Talking Points – REAL ID Act & Acceptable Identification

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when discussing the REAL ID Act, its future implementation and its impact on travel. (Updated December 22, 2017)

1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “REAL ID Act” will ultimately require all state-issued drivers’ licenses to include “machine-readable technology” or chips to mitigate the number of air and cruise passengers using counterfeit forms of identification to pass through security.
2. The final phase of the REAL ID Act will be implemented beginning January 22, 2018. More than 20 states have been granted a grace period until then, while their compliancy is under review.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “REAL ID Act” will ultimately require all state-issued drivers’ licenses to include “machine-readable technology” or chips to mitigate the number of air and cruise passengers using counterfeit forms of identification to pass through security.

 According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. REAL ID implements a 9/11 Commission recommendation urging the federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

 The REAL ID Act:

o “Establishes minimum standards for the production and issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and authorizes grants to assist states in implementing the requirements.”

o “Prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official uses driver’s licenses and identity cards from states unless the Department of Homeland Security determines that the state meets the standards. Official uses are defined as accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft.”

 “REAL ID is not a national identification card. States and territories will continue to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards, and there is no Federal database of driver information. Each jurisdiction will issue its own unique license and maintain its own records.”

 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is part of DHS, requires adult passengers 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to

 

travel. (TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.) These forms of identification include:

o Driver’s license or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)

o U.S. passport

o U.S. passport card

o DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

o U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)

o Permanent resident card

o Border crossing card

o DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license

o Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)

o Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

o HSPD-12 PIV card

o Foreign government-issued passport

o Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

o Transportation worker identification credential

 REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID differ from a standard driver’s license or state ID.

o A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card will have a star in a gold circle printed on it – or the American flag in the case of an enhanced license or ID card. Standard licenses and state IDs (which do not meet the federal REAL ID requirements) will have “Not for Federal Identification” printed on them.

o Travelers should check with their state’s Secretary of State about the status of that state’s compliancy.

2. The final phase of the REAL ID Act will be implemented beginning January 22, 2018, More than 20 states have been granted a grace period until then, while their compliancy is under review.

 On January 8, 2016, the DHS announced the final phase of implementation of the REAL ID Act will take place on January 22, 2018. Full enforcement will begin on October 1, 2020.

o More than 20 states were granted extensions until October 10, 2017. By time the extensions expired on October 10, 2017, most states that were still not compliant were granted an additional extension until October 10, 2018. These extensions also applied to non-compliant to territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For a list of states who have received extensions, are compliant or are under review, see the Department of Homeland Security Real ID site: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

 “Extensions are renewable at the discretion of the Secretary [of Homeland Security] provided there is adequate justification for continued noncompliance. Renewal is not automatic and the state should provide DHS with information about their progress in implementing any outstanding standards.”

 In determining whether to grant extensions, DHS will consider among other things:

 

 Progress made by jurisdiction in implementing the minimum standards of the Act;

 Justification for noncompliance and plans for implementing any unmet requirements; and

 Existence of external factors (e.g., resources, contract cycles, operations issues) that would delay full implementation.

 The states that were fully compliant, as of October 10, 2017:

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia

Hawaii Indiana Iowa Kansas Maryland Mississippi Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina

Ohio South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Talking Points – Winter Travel Delays and Value of an Agent

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when discussing wintry weather that impacts travel.

1. When wintry weather disrupts travel plans, travelers who book through a trained travel agent professional have many advantages over those who “go it alone.”

2. We are here to assist our clients; their safety and well-being is our top priority.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. When wintry weather disrupts travel plans, travelers who book through a trained travel agent professional have many advantages over those who “go it alone.”

 Travel agents are trained to monitor situations like winter weather that may impact their clients’ travel plans. As such, they also are in a position to work on alternative travel plans and can likely have those in place the moment the need arises.

 If changes in travel plans are necessary due to weather or mechanical issues for example, many times, travel agents are able to rebook clients for no additional charge or are able to obtain travel vouchers and/or refunds that clients may not know are due or available to them.

 We stand ready to assist clients who may encounter major transportation delays or cancelled flights. If necessary:

o We will help our clients secure other flight arrangements.

o We will work to rebook hotel and car rental reservations.

o We will work to find alternative modes of transportation to get our clients to their destination.

 With limited airline seats available, travel agents have the resources needed to quickly rebook clients and reserve the next available seat.

o Travelers who book on their own either have to “roll the dice” by calling an 800-number or standing in a lengthy customer service line to try get rebooked. Using a travel agent can essentially move you to the “front of the line.”

2. We are here to assist our clients; their safety and well-being is our top priority.

 Whether traveling domestically or internationally, our number one priority is always our clients’ safety and well-being.

 We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.

 As professional travel agents, we are trained to monitor situations, such as winter storms that may impact their clients’ travel plans. As such, we are also in a position to work on alternative travel plans and have those in place the moment the need arises.

 

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

 We closely monitor the latest news and weather updates, as well as the U.S. State Department website, for travel alerts and travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located, we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 We believe in providing the facts as we know them to our clients so they may make informed decisions regarding every aspect of their travel plans.

 It’s in situations like these that the traveling public understands how it pays to have someone serving as their advocate.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

 

Talking Points – Norovirus and Cruising

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when talking about norovirus and cruising. (Updated December 20, 2017)

1. You’re much more likely to catch the “stomach flu” during normal daily activity than you are on a cruise ship.

2. Cruising remains an extremely safe and healthy vacation option with the well-being of guests and crew being one of the cruise industry’s highest priorities.

