It’s been five years since the federal government announced that it would require REAL IDs for travelers over 18. But in just a year from now, the regulation actually is likely to take effect.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was the result of a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses” before allowing people to board a commercial airplane. The Act establishes minimum security standards for driver’s licenses that are used as identification, and prohibits certain federal agencies—including the Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—from accepting IDs that do not meet the Act’s standards.

Delayed three times over the past five years, the requirement likely actually will take effect on May 7, 2025. Beginning on that date, a driver’s license will only be acceptable ID at the airport if it has a REAL ID seal.

While many travelers will need to get a new, compliant driver’s license even to fly domestically, many other forms of ID are also acceptable, including:

• A US passport book or card
• An enhanced driver’s license, available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington
• A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• A US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• A permanent resident card
• A border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• An HSPD-12 PIV card
• A foreign government-issued passport
• A Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credentials
• A US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• A US Merchant Mariner Credential
• A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Since driver’s licenses are issued by the states, each one has its own requirements for a REAL ID. But DHS requires as a minimum proof of your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and two proofs of address of your principal residence.

Note that while these forms of ID will get you on a plane, they can’t be used to travel across any border, including Canada or Mexico, DHS points out.

For more details on REAL ID, go to REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

The Biden-Harris Administration yesterday announced a new US Department of Transportation (DOT) ruling that promises to speed up and simplify travelers’ refunds for canceled flights and lost luggage.

When a passenger cancels a flight after it is delayed more than three hours for a domestic flight or six for an international flight, or its arrival or departure airport is changed, the new ruling requires that airlines issue an automatic credit card refund for the fare and taxes within seven days, without any action required by the passenger. Passengers who pay in cash must be compensated within 20 days.

Also covered are refunds for cancellations due to passengers being downgraded to a lower class of service or put on a plane that is less accessible, or if they do not get the promised Wi-Fi, seat selection or inflight entertainment.

Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report, meanwhile, will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.

Airlines must provide “prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.”

And in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the rule requires airlines to provide transferrable travel credits or vouchers good for at least five years.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them—without headaches or haggling,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

All 10 major US airlines already guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations, when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. And while your flight might have been canceled, the flight cancellation rate in the United States hit a record low of 1.2% in 2023, the lowest rate in more than 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.

The Biden administration also is working on proposals to ban extra fees for family seating (already guaranteed by four airlines) and to expand the rights of passengers who use wheelchairs.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer. And information on travelers rights is available at flightrights.gov.

Why rent an Airbnb or go glamping when you can stay in a private pod of your own at the all-inclusive Hyatt Dreams Resort on Curaçao?

When it opens on June 1, the new adults-only section at Dreams will debut a whole new look in hospitality, with 52 private home-sized modular units. Hyatt promises that the units will offer more privacy than a hotel room, and each will open directly onto the beach.

The fiberglass rooms will be on the smaller end of the property’s accommodations, in two sizes measuring either 377 square feet or 436 square feet, vs. the 350 to 715 square feet of the other rooms. But each will have a king bed, a dual vanity bathroom, and a furnished terrace. Guests will have exclusive access to a new infinity pool, bar, and Mediterranean restaurant being built in Il Mare, the new adults-only area.

Guests also will still have access to the rest of the Dreams resort, including three complimentary eateries, three à la carte restaurants, three pools, four bars, tennis and kayaks.

But Hyatt will charge a premium for its foray into modular construction; the cabins start at more than $600 a night.

The modular hotel cabin is not a totally unique idea, though Hyatt is the first major hotel brand to give it a try. New York-based Moliving plans to launch its own modular resort in the Catskill Mountains, about two hours from Manhattan, this summer.

Dreams, meanwhile, is one of three all-inclusive Hyatt brands on Curaçao. Located on Piscadera Bay, it is about 10 minutes from Zoëtry and 20 from Sunscape. There also are two all-inclusive Hiltons.

“We see the future and we think this is the right focus—and obviously, we want to secure the spots before our competition does,” Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. president and CEO Harry Sommer told investors on a call announcing the biggest ship order in its history this morning.

Betting big on the next decade of big-ship cruising, NCLH announced orders for eight new ships across its Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, plus the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay. The new build order will add nearly 25,000 berths and new classes of ships for each brand over the next decade. Beginning in 2026, NCL will add four Prima-Plus class ships, each holding about 5,000 guests; Oceania Cruises will add two Allura Class ships holding 1,450 guests, and  Regent Seven Seas Cruises will add two Explorer Class ships, each holding 850.

