Once again, travel is changing in the New Year. There are many significant changes, too many to mention here, but let’s look at a few of them.
Passports: The department of state will no longer issue additional pages for existing passports. Beginning January 1, 2016 anyone needing additional pages will have to renew their passports. It looks like my first task of the New Year is getting a new passport…
On another note about passports, pay close attention to requirements for passports on Domestic Travel! Yes, domestic travel. Back at the end of December 2013, the Department of Homeland Security announced the arrival of the Real ID Act, which set federal security standards for government-issued IDs. In most states, your driver’s license meets these criteria. However, if you are in Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire or New York, your driver’s license does not currently meet the criteria. This has been a hot topic for a few months now for those 4 states not yet in compliance. The exact date of final implementation of the Real ID Act has not yet been announced. What is known is that the driver’s licenses will not be complaint when it is announced. Until it is determined if there will be another acceptable 2nd form of ID, you may want to consider just using your passport for all flights if you hold a driver’s license from one of the 4 previously mentioned states.
Frequent Flier Programs: Many of the frequent flier programs are changing their tier programs this year. Not only will they be based on number of miles flown, they will also have a “dollar spend” associated with the tiers. In 2016 American Airlines will join United and Delta with the financial component as part of their rewards / loyalty program. Each airline has structured it slightly differently so make sure to know how this may impact you.
Extra Leg Room: Alaska Airlines will be adding seats with extra leg room to 60 of its aircraft and American Airlines will debut a premium economy section on international flights. Like other carriers that currently offer extra leg room, these will come at a price. Why is this important to you now? Because believe it or not, the extra leg room seats do go fast on flights over 2 hours; even faster on international flights. Knowing now that it may be an option will help with your travel planning.
Travel Apps: Be on the lookout for some interesting airport apps in 2016. There are electronic beacons / sensors that detect your smart phone when you enter the airport and will guide you to nearby places such as your gate or restaurant options.
Karisma Resorts will debut their overwater bungalows at El Dorado Maroma this year. So far, we’re hearing June as the debut month; we hope to have a firm announcement very early in the year. I toured them earlier this month and can’t wait for them to be open for guests!
Hilton announced this week that it is implementing a $50 cancellation penalty for any hotel cancellation after booking is confirmed. You can get this fee waived if you are a HiltonHhonors member.
Marriott is changing their rewards program for 2016 with regards to the life of your points. Starting February 1, 2016, accumulated points will be removed from your account if you do not have a qualifying activity in the prior 2 years. Qualifying activities are things like making a paid or redemption stay at any Marriott property, making a purchase using a Marriott Rewards Credit Card, earning points with a program partner, or buying points. If you are a Marriott Rewards member, please check the new requirements.
Speaking of Marriott, it was announced previously that they are purchasing Starwood. This merger is expected to be complete mid-2016. It remains to be seen how this will affect the loyalty programs, but if you are a SPG Rewards member, pay close attention… this may affect you.
Cruise Lines are making changes too in 2016!
Norwegian Cruise Lines recently announced a new penalty schedule for cancelling a booking. The changes will take effect January 1, they are complex and are based on your length of sailing. One notable change for 7 night sailings is that there is now a 25% penalty for cancellation between 89 and 76 days prior to sailing. Previously there was no cancellation penalty (unless you are in a suite) until 75 days prior to sailing. With the new policy, the cancellation penalty for 7 night sailings will be 50% from 75 – 60 days prior, 75% 59 – 31 days prior, and 100% 30 days or less prior to travel.
Royal Caribbean recently announced it will begin charging for their North Star and Rip Cord attractions on the Quantum of the Seas. The North Star attraction will now be $20 and the Rip Cord is $26. At this time, they have made no mention of implanting this change on the other Quantum Class ships.
By no means is this an all-encompassing list of changes or things to come in 2016! Neither of us have enough time or patience to work through them all here! When planning your vacation, honeymoon, or destination wedding, working with a travel professional will make sure you always have the most accurate and up to date information!
Safe Travels & Happy New Year
Kelley