Akumal not only offers a picturesque escape, but guests can take advantage of a full range of exceptional amenities through Secrets’ Unlimited-Luxury® experience including limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options (no reservations needed), top-shelf spirits, natural fruit juices and soft drinks along with 24-hour room and concierge services and endless daytime activities, live nightly entertainment, theme parties and more.

As Tracy notes, “There were plenty of activities during the day, but the biggest draw is the Sea Turtle experience. The turtles swim off the reef right in front of the resort.”  Secrets Akumal provides complimentary snorkels and masks so guests can partake in this special experience as part of the all-inclusive package.  Tracy said, “I personally am not that great of a snorkeler, but I know guests did see turtles, giant sting rays and big barracudas!”  Tracy also enjoyed the beautiful beach area. “The beach is not private but provided great people watching and there was never a problem finding an empty beach lounger.”

Overall, Tracy said, “Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya i a top-notch resort with over-the-top service and wonderful food” all of which makes this an ideal adults-only all-inclusive experience.  Contact Tracy or any one of our experienced vacations travel advisors for more information on Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya or any of the other Secrets premier resorts. Simply give us a call at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Panama: Fascinating sites, exotic culture and pristine beauty await you

Megan Schaber, a member of Adelman’s event management team, recently returned from an exciting trip to the vibrant country of Panama. According to Megan, “This beautiful country has something for everybody – from birdwatching and fishing to exotic culture and relaxing along the water or in nature.  There are so many interesting things to experience.” 

Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. You can immerse yourself in the culture of Panama’s various indigenous people. Megan enjoyed a special encounter with the Embera, who reside near Panama City. As Megan recounts, “It was such a special day interacting with the tribe, dancing with them, partaking in a meal, and walking around their village. One little girl came up to me, held my hand, and didn’t let go, it was heart-melting.”

And of course, Panama’s biggest attraction, the Canal, is fascinating.  The Panama Canal, which is often described as the 8th wonder of the world, generates one-third of Panama’s entire economy and employs 9,800 people. The Canal is 51 miles long from end to end and takes 26 million gallons of fresh water to fill up each chamber. It only takes 8-10 hours to pass through the Canal in its entirety.

Panama has first-world infrastructure, top-rate hotels, restaurants and the best shopping in Latin America. Panama City is a sophisticated capital with vibrant nightlife, plus it is the only city in the world with a rainforest within city limits. World-class golfing, diving, sailing, sport fishing, surfing, exotic sites and pristine natural beauty are all close by. Panama is also very tourist-friendly and affordable making in an excellent choice for your incentive program or business conference. To learn more about Panama and other exciting meeting and incentive destinations please contact dwheeler@adelmantravel.com or visit https://brojure.com/summit-performance-group/adelmansummit/.

Delta outlines top initiatives for balance of 2018

Officials at Delta Air Lines recently summarized some of the airline’s top initiatives aimed at improving the customer experience. One of Delta’s highest priorities is to provide “seamless connectivity across Delta’s global partnership network.” Delta is actively working on its joint venture partnerships to make sure that product offerings are better aligned to provide a more consistent experience. Delta is enhancing its system for directing calls from travelers flying on partner carriers to its various help centers. Delta is also working to enable check-in and seat selection across network carriers through any portal.

Another initiative includes a plan to make passenger data more accessible to its employees so that they can better understand customer needs. For example, “if a flight attendant could know that a passenger just faced two delays in a row, he or she could soften the frustration by offering that passenger a drink voucher.”

On the operations end, Delta recognizes that onboard Wi-Fi reliability has been a problem recently. Officials note, “Many of the failures this winter stemmed from moving the satellite antennas to the top of the aircraft to provide better service, but during de-icing water intrusion make the antennas stop moving, which disables Wi-Fi access.” Delta expects the problem to clear up soon but is also working with Wi-Fi provider Gogo to make sure it does not happen again next winter. Finally, while Delta continues to top its competitors in on-time performance and cancellation rates, the airline remains committed to finding additional ways to improve operations. This year Delta said it will focus on recovery from irregular operations. For example, “How do we get back to 100 percent in 24 hours instead of 48 hours,” one airline official notes.

