NTS News Updates
The Rise of the Travel Agent
In a recent survey from Forbes and YouGov, it was found that nearly 9/10 Americans say they plan to travel within the next 6 months. With the added stress the pandemic brings to travel, many travelers are turning to travel agents to help them navigate destination requirements and plan the perfect trip. According to American Express Travel’s 2021 Global Travel Trends Report, nearly 60 percent of travelers surveyed want to use a travel agent for their next trip.
Not only are National Travel’s agents here to help you book travel and understand destination requirements, but we are also here to help you when things go wrong.
Take a look at what this new client had to say, after one of our agents helped her with a travel issue!
“Christina took the time to listen to my entire situation, even though I believe she knew what the problem was. She was polite and informative with valuable advice for me as a new traveler. I in no way got the sense this was routine, Christina was there for my specific issue. Many thanks for her patience and expertise.”
Trending Travel News
Norwegian Wins Battle for Vaccine Proof
A U.S. judge recently ruled in favor of Norwegian Cruise Line, blocking Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s “vaccine passport” ban for the cruise line. In April, Norwegian announced a 100% vaccination mandate for their cruise operations, but ran into challenges when recent legislation passed in Florida made it illegal for businesses within the state to require proof of vaccination for customers. With the news of this ruling, the cruise lines’ Norwegian Gem is scheduled to depart on its 1st cruise from Miami on August 15th. Florida plans to appeal the decision as a constitutional challenge.
Most Expensive U.S. Cities for Car Rentals
A survey conducted by Cheapcarrental.net compared rental car rates at the top 100 U.S. airports for the month of August 2021. The study found that on average, car rental rates are up about 50% higher than August of last year. In some cities, the rates are more than double what they were last year. Anchorage, AK took first place with weekly rates averaging at $1,451 per week for the most affordable car.
U.S. Considering Vaccination Mandate
The Biden Administration is in discussion with airlines and other groups about potentially requiring vaccination documentation for international visitors, when travel can reopen. The U.S. currently bars most non-U.S. citizens who have visited a number of countries within the 14 days prior to their arrival in the U.S.
Airline Updates
Check out our weekly airline updates below!
Delta Drops Same-Day Standby Fee
Travelers can now make a standby request on Delta’s website or mobile app within 24 hours of their scheduled flight departure, at no charge.
United Mandates Vaccine for Employees
United Airlines is the first major US airline to implement this mandate.
FAA Asks Airport Bars to Stop Saving to-go Alcohol
In response to the growing number of incidents at the airport and on flights involving unruly, and often intoxicated travelers, the FAA is asking airport restaurants and bars to stop serving alcoholic drinks to-go.
Hamad Named Best Airport
Qatar’s Hamad International Airport has been awarded the “#1 Best Airport in the World” at the 2021 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Delta Expands Hot Meals
Beginning in September, the airline will upgrade its meal service in premium cabins on select transcontinental flights.
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Four-times weekly service from Calgary to Seattle starting in November and increasing to six-times weekly in December.
Nonstop service between Reno and Palm Springs will return on December 16th.
Expanding nonstop service from Los Angeles to Monterey, CA; Fort Collins-Loveland, CO; Provo, UT; and St. George, UT.
Offering new routes, additional flight and larger aircraft for college and professional football games in the fall.
Offering 3 new U.S. destinations this winter to St. Pete-Clearwater, San Diego and Orlando Sanford.
Service to London will double to about 30 weekly flights in the fall.
Service between Paris and Seattle will resume on November 8th with three weekly flights.
Service from Indianapolis to Palm Springs, CA beginning on November 18.
New service will launch between Taipei and Los Angeles on August 25.
Travel Alerts and Updates
As of August 6, all fully vaccinated travelers, as well as children ages 2-11, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test, rapid antigen test, or PCR test, taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival. Unvaccinated travelers aged 12 and older must still obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival.
As of July 26, all travelers now required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR, NAA, RNA, or Antigen test result from a test taken within three days of travel.
All U.S. travelers are required to submit proof of a negative PCR test taken seven days before boarding.
Fully vaccinated travelers must undergo a rapid antigen test at the port of entry.
As of July 31, all adult visitors must be vaccinated and will be required to quarantine for up to 48 hours, pending a negative PCR test upon arrival at the airport.
Travel Rewards
The world is opening back up! Are you ready to travel again? Why not earn a vacation while you’re on vacation!
National Travel clients earn Travel Rewards Points for vacation packages, cruises and tours booked through our agency. Members of Travel Rewards may redeem points for a variety of vacation upgrades on air, car and hotel, as well as other amenities, merchandise and more!
Our Travel Rewards Advisors have a wealth of knowledge in many different areas and are eager to help you plan your next great vacation!
Ready to relax?Sara Ortiz specializes in travel to Belize and Costa Rica. She is a Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate and is also certified to book a number of all-inclusive resorts. Had a stressful year? Contact Sara today to book your tropical getaway! |
We Want to See Your Travel Photos!
They say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” In this case, a picture could be worth up to 55,000 Travel Rewards Points!
We are offering you the chance to win up to 55,000 Travel Rewards Points that can be applied toward the purchase of cruises, tour packages, vacation upgrades, and more!
Click here for the official contest rules and here to join the contest entry Facebook group!
Need to get a COVID test before your next trip?
Don't forget to call us at least three days before your trip to request your iFLYSmart Travel Kit!
Editor: Kelsey Morgan, Lead International Gold Star Agent and Public Relations Liaison
