Tag: Airport

Uber Will Allow Travelers To Book An Airport Ride 30 Days In Advance Amid Summer Travel Chaos
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Whether it’s domestic or international, travel has underwent significant changes, even some permanent ones. Covid may no longer be a huge concern at a majority of destinations worldwide, but its impact is still being felt across different sectors of the industry, where staff shortages are contributing to a summer of travel chaos.

Flight disruption is now becoming the rule rather than the exception, and the huge influx of passengers is resulting in excessively long delays at some major international hubs. In a bid to ease the traffic into and out of airports and reduce wait times, Uber will now allow travelers to pre-book their transfer up to 30 days in advance in several destinations.

If you’re planning on traveling in the next few weeks, this is your chance to secure a ride to the airport before most drivers are unavailable:

Airport Transfers Are About To Become A Lot Smoother

Uber is paving the way among same-category service providers in allowing customers to schedule a ride this far ahead, and they have a very good reason for doing that. This year, passenger traffic at U.S. airports has more than doubled compared to 2021, according to data provided by the Transport Security Association (TSA), and it could increase even further.

Now that the U.S. has finally lifted its much-criticized pre-departure testing regime, more than half of Americans who had been patiently waiting for rules to be eased so they could travel will be taking to the skies in a heartbeat. While this is good news in terms of tourism recovery, we have seen how the situation can turn anarchic when demand outpaces supply.

We all have had to stand in line for endless minutes until the next taxi or Uber was available, sore-headed and all, after a long flight journey, and it’s never a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, wait times for airport transfers are set to increase once summer is in full swing – they’re already long, and the season is only starting.

Luckily, with the new Uber Reserve option, customers can now book trips up to a month in advance to and from several airports within the U.S. and globally. Though it was launched last year in select locations, the update has now been extended to more than 55 hubs, both domestic and international, with the latest adds being the following:

Domestic*
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
International
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) – Milan, Italy
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN) and Malpensa Airport (MXP) – Milan, Italy
- Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA) – Rome, Italy
- Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) – Rome, Italy
- Nice Cote d’Azur Airport (NCE) – Nice, France
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Paris, France
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – Cape Town, South Africa
- O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) – Johannesburg, South Africa
- Lanseria International Airport (HLA) – Johannesburg, South Africa
There are, in total, 39 airports in the US where Uber Reserve is available. Customers are advised to check their Uber app to confirm whether the feature has been rolled out in the area

What Are Some Of The New Features?

Besides allowing early bookings, Uber Reserve gives travelers total peace of mind, as they have a guarantee their car will be waiting for them as soon as they leave the terminal. How so? The driver is required by Uber to wait up to 60 minutes – with no extra charge – just in case there are delays. Looking at the current state of things, we really couldn’t have asked for better.

There are other pretty cool features that might appeal even to those who are not huge Uber enthusiasts: when a flight is delayed for longer than 60 minutes, the Uber’s flight tracking integrated system will automatically adjust the expected arrival time, based on flight information, to ensure the driver is still there on time.

Whenever possible, drivers will also be assigned before pickup, as per customer request. On top of that, passengers can select drivers out of their ‘Favorites’ list on any Reserve ride. Lastly, curbside pickup and pickup at restaurants in some airports is now permitted, making it easier for passengers to find their car without having to walk to designated areas.

How Far In Advance Should I Request My Uber?

As air traffic increases and all travel lanes become heavily congested, it may be wise to schedule your Uber in advance to ensure you will be at the airport in time for your flight. Most importantly, pre-booking a transfer at your destination is key, unless you’re fine with waiting for the next available driver to come and pick you up… Along with every other person on your plane.

Airports like Cancun International can be incredibly busy during peak hours, when hundreds of thousands of passengers are either transiting air-side or rushing straight to the airport’s front doors to get the first taxi, and it’s sometimes impossible to find an ride in only a few minutes. Like we mentioned previously, travel demand is only going up.

Scheduling a Uber ride or pre-booking a private transfer, in Cancun’s case, can save you a lot of the hassle of trying to find a reliable driver when you’re just desperate to get to your hotel as quickly as possible. Fortunately, Uber Reserve is available in countless locations Stateside, and you can read more about further enlargements clicking here.

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June 20, 2022
Italy Vacations Threatened As Airport Staff Announce Strikes Over Summer

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Europe’s summer travel chaos will only get worse.

Now that travel demand is back to 2019 levels and most countries have removed entry rules, Europe as a whole is failing to handle higher passenger numbers amid reports of reduced airport staff. In Italy, the situation is particularly concerning, as operators have just announced strikes over summer, casting shadows over the vacations of millions.

On Wednesday (June 8), several air traffic controllers walked out of their posts for a full 24 hours, seriously disrupting travel to and from Italy and other European countries. The move brought to a halt airport operations in major Italian hubs, leading carriers like ITA Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair to ax a number of flights.

Unfortunately, this could be replicated in the (much busier) summer months as passenger numbers increase:

Strike Causes Several Flights To Be Cancelled Across Italy

Earlier this week, millions of travelers faced disruption in Italy after unionized air traffic controllers went on strike. The situation was only aggravated when unions then called on workers from certain budget airlines, such as Ryanair, to join the strike for four hours, resulting in hundreds of delays and cancellations.

According to UIL Trasporti, the actual Union behind the strike, a whopping 360 flights were axed and 4,000 passengers directly impacted. Those scheduled to fly with Ryanair were most affected, as both UIL Trasporti and FILT-CGIL, another worker’s Union, urged a four-hour strike for the company’s workers in Italy.

Their main complaints were centered on cuts to pay linked to on-board sales and tough labor conditions endured by Ryanair staff. The company, Europe’s biggest budget airline serving hundreds of destinations in the continent and beyond, later denied that its crew took part in the strikes – even though their flight scheduled was affected.

