Amex GBT Ovation (Ovation™) weekly customer e-newsletter, Informed Travelerkeeping readers updated on news and trends in the travel industry.
Here’s a recap of the top five stories in December’s e-newsletter that Ovation customers clicked on the most.
1. TSA to begin testing self-checkin options in January
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will reportedly begin a trial of self-service security screening at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas in January 2024. Tourism Market ReportThe trial will allow travelers eligible for TSA PreCheck to select a self-check option to speed up the screening process. The new technology will take PreCheck members through a screening lane with four integrated stations, each equipped with a video monitor with operating instructions and a help button to contact a TSA officer if more assistance is needed. Travelers must pass the requirements at each station before moving on to the next. TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the idea behind installing the system in Las Vegas was to provide another benefit for PreCheck members. “Since the system is designed to be used in PreCheck lanes, highlighting its benefits to PreCheck travelers should be a priority. We want them to understand the value we are trying to bring to their time spent pre-clearing their travel,” he said. Ultimately, the TSA’s mission is to speed up the screening process at U.S. airports while also allowing TSA officers to redirect their attention elsewhere.
2. New catering and gate delivery services coming to North American airports
New catering and gate delivery services are reportedly set to roll out at several North American airports next year ForbesAirport dining concessionaire OTG has developed a mobile app that allows travelers to order freshly prepared meals 24 hours in advance, which they can then pick up or have delivered to their connecting gate. The service, called Order Ahead, is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2024 at 11 North American airports, where OTG has 350 stores across 23 terminals. “Whether travelers prefer a full-service dining experience or the speed and convenience of fast food, we know every guest values fresh, high-quality food,” said Rick Blatstein, CEO of OTG. “Consumer preferences are extremely diverse across our airports, so we work hard to focus on consistently serving dishes made with fresh, local ingredients that highlight the unique flavors of the surrounding regions.” For example, when the company opens Sunset Loop Bar & Grill at Denver International Airport (DEN) next spring, the menu will include steak and eggs and locally sourced rib-eye steaks, as well as Rocky Mountain trout salad made with local trout and produce from nearby farms.
3. United Airlines launches new snack stations on select flights
United Airlines to open new snack stations on select flights Tourism PulseThe “Grab-N-Go” stations will offer traditional snacks and bottled water for free. The free snacks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the airline. The new feature was launched on flights from Houston to Chicago in early December. The snack stations will only be available once main cabin service is complete on United’s fleet of new A321neo aircraft. A United spokesperson said snack selection will depend on flight distance and, during the rollout phase, will be available on flights of 801 miles or more. The new snack stations are just one of several changes United is making. The airline also plans to revamp the entertainment systems on some of its aircraft by 2025.
4. US passport wait times return to normal
The U.S. State Department reportedly said processing times for passport applications have returned to pre-pandemic levels CNN. The return to normal wait times comes after several years of delays as the State Department worked through a backlog caused primarily by COVID-19. The State Department says processing times are now six to eight weeks for regular services and two to three weeks for expedited services. The updated times apply to applications submitted on or after Dec. 18. “With this update, we are delivering on our commitment to return to the baseline from March 2020,” the department said. “This reflects the hard work of our dedicated employees serving the American people.” In 2021, the State Department faced unprecedented demand and a backlog of nearly 2 million applications, with passport processing times reaching 18 weeks. In October of this year, processing times were reduced to eight to eleven weeks.
5. Transportation Department to investigate airline frequent flyer programs
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is reportedly investigating airline frequent flyer programs for potential deceptive or unfair practices ReutersAccording to the DOT report, the agency has been investigating transparency in award ticket bookings, transferability of award miles and notice given before changes are made to such programs. Another key issue the DOT is looking into is the devaluation of frequent flyer miles that has made it more difficult to book award tickets over time. “We plan to carefully review complaints about loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that harm travelers,” a department spokesperson said. “DOT officials are actively meeting with U.S. airlines and gathering more information on this issue.” The meeting comes as some members of Congress have expressed concerns about frequent flyer programs. In October, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Roger Marshall asked the DOT and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about “troubling reports” of unfair and deceptive practices in airline frequent flyer and loyalty programs.