By 2036, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. plans to grow its fleet by more than 40%, from the current 32 ships, with approximately 66,500 berths, to 45 ships with more than 100,000 berths.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation, and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet,” Sommer said.

NCLH is “super-passionate about delivering a great guest experience; it’s something we talk about a lot internally. We have lots of ships, we know what guests enjoy, and we are super-focused on delivering on those.” With Breakaway Plus and Prima, “we think we can take the best of both and create something that’s really world-class.”

These are not jumbo ships or incredible jumps in size, he noted, but NCL thinks they will make it possible to focus on costs, increase efficiency and “give our guests a great product that they will enjoy.”

About $150 million worth of work on the pier at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas will allow for two ships to park simultaneously. It is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed by late 2025. The new pier will be constructed to accommodate two large vessels of the company’s current and future ship classes. Only a small piece of the island currently is being used, Sommer noted on the investor’s call this morning, and guest counts to the island are expected to grow over 50% in the first 12 months. In a typical 12 months about 400K guests so about 600K starting in 2026.

NCLH CFO Mark A. Kempa said the ships are expected to “secure our growth trajectory, significantly boost our earnings profile, and enhance shareholder value well into the future. With a favorable payment structure that includes pre-delivery financing and modest initial installment payments for these ship orders, we still anticipate a strong Net Leverage reduction of 1.5 turns by the end of 2024, relative to 2023, and expect the Company to continue reducing Net Leverage each year for the foreseeable future.”

“We really want to build something special and there’s a tremendous advantage to designing things so many years ahead. We’re not going to settle; this product will be truly extraordinary, and we are going to take the time to deliver it right,” Sommer said.

Many in the travel industry reacted with dismay this week to the loss of another supplier, as 73-year-old GOGO Vacations shuttered its doors.

Even as it closed the GOGO brand, though, parent company Flight Centre Travel Group (FLT) said its goal is to better focus on the “strong leisure and corporate growth opportunities in the large U.S. market.” FLT is launching a new brand, Envoyage, with an eye to “its best performing sectors,” the independent and luxury sectors.

“With the wholesale model struggling in recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to justify the high costs of maintaining this brand,” said FLT Americas president Charlene Leiss. But “a transition team will remain in the business to service the existing GOGO bookings and support our customers throughout this period with the complete backing of Flight Centre Travel Group.”

An email to travel advisors promised that “all of your existing bookings are secure and will continue to be managed by a dedicated and professional team of wholesale consultants” and that “GOGO’s doors will not close until your last customer has returned home, and your commissions have been paid.”

While GOGO Vacations is no longer accepting new reservations, travel advisors can continue to use their Helio login to existing FIT bookings, and Softrip login for groups, and can access the online support team via chat, email, or phone to assist with booking modifications, schedule changes and general support, the company said.

Still, some travel advisors were feeling nervous. “I am very worried about my current bookings. I can’t cancel without a penalty but I’m reluctant to have clients pay them anymore money. I am not sure yet what my client wants to do; I am going to let them decide,” said Donna McClaugherty of Cruise and Travel by Donna.

And across the industry, many mourned the loss of a partner of many years.

“I’ve worked with them for 30 years on and off, and their closing leaves a void in the market,” said Travel Leaders Network VP of Sales Karen Viera. “They were a great company, very agent-friendly, with great products, and I am sorry to see them go. I’ll look up all our agents that sell GOGO and see how we can help them sell other preferred partners.”

“I’m literally sick over this,” said Angie Rhodes of Rhodes to the World. “GOGO is my go-to. I have been using them for 40 years.”

But many agreed with FLT that GOGO’s business model no longer fits the industry as well as it once did.

“I’m doing more complex FITs than fun in the sun, and I have found less and less need for that type of wholesaler,” said Linda De Sosa at Travel Experts.

More information is available on the GOGO website at Homepage | GOGO Worldwide Vacations (gogowwv.com).

It may not last forever, but for now the new Delta Digital ID speeds passengers through security faster than PreCheck or CLEAR—and it’s free to boot.

