Author: Laura Schad

Time to unplug, relax, explore and be mindful

Miraval is a “Life in Balance” Spa Resort located in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona that offers life-enhancing services performed by expert therapists.  Adelman’s Cheri Keller recently immersed herself in this Life in Balance experience on a recent trip to the resort. According to Cheri, “As soon as you arrive, you unplug from your cell phone and become more aware, more present and more connected to your mind, body and spirit.”

Cheri had a wealth of interesting activities and experiences to choose from including Body Renewal Rituals, Eastern Modalities, Massage Therapies and even Naga, an exclusive service created by Miraval and inspired by the 2,500-year old healing art of Thai massage. There is a complete menu of classes including several varieties of yoga such as Rise and Shine Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Dream Yoga, Yoga on a Horse and Arial Yoga.  

Cheri said, “What makes Miraval stand out from other Spa Resorts is the emphasis on Equine experiences, such as ‘It’s Not About the Horse’ which is an activity that takes you on a journey of self-discovery as the horse provides assistance as an energetic mirror to your patterns of behavior.”   Cheri also noted that another unique area of exploration is through the Outdoor Adventure and Challenge, which include activities such as Face to Face.  “In this activity you explore the balance between self-care and support of others as you move in pairs across cables suspended 30 feet off the ground,” Cheri said.

Besides offering intriguing activities and experiences, Miraval features beautiful and spacious accommodations.  Cheri said, “The meals are full of choices that bring unexpected flavors and textures to better living.”  There is also a cocktail hour every evening at Miraval in the Brave Bill Lounge that features a complete range of delicious hors d’oeuvres.  

As Cheri notes, “Be active or pampered, the choice is yours at Miraval!”

For more information on Miraval or other spa vacation resorts, please contact Cheri or one of our other knowledgeable vacation advisors at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

American Airlines

Flight attendants on American Airlines flights will be able to offer on-the-spot compensation to travelers who are experiencing an in-flight issue such as a broken tray table, malfunctioning seat or entertainment system or meal shortages.  Compensation will be in the form of AAdvantage frequent flyer miles. The number of miles given will vary based on the severity of the problem. Airline officials say the new procedure will help improve the customer experience as the situation can be resolved at the first point of contact.

Then, American said it is moving another of its airport locations to a cashless model.  Starting January 18, Miami International Airport will join 50 other AA airport operations in accepting only credit or debit cards for desk transactions such as checked bags. American officials don’t expect this change to impact many travelers, however, for those who are traveling with cash, the carrier has installed nearby ReadyStation kiosks that will exchange cash for prepaid Visa debit cards.

Finally, American entered into a new codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines. The new agreement will provide customers with access to over 100 destinations in China served by China Southern.

British Airways

British Airways announced plans to significantly expand services out of London, Gatwick Airport this summer.  More than 150 additional weekly flights will be available to new destinations or for added frequencies to the carrier’s most popular destinations.

Delta Air Lines

Delta unveiled plans to boost service from Boston and Nashville. New daily service from Boston to Charleston, South Carolina will commence June 8. Then on June 9, Delta will launch flights from Boston to Aruba and will increase frequencies to Jacksonville and Kansas City.  Also on June 9, Delta will increase frequencies between Nashville and Pittsburgh to three times daily.

SFO first airport approved for cell phone emergency alerts

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management System (FEMA) has granted permission to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to issue wireless emergency alerts to any cellphone on airport grounds. The new system, which would augment other methods of public notification at the airport, would only be used if there was an emergency or other situation that provided critical and potentially life-saving information. SFO spokesman Doug Yakel said, “Having the capability to get information directly to personal cellphones truly takes our emergency communication capability to the next level.”

According to FEMA, at least six other airports’ administrations including Dallas/Fort Worth International and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are close to being able to implement similar capabilities while other airports have also applied for approvals.

China expands visa-free policy for transiting travelers

Nationals from 53 countries including the United States and Canada, who are transiting through Beijing on their way to a third country, can now stay over in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province for up to 144 hours without a visa. The previous policy only allowed visa-free stays for up to 72 hours. This new policy applies to the airport, train terminals and seaports. To take advantage of this new option, travelers pre-purchase tickets with a fixed date to depart to a third country or region within 144 hours.

