Travel Week in Review – July 14th, 2023

Amtrak temporarily suspended service along the popular Northeast Corridor and more than 1,000 flights were delayed across the United States on Monday as severe flash flooding hit the East Coast. Amtrak’s temporary suspension of service between New York City and Albany was extended through at least Monday due to flooding on Metro-North Railroad tracks the rail line uses, according to the company. Read More…

Google and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) are creating an advisory committee that will oversee future updates to Google’s Travel Impact Model (TIM), its methodology for predicting the per-passenger CO2 emissions produced by an upcoming flight. A Google spokesperson said the committee will oversee all future changes to the TIM and, as a neutral authority, will help to build public trust. Read More…

United Airlines has released the first photo, as well as details, of its new domestic first-class seat. The airline expects to install the seat on more than 200 aircraft by late 2026. The seats will debut this month on a Boeing 737. Ultimately, 737 NGs, 737 Maxes and Airbus A321neos will be equipped with the product. This is the first update to the United First seat design since 2015. “This new United First seat is designed around the modern traveler — more charging options, bigger spaces for devices, food, drinks…” Read More…

At its ongoing fifth session on June 24, the National Assembly of Vietnam authorized extending tourist e-visas from 30 to 90 days beginning August 15, 2023. An e-visa allows a foreigner to enter and depart the country an infinite number of times within 90 days without having to go through the visa application process again. Citizens of countries that have been unilaterally exempted from visa requirements by Vietnam will be allowed temporary residency. Read More…

With the growing popularity of online booking tools and direct-to-consumer travel options, some may question the relevance of travel advisors. Yet a recent study by Travel Daily News found that more than a third of affluent U.S. travelers prefer utilizing advisor services when flying internationally. With travel demand resurging post-pandemic, travel advisors have become more important than ever in helping people navigate the complexities of international tourism. “Despite their value, travel advisors face significant challenges,” Read More…