After successful beta testing in Detroit and Atlanta, the biometric program now has expanded to LAX, LGA and JFK, and since the program is so new, its dedicated security lines rarely have a wait.

Delta Digital ID lets customers quickly move through bag drop and security checkpoints without having to show photo ID to an agent. To register, travelers must have:

• TSA PreCheck® membership
• Their passport information and a Known Traveler Number stored in their Delta profile
• A (free) SkyMiles membership
• The Fly Delta app

Eligible customers will receive a notification in their Fly Delta app when traveling from a Digital ID-enabled airport, or can opt-in through their SkyMiles profile on Delta.com once the four requirements have been met.

They then can use the dedicated bag drop line – the one with the green “Delta Digital ID” icon – and security line.

Using Digital ID this week, I walked right through security behind just one other passenger at LGA, while my husband spent 10 minutes in the CLEAR line.

Citing the fallout from Covid-19, cruise operator Hornblower has filed for bankruptcy, and its American Queen subsidiary has ceased operations.

Private-equity firm Strategic Value Partners has agreed to acquire majority ownership of Hornblower and “provide a significant equity investment in the business,” but the deal will require approval from the US Bankruptcy Court in Houston, the Wall Street Journal reported. Private-equity firm Crestview Partners will retain a minority interest and become the sole owner of Journey Beyond, the leading experiential travel provider in Australia.

Hornblower said in a statement that American Queen Voyages hopefully will be sold; if no buyer is found its operations will be wound down.

Hornblower also provides ferry services to the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis National Museum of Immigration in New York, and to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. Those services will continue operations.

Guests who have booked an American Queen Voyages cruise should visit the line’s dedicated refund website to submit a claim form and begin the refund process, or call (888) 202-5784.

Hornblower said it expects to move through the bankruptcy process quickly and emerge from Chapter 11 in about four months. It has a commitment for $300 million in financing from Deutsche Bank, $121 million in new-money financing from SVP-managed funds and Crestview.

“The steps we are taking today will enable us to address AQV and strengthen our financial foundation as we continue serving our guests and commuters around the world. With the support of our financial stakeholders, we will continue to advance our business initiatives and drive growth. We thank the entire Hornblower team for their hard work and dedication, as well as our vendors and partners across our businesses for their continued support,” said Hornblower Group CEO Kevin Rabbitt.

In the latest step toward pushing customers to book direct, American Airlines today announced that it will only grant AAdvantage® miles and loyalty points to customers who book through an AA or partner site, a corporate account, or a “preferred agency” that books at least 30% of its trips through the American Airlines NDC.

At the same time, the company raised fees on baggage checking and pets in the cabin.

The NDC ruling takes effect May 1, 2024. Customers can receive points only if they book through AA or its partner airlines, are an AAdvantage Business™ member or have a contracted corporate travel account, or book through an “eligible preferred travel agency.”

“All agencies on a 2024 contracted incentive agreement issued by American are eligible to qualify into the preferred agency program at American’s sole discretion, which enables travelers booking through your agency to continue earning AAdvantage^® miles and Loyalty Points,” the company website now states (Preferred agency program – American Airlines Global Sales (exploreamerican.com). “Agencies will be evaluated on the criteria outlined below, which focus on the use of Modern Retailing technology to provide the best possible traveler experience when booking and servicing tickets. Agencies must be approved by American Airlines to qualify as a preferred agency, and agencies should contact their Modern Retailing business manager to discuss their individual approval process and timeline.”

There are three qualifying criteria:

1. Agencies must be on a 2024 incentive agreement issued by American at American’s sole discretion. If, at any point, their incentive agreement with American ends, the agency will no longer be able to participate in the preferred agency program.
2. Agencies must adopt and implement American’s NDC and shop and book through American’s NDC connections, meeting the progressive NDC thresholds below. Shopping and booking must be done in accordance with American’s connection and capacity requirements.

3. As customers consider purchasing an American Airlines offer, fare rules, product attributes, and fare restrictions should be fully displayed and clearly communicated. A new product attribute of American’s offers is the ability to earn AAdvantage^® For an agency to be considered preferred, they must demonstrate their ability to clearly communicate to customers when they earn AAdvantage^®miles in the online booking tool throughout the booking flow before a purchase is finalized.Agencies must contact their Modern Retailing business manager to begin the review and approval process on display criteria.

