Talking Points: Involuntary Bumping on Airlines (April 27, 2017)

Talking Points – Involuntary Bumping on Airlines

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

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing involuntary bumping of airline passengers. (Updated April 27, 2017)

1. While it is common practice for airlines to oversell flights, bumping of passengers is infrequent and primarily voluntary. Involuntary bumping of airline passengers is quite rare, and airlines are working to minimize their potential even further.

2. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific rules in place for involuntarily bumping airline passengers, including compensating them fairly.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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

1. While it is common practice for airlines to oversell flights, bumping of passengers is infrequent and primarily voluntary. Involuntary bumping of airline passengers is quite rare, and airlines are working to minimize their potential even further.

On April 9, 2017, David Dao, a passenger on United flight 3411 headed from Chicago O’Hare to Louisville, Kentucky, was involuntarily bumped from the flight and was forcibly removed from the plane.

o A passenger on the flight told the Louisville Courier-Journal that “passengers were then told a computer would select four random passengers. A couple was selected and left, but when the man who was removed was selected, he contested, saying he was a doctor who needed to see patients Monday morning.”

o Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines, told ABC News’ “Good Morning America” on April 12, “‘This will never happen again. We are not going to put a law enforcement official onto a plane to take them off …to remove a booked, paid, seated passenger. We can’t do that.’ The airline later announced that it would compensate everyone on board the flight for the full price of their ticket.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “carriers posted a bumping rate of 0.62 per 10,000 passengers in 2016, an improvement over the 0.73 rate posted in 2015 and the lowest annual rate based on historical data dating back to 1995.

o Bloomberg reports that “Last year, the 12 largest U.S. airlines bumped slightly more than 40,600 of 659.7 million passengers.”

The Associated Press reports that last year, “United forced 3,765 people off oversold flights and another 62,895 United passengers volunteered to give up their seats, probably in exchange for travel vouchers. That’s out of more than 86 million people who boarded a United flight in 2016, according to government figures. United ranks in the middle of U.S. carriers when it comes to bumping passengers.”

 In the wake of the April 9 incident, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines updated their rules and policies with regard to bumping airline passengers:

o Delta: “Delta Air Lines is moving to make it easier to find customers willing to give up their seats. In an internal memo obtained [April 14] by The Associated

 

Press, Delta said gate agents can offer up to $2,000, up from a previous maximum of $800, and supervisors can offer up to $9,950, up from $1,350.”

o American: According to the Los Angeles Times, “American Airlines updated its rules to say that no passenger who has boarded the plane will be removed to give the seat to someone else.” However, the airline would not describe its limits on compensation levels for paying passengers.

On April 27, 2017, after a full review of the incident, United Airlines outlined 10 policy changes including:

o United will limit use of law enforcement to safety and security issues only.

o Customers already seated on the plane will not have to give up their seat involuntarily unless safety or security is at risk.

o Taking effect on April 28, United will increase customer compensation incentives for voluntary denied boarding up to $10,000.

o Later this year, United will introduce a new automated check-in process, both at the airport and via the United app, that will gauge a customer’s interest in giving up his or her seat on overbooked flights in exchange for compensation.

o United will reduce its amount of overbooking.

2. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific rules in place for involuntarily bumping airline passengers, including compensating them fairly.

According to the DOT, each airline is required to “give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn’t. Those travelers who don’t get to fly are frequently entitled to denied boarding compensation in the form of a check or cash. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay.”

o If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.

o If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination that day, with a $675 maximum.

o If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (400% of your one-way fare, $1350 maximum).

o If your ticket does not show a fare (for example, a frequent-flyer award ticket or a ticket issued by a consolidator), your denied boarding compensation is based on the lowest cash, check or credit card payment charged for a ticket in the same class of service (e.g., coach, first class) on that flight.

 In addition, the DOT rules state that “you always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an ‘involuntary refund’ for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.”

 There are exceptions to the DOT rules and those include:

o To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation.

 

o Each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. If you miss the check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.

o As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.

o The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold fewer than 30 passengers. They don’t apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily.

Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities — from Paris to Rome, for example — these rules will not apply. The European Commission has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or go to http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/air/air_en.htm.

o Airlines set their own “boarding priorities” — the order in which they will bump different categories of passengers in an oversale situation.

When a flight is oversold and there are not enough volunteers, some airlines bump passengers with the lowest fares first.

Others bump the last passengers to check in.

Once you have purchased your ticket, the most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early.

For passengers in the same fare class the last passengers to check in are usually the first to be bumped, even if they have met the check-in deadline. Allow extra time; assume that the roads are backed up, the parking lot is full, and there is a long line at the check-in counter.

o Airlines may offer free tickets or dollar-amount vouchers for future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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 travel professionals, we advise our clients on check-in procedures, airport security policies and boarding information, to help manage expectations and ensure they get through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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

Talking Points: France (April 21, 2017)

Talking Points – France

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

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to France and recent terror attacks. (Updated April 21, 2017)

1. While there have been high profile attacks since the beginning of 2015, including a recent police shooting on the Champs-Elysées, the U.S. State Department has no Travel Warning or Alert in effect advising Americans against travel to France.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide them with the facts so they can make informed decisions about their travels.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.

