Travel Week in Review – June 25th, 2021

The arrival of summer has marked a new chapter in the pandemic. Many Americans are fully vaccinated. Testing and quarantine requirements, stateside and abroad, have continued to ease. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just relaxed its travel guidelines for over 100 destinations around the world. Many travelers are taking advantage of this newfound mobility. Read More…

Hundreds of American Airlines flights have been canceled this weekend and Monday because of significant staffing and maintenance issues. As of Sunday afternoon, 123 flights were canceled Saturday, 178 on Sunday, and 97 were canceled for Monday – largely the result of a high number of sick calls, combined with maintenance and other staffing issues. Read More…

While the news of Europe’s gradual reopening to American travelers is causing excitement among travel advisors and their clients, the lack of unity and clarity on the rules has translated into headaches for those who are anxious to start planning. One thing we do know so far is that the welcome mat is being extended most enthusiastically to vaccinated travelers, and that testing is still required in some countries even with proof of vaccination. Read More…

U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel through at least July 21, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Sunday. “To reduce the spread of #COVID19, the United States is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at our land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico through July 21, while ensuring access for essential trade & travel,” DHS announced on Twitter. Read More…

United Airlines has loosened restrictions in its MileagePlus program, a move the carrier hopes will help stimulate business travel demand later in the year. Recent changes have included eliminating blackout dates for all members — previously, Premier members and qualified co-branded Chase cardholders had no blackout dates, but it has now been expanded program-wide. Read More…