Cyber Attack impacts some Delta customers; Adelman not affected

Delta Air Lines said it was recently informed that a “small subset” of its customers’ payment data may have been compromised due to a security breach via a third party vendor called [24]7.ai. Delta uses [24]7.ai to provide online chat services. According to [24]7.ai, customer payment information may have been accessed but it believes other personal information including passport numbers or SkyMiles account information was not compromised.

The Cyber Attack is said to have taken place from September 26 to October 12, 2017 and also impacted several other major businesses including Sears and Best Buy. 

Please note, the [24]7.ai data breach does not affect any customers booking Delta Air Lines through Adelman platforms.  

Travel disruptions continue in Europe

While labor strikes seem to be the norm in Europe, especially during peak travel season, France is already looking at a particularly rough spring with multiple strikes planned for Air France and French rail over the coming weeks.

Workers at Air France have already conducted several walk-offs with two more planned for April 17-18 and April 23-24. This labor action has forced the airline to cancel some flights operated by both Air France and Joon. Air France and Delta have both issued waivers for travelers wishing to change their reservation. Please see the Adelman Travel Website at www.adelmantravel.com or the Air France website at https://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/page_flottante/hp/news-air-traffic-air-france.htm for more information.

French railway workers are planning a series of strikes now through the end of June. The strikes are scheduled for two days in every five days. Affected rail service includes Eurostar, along with SNCF services including TGV, RER (lines A, B, C, D and E) Intercity trains, TER trains and Thalys. More information can be found at https://en.oui.sncf/en/train/strike.

In the UK, airport officials are warning that the installation of a new air traffic control system could cause delays at London Heathrow and Gatwick along with several other airports across southern England through the end of April. Officials say average delays at Heathrow will be about 20 minutes, while delays at Gatwick might be limited to about 10 minutes.

LAX biometric self-boarding test yielding positive results: LAX speeds up security checks

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is partnering with British Airways and Lufthansa on a test of biometric self-boarding gates at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX airport. This first multi-carrier project uses facial recognition cameras at special gates to capture an image of each passenger. The image is sent to the CBP database for quick real-time verification. If the passenger is confirmed, neither a passport nor boarding pass needs to be displayed at the gate.

The project is part of the CBP’s initiative to increase the use of biometric screening since Congress has mandated that biometric data be collected on all foreign nationals visiting the United States. Airlines are looking to the new technology to help increase boarding efficiency.

Officials say that Qantas and Korean Air are expected to join in the testing at LAX, which is expected to last into the summer. Lufthansa said it hopes to bring these special gates to all airports it serves in the U.S. 

In related news, airport officials at LAX said the screening of carry-on items will also become quicker thanks to the installation of more Automated Security Lanes (ASLs), which allow five travelers to load personal items into screening bins at the same time. LAX has 27 ASLs operating in Terminals 2, 4, 7 and in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. It will open three ASLs in Terminal 3 later this year.  

Alaska Airlines

Effective June 4, passengers on Alaska Airlines will be required to use smaller carry-on luggage. Alaska is significantly reducing its allowable baggage size from 24x17x10 inches to 22x14x9 inches including wheels and handles. Airline officials say the change is being made to ensure that its customers’ carry-on bags will be accepted aboard any potential connecting flights on other airlines.

All Nippon Airways and Alitalia

ANA and Alitalia released details on a new partnership that may help to boost the ailing Italian airline. This coming fall, the two carriers will introduce new codesharing options on flights between Japan and Italy. In addition, ANA and Alitalia will offer frequent flyer reciprocity on codeshare flights.

American Airlines

As American seeks to increase its presence in Mexico and South America, the carrier announced it will launch new service starting December 19, 2018. New flights will be available from Dallas Fort Worth to Oaxaca, Mexico and from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires. New service from Miami will be available to Georgetown, Guyana; Pereira, Colombia and Cordoba, Argentina (this route begins April 2, 2019).