1. While there have been high profile attacks since the beginning of 2015, including a recent police shooting on the Champs-Elysées, the U.S. State Department has no Travel Warning or Alert in effect advising Americans against travel to France.

On April 20, 2017, a gunman opened fire on a police van, in Paris, on the Champs-Elysées, killing one officer.

o “ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack on the Champs-Élysées,” according to the Financial Times.

o According to France24, “French security officials are investigating a Thursday night shooting attack on Paris’s Champs-Élysées, which killed one policeman and severely injured two others. The gunman, who was known to police, was shot dead shortly after the attack.”

o The BBC reported, “A car pulled up alongside a police bus just before 21:00 (19:00 GMT) and a man got out, opening fire on the bus with an automatic weapon, Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said. After killing an officer, the man attempted to run away while shooting at other officers, two of whom he injured, the spokesman added. He was then shot dead by security forces.

o According to the UK’s Guardian, “The attacker, a 39-year-old man widely named as Karim Cheurfi, was known to French security services. Media reported he had served nearly 15 years in prison after being convicted of three attempted murders, two against police officers, and was released on parole in 2015.”

“Local media say the 39-year-old lived in the city’s suburbs, and had been seen as a potential Islamist radical,” according to the BBC.

o “It was not the only terrorist threat of the week. French police found 3 kg of homemade explosives and an ISIS flag in the home of a man arrested in Marseilles on Tuesday for planning a terrorist attack,” reported the Financial Times.

 France is preparing for its upcoming Presidential elections; the first round of voting will takes place on April 23. The Guardian also reports:

 

o “Prime minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, said the government had reviewed its extensive election security measures and was ‘fully mobilized’ in the wake of the attack. He appealed for national unity and for people ‘not to succumb to fear.’

o “He said more than 50,000 police and gendarmes and 7,000 soldiers would be on duty for Sunday’s first-round vote in the two-stage election, and nothing could be allowed to ‘hamper this democratic moment.’”

o “The murder of a policeman in a terror attack cast a shadow over the last day of France’s volatile presidential election campaign as candidates debated the country’s status in the EU’s free movement system and the role of Islam,” reports the Financial Times.

 Because of attacks in the past two years, a national state of emergency is still in effect, in France. It is set to expire on July 15, after the elections.

o On July 14, 2016 – Bastille Day in France, in Nice, a self-proclaimed ISIS terrorist drove a truck filled with guns, explosives and grenades into a crowd gathered for a fireworks display along the city’s Promenade des Anglais. At least 84 people were killed with three Americans among the dead. An additional 308 people were wounded.

o On November 13, 2015, in Paris, a series of coordinated terror attacks occurred at various locations across the city – including the Bataclan theater, several restaurants and cafes in the 10th and 11th districts and outside the Stade de France – in which 130 people were killed and another 368 were injured, some seriously.

o On January 7, 2015, in Paris, two terrorists broke into a French weekly newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, where they killed 11 and injured another 11.

No Travel Alert or Travel Warning has been issued by the State Department cautioning Americans traveling to France. The U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a “Security Message for U.S. Citizens,” which says in part:

o In the wake of the April 20, 2017, attack on police in Paris and continued terrorist threats against France and Europe detailed in the Department’s Worldwide Caution, we strongly urge U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Europe as foreign fighters return home from Syria and Iraq, while other individuals may be radicalized or inspired by ISIS propaganda. European authorities continue to warn of additional attacks on major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers, places of worship, and the transportation sector, frequently prompting heightened security at notable public venues and coordinated counterterrorism operations.

o The state of emergency allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security. There are reinforced measures throughout the communes in the Ile de France region. These allow for house arrest of any person whose activities are deemed dangerous, the closure of theaters and meeting places, the surrender of weapons, and the possibility of administrative house searches.

o U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.

o U.S. citizens may wish to download the Government of France smartphone application, SAIP, that will alert users to terrorist attacks or other exceptional events. The emergency system sends warnings directly to smartphones, and will include a brief description of what is happening and advice on how to react. The

 

app is available in both French and English. You can download the SAIP app for Android from the Google Play Store and the SAIP app for IPhone from the iTunes store.

o We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in France to directly contact concerned family members in the U.S. to advise them of your safety.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office does not warn against travel to France, but it does advise the following:

o “There is a high threat from terrorism. Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), the French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced its security measures.”

o “Around 17 million British nationals visit France every year. Most visits are trouble-free. The most common problem reported is pick-pocketing. See Safety and security.”

 The Government of Canada indicates, “There is no nationwide advisory in effect for France. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the current elevated threat of terrorism.”

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being.

We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

o The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful guide called Traveler’s Checklist which provides additional travel tips.

o Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained through the Consular Information Program documents, by downloading the free Smart Traveler iPhone App, following the State Department on Twitter or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. Citizens can also call 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Remain alert to your surroundings at all times. Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.

 

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide them with the facts so they can make informed decisions about their travels.

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

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

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts 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 make determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 We also work closely with respected airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and other suppliers to remain informed of security precautions they’re taking to guard our clients’ safety.

 

Talking Points: Measles Outside the U.S. (April 19, 2017)

Talking Points – Measles Outside the U.S.