   The deadline for the display qualification criteria is July 1, 2024, to allow time for the completion of any necessary updates.

   If an agency meets the criteria for the first NDC threshold on April 21, 2024, customers with tickets issued by the preferred agency between April 21 and June 30 will earn miles and Loyalty Points. In order for customers purchasing a ticket July 1, 2024, and beyond to earn, however, the agency must meet the display criteria.

Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn when booked directly with American and eligible partner airlines.

“We want to make it more convenient for customers to enjoy the value and magic of travel,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it’s also where we offer the best fares and it’s most rewarding for our AAdvantage members.”

Baggage Fees on the rise

Also in the announcement were new rates for baggage on trips booked beginning tomorrow.

The new fee for domestic flights including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada and short-haul international flights, is $35 for the first checked bag if purchased online or $40 at the airport. A second bag will cost $45 whether purchased online or at the airport.

AAdvantage® status members, customers in premium cabins, active-duty U.S. military personnel and most AAdvantage® credit cardmembers flying domestically will continue to receive complimentary bags.

The fee for oversize bags that are only slightly larger than heavier than regular bags will be lower, however. Bags that weigh less than 70 pounds currently cost $100, but will be charged just $30 effective April 17.

The pet-in-cabin fee was raised to $150.

Disasters are following one another in Japan, where two airports are closed and searchers are looking for survivors of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that rocked the western coast on Monday.

Japan’s Tokyo Haneda Airport is closed following a crash between a Japan Airlines jet and a Coast Guard plane on its way to provide earthquake relief.

The coastal city of Wajima, home to more than 27,000 people, appeared to be among the worst hit; CNN reports 15 dead there, as well as smoldering fires and destroyed buildings. At Noto Airport, damage to the terminal and its access roads has left about 500 people. Officials say the airport will be closed until at least Thursday.

At Haneda Airport, meanwhile, all 379 people on the passenger plane, JAL flight 516, were safely evacuated, but five crew members on the second aircraft, operated by the Japan Coast Guard, were killed.

The majority of departures from Haneda Airport are now canceled and it’s unclear when flight services will resume, Japan’s NHK news reports.

MSC Cruises today welcomed its fifth US-based ship, the Fantasia-class MSC Divina, to her new homeport in Miami.

Beginning this weekend, MSC Divina will sail a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean, Central America—and Mexico—including 3-day trips to Nassau and MSC’s private island at Ocean Cay; 7-night trips that include Isla de Roatan (Honduras), Belize City (Belize), Costa Maya and Cozumel (Mexico), George Town (Cayman Islands), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Nassau and Ocean Cay; and 11-night voyages that include Montego Bay (Jamaica), Cartagena (Colombia), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Isla de Roatan (Honduras), Oranjestad (Aruba), Cozumel and Ocean Cay.

A limited-time flash sale this weekend will give potential sailors a chance to try the ship, or any MSC ship sailing from Miami or Orlando, at reduced prices starting at $109. Trips must be booked by December 18.

Introduced in 2012, MSC can hold up to 4,345 passengers and 1,388 crew members. There’s a 4-D theater and four pool areas, including a 22,507-square-foot Aqua Park, as well as eight restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, an MSC Yacht Club with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a Thermal Suite.

Also sailing the Caribbean will be MSC Seascape, Seashore, Seaside, Meraviglia and Magnifica.

South America also will have six ships this winter: MSC Grandiosa, Seaview, Preziosa, Musica, Lirica and Armonia, sailing a series of itineraries to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

MSC also will have a winter presence in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, North Europe, Asia, and South Africa.

Celestyal is sprucing up its offerings for 2024, adding two ships, three countries and six ports to its Mediterranean offerings.

Just two weeks after acquiring its second new ship, Celestyal Discovery, the company announced new itineraries that include Croatia, Montenegro and Italy, with stops in Kefalonia, Katakolo and Corfu in Greece; Dubrovnik in Croatia; Kotor in Montenegro; and Bari in Italy.

Celestyal Discovery now will join Celestyal Journey in Athens, where they will both undergo multimillion-euro winter refurbishment programs ahead of the new season, which starts in March 2024. Discovery then will take over the itineraries of Olympia.

