latest news

3/31/2008

Aloha Airlines announced that it will be shutting down its inter-island and transpacific passenger flight operations.
Aloha's last day of operations will be today, Monday, March 31, 2008. On that day, Aloha will operate its schedule with the exception of flights from Hawaii to the West Coast and flights from Orange County to Reno and Sacramento, and Oakland to Las Vegas. Code-share partner United Airlines and other airlines are prepared to assist and accommodate Aloha's passengers who have been inconvenienced.

Please see the Aloha Airlines site at www.alohaairlines.com for more information and FAQ.
For more information on United Airlines accommodation options, contact United at 1-800-UNITED1 or www.united.com. Passengers who do not wish to be re-accommodated by another airline should contact their travel agent or credit card company to request an immediate refund.

06/27/07

For clients processing their passports and may not have them by the time they travel they can go to www.travel.state.gov and print out their confirmation of their passport being processed.  Will need picture ID. along with confirmation for travel.

03.03.07

Attention Spring Breakers: New Documents Required for Air Travel to U.S.

If you are traveling by plane on spring break to Mexico or Canada, please keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted form of documentation to enter or reenter the United States.

11.7.06

European Union Sets New Security Standard, UK & Canada Make Adjustments

Effective Nov. 6, 2006, travelers departing from any European Union (EU) airport are subject to new carry-on liquids policies. The United Kingdom (UK) also announced that it would relax its liquids policy for outbound flights, bringing its system-wide liquids policy inline with the EU standard. In addition, Canada adjusted its liquid container size limit from 90 milliliters (ml) to 100 ml, bringing it inline with the EU. As a result, all EU, UK and Canada travelers may carry-on liquids, gels and lotions that are in containers no larger than 100 ml, approximately 3.4 ounces (oz). All containers must fit comfortably in one, 1-liter, clear plastic zip-top bag. In addition, the clear plastic bag, with contents, must be presented for examination at the initial airport security point. Medicine, baby food, as well as drinks and perfumes bought at airport shops in secure areas prior to boarding are exempt. The EU's new liquids policies are only minimum standards and individual countries may have more restrictive policies. While similar policies are in place in the United States, the notable difference is that liquid containers are limited to 3 oz (90 ml) in the United States, rather than the 100 ml (3.4 oz) standard set by the EU. The links found in the chart below will provide you with a printable document for each country or region's policies that you can share with your customers. Please note: travelers to, from and within the UK are still limited to one carry-on item. All other bags, such as a handbag, must be carried within this single item.

Liquids, Pastes, Gels and Aerosols Carry-On Policies (11/6/2006)

* If travel plans require a connection in the US, pastes, gels and aerosols purchased at the airport that are larger than 3 ounces and do not fit in your clear plastic bag may need to be included in checked luggage at the first arrival point in the US.
** The EU's policies are only minimum standards and individual countries may have more restrictive policies.

10.4.06

On Sept. 29, Congress passed language to extend the deadline for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Here_s what the extension means for passport requirements for U.S. citizens:

WHAT'S THE SAME ...

Air Travel

Passport Deadline: Jan. 8, 2007
U.S. citizens will be required to have a valid passport for exiting and reentering the United States starting Jan. 8, 2007 for all air travel.

WHAT'S CHANGED ...

Sea and Land Border Entry Ports

Passport/PASS Card Deadline: June 1, 2009

U.S. citizens traveling by sea and land within the Western Hemisphere _ Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico _ will be required to have a valid U.S. passport or a yet-to-be-determined, new economical travel document known as a Passport Card on or before June l, 2009.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Congress stipulated that the Departments of State and Homeland Security must meet seven criteria in developing and implementing the PASS card for sea and land ports of entry. If the seven criteria are met within the 17 month extension period, the implementation of WHTI becomes effective three months after the criteria is approved, or by June 1, 2009; whichever is earlier. In other words, the June 1, 2009 implementation date for WHTI may be moved back if the agencies can comply with the seven specifications set out by the Congress in the extension legislation.