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

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing the measles outbreaks, including in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Romania and Guinea. (Updated April 19, 2017)

1. Measles is still very common in many parts of the world, including areas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Africa.

2. Travelers can easily protect themselves by making certain their vaccinations are up-to-date.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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

1. Measles is still very common in many parts of the world, including areas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Africa.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Watch Level 1 advisories for measles in Belgium, Germany and Italy. Prior to these nation’s being added, only Indonesia, Romania and Guinea had existing Watch Level 1 advisories for measles.

o A Watch Level 1 travel health notice from the CDC is the lowest of three advisories it issues, meaning it recommends travelers “practice usual precautions” – in this case, it means being vaccinated for measles prior to traveling.

 Belgium, Germany and Italy have all reported a concerning number of measles cases in their countries.

o “In Belgium, through Mar. 31, Wallonia reported 266 measles cases. The outbreak affects all provinces of Wallonia, with the exception of the province of Luxembourg. All age groups are affected and 53% of cases are over 15 years. Most of the cases were not vaccinated or did not know their vaccination status. Nearly 40% were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported,” according to Outbreak News Today.

o Also according to Outbreak News Today, “Since the beginning of 2017 and as of 4 April 2017, Italy reported 1,333 cases of measles, with 131 cases among healthcare workers. The cases are reported from 19 of the 21 regions in Italy. A majority of the cases (93%) are from Piedmont, Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany, Abruzzi and Sicily. Most of the cases are above 15 years and 88% of the cases were not vaccinated.”

o “According to the German National Public Health Institute, since the beginning of 2017 and as of 12 March 2017, Germany reported 272 cases. In the same period in 2016, Germany reported 18 cases,” reports Outbreak News Today.

o According to Healio, the measles outbreak in Europe is due to non-vaccinated individuals.

 

“Health officials warned that a recent surge in measles cases in Europe is being driven by below-target vaccination rates and is threatening the continent’s progress toward eradication.”

“In Italy, which reported 238 new cases in January, immunization coverage is just 83%, and WHO said it appeared the outbreak was going to be at least as bad and perhaps even worse in February. (By comparison, Italy reported around 850 measles cases in all of 2016.)”

o The Guardian reports that the Five Star Movement (M5S) in Italy may be contributing to the measles outbreak.

“In 2015, the M5S proposed a law against vaccinations because of “the link between vaccinations and specific illnesses such as leukaemia, poisoning, inflammation, immunodepression, inheritable genetic mutations, cancer, autism and allergies”.”

“The surge in the number of cases follows a drop in the proportion of two-year-olds given vaccinations from 88% in 2013 to 86% in 2014 and 85.3% in 2015 – well below the 95% threshold advised by the World Health Organisation.”

 Several countries, including Australia, Canada and Taiwan, have reported that travelers who recently visited Indonesia have been diagnosed with measles, necessitating the CDC’s Watch Level 1 advisory.

o Some of these travelers were visiting the popular tourist destination of Bali.

 The CDC also reported a measles outbreak in 13 of Guinea’s 33 prefectures. The CDC issued the Watch Level 1 advisory for Guinea on March 10, 2017.

o Outbreak News Today reports that “The number of suspected cases has increased rapidly, reaching 407 this week [March 4, 2017], compared to 234 last week. More than 3.7 million children need to be urgently vaccinated in the country.”

 On November 10, 2016, the CDC announced that a measles outbreak had been confirmed in Romania.

o Outbreak News Today reports that “From September 2016 to March 17, 2017, Romania has reported 3,799 cases.”

 Measles continues to be an ongoing public health issue worldwide, as well. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, as of April 11, 2017, there have been:

o 1,259 laboratory confirmed cases of measles in the African region

o 55 laboratory confirmed cases in the Americas region

o 1,079 laboratory confirmed cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region

o 980 laboratory confirmed cases in the European region

o 926 laboratory confirmed cases in the Western Pacific region

o 766 laboratory confirmed cases in the South-East Pacific region

 The majority of measles cases that are brought into the United States come from unvaccinated U.S. residents or visitors.

 Clinicians should keep measles in mind when treating patients with fever and rash, especially if the patient has recently traveled internationally.

2. Travelers can easily protect themselves by making certain their vaccinations are up-to-date.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body.”

 According to the CDC, “Travelers who have not been vaccinated are at risk of getting the disease and spreading it to their friends and family members who may not be up-to-date with vaccinations. Because of this risk, all travelers should be up-to-date on their vaccinations, regardless of where they are going.”

 In the U.S., the vaccines that are available are the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines.

o The CDC states: “MMR has been used safely and effectively since the 1970s. A few people experience mild, temporary adverse reactions, such as joint pain, from the vaccine, but serious side effects are extremely rare. There is no link between MMR and autism.”

 Both children and adults who are traveling should be vaccinated. The CDC offers the following guidelines:

o Routine vaccination for children in the U.S. is between 12-15 months, but younger children traveling outside of the U.S. can receive the vaccine starting at six months old.

o Children 12 months or older, adolescents, and adults who are traveling outside the United States must have received two doses of MMR or other live measles-containing vaccine to be considered immune to measles.

o Also, those who have had the diagnosis of measles documented by a physician, have laboratory evidence of immunity, or were born before 1957 are considered immune.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believed it to be unsafe or were unable to provide precautions to minimize risks. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 The CDC has issued Watch Level 1 health notices urging travelers to practice usual precautions when visiting Belgium, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Romania and Guinea. Additional measles cases have been reported worldwide.

