To prepare you for the upcoming travel season, The Nordic Company is here to update you a few new developments in the world of travel that could potentially affect your trip. It is never too soon to start planning and it is good idea now more than ever to get your paperwork done well in advance.
By June 1st, the U.S. government will put into effect the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The WHTI requires that all U.S. citizens entering the country at sea or land ports must have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-complaint document. This is a significant change from previously, when a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, was acceptable in lieu of a passport at many border crossings. Not only is it imperative that you have your passport – if you do not own one, it is important to apply for a passport well in advance of your scheduled travel dates. There is usually a backlog of passport processing as the travel season approaches. Applications made in December, January and February usually get processed within two weeks, but applications submitted any time after that may take much longer. It is best to get your passport in advance, even before you have the details of your trip settled.
Another new development in the world of travel is that European airlines are now required to quote the total price for European tickets instead of itemizing the surcharges and adding them onto the base ticket price. Americans airlines may also be following suit shortly. Although the Nordic Company is more than happy to handle your airfare for you with our excellent contract rates, if you decide to book your airfare independently, it should now be much easier and more transparent for you to know exactly what you are purchasing with your airline ticket.
Lastly, due to the often unpredictable nature of the airline industry, a passenger bill of rights may be in the works. The State of New York enacted a New State Passenger Bill of Rights last year. The law was struck down by a federal appeals court this spring, but it may become law in 2009. The provisions include fresh air, waste removal, adequate food and water for passengers on flights delayed by more than three hours. The Nordic Company has built a strong relationship with United Airlines domestically and with Scandinavian Airlines and Icelandair abroad. These regulations would be a welcome addition to the already top-quality service that these airlines have graciously provided our clients for many years.