Follow up: New rules for electronic device searches

In a follow up to last week’s article regarding policy changes to U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) searches of electronic devices, travelers should note that while the number of searches have increased, fewer than one-hundredth of one percent of arriving travelers are impacted. These searches are not done randomly but are instead “used to find evidence in combatting terrorist activity, violations of export controls, intellectual property rights violations and visa fraud,” according to the agency.  Electronic device searches can only be conducted by the CBP. TSA officers do not have this authority.

Non-U.S. travelers who refuse to allow their devices to be searched could be denied entry into the United States. American citizens who refuse cannot be denied entry but can have their devices retained for up to five days.

Park & Fly rates available at Drury STL and KCI

The award-winning Drury Inn and Suites Kansas City Airport and Drury’s Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport are both offering great rates for travelers interested in a Park & Fly package.

For just $107 plus tax per night, two adults and two children can stay overnight at Drury’s Kansas City airport location and then park their car in a gated lot for up to seven days.

St. Louis travelers can stay at the Pear Tree near the airport for just $99 plus tax per night. This rate also includes parking in a gated lot for up to 10 nights.

These great Park & Fly packages also include courtesy shuttle service to the airport, free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast at both locations. Drury’s signature 5:30 Kickback that features hot entrees, soups, salads and more is included in Kansas City while evening snacks are included at the Pear Tree in St. Louis.

For more information on the Park & Fly packages or for help with any of your other hotel needs, please contact your professional Adelman travel consultant.

REAL ID: What you should know

Updated 10/11/2018

REAL ID extensions granted to all states

As expected, the Department of Homeland Security has granted extensions to all states and U.S. Territories still working towards full compliance. The next required compliance check varies for each of the pending locations but will occur sometime in 2019. Travelers may continue to use their existing accepted valid forms of identification at U.S. airports. Travelers in states that are already in compliance are strongly encouraged to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID ahead of the Oct. 10, 2020 deadline unless they have determined that they possess and will bring to the airport a different form of REAL-ID accepted identification such as a passport, passport card or DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). For a complete list of REAL-ID accepted identification please visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Updated 9/27/2018

REAL ID Update: Next state deadline approaches as DHS steps up education efforts

While the traveler deadline to have a REAL ID compliant form of identification to use at U.S. airport security checkpoints is still two years away (Oct. 1, 2020), states that are not yet ready for REAL ID are facing their next compliance check Oct. 10, 2018.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website, at the time of this report, 33 states are compliant with 13 states and four U.S. territories still working toward compliance. As the Oct. 10, 2018, compliance check deadline approaches for the pending states, residents from those states may again start seeing media headlines saying they will not be able to travel with their current driver’s licenses if their state doesn’t get another extension. However, according to DHS director of identity and credentialing Steven Yonkers, “States and territories that need more time are not likely to have trouble getting additional extensions. Most are already on track to compliance. From what states have shown us, there really should be no issues of granting an additional extension.”     

According to Yonkers, perhaps a bigger area of growing concern is that among the 33 states that are already complaint all but nine still give residents the choice between obtaining REAL-ID-compliant identification and a traditional ID. In many cases, the compliant ID is more expensive or more burdensome to obtain compared to traditional identification. Seventy percent of current ID applicants in these states are still opting for the non-compliant version. Some travelers don’t need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID because they already have a different form of REAL ID-compliant identification to use at airports (see list below).  However, the DHS said it will boost its efforts to inform travelers of the upcoming requirements to minimize confusion and to encourage citizens who need to get a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or state ID to do so now instead of waiting until the last minute when they may face long lines or delays caused by a predicted uptick in applications.

A REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or state ID is designated with a star in a circle in the upper righthand corner. Other REAL-ID compliant forms of identification include:

• S. passport
• S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• S. Merchant Mariner Credential

For more information on REAL ID please visit www.dhs.gov/real-id.

Updated 2/15/2018

Important Dates

January 22, 2018: The Department of Homeland Security granted extensions to all U.S. states not yet fully compliant with REAL ID guidelines. All U.S. travelers can continue to use their existing valid driver’s licenses to board domestic commercial aircraft.