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

 By working with a true travel professional, we assist our clients by consulting on the ideal vacation experience they are looking for and providing alternative destinations should the need arise.

 

Talking Points: Involuntary Bumping on Airlines (April 17, 2017)

Talking Points – Involuntary Bumping on Airlines

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

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing involuntary bumping of airline passengers. (Updated April 17, 2017)

1. While it is common practice for airlines to oversell flights, bumping of passengers is infrequent and primarily voluntary. Involuntary bumping of airline passengers is quite rare, and airlines are working to minimize their potential even further.

2. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific rules in place for involuntarily bumping airline passengers, including compensating them fairly.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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

1. While it is common practice for airlines to oversell flights, bumping of passengers is infrequent and primarily voluntary. Involuntary bumping of airline passengers is quite rare, and airlines are working to minimize their potential even further.

On April 9, 2017, David Dao, a passenger on United flight 3411 headed from Chicago O’Hare to Louisville, Kentucky, was involuntarily bumped from the flight and was forcibly removed from the plane.

o A passenger on the flight told the Louisville Courier-Journal that “passengers were then told a computer would select four random passengers. A couple was selected and left, but when the man who was removed was selected, he contested, saying he was a doctor who needed to see patients Monday morning.”

o Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines, told ABC News’ “Good Morning America” on April 12, “‘This will never happen again. We are not going to put a law enforcement official onto a plane to take them off …to remove a booked, paid, seated passenger. We can’t do that.’ The airline later announced that it would compensate everyone on board the flight for the full price of their ticket.”

o United has since announced that the airline will offer each passenger on that flight compensate in the form of the full price of their purchased ticket.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “carriers posted a bumping rate of 0.62 per 10,000 passengers in 2016, an improvement over the 0.73 rate posted in 2015 and the lowest annual rate based on historical data dating back to 1995.

o Bloomberg reports that “Last year, the 12 largest U.S. airlines bumped slightly more than 40,600 of 659.7 million passengers.”

The Associated Press reports that last year, “United forced 3,765 people off oversold flights and another 62,895 United passengers volunteered to give up their seats, probably in exchange for travel vouchers. That’s out of more than 86 million people who boarded a United flight in 2016, according to government figures. United ranks in the middle of U.S. carriers when it comes to bumping passengers.”

 In the wake of the April 9 incident, several airlines have updated their rules and policies with regard to bumping airline passengers:

 

o Delta: “Delta Air Lines is moving to make it easier to find customers willing to give up their seats. In an internal memo obtained [April 14] by The Associated Press, Delta said gate agents can offer up to $2,000, up from a previous maximum of $800, and supervisors can offer up to $9,950, up from $1,350.”

o United: CBS News reports that “Under the change outlined in an internal United Airlines April 14 email, a crew member is required to make must-ride bookings at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Previously, crews could be booked until the time of departure. United spokeswoman Maggie Schmerin said in an email [April 16] that the change is an initial step in a review of policies and is meant to ensure that situations like Dao’s never happen again.”

o American: According to the Los Angeles Times, “American Airlines updated its rules to say that no passenger who has boarded the plane will be removed to give the seat to someone else.” However, the airline would not describe its limits on compensation levels for paying passengers.

2. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific rules in place for involuntarily bumping airline passengers, including compensating them fairly.

According to the DOT, each airline is required to “give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn’t. Those travelers who don’t get to fly are frequently entitled to denied boarding compensation in the form of a check or cash. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay.”

o If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.

o If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination that day, with a $675 maximum.

o If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (400% of your one-way fare, $1350 maximum).

o If your ticket does not show a fare (for example, a frequent-flyer award ticket or a ticket issued by a consolidator), your denied boarding compensation is based on the lowest cash, check or credit card payment charged for a ticket in the same class of service (e.g., coach, first class) on that flight.

 In addition, the DOT rules state that “you always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an ‘involuntary refund’ for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.”

 There are exceptions to the DOT rules and those include:

o To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation.

o Each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. If you miss the check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.

 

o As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.

o The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold fewer than 30 passengers. They don’t apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily.

Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities — from Paris to Rome, for example — these rules will not apply. The European Commission has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or go to http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/air/air_en.htm.

o Airlines set their own “boarding priorities” — the order in which they will bump different categories of passengers in an oversale situation.

When a flight is oversold and there are not enough volunteers, some airlines bump passengers with the lowest fares first.

Others bump the last passengers to check in.

Once you have purchased your ticket, the most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early.