3. Cruise passengers can take simple preventative measures to help decrease the risk of becoming infected with norovirus.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. You’re much more likely to catch the “stomach flu” during normal daily activity than you are on a cruise ship.

 Norovirus is a very common illness in the United States and is sometimes also called viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and/or food poisoning, but is not related to influenza.

o Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and possible stomach cramping. Those with the virus may also experience a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and tiredness.

o There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus.

o Most people get better within one to three days.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20 million Americans contract norovirus every year during normal activity, and globally there are 685 million cases annually, most in developing countries. Noroviruses can be found in hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes, dormitories and schools, in addition to cruise ships.

o Most outbreaks of norovirus illness happen when infected people spread the virus to others. But, norovirus can also spread by consuming contaminated food or water and touching things that have the virus on them.

o Norovirus is the leading cause of illness and outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States. About 50% of all outbreaks of food-related illness are caused by norovirus. Food can get contaminated with norovirus at any point when it is being grown, shipped, handled, or prepared.

o Over half of all norovirus outbreaks reported in the United States occur in long-term care facilities.

o Infected food workers are frequently the source of these outbreaks, often by touching ready-to-eat foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, with their bare hands before serving them.

o People joining a cruise ship may bring the virus to other passengers and crew.

 The American Medical Association (AMA) concluded: “Perceptions that cruise ships can be luxury breeding grounds for acute gastroenteritis outbreaks don’t hold water. A recent

 

CDC report showed that from 2008 to 2014, only 0.18% of more than 73 million cruise passengers and 0.15% of some 28 million crew members reported symptoms of the illness.”

o The CDC says that the virus is closely associated with cruise ships only because health official closely track the illness on cruise ships and thus they are reported more quickly than those that occur on land.

o Because cruise ships are closely monitored and regularly inspected for health and sanitation concerns, they are likely fewer occurrences than at land restaurants.

o Fortune magazine, analyzing CDC data, reported that only one out of every 14,000 or so cruise passengers will get sick due to the norovirus during a cruise. It said “a high school basketball player has a far higher chance (0.03%) of eventually being drafted into the NBA.”

 Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year. But, according to the CDC, over 80% of the outbreaks occur from November to April. Half of all cases occur from December through February in countries above the equator.

 As of December 20, 2017, the CDC has only confirmed 10 norovirus/gastrointestinal illnesses in 2017, involving nine ships from five cruise lines. Those outbreaks were aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (December 11-16); Ovation of the Seas (Movember 23 – December 7); Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection (November 17-27), Holland America’s Noordam (July 30 – August 6); Nieuw Amsterdam (July 22-29); Noordam (July 23-30); Volendam (July 19-26), Volendam (July 12-19); and Ocean Cruises’ Regatta (March 29 – April 14); Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess (March 8-18).

 In 2016, the CDC confirmed just 11 outbreaks of norovirus aboard cruise ships, down from 12 in 2015.

o The CDC posts cruise ship outbreaks when they meet the following criteria:

 Fall within the purview of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP);

 Are sailing on voyages from 3-21 days;

 Are carrying 100 or more passengers; and

 Are cruise ships in which 3 percent or more of passengers or crew reported symptoms of diarrheal disease to the ships medical staff during the voyage.

2. Cruising remains an extremely safe and healthy vacation option with the well-being of guests and crew being one of the cruise industry’s highest priorities.

 The public hears about norovirus outbreaks on ships not because they happen more frequently, but because unlike other segments of the travel and hospitality industry, cruise ships carrying 13 or more passengers which have a foreign itinerary with U.S. ports are required to participate in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Cruise ship medical staff or other designated personnel are required to maintain a log of cases of gastrointestinal illnesses and report those to the CDC.

o Currently, state, local, and territorial health departments are not required to report individual cases of norovirus illness to a national surveillance system.

 According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) each member cruise line has an outbreak prevention and response plan to address gastrointestinal illnesses which includes: Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of all staterooms and public areas

 

on a daily basis including counters, bathroom surfaces, door handles, railings and grab bars, exercise equipment, video arcade equipment, vanities, TV remote controls and more.

o Extensive onboard communications to encourage passengers to thoroughly wash their hands frequently to help avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

o The elimination of all self-serve buffets (passengers point to the food they would like and staff will serve them).

o Extra crew may be brought on board to disinfect the ship with the CDC-recommended disinfectants from top to bottom before additional passengers board on turnaround days.

o All crew who have norovirus symptoms may be confined to their quarters or transferred off the ship.

3. Cruise passengers can take simple preventative measures to help decrease the risk of becoming infected with norovirus.

 Frequently wash hands with soap and warm water; it’s one of the best preventative measures one can take.

 Take advantage of the hand-sanitizer stations located throughout the ship, particularly those located at the entrances of dining areas.

 Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. Resting helps rebuild your immune system. Drinking water helps prevents dehydration.

 Be considerate of other people’s health. We urge our clients who may feel ill before their cruise to contact us to learn what their alternative cruising options may be.

 Anyone seeking additional information on norovirus and proper hand-washing techniques can visit specific CDC (www.cdc.gov) or CLIA (www.cruising.org) website resources:

o The Vessel Sanitation Program’s website at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp

o Updates about the norovirus at www.cdc.gov/norovirus

o Industry facts about health and wellness onboard cruise lines at www.cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/industry-facts/health

o Obtain the truth about norovirus on cruise ships at www.cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/industry-facts/norovirus-on-cruise-ships