Celestyal Journey’s new seven-night “Heavenly Adriatic” cruise will feature full days in Kefalonia, Kotor, Bari, and Corfu, as well as a late-night stay in Dubrovnik. It is now on sale as part of Celestyal’s holiday promotion, with special deals from $579 per person, for bookings made through November 30, 2023.

Celestyal also will update two other sailings, replacing the Three Continents itineraries on March 9 and 16 with the popular “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary, round-trip from Athens, and calling at Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion, Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos.

Free Cruise for Guests Impacted

For guests already booked on the Celestyal Journey itineraries departing Athens on March 2, 9, and 16, 2024, Celestyal is offering a free “Three Continents” cruise, which can be redeemed at any time in the next three years. Guests holding reservations on the updated March 2024 itineraries will be re-accommodated on the updated sailings on Celestyal Journey or another suitable option, and those who retain their booking dates on the updated itineraries will be eligible for the free cruise offer.

Celestyal also will “of course be preserving agent commission on all rebooked cruises,” said chief commercial officer Lee Haslett.

“Our team is set to make waves across the industry next season, with new destinations, a completely updated fleet, a fresh new brand identity, and a renewed sense of direction,” Haslett said. “As a business, we really do take the time to listen to customer and agent network suggestions—and Italy, Croatia and Montenegro came out on top.”

As water levels in a major Amazon tributary drop to the lowest levels in recorded history, Viking has rerouted its cruises on the river and switched passengers to a fully Caribbean itinerary.

After months without rain in the Brazilian rainforest, tributaries to the Amazon have been drying up, leaving boats stranded. The port of Manaus, at the point where the Rio Negro and the Amazon meet, recorded 13.59 meters (44.6 ft) of water on Monday, the lowest level since records began in 1902.

“As you may be aware, historically low water levels along the Amazon River have restricted river traffic. We have been closely monitoring the situation to determine the impact on your itinerary. At this time, we anticipate that water levels will remain too low for your ship to safely navigate the affected area. Unfortunately, the situation prevents us from operating your voyage as planned,” Viking said. “We recognize that you may have chosen this particular itinerary to explore the Amazon River, and we share in your disappointment.”

Viking Sea now will add San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Martin; and Saint George’s, Grenada to its Amazon & Caribbean Adventure itinerary to replace the scheduled days on the Amazon. In return, guests are being offered a $500 per person shipboard credit and a future cruise voucher for 30% of their paid cruise fare.

For Avalon Waterways, which also sails the Amazon, the water depth is not an issue, as its ships carry just 44 guests. “Our cruises are still being offered, providing Avalon guests a full—and fully immersive—Amazon vacation,” Avalon Waterways president Pam Hoffee told TRO.

With more than 15 million people expected to descend on Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games, tickets—and hotel rooms—will be tighter than ever. To help travel advisors put together amazing packages, luxury villa company Rental Escapes is offering up packages that include beautiful private accommodations and tickets to the games.

The Rental Escapes collection in France includes:

Pompidou, a 19th-century building built by Gustav Eiffel that has been transformed into a loft with two lounge areas, four bedrooms and a kitchen with a mobile island.

St Didier, a two-bedroom duplex apartment with views of the Eiffel Tower, a library and a luxurious living room with lots of natural light in the 16th district.

Villa BB, in an exclusive residential area of Saint Tropez, a new five-bedroom villa with a private terrace and balconies that accommodates up to 10.

Bastide Des Chenes in Provence, a 17-acre farm with a main house and an attached farmhouse.

Fleurs De Provence in Avignon, a private estate with fruit trees, fountains and streams that can accommodate up to 24 people, with a heated swimming pool, a well-equipped gym and fitness room, a tennis court and plenty of outdoor seating.

Rental Escapes’ concierge service can help arrange a private chef or massage, exclusive tours or special amenities. And for the Olympics, they can provide tickets and transportation, as well as unique experiences like sitting with an expert or an athlete.

As always, Rental Escapes will pay a 10% commission and one reward point for every $1 travel advisors book. And under a Thanksgiving promotion announced this week, advisors who book a client in November for travel before 12/31/2024 will earn a bonus commission via Amazon gift cards valued at up to $5,000.

“Attending the Olympics is a bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the dedicated support Rental Escapes provides will ensure a vacation surpassing those in dreams,” said CEO Brian Schwimmer, co-founder of the Montreal-based company. But, he cautioned, “we encourage travelers to plan well in advance and begin booking now.”