For passengers in the same fare class the last passengers to check in are usually the first to be bumped, even if they have met the check-in deadline. Allow extra time; assume that the roads are backed up, the parking lot is full, and there is a long line at the check-in counter.

o Airlines may offer free tickets or dollar-amount vouchers for future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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 travel professionals, we advise our clients on check-in procedures, airport security policies and boarding information, to help manage expectations and ensure they get through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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

 

Talking Points: South Korea (April 14, 2017)

Talking Points – South Korea

The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing safe travel to South Korea. (April 14, 2017)

1. Despite rising tensions between North and South Korea, the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel Alert or Travel Warning nor has it stated that Americans should avoid travel to South Korea.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

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

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

1. Despite rising tensions between North and South Korea, the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel Alert or Travel Warning nor has it stated that Americans should avoid travel to South Korea.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “In the past few days, the rhetoric has grown more heated from all sides. Meanwhile, satellite imagery shows signs that North Korea may be preparing a nuclear test ahead of its biggest holiday, the birthday of the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung.”

o “Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on [April 14] said Beijing was urging all sides to avoid inflammatory or threatening statements and deeds, adding that no one would win in a war.”

 On April 13, CNN reported that “The Pentagon sent the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson [to the Korean Peninsula] with an escort of a guided-missile cruiser and two destroyers after the latest missile test by North Korea last week.”

o “The strike group has been at sea since January and conducted military exercises with other nations in the western Pacific,” including Japan and the Republic of Korea and Australia.

o “Many analysts believe the movement of US warships is likely defensive in nature, setting the stage for a scenario in which the Vinson strike group could be called upon to perform a missile intercept.”

 Even in light of escalating rhetoric between North and South Korea, and the appearance of a military build-up, it is business as usual for the majority of people living in, and visiting, South Korea.

o According to Reuters, “The nonchalance about the possibility of conflict with the North has grown in recent years in the South, which remains technically in a state of war with its neighbor.”

“South Koreans, especially young people, have become used to the bellicose rhetoric and nuclear bluster in the region.”

“Retailers in Seoul said there was no indication that people were hoarding food or goods in preparation for a conflict.”

 The U.S. State Department has not issued any sort of alert or warning for Americans traveling to South Korea.

 

 The U.S. military has maintained a presence in South Korea since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s and conducts joint military exercises with South Korea annually.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 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.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.

 If there is an emergency situation in South Korea, visitors can:

o Monitor the Embassy website (http://seoul.usembassy.gov) for updates and information.

o Monitor AFN (American Forces Network) (PDF 95.9KB) radio stations and follow the international and local news outlets for additional information.

o Citizens may also call the U.S. State Department toll free at 888-407-4747 in the U.S. or call the regular toll line at 202-501-4444 Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time).

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

We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe 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 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.

 

Talking Points: Yellow Fever in Brazil (April 14, 2017)

Talking Points – Yellow Fever in Brazil

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

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing the recent outbreak of yellow fever and travel to Brazil. (April 14, 2017)

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its Level 2 Alert for Brazil, due to an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever. While the CDC does not warn against travel to Brazil, it recommends travelers should practice enhanced precautions.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Brazil.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its Level 2 Alert for Brazil, due to an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever. While the CDC does not warn against travel to Brazil, it recommends travelers should practice enhanced precautions.

Brazil’s outbreak of yellow fever began in December 2016, and fatalities have occurred as a result of the disease.

o The CDC’s Alert – Level 2 says that the states of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and numerous parts of the southern and southeastern areas of the state of Bahia have been affected. Because of this, the CDC now recommends the yellow fever vaccine for all of the states of Espirito Santo, São Paulo (minus the city of São Paulo), Rio de Janeiro and much of Bahia.

It is important to note that although the state of São Paola have been affected by the yellow fever outbreak, the city of São Paulo is not part of this warning.

Vaccination is recommended for all of Rio de Janeiro state, including the city of Rio de Janeiro, although the city has not reported any yellow fever cases yet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the areas where yellow fever is affecting Brazil is expanding.

o “As of 3 April 2017, yellow fever virus transmission continues to expand towards the Atlantic coast of Brazil in areas not deemed to be at risk for yellow fever transmission prior to the revised risk assessment.”

o “Epizootics [an epidemic-like disease event in an animal population] and human cases are under investigation from 3 April 2017 for yellow fever virus infection in Bahia State along the northern coastal area, including the urban area of Salvador, with an epizootic confirmed to be due to yellow fever virus infection in the municipality of Feira de Santana; epizootics associated with yellow fever virus infection were confirmed in the proximity of the urban area of Campinas in São Paulo State, with additional epizootics being under investigation in the same area; and, in Rio de Janeiro State, epizootics are under investigation for yellow fever virus infection in the proximity of the urban areas of Rio de Janeiro City and Niterói. These reports are consistent with the increased yellow fever activity

 

observed in the southern areas of Bahia State, bordering Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais States, and in the areas of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo States, all sharing the same ecosystem – tropical and sub-tropical moist broad leaves forest.”

 Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitos and is typically found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa.

o It is a virus that usually causes symptoms 3-6 days after exposure.

o Symptoms include fever, chills, and head, back and muscle aches.

o Complications occur in about 15% of those afflicted, and can lead to organ failure and death.

 On April 4, the Rio Times said that “Last week the state’s health department confirmed a sixth case of yellow fever, five from Casimiro de Abreu, in the interior of Rio de Janeiro in an area that stretches inland between Buzios and Macaé and another from São Fidelis, about 100km from Casimiro.”

o Due to this, “the expectation of state officials is to vaccinate, until the end of this year, the entire population of the state. This, say health authorities, will require between 8 and 9 million additional doses of the vaccine.”

