AirOptions Blog

The State Department is getting word out to Americans with plans to head to Beijing for the Olympic Games that they could be under surveillance. “All hotel rooms and offices are considered to be subject to on-site or remote technical monitoring at all times,” the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said this week. “Hotel rooms, residences and offices may be accessed at any time without the occupant’s consent or knowledge.”

A week after Royal Caribbean Cruises agreed to refund $21 million in fuel fees to its passengers, Carnival Corp. has defended its fuel surcharge. “We believe that the facts and circumstances surrounding our existing bookings are different than Royal Caribbean’s,” Carnival CFO David Bernstein said. He said Carnival’s brochures gave a better warning about possible surcharges.

The State Department is urging Americans to defer travel to Chad because of security concerns related to the unstable and possibly dangerous political situation. The U.S. Embassy recommends that those in Chad make plans for evacuation or find a safe haven. Read the official State Department warning.

DHS this week began requiring most foreign visitors entering the country to undergo a 10-finger scan at 10 major U.S. airports. If approved in December, the system will be put in place at almost every entry point.

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals rejected new state laws in New York regarding airlines’ responsibilities during significant delays, citing the Airline Deregulation Act. The court ruled that federal regulations pre-empt state laws. “We hold that requiring airlines to provide food, water, electricity and restrooms to passengers during lengthy ground delays does relate to the service of an air carrier and therefore falls within the express terms of the ADA’s pre-emption provision,” the judges said.

Some Americans are considering alternatives to a European holiday, as the euro-to-dollar exchange rate makes such trips more expensive. The situation has made South Africa, with the favorable exchange rate of more than 8 rands per dollar, more alluring. And on closer look, many travelers discover the nation’s offerings are often on par with those of Europe.

Violence in Lhasa has prompted the State Department to issue a new Travel Alert for China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region and its neighboring provinces. The alert advises Americans to defer travel to Tibet, and warns those already in Tibet to avoid areas where demonstrations are held. Read the official State Department Travel Alert for Tibet.

Legislation in Massachusetts that would require travel agents to carry a $250,000 bond has been sent “into a study” from which it is not likely to emerge, according to Ryan Kearney, a policy analyst for the state’s joint committee on financial services. Kearney said agents should no longer worry about the bill.

Aloha Airlines is in talks to sell some or all of the company, according to bankruptcy court filings. The airline, which filed for Chapter 11 protection Thursday, said it plans to keep flying as long as the court allows it operate.

The open-skies agreement between the U.S. and Europe will go into effect Sunday, giving travelers more choices and access to less-expensive airline fares. The agreement will allow open-market competition on trans-Atlantic routes between the U.S. and Europe.