March 15, 2019
Americans may need a Visa for travel to the EU in 2021
Starting in 2021, United States citizens will be required to undergo a pre-screening and registration process called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering European Schengen-zone countries. THIS IS NOT A VISA.
IT WILL APPLY TO THESE COUNTRIES: The Schengen area is comprised of 26 countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Currently, Americans are allowed to travel visa-free to these countries for less than 90 days with no prior screening. AT THIS TIME IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE UK. In a few years, there will be more to it.
Here's how the process works – Each traveler must apply online, which includes filling out personal biometric questions (name, date of birth, etc.), passport information as well as questions about the applicant's health, criminal record and any previous European immigration history.
The application is then checked across multiple databases. If the application is not flagged to be looked over manually, a decision will be reached by the system "within minutes," the site says. If an application is denied, the applicant will receive a reason as to why.
ETIAS authorization costs 7 euros for individuals over the age of 18 and is free for those under 18. It is valid for three years and allows multiple entries. Travelers still can only stay for up to 90 days in a 180 day period.
Despite headlines calling the new screening process a "visa," the U.S. Department of State and the Delegation of the European Union clarified that it is not.
"Neither the #ESTA nor the future #ETIAS (EU equivalent) are visas," the Delegation of the European Union tweeted. "They carry out pre-travel screening for travelers benefiting from visa-free access."
The State Department also tweeted the ETIAS is "not a visa," instead, calling it an "authorization."
December 3, 2018
Marriott Starwood Database Security Incident & Now Have a Dedicated Website/Call Center, Free WebWatcher Enrollment
Dedicated Website and Call Center We have established a dedicated website (info.starwoodhotels.com) and call center to answer questions you may have about this incident. The frequently-asked questions on info.starwoodhotels.com may be supplemented from time to time. The call center is open seven days a week and is available in multiple languages. Call volume may be high, and we appreciate your patience.
Email Notification Marriott will begin sending emails on a rolling basis starting today, November 30, 2018, to affected guests whose email addresses are in the Starwood guest reservation database.
Free WebWatcher Enrollment Marriott is providing guests the opportunity to enroll in WebWatcher free of charge for one year. WebWatcher monitors internet sites where personal information is shared and generates an alert to the consumer if evidence of the consumer’s personal information is found. Due to regulatory and other reasons, WebWatcher or similar products are not available in all countries. Guests from the United States who activate WebWatcher will also be provided fraud consultation services and reimbursement coverage for free. To activate WebWatcher, go to info.starwoodhotels.com and click on your country, if listed, for enrollment.
Marriott is furnishing a Form 8-K with the SEC attaching a copy of this press release and presenting certain other information with respect to the incident.
* Starwood brands include: W Hotels, St. Regis, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Element Hotels, Aloft Hotels, The Luxury Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton and Design Hotels. Starwood branded timeshare properties are also included.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,700 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 129 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
Contacts: Connie Kim 301-380-4028 NewsRoom@marriott.com
August 3, 2018
Starwood Preferred Guest Program Update
July 30, 2018
Concur Existing ExpenseIt customers are getting an upgrade!
April 18, 2018
Marriott Loyalty Program Announcement [PDF]
October 25, 2017
Real ID Act Information:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/louisiana
http://www.wdsu.com/article/louisiana-to-offer-real-id-drivers-licenses-beginning-monday/4370197
September 14, 2017
A New Surprise Airline Fee: The gate-service fee, a charge tied to Basic Economy fares. [PDF]
June 7, 2017
SpotHero discount parking and Uber Business profile info. [PDF]
May 31, 2017
Delta – New Upgrade Policy
Travelers on Delta now can buy upgrades as separate purchases after making reservations. Regardless of where they bought their ticket, travelers can upgrade to Delta Comfort+, First Class or Delta One as an ancillary purchase through the Delta website or the carrier's reservations phone line. They also can use different cards; for example, a traveler whose company policy does not allow upgrades could use a corporate card for the flight and a personal card for an upgrade... more [PDF]
April 25, 2017
Southwest is rolling out a new system effective May 9, 2017. I recommend that you read the FAQs and understand some of the changes that Southwest will be implementing.
EXAMPLE: Modifying a fully refundable fare (Business Select® or Anytime) will result in the fare becoming nonrefundable. To ensure your new ticket is refundable, cancel your existing reservation, request a refund of the refundable balance, and create a new reservation. Nonrefundable fares may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines® for the originally ticketed Passenger only.
For more info click here: https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/faqs.html?topic=oneres