Four of the five US territories also have been given extensions. American Samoa’s status has changed from “under review” to “non-compliant.” As of February 5, 2018, the DHS is requiring citizens of American Samoa to present an alternate ID (as listed below) to board U.S. aircraft. This requirement will remain in effect until American Samoa is found to be compliant or is granted a new extension as they work toward compliance.

October 10, 2018: This is the next compliance check deadline for states still working towards compliance. Pending states must either achieve compliance or obtain another extension by October 10, 2018, otherwise travelers from these states would need an alternate form of ID such as a passport to fly domestically at that time.

October 1, 2020: Every U.S. air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic aircraft.

Acceptable Forms of Alternate ID 

Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Accepted forms of alternate ID include:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS,SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment AuthorizationCard (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Marine

FAQs

• Currently 30 states are considered REAL ID-compliant. For a complete list visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
• Most citizens from states already in compliance should be able to obtain a new REAL ID license as part of their regular renewal cycle ahead of the October 2020 deadline.
• Some states will let citizens choose between a traditional license and a REAL ID license, which may cost more. Citizens who choose a traditional license will have to present one of the other accepted alternate forms of ID such as a passport starting October 1, 2020.
• Currently Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are issuing what is known as an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). However, at this point only Michigan’s, New York’s and Vermont’s EDL are considered REAL ID-compliant.

The implementation of REAL ID has been a changing process. Industry watchers say further changes are likely. In addition, specific details for implementation may vary from state to state. Because of this, there have been cases of misinformation published in the media and by other sources providing advice. Therefore, we strongly encourage travelers to refer to the DHS website (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id) for the most accurate information.

Smart bag ban goes into effect January 15 for many airlines

As a reminder, several airlines are implementing restrictions on smart luggage due to fire hazard concerns. Passengers must remove the lithium ion battery on any smart bag to be checked or it will not be accepted. While most carriers won’t make passengers remove the smart bag battery on carry-on luggage, the battery still needs to be removable in case the bag must be checked.  Carriers who are implementing the new policy include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest and United. International carriers implementing the ban include Air Canada, British Airways and Qantas.

DHS sets new rules for electronic device searches 

To combat mounting concerns over privacy violations, the Department of Homeland Security updated its rules regarding the search of electronic devices by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Agents are allowed to inspect data physically on a device but not things stored remotely via cloud storage. CBP inspectors must ask all owners to turn off a network connection before the inspection is made. The new directive also says all passwords provided by customers to agents must be destroyed immediately after a search.

Alaska Airlines

As of today, January 11, Alaska and Virgin America will be officially operating as a single airline per FAA standards. However, customers will still see signs of Virgin America for awhile as it will take time to finish merging operational details, combine service options and remove outward signs of the old Virgin America such as airplane paint schemes.

Customers can continue to access the Virgin America website until April 24, 2018. Starting on April 25, customers will be redirected to Alaska’s site.

Members of Virgin America’s former Elevate loyalty program should use their new Alaska Mileage Plan number that was automatically assigned. Customers should also make sure to update their travel profiles with the new number if that has not yet been done. If you are unsure of your new Mileage Plan number, it can be retrieved by going to https://www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan/mplookup.

For more information on the merger please visit https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/alaska-virgin/flight-plan.

American Airlines

In response to WestJet’s new planned partnership with Delta, American announced it will end its trans-border codeshare program with WestJet effect January 15, 2018.

British Airways

British Airways said it will soon launch a new boarding procedure. The carrier decided to postpone the previously announced plan to avoid confusion over the holiday rush. Passengers will be assigned one of five boarding groups based on class of service and loyalty status. Airline officials noted that there will be some differences in boarding group assignments based on whether the flight is a long-haul or short-haul.

As part of a major upgrade plan, British Airways will introduce a new and expanded World Traveler menu that will change every six months. Airline officials also confirmed that new seats that don’t recline will be used on short-haul flights. The new fixed position seats will offer a “gentle” recline.

British Airways is also installing onboard Wi-Fi and at-seat power outlets.