 STAT reports: “Although Brazil experiences what is known as a ‘sylvatic’ cycle of yellow fever — in which the virus is spread between mosquitoes and monkeys in the jungle — the current outbreak has fanned far beyond the Amazon jungle and out to the coast. It has confounded specialists, doctors, and health officials, and raised fears of an epidemic in Brazil’s urban areas that could be devastating if not quickly contained. It is the worst outbreak of yellow fever in this country in recent memory.”

In addition, the Los Angeles Times has reported that the sudden spread of yellow fever in Brazil and shortages of the vaccine is causing concern.

o “Doctors in the United States should be asking for travel histories from any patients who turn up after a brief, mild illness appeared to go away, but was quickly followed by the hallmark symptoms of yellow fever’s “intoxication stage” — high fevers, internal bleeding, severe liver dysfunction and jaundice (hence the name “yellow fever”), kidney failure, cardiovascular abnormalities, central nervous system dysfunction and shock.”

o “It’s a perilous moment, made more so by the fact that, while an effective vaccine against yellow fever has been around since 1937, worldwide stockpiles are all but depleted. In a series of yellow fever outbreaks in Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo two years ago, public health officials ran so short of the vaccine that they resorted to giving each person one-fifth of a dose.”

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Brazil.

Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for yellow fever.

o Due to the yellow fever vaccine shortage, anyone planning to travel to Brazil should consult their physician as soon as they can. The vaccine must be given 10 days before arrival in Brazil.

o All persons over the age of nine months should receive the vaccine when planning on traveling to an area with yellow fever.

o Normally, one dose of yellow fever vaccine per lifetime is sufficient.

 

o Travelers should consult their physician to see if they need a booster dose if they have previously been vaccinated, and are going to a high risk area.

 Since yellow fever is spread via mosquitoes, preventing their bites can help protect against yellow fever. The CDC recommends:

o Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

o Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), IR3535, or 2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone).

o If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

o Use permethrin-treated (clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents).

o Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.

o Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believe it to be unsafe. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 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.

 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.

 By working with a trusted travel professional, we can provide providing alternative travel arrangements should the need arise.

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

Talking Points: Terrorism in Germany (April 12, 2017)

Talking Points – Germany

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

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to Germany. (Updated April 12, 2017)

1. While Germany has been the target of a few terrorist attacks over the past year, there is no Travel Alert or Travel Warning advising Americans against traveling to Germany.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide them with the facts so they can make informed decisions about their travels.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.

1. While Germany has been the target of a few terrorist attacks over the past year, there is no Travel Alert or Travel Warning advising Americans against traveling to Germany.

On April 11, 2017, multiple explosion damaged the bus carrying the Borussia Dortmund soccer team, and one player was hospitalized due to his injuries.

o According to Deutsche Welle, the police are treating this as a terrorist attack.

o ABC News reports that “police have made one arrest following an incident in which multiple explosions went off near the team bus of Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s top soccer clubs, as it set off for a Champions League quarterfinal match on Tuesday evening. One of the team’s players was injured in the attack.”

o FOX News reports that “A person from the ‘Islamist spectrum’ was detained Wednesday in connection with the Borussia Dortmund soccer team bus attack in Germany that injured a player, German prosecutors said. Authorities are focused on another suspected extremist who may also be involved in detonating three explosives on Tuesday, Frauke Koehler, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors, said. A letter turned up near the site claiming responsibility and suggesting a possible Islamic extremist motive for the attack.”

 Germany has dealt with other terrorist attacks recently:

o On April 11, 2017, a teenage Syrian refugee was convicted for planning an act of terrorism: “The court found enough evidence that the boy had declared himself willing to carry out an attack in an internet chat with ‘a person close to the ‘Islamic State’ in Israel.’ He also received instructions on how to make a bomb,” according to Deutsche Welle.

o On December 19, 2016, a delivery truck crashed into a Christmas market in Berlin, German, killing 12 people and injuring at least 49 others.

The Wall Street Journal reports, “At least 12 people were killed when a semitrailer drove onto the sidewalk near Breitscheidplatz in Charlottenburg, a tony district in West Berlin, at about 8 p.m., a spokeswoman for the Berlin police said. About 50 were injured, police said. Authorities said that they had no immediate information on the motive but that signs pointed to a ‘probable terror attack.’”

 

o A suicide bomb outside a wine bar in Ansbach injured 15 people on July 24, 2016.

o Also, on July 22, 2016, nine people were killed by a gunman during a shooting incident at the Munich Olympia shopping center.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office does not explicitly warn against travel to Germany, but it does advise the following:

o “There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places visited by foreigners. The German government has announced that increased security has been put in place as a precaution at public buildings, major events, transport hubs and large public gatherings.”

 The Government of Canada indicates, “There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Germany” and citizens are advised to “exercise normal security precautions.”

According to the 2016 Global Peace Index (GPI), which is compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, Germany is the 16th most peaceful country in the world just behind Australia and ahead of Norway.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being.