The U.S. Department of State_s Office of Passport Services reports that 70 million U.S. citizens now have passports. U.S. Passport Services is receiving 225,000-250,000 passport applications a week, which is up 60 percent from two years ago. The current turn around period for obtaining a U.S. passport remains at four to six weeks. ASTA continues to urge all U.S. citizens to apply for a U.S. passport, which will ease travelers confusion on what document is required and when.

9.25.2006

Airport Security Update: TSA Adjusts Liquid Ban

Effective Sept. 26, 2006, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will adjust its airport security screening procedures as follows:

1) Pre-Screening - Passengers may carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through the security checkpoints.

2) Post-Screening - Passengers may bring items, including beverages and duty-free items, purchased in the secure gate area on-board the aircraft.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. is working to align its policies with those found in Canada and Europe, but some differences may currently exist. As more details are released, ASTA will provide updates. Details can be found at www.tsa.gov

9.11.2006

Today we remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we mark the 5th anniversary of that tragic event. We also remember everyone that partakes in this industry and we are proud of the resilience and spirit it has shown and its role as one of the most tangible expressions of freedom.
Our Freedom Statement, issued on September 12, 2001, continues to uphold our emotion and dedication of our role in the lives of those we serve:
Our role of guiding and assisting you, the traveler, has intensified like never before. Coping with the memories of a global tragedy, we all remain committed to preserving many basic rights, including the freedom to travel. All Direct Travel’s clients worldwide are similarly committed to fostering the exchange of cultures and experiences throughout their travels every day. Boundaries divide; travel unites. And you are our utmost priority.

8.25.2006

Effective December 31, 2006, a passport will be required for all air and sea travel to or from the United States when traveling from the Western Hemisphere.  The U. S. State Department implemented the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requiring passports to or from Western Hemisphere countries.  The Western Hemisphere includes Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the West Indies and Central and South America.

This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all U.S. citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports.  This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States.

8.23.2006

Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
Important Information Concerning New Security Procedures

8.12.2006

Get Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions. Click here.

8.11.2006

Immediate changes to airport screening procedures

TSA is immediately implementing the following changes to airport screening procedures.

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE.

SUCH ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

Exceptions: Baby formula and medicines, which must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint.

Beverages purchased in the boarding area, beyond the checkpoint, must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.

Passengers traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to a more extensive screening process.

These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated as circumstances warrant.

8.10.2006

UK Security Update / UK Flight Cancellation/Delays / Re-accommodation Offers

Travelers flying within, or out of, the United Kingdom (UK) will encounter stiff new security measures imposed by the UK_s Department of Transport. Most notably, ALL bags must be checked, including handbags, and pockets must be empty. Also, electronic devices, such as ipods, cell phones, PDAs and laptops must be checked. For travelers within or out of the UK, the items that can be taken through airport security are listed below, but must be placed in a single (ideally transparent) plastic bag.

· Pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards,  etc - handbags are not allowed.

· Travel documents essential for the journey (e.g., passports and travel tickets)

· Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g., diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic

· Glasses and sunglasses, without cases

· Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution

· For those traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (diapers, wipes, creams and diaper disposal bags)

· Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed

· Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs

· Keys (but not with an electrical mechanism)

It is not yet known how long the UK_s new security requirements will remain in place. For now, all future passengers should be advised of these new procedures. Any changes to these requirements will be report on ASTAnet and at the UK Department of Transport_s Website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/advice-travellers.

Heathrow Airport Delays & Cancellations - August 10
According to UK_s Department of Transport, Heathrow is closed to incoming flights that are not already in the air due to increased security measures. Today, British Airways has cancelled short-haul flights to and from Heathrow and long-haul flights are taking place, but with severe delays. BA_s announcements can be found at http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_us.  Other carriers_ flights have also been affected. Passengers holding tickets should check the airline_s flight status before proceeding to the airport. Passengers should check their flight status with their airline or on www.heathrowairport.com. Flights in and out of other UK airports are also affected by delays. A list of current delays, by airport, can be found at: http://www.baa.com/.

Airline Re-accommodation Offers for Affected UK Passengers.The following airlines have announced re-accommodation procedures for affected ticket holders:

British Airways http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_us

United Airlines http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51801,00.html