Delta Air Lines

SkyMiles members who are close but did not quite reach the next Medallion Tier (Diamond, Platinum, Gold or Silver) status for 2018 can purchase a bundle of Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs – U.S. based Members only) and Medallion Qualification Segments, which will be applied to one SkyMiles account for 2017. Up to 10,000 MQMs can be purchased. This promotion is valid through February 15, 2018. For more information please visit https://www.delta.com/loyaltypromos/elevateyourstatus

Korean Air

New restrictions are being implemented for passengers traveling between South Korea’s southeastern Daegu International Airport (TAE) and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN). Effective January 18, 2018, ICN-TAE-ICN flights are reserved for international passengers who must transit in ICN on a same day connection. Stopovers will no longer be allowed. Standalone domestic flights between ICN and TAE will also be not allowed. Korean Air is offering refunds to passengers who may have booked this service prior to the rule change.

LATAM Airlines  

Through our partnership with LATAM Airlines, Adelman can offer our customers new instant confirmed upgrades on select routes between the United States and South America. Part of the oneworld global alliance, LATAM operates 1,400 daily flights to 135 destinations. U.S. departure points include Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, and Washington. Please contact your Adelman travel consultant for more information or to book one of these special upgrade fares.

Hilton Honors adding new benefits and bonuses

Hilton unveiled several new benefits for members of its Hilton Honors guest-loyalty program as follows:

New in 2018, elite members will see their qualifying nights earned beyond the requirement for their current tier count towards status for the following year as a result of the new Rollover Nights benefit.

Starting April 1, new elite tier bonus rates go into effect. In addition, for every tenth night after a minimum of 40 nights in a calendar year, all members will earn 10,000 bonus points without any cap. Diamond members who reach the 60-night mark will receive a 30,000-point bonus.

Members who reach 60 or more nights in a calendar year will be able to gift Gold status to a friend or relative. Members who stay 100 nights or more will be able to gift Diamond status.

Hilton’s latest bonus promotion rewards all registered members with 2,000 extra points on every stay, plus an additional 10,000 Points on every 5 stays from January 1 – April 30, 2018. To register visit www.HiltonHonors.com/PointsUnlimited.

IHG offers new loyalty promotion

IHG is rewarding loyalty members through its Accelerate program, which runs now thru April 30, 2018. With Accelerate registered members will be offered a list of customized opportunities that will total at least 30,000 points. To register, please visit www.ihgrewardsclub.com/accelerateb2b.

Tips for protecting your identity while traveling

Protecting your identity is more important than ever, especially when you are traveling. Here are a few tips to keep your identity secure and to help ensure a smooth trip.

1. Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.

Many such companies now place freezes on accounts when they see suspicious activity such as out-of-country use as a means to prevent fraud.

2. Clean out your wallet before leaving.

Remove receipts and unneeded financial cards, along with anything else you don’t need to carry while traveling.

3. Choose cash or credit cards over debit cards.

Travelers are warned of the dangers of carrying around a lot of cash, but some merchants don’t use the safest transaction processes making cash a better method of payment in some instances. Overall, using a credit card is considered safe and is a better option than debit. If your card information is compromised most credit card companies will quickly reverse or cover fraudulent charges, while recovering funds from your drained bank account can be more complicated.

4. Be cautious when using ATMs.

Inspect the machine carefully before inserting your card and always shield the keypad when entering your PIN to thwart fraudsters who attach card skimmers to the machine or watch your movements. The safest ATMs are attached to banks in well-lit areas.

5. Check your credit card and bank statements often.

It’s best to catch fraud as early as possible to minimize damage and make resolution easier.

6. Limit your use of public Wi-Fi as much as possible.

While these networks are very convenient, they are often unsecure. Never access your financial accounts or any other sites that require a password when using public Wi-Fi.

7. Keep your phone password-protected.

If you’re not the type to keep a password guard on your phone, make an exception while traveling.

8. Change your PINs and passwords after a trip.

This is especially important if you logged into any accounts while on the road or accessed an ATM.

9. Properly dispose all trip confirmation emails and boarding passes.

Shred them before tossing them into the recycling bin, as they contain personally identifiable information.