WanDerlust

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System announced a new program which requires travelers to have a visa to visit specific regions. The pandemic delayed the implementation of the program which now becomes effective in 2024. A US passport alone will not be enough. ETIAS will require British and American travelers to apply and pay a small fee for authorization for travel to participating countries. 30 countries are participating including Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, France, Denmark, Croatia and more. Applications are now available through the ETIAS website, processing can take up to few weeks so apply early.

If you’re a loyalty member of one or all three major Expedia Group companies: Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, OneKey is now available to you. As we enjoy the last days of Summer and move into Fall, booking travel has become a little easier to plan and manage. OneKey recently launched to give members rewards which can be redeemed for future travel with OneKey Cash. Minimum purchase to qualify for rewards is $25, for every dollars spent you can earn 2% in OneKeyCash. You can use any of the three platforms to register and begin earning and enjoying rewards.

A $4,850 suite offers celebrities and others private TSA screening and luxuries such as drinks, food, a shower, spa and a daybed. Starting September 6, travelers will be able to enjoy the luxury terminal life at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport but there are some restrictions. “Opening our second PS location in America’s busiest airport will bring the countless travelers that fly to and through Atlanta the convenience and luxury that has become synonymous with the PS brand,” said Amina Porter, CEO of PS stated. The new PS ATL facility will be co-located adjacent to Signature’s private aviation terminal, which opened in January 2020, to enable a seamless transition from private aircraft to commercial airlines.Perks include: A private TSA screening free of lines, along with onsite customs and immigration processing at the terminal. When it’s time to head to the aircraft, you’re escorted by a private driver in a BMW to board the plane straight from the tarmac. You can choose to be in the first group or the last group to board the plane. There is more to enjoy while waiting on your flight, including a private suite which offers an entertainment center, fully stocked snack and beverage bar and an ensuite bathroom for you and 6 travelers. Other amenities include: enjoy an extensive menu of cocktails and chef-prepared meals, as well as spa and beauty offerings such as massages, manicure and barber services. Pricing range is $1,095 - $4850. Reservations are open now, annual memberships are available. Terminal packages can be purchased for one way of round trip travel.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority urges visitors to refrain from going to West Maui (including Lahaina, Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, and Kapalua) as a means of respect to the people and places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy. The August 13 emergency proclamation remains in place, with all nonessential travel to West Maui being strongly discouraged through the month of August.The impacted area of Lāhainā remains off limits to the public as the search and recovery efforts continue. Travelers are urged to consider visiting other areas of Maui (including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna), or other islands such as Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island. Airlines are allowing travelers to change their trips to the island, the latest from the airlines are:

Alaska Airlines has instituted a flexible travel policy for guests who would like to change or cancel flights to/from Maui. Currently, they are processing changes if your ticket was purchased prior to Aug. 11, 2023, and your plans are between now and Aug. 31.

Hawaiian Airlines - Travelers can change their plans at no cost for flights to and from OGG between August 9 and December 15. Restrictions apply.

Southwest Airlines- Travelers from or through OGG between Aug. 9 and Sept. 16, 2023, can rebook in the original class of service or travel standby for free; this is as long as the new travel falls within 14 days of their original date of travel between the original city pairs.

United - will waive change fees and fare differences for trips originally scheduled into Maui through Sept. 16, 2023. You can then alter your plans to travel by Nov. 18, 2023, at no additional cost to one of these airports:* HNL* KOA* LIH. If your new trip is after Nov. 18, 2023, or is to a different destination, United will still waive any change fees, but you might have to pay a fare difference depending on the flight. Alternatively, if you cancel or don’t take your trip, you can request a full refund.

American Airlines - can change their flights to, through or from Kahului Airport (OGG) at no cost for tickets bought by Aug. 9 for travel originally scheduled through Sept. 16. New flights must be booked for travel between Aug. 9 and Nov. 18 for the same cabin and origin/destination cities. Alternatively, passengers can cancel their originally scheduled trips and request a refund. This only applies to flight changes made by Sept. 16 for travel completed within one year of the original ticket date.

Delta - Delta has specific requirements for travelers who have flights in or out of OGG. The fare difference will be waived when rebooked travel occurs on or before Sept. 16, 2023, in the same cabin of service as originally booked. A fare difference may apply when the waiver is class-to-class restrictive and the original booking class is not maintained in the rebooked itinerary.