A new private jet partnership will allow seamless connections with Delta itineraries; a new class of premium airport lounges is coming; NDCs are on the way, but not right now; and sustainability is a key long-term goal.

Those are the takeaways from Steve Sear, Delta Airlines EVP of global sales and distribution, at the opening session of the Global Travel Collection’s Elevate conference in New York today.

Chatting with Internova Travel Group’s EVP of partner relations Peter Vlitas, Sear promised that Delta’s investment in Wheels Up private jets will allow customers to get off a Delta flight and onto a jet in a partnership that delivers 100% on-time performance. “Operational excellence is going to be the foundation,” he promised. “It has to be 100%—they expect that jet to be there, to know the tail number. It has to work every time.”

Premium customers also soon will get a new kind of airport lounge, curated like the lounge in Charles de Gaulle in Paris, with a full dining experience. The first is scheduled to open in Los Angeles in Q3 2024, then in New York, Atlanta, Seattle and Detroit. “We learned from Virgin that sky clubs are important,” Sear said. “People see it as an experience.” Delta has opened nine new lounges in the past 15 months, adding 5,000 seats, and is enlarging others, including those in all eight of its hubs.

With the complexities of NDC plans, meanwhile, Delta’s first priority is to do no harm to the travel advisor. “For us, NDC is a small subset in our distribution strategy; we want to be where the customers want to engage Delta, and our commitment is to be best in class in every one of those channels,” he said. “We believe the change to NDC is inevitable and we are committed to that, but in an evolutionary way, not a revolutionary way; we are going to do it right, and make it as simple as possible.”

Also in the Delta game plan is a focus on sustainability. “We can’t be a dirty industry, that’s just not going to be a long-term viable situation so we are all 100% committed.” Delta has gone plastic-free on its planes except for coffee cups and is electrifying all ground service.

Surely Delta expected some push-back from customers when it announced changes to its loyalty program last month. But the carrier this week said it has listened to the disappointment its frequent flyers expressed—and is cutting back on the cut-backs.

“Over the past few weeks, many of you have shared feedback about the changes we announced to Delta’s SkyMiles Program,” the email from CEO Ed Bastion said. “What’s been most clear to me is how much you love Delta and the disappointment many of you felt by the significance of the changes. Your voice matters, and we are listening.”

In response, Delta has lowered the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD, or dollars spent) requirements at each tier of the program. Here’s how they compare with the previous announcement:

• Silver Medallion Status: from $6,000 to $5,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion Status: from $12,000 to $10,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion Status: from $18,000 to $15,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion Status: from $35,000 to $28,000 MQDs.

In addition, Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members will now receive a head start of 2,500 MQDs per card.

Perhaps the most contentious part of the changes involved access to Delta Sky Lounges, to which many Delta SkyMiles® and American Express credit card holders until now have had unlimited access. To cut down the growing crowds there, Delta had earlier cut the number of visits per cardholder. But now the following rules will apply:

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members will now receive 15 days of Delta Sky Club access per year, up from 10 announced last month.
• Delta Platinum Card® and American Express Business Platinum Card will receive 10 days of Delta Sky Club access per year, up from 6.
• Each “Delta Sky Club visit” includes entries within a 24-hour period, including the departure city, connecting airports and arrival destination. A same-day round trip would count as one visit.
• Holders of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve, Reserve Business, or Platinum Cards from American Express also will be able to purchase club access for $50 per visit.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve, Reserve Business, Platinum Card, and Business Platinum American Express Card holders will earn unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 on an eligible card in a calendar year. Unlimited access would continue for the remainder of the current Medallion Year as well as the following Medallion Year. Card spend tracking begins on January 1, 2024 for the 2025 Medallion Year.
• Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access under the current policy is available until February 1, 2025.

Delta also announced improvements to its Choice Benefits program, where Platinum and Diamond Medallion members now will be able to select various perks, such as SkyClub membership or bonus miles, and to choose an MQD Accelerator for the following qualification year.

Perhaps the most significant improvement involves Delta customers who have been saving up MQMs. Beginning in 2024, they can redeem 100,000 MQMs to maintain their level of status. If you have 500,000 miles that you earned and rolled over for the past few years, for example, you can use them to keep your status for the next five years, regardless of the other changes.