We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

o The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful guide called Traveler’s Checklist which provides additional travel tips.

o Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained through the Consular Information Program documents, by downloading the free Smart Traveler iPhone App, following the State Department on Twitter or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. Citizens can also call 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

 The updated State Department Travel Alert also provides practical steps American travelers can take:

o “U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places.”

o “Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency.”

o “Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.”

o “Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.”

o “Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.”

o “Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).”

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:

 

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Remain alert to your surroundings at all times. Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide them with the facts so they can make informed decisions about their travels.

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

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

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts 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 make determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 We also work closely with respected airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and other suppliers to remain informed of security precautions they’re taking to guard our clients’ safety.

 

Talking Points: Israel, The West Bank and Gaza (April 11, 2017)

Talking Points – Israel

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

The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. (Updated April 11, 2017)

1. Although the U.S. State Department has updated its longstanding Travel Warning for Israel, it does not explicitly warn against traveling there.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being. First and foremost: pack your common sense.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. 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. Although the U.S. State Department has updated its longstanding Travel Warning for Israel, it does not explicitly warn against traveling there.

On April 11, 2017, the U.S. State Department updated its longstanding Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, which are all included together despite political divisions:

o The Travel Warning does not specifically warn against travel to Israel, but instead advises that “the possibility of random violence continues to exist and can happen without warning.”

“The security situation remains complex in Israel …and can change quickly depending on the political environment, recent events, and particular geographic location. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings when traveling to areas where there are heightened tensions and security risks.”

o The Travel Warning does not specifically warn against travel to the West Bank, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Instead, the State Department advises that “the possibility of random violence continues to exist and can happen without warning.”

“The security situation remains complex in …the West Bank and can change quickly depending on the political environment, recent events, and particular geographic location. U.S. citizens should exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings when traveling to areas where there are heightened tensions and security risks.”

o The Travel Warning specifically warns against all travel to the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

“The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to the Gaza Strip and urges those present to depart.

“Gaza is under the control of Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is dangerous and volatile.”

 

“Violent demonstrations and shootings occur on a frequent basis and the collateral risks are high.”

o The State Department repeatedly notes the complexity of the region: “While Israel and Hamas continue to observe the temporary cease-fire that ended the latest Gaza conflict in 2014, sporadic mortar or rocket fire and corresponding Israeli military responses continue to occur.”

“Within Israel and the West Bank, the possibility of random violence continues to exist and can happen without warning.”

“U.S. citizens have been killed and wounded in recent attacks, though there is no indication they were specifically targeted based on nationality. Perceived religious affiliation was a factor in some of the attacks, and the majority of recent attacks have targeted uniformed Israeli security forces often in proximity to checkpoints throughout Jerusalem and the West Bank or near religious sites significant to multiple faiths.”

o Also according to the U.S. State Department, “The Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority both make considerable efforts to ensure security, particularly in areas where foreigners frequently travel.”

 Major metropolitan areas in Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, continue to be popular destinations for tourists and are similar to major cities around the world with regard to personal safety. However, the State Department notes that U.S. citizens should:

o Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times;

o Avoid demonstrations – which can turn violent – and steer clear of neighborhoods where police have restricted access;

o Beware of and report unattended items or packages;

o Follow the instructions of security and emergency officials;

o Report suspicious activities or items to security officials; and

o Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter.

 U.S. citizens planning their own travel should consider the rules that apply to U.S. government employee travel, including:

o With the exception of Jericho, Bethlehem, and along Routes 1, 443, and 90, U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel within the West Bank. Restrictions on personal travel by U.S. government employees may change depending on the security environment;

o U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel into Jerusalem’s Old City on Fridays during the Muslim month of Ramadan. The U.S. government occasionally restricts travel for its employees to the Old City based on the current security environment;

o U.S. government staff take additional security precautions when visiting refugee camps and “seam areas” where Israelis and Palestinians intersect and which have historically been flashpoints for violence. For example, sites with significant religious meaning to multiple faiths can be subject to violent protests or security incidents with little to no warning, especially on or around significant religious holidays;

 

o U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public buses and public bus terminals throughout Israel and the West Bank

o Additional security requirement apply when U.S. government employees are traveling close to the Lebanese and Egyptian borders, within 7 miles of the Gaza demarcation line and on Route 98 in the Golan.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety and well-being. First and foremost: pack your common sense.

If our clients are going to pack one thing, we’d strongly recommend it be common sense. No matter what our clients’ age or destination, they should always use good common sense when it comes to their personal safety, just as they would at home.

 To maximize safety and security while traveling in Israel or any other international destination:

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas, and avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.

o Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member back home.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 4G international networks.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items.

o Make every attempt to travel during daylight hours, and stick to main roads.

We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe 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 make certain to work with a select group of travel partners who take the safety and security of our clients as seriously as we do.

 

Talking Points: Ross River Virus Disease (Updated, April 11, 2017)

Talking Points – Ross River Virus in Australia

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 the Ross River virus and travel to Australia. (April 11, 2017)

1. While the CDC has not issued any advisories against traveling to Australia due to the Ross River virus, it does recommend travelers protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites as part of its “Level 1 – Watch” notice.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Australia, particularly the state of Victoria, including Melbourne.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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

1. While the CDC has not issued any advisories against traveling to Australia due to the Ross River virus, it does recommend travelers protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites as part of its “Level 1 – Watch” notice.