Delta and Virgin Atlantic

A recently released joint summer schedule shows both airlines boosting service between the United Kingdom and the United States. Delta will renew nonstop service from New York’s JFK to Glasgow and Edinburgh and from Salt Lake City and Portland, Oregon to London Heathrow. Delta will also increase the number of available seats from Atlanta and Detroit to London by switching to larger Airbus A330 aircraft.

Virgin Atlantic is adding a sixth daily flight between JFK and Heathrow. It also plans to offer new flights from Manchester to Boston, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Virgin will increase capacity between Manchester and New York by switching to its Boeing 747 aircraft.

RCCL invests in experiences perfect for the entire family; offers tax day Royal Refund

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), which is already know as being a great choice for family and multi-generational travel, continues to invest in enhancements aimed at making their experiences even more enticing.  RCCL just took delivery of its new Symphony of the Seas, which offers many notable attractions including the tallest slide at sea and glow-in-the dark laser tag along with the Ultimate Family Suite. This two-level suite features an in-room slide, floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, private cinema and a 212-square-foot balcony that comes with a full-size whirlpool and table tennis.

Besides designing many of its ships with an impressive selection of family-friendly activities and entertainment along with extended cabins designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes, RCCL is investing $200 million in its private island experience through its new “Perfect Day” program. CocoCay features many high-octane attractions that will appeal to families as well as millennials looking for an active getaway. Thrill Waterpark boasts 13 waterslides (the most of any waterpark in the Caribbean) including Daredevils Peak, which is 135 feet tall. Other CocoCay highlights include a 1,600-foot zipline that crisscrosses the island and a helium balloon that floats up to 450 above the beach. CocoaCay offers two different beach experiences. Chill Island provides a more relaxing and upscale experience while South Beach delivers a high-energy experience with watersports including glass-bottom kayaking, beachside basketball and inflatable Zorb balls. RCCL plans to bring the Perfect Day experience to other locations.

In honor of tax time, RCCL is offering its Royal Refund for new bookings. Customers can receive up to $400 instant savings, plus 50 percent off a second guest and kids sail for less. See ad below for details.

If this sounds like the perfect getaway for your family, contact one of our experienced Adelman vacation advisors for more information on RCCL and this great promotional offer.

Double discounts with Drury

From now through May 31, 2018, Adelman customers will receive double the normal discount available for stays at any of Drury’s 150+ hotels across the country. In addition to receiving 10 percent off Drury’s Best Available Rates, customers can also take advantage of the many valuable amenities that guests come to expect with a Drury stay including the popular evening 5:30 Kickback featuring delicious hot food and cold beverages.

For more information on this special pricing or for help with your next hotel reservation, contact your professional Adelman travel consultant.

Global Entry application process now easier

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency released details of its new Enrollment on Arrival program for its Global Entry trusted traveler program, which is aimed at making the application process easier.  Instead of making an appointment for an in-person interview at an enrollment center, the CBP said customers can complete the in-person interview upon arrival at 28 participating airports across the U.S. and six preclearance facilities in Canada.

Global Entry allows vetted passengers entering the United States to use a special kiosk instead of completing a paper landing card and then waiting in what can be a long line to speak with a CBP agent for clearance into the country.

To complete the in-person interview part of the Global Entry application upon arrival simply follow signage to a CBP officer who will then conduct the interview. For more information on Global Entry or to start the application process please visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry.

O’Hare airport expansion back on track

A $8.5 billion plan to modernize and enlarge Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is back on track now that the airport’s two largest users, American and United Airlines, have confirmed they are onboard with the project.

The plan calls for increasing the airport’s overall gate capacity by 25 percent and terminal capacity by 60 percent. Both United’s Terminal 1 and American’s Terminal 3 would get extensive renovations including new state of the art security screening facilities, new baggage systems and new self-service technologies all aimed at improving the traveler experience. 

In addition, a larger new international facility with new high-tech streamlined customs and immigrations processing capabilities would be built. The extra space for the new O’Hare Global Terminal would come mostly from demolishing the existing Terminal 2. The existing international terminal (5) would be renovated and expanded.

The city also plans to enhance transportation to Chicago O’Hare with a new express service from downtown that would arrive at the airport in 20 minutes or less, reducing current travel times by 50 percent.