“I know the modifications we have made won’t solve for every disappointment,” Bastian wrote. “Our goal is to do our best to ensure we deliver the service and benefits your loyalty deserves.”

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has rejected an unsolicited $8 billion buyout by bid Choice Hotels International, Inc., saying it is not in the best interests of Wyndham shareholders.

Noting that it is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with 9,100 hotels in more than 95 countries, Wyndham called the proposal “involves significant business and execution risks, including an extended regulatory timeline and uncertainty of outcome, potential franchisee churn, and excessive leverage levels at the pro forma combined company.”

It would take more than a year to determine if the merger of the two companies could clear antitrust review, Wyndham said in a statement to shareholders, that likely would cause franchisee churn. The statement also noted “our deep concerns about the value of their stock,” which would make up 45% of the purchase.

“Choice’s offer is insufficient relative to Wyndham’s recent trading levels, significant growth momentum and premiums paid in a precedent change of control transactions,” Wyndham said, noting its rapidly growing pipeline, which is up 20% over the past two years.

Wyndham operates Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada and other hotel brands. Its newest brand, ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham, signed 265 contracts since its launch in March 2022. Choice Hotels, meanwhile, last year acquired Radisson Hotels; it now operates about 7,500 hotels in 46 countries.

The two companies have been talking merger for six months, and the deal is not done yet.

“A few weeks ago, Choice and Wyndham were in a negotiable range on price and consideration, and both parties have a shared recognition of the value opportunity this potential transaction represents,” Choice CEO Patrick Pacious said in a statement. “We were therefore surprised and disappointed that Wyndham decided to disengage. While we would have preferred to continue discussions with Wyndham in private, following their unwillingness to proceed, we feel there is too much value for both companies’ franchisees, shareholders, associates, and guests to not continue pursuing this transaction.”

Barcelona has banned all passenger ships from its central port effective October 22, sending them instead to terminals farther from the popular La Rambla district.

The new regulation, designed to control cruise ship emissions, will send smaller ships from AIDA Cruises, Azamara, Oceania, Regent and Virgin to the Moll Adossat Pier, where large ships dock. Passengers then will have to take a 30-minute shuttle ride.

Barcelona also has cut the number of cruise ships that can visit its ports at one time, from 10 to 7.

The move follows protests against tourism by Barcelona residents over the past six years.

“The closure of the Barcelona northern docks for cruise operations is a new step to comply with the agreement signed in 2018 with the Barcelona municipal government to eliminate the negative impact that this activity could produce for citizens,” said Lluís Salvado, president of the Port of Barcelona.

While many cities have been looking to cut the number of ships arriving on their shores, business owners in Palma, Majorca, this month called on the government to scrap the cruise ship limits set there. They cited an 18% fall in passengers since legislation limited cruise ships to three a day.

“Don’t demonize cruise ship passengers, it is family tourism with a high spending power,” eight local business organizations, including bar and restaurant owners, shopkeepers and tour guides, said in a statement.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will add two new ships to its fleet, and begin sailing one in 2024 and one in 2025.

The S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth—formerly Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler—are being leased from Seaside Collection under a three-year, bareboat charter agreement. They will sail with an all-Uniworld staff and offer Uniworld’s amenities, to create “the signature Uniworld experience on existing itineraries,” the company said.

The two identical ships hold 110 guests in 55 suites and staterooms, each with full-length windows opposite king-sized beds, and adjoining suites that offer two-bedroom accommodations. They also have a massage room, gym, bistro for snacks, rooftop bar and grill, and fine dining restaurants featuring farm-to-table cuisine gathered daily by the chef in each destination.

S.S. Victoria will sail the Rhine for the 2024 season, beginning in March in Amsterdam with an 8-day “Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time” cruise through Belgium and The Netherlands. Then it will sail the 8-day “Castles Along the Rhine” itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam, the 10-day “Magnificent Moselle and Rhine” itinerary and the 8-day “Belgium Holiday Markets” round-trip from Brussels.

“The S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth are unique vessels that we know our guests will love, featuring a modern design, some of the largest suites on the rivers, and an ambiance that exudes contemporary luxury. Onboard, guests can expect our Tiny Noticeable Touches throughout every aspect, from the impeccable service provided by the Uniworld crew they know and love to the multitude of all-inclusive amenities available to them,” said Uniworld president and CEO Ellen Bettridge.