According to the Department of Health in Australia, as of April 10, 2017, a total of 3,655 Ross River virus disease (RRVD) cases have been reported. The number of cases reported in the first quarter of 2017 is almost equal to the number of RRVD cases reported in the entire year of 2016.

o Australia’s HealthDirect program says that typically, RRVD is found most often in “Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberly region in Western Australia between January and April.” Recent cases, however, have been appearing in Victoria.

 A Watch Level 1 travel health notice from the CDC is the lowest of three advisories it issues, meaning it recommends travelers “practice usual precautions.”

 RRVD is spread through mosquito bites. About 55%–75% of people who are infected do not feel sick. For those who do feel sick, symptoms of RRVD include joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, fever, tiredness, and rash. Most patients recover within a few weeks, but some people experience joint pain, joint stiffness or tiredness for many months.

o Travelers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or who will be in areas with a lot of mosquitoes are at increased risk of RRVD. Disease risk is likely to decrease with the colder weather during the coming winter months in Australia. Ross River virus disease is the most common mosquito-related infection in Australia.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Australia, particularly the state of Victoria, including Melbourne.

No vaccine or medicine can prevent RRVD. The only way to prevent RRVD is to prevent mosquito bites

 

o Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

o Use an appropriate insect repellent as directed.

o If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

o Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents).

o Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.

o Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

 Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believed it to be unsafe or were unable to provide precautions to minimize risks. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

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

 By working with a true travel professional, we assist our clients by consulting on the ideal vacation experience they are looking for and providing alternative destinations should the need arise.

 

Talking Points: Involuntary Bump on Airlines (April 10, 2017)

Talking Points – Involuntary Bumping on Airlines

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

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing involuntary bumping of airline passengers. (April 10, 2017)

1. While it is common practice for airlines to oversell flights, bumping of passengers is infrequent and primarily voluntary. Involuntary bumping of airline passengers is quite rare.

2. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific rules in place for involuntarily bumping airline passengers, including compensating them fairly.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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

1. While it is common practice for airlines to oversell flights, bumping of passengers is infrequent and primarily voluntary. Involuntary bumping of airline passengers is quite rare.

Recently, a passenger on United flight 3411 headed from Chicago O’Hare to Louisville, Kentucky, was involuntarily bumped from the flight and was forcibly removed from the plane.

o A passenger on the flight told the Louisville Courier-Journal that “passengers were then told a computer would select four random passengers. A couple was selected and left, but when the man who was removed was selected, he contested, saying he was a doctor who needed to see patients Monday morning.”

o In a statement from the Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines, “This is an upsetting event to all of us here at United. I apologize for having to re-accommodate these customers. Our team is moving with a sense of urgency to work with the authorities and conduct our own detailed review of what happened. We are also reaching out to this passenger to talk directly to him and further address and resolve this situation.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “carriers posted a bumping rate of 0.62 per 10,000 passengers in 2016, an improvement over the 0.73 rate posted in 2015 and the lowest annual rate based on historical data dating back to 1995.

o Bloomberg reports that “Last year, the 12 largest U.S. airlines bumped slightly more than 40,600 of 659.7 million passengers.”

The Associated Press reports that last year, “United forced 3,765 people off oversold flights and another 62,895 United passengers volunteered to give up their seats, probably in exchange for travel vouchers. That’s out of more than 86 million people who boarded a United flight in 2016, according to government figures. United ranks in the middle of U.S. carriers when it comes to bumping passengers.”

2. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific rules in place for involuntarily bumping airline passengers, including compensating them fairly.

According to the DOT, each airline is required to “give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier

 

decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn’t. Those travelers who don’t get to fly are frequently entitled to denied boarding compensation in the form of a check or cash. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay.”

o If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.

o If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination that day, with a $675 maximum.

o If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (400% of your one-way fare, $1350 maximum).

o If your ticket does not show a fare (for example, a frequent-flyer award ticket or a ticket issued by a consolidator), your denied boarding compensation is based on the lowest cash, check or credit card payment charged for a ticket in the same class of service (e.g., coach, first class) on that flight.

 In addition, the DOT rules state that “you always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an ‘involuntary refund’ for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.”

 There are exceptions to the DOT rules and those include:

o To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation.

o Each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. If you miss the check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.

o As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.

o The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold fewer than 30 passengers. They don’t apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily.

Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities — from Paris to Rome, for example — these rules will not apply. The European Commission has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or go to http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/air/air_en.htm.

o Airlines set their own “boarding priorities” — the order in which they will bump different categories of passengers in an oversale situation.

When a flight is oversold and there are not enough volunteers, some airlines bump passengers with the lowest fares first.

Others bump the last passengers to check in.

Once you have purchased your ticket, the most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early.

 

For passengers in the same fare class the last passengers to check in are usually the first to be bumped, even if they have met the check-in deadline. Allow extra time; assume that the roads are backed up, the parking lot is full, and there is a long line at the check-in counter.

o Airlines may offer free tickets or dollar-amount vouchers for future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

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 travel professionals, we advise our clients on check-in procedures, airport security policies and boarding information, to help manage expectations and ensure they get through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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

 

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