The S.S. Elisabeth is scheduled to sail the 2025 season, though no details have yet been released.

Good news for last-minute travelers: Things are looking up in the nation’s passport offices, as an influx of staffers and new technology has cut processing time for passport applications by two weeks, to as little as 35 days.

In a record-breaking fiscal year from October 2022 to September 2023, the department issued 24 million passport books and cards, more than at any time in the nation’s history. Now it promises that passport applications filed after October 2 will be processed in 8-11 weeks, or 5-7 weeks if you pay for expedited service, not including time in the mail.

Staffing is up 10% and there are “hundreds of additional staff in the hiring pipeline,” the US State Department reports in a press release (Department of State Reduces Processing Times, Breaks Records for Passport Issuances – United States Department of State). “We remain focused on lowering processing times, and this reduction is an important first step.”

Still, the department said, “we encourage anyone considering future international travel to check their passport’s validity early and often. Apply well in advance of your potential travel and at least 6-9 months ahead of your passport’s expiration date. Check your passport’s expiration date today and visit travel.state.gov to plan your 2024 travel with the latest passport guidance and travel information.”

And of course, call your travel advisor!

American Cruise Lines continues to provide US river cruising with a look at their 2024 cruise season. With a total of 125 US ports of call and nine new itineraries, ACL has big announcements out.

Leading the announcement is two new 100-passenger ships, Coastal Cats, American Liberty and American Legend. These are the 3^rd and 4^th ships of the American series which will include 12 total. The first two coastal cats already in operation are American Eagle and  American Glory. Slated to sail New England, Chesapeake Bay, Hudson River and Florida, the American Liberty is set to cruise in June 2024 while American Legend is set for October 2024.

Adding to the 19 ships they will have in operation by October of next year are new itineraries. Including longer cruises like the 60-day itinerary exploring 20 states (August 16^th to October 14^th) and the 35-day Civil War Battlefields cruise exploring 20 Civil War battlefields (May 3^rd to June 6^th).

They’ve also announced new 2024 cruises at National Parks. Including Denali Fjords and Glacier Bay National Parks in Alaska, and Smoky Mountains National Park. Also available is the multi-national park cruise of Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton along the Colombia and Snake Rivers.

With new departures, new ships, more itineraries than featured here, and a maximum range of 90-180 guests per cruise, American Cruise Lines looks to be growing into the booming interest in cruises.

In a major change to its business model, Avoya Travel this weekend announced a new program that offers 100% commission on some bookings to its top agents.

Under the Elite 100 program, top-producing Avoya agents who book a customer of their own, and not an Avoya lead, will keep 100% of the commission rather than the current 80%. The program defines top producers as those who have earned $50,000 in commission from customer travel in the past 12 months.

Avoya’s model traditionally has focused on customer leads that Avoya pushes out to its travel advisors, making it an especially attractive host for newcomers to travel. Its Million Dollar Expo in Seattle last week, for example, hosted 10 travel advisors who sold $1 million in travel in their first year in business, much of it thanks to Avoya leads.

Recent research has shown that the industry has changed, Avoya co-CEO Jeff Anderson said at a press conference announcing the program, “we haven’t changed our compensation plan for 15 years.” In today’s market, “most independent advisors aren’t looking for everything we offer, and there’s a bit of a misconception that you only went to Avoya because they offered leads. That’s pretty cool, I think we’ve by far had the best program in terms of that. But if somebody thought that’s all we were about, then we’ve missed an opportunity. We needed to change up our message so the industry knows we’re as much of a host as everyone else.”

Of the 90 agencies that joined Avoya in August, more than 80 are brand new to travel, Anderson said; “that’s where the vast majority of our network comes from. There’s nothing more important than bringing great people into this business, and the more we sell the better it is for everyone.”

Still, though, Avoya doesn’t want to lose its very best experienced advisors; “ultimately, we want to build the host agency of the future.”

The research also found that Avoya customers spend 60% more on their vacation than the average agency customer, Anderson noted, so even an 80% split will be profitable.

Avoya currently has about 1,800 travel advisor members and hopes for 2,000 by year-end, up from about 1,600 in 2019 and 1,500 in 2022.

For more on the Avoya announcement and reactions to it, please see my column here at Travel Research Online on Friday.