According to a spokesperson, the delays and cancellations customers suffered are linked to air traffic controllers walking out. At least 14 flights set to depart from Milan were grounded, with London-bound passengers bearing the brunt of it. Ryanair has apologized for the inconvenience, but maintained that strikes are beyond their control.

Fellow low-cost carrier EasyJet also blamed their multiple Wednesday cancellations on Italy’s controllers walking out. Passengers scheduled to fly to Bologna, Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice all had their long-anticipated summer vacation ruined. ITA Airways experienced similar disturbances, but managed to re-route most of its passengers to avoid the strike.

Disruptions To Continue All Through Summer

While air operations have since resumed, the Unions involved continue to list poor pay conditions for their action, as well as ‘arbitrary reductions of paychecks, the non-payment of sick days, the company’s refusal to grant leave during the summer season, and the lack of water and meals for the crew’.

Signalling they will call more strikes in the upcoming months if an agreement is not reached soon, an UIL Trasporti spokesperson conceded that ‘this will be only the first of a series of protest actions that will make the summer hot‘. Regretfully, it is unlikely airports – and airlines – will manage to overcome their current challenges in the short-term.

Airports in Europe are already struggling badly due to being understaffed at a time when passenger numbers are soaring, and a vast majority of European hubs predict a chaotic summer ahead. With the possibility of further strikes ahead, this will only worsen the 2022 aviation crisis, even after Covid is gone.

Expect Travel Delays In Italy In The Next Few Weeks

Over summer, snaking queues and overwhelmingly busy departure halls will be a common sight across Europe, as the industry goes on a hiring spree to try and save the first post-Covid tourist season. In total, 191.000 aviation workers were made redundant during the pandemic, making it virtually impossible for airports to fill in all gaps before summer starts.

Italy may have fully lifted all pandemic-related restrictions on June 1, again allowing foreigners to visit regardless of vaccination status, but vacationers may now have more pressing issues – other than Covid – at hand. If you’re flying to Italy soon, check the status of your flight before proceeding to the airport and get insured for cancellations before traveling.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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June 10, 2022
Miami Airport Will Verify Every Passenger’s Identity Through New Biometric Scanners

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Travelers will just have to show their faces instead of the boarding passes to get authorized to board within seconds

The future is arriving at Miami International Airport (MIA) Airport authorities recently announced that they would soon have the largest biometric boarding technology implementation in the United States. The new installation will allow passengers to quickly board international flights with a touchless click of a camera.

According to the official information, the deployment of the technology in over 130 gates is expected to be finished by 2023. The project is part of an alliance with multinational technology company SITA and the collaboration and authorization of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, said: “The launch of biometric boarding at MIA is the latest way that Miami-Dade County is leveraging technology to improve customer service and simplify operations. I am proud to see our airport lead the nation with this cutting-edge innovation that will streamline the boarding process for our passengers.”

The new technology will use the passenger’s picture to confirm identity and authorize travel within seconds. It was first tested with selected airlines during a pilot program in 2019, and the boarding time significantly improved.

Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO, said: “We look forward to elevating our passenger experience with this state-of-the-art boarding solution. MIA is now the busiest U.S. airport for international travel and continues to set new records each month for passenger growth. Biometric boarding is one of the major steps we are taking to pave the way for additional growth in the years to come.”

This news comes to counter the airport’s bad reputation since Miami’s airport has the longest wait time at security in the United States. Airport authorities hope that the new technology speeds up processes and allows passengers to board faster than ever.

More About Miami’s New Installation

The implementation of this new technology that quickly recognized individual traits comes as a response to passengers’ needs —according to the information shared by the airport— and also to follow a program of expansion and process enhancement set in 2020 by the CBP to use facial biometrics for admission into the US.

Matthys Serfontein, President of Americas at SITA, said: “Globally we see that passengers want a faster journey through the airport where key steps in the journey are automated. Our Smart Path biometric solution will enable future expansion to other touchpoints at MIA as well as the use of multiple forms of digital identity.”

However, Miami’s airport isn’t the first to use the Biometric Facial Comparison in the United States. According to the information shared on Phocus Wired, in 2018, Orlando International Airport became the first to use SITA’s system—at 30 boarding gates— for international flights.

In a video, the airport shows travelers how biometric boarding works: Travelers just have to stand for a few seconds in front of the camera and wait for the approval sign to keep walking and board the plane. Passengers should soon start seeing this system at their international boarding gates at Miami’s airport.

Traveler’s Faces Are The New Boarding Passes

Other airports around the world have already started using similar technology during the past few years. These biometric systems are already being used in international airports in Beijing, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur.

Recently, Singapore announced that it will be deploying iris and facial biometric verification by the end of 2022 at the Changi Airport. The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) authorities also announced a recent investment in biometrics for air travel, and Brazil has also been deploying the technology at Congonhas (São Paulo) and Santos Dumont (Rio de Janeiro) airports.

Travelers in the United States who do not feel comfortable with biometric facial recognition can refuse—as reported by PCMag— and the airline should offer the traditional method.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 21, 2022
Be Prepared As This Airport Has Returned To Being The Busiest In The World

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Travelers flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) should make sure they are fully prepared as the airport recently reclaimed its crown as the busiest airport in the world.

Whilst the airport, which serves as the primary hub of airline giant Delta, may still be some way from the passenger totals it saw in 2019, recent figures have shown a significant improvement in the number of travelers passing through its doors – and that figure is expected to rise further still this summer as the demand for travel continues to grow.

Here’s a look at how the airport won the title of being the world’s busiest airport once more, and how travelers flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport can better prepare themselves for a smooth experience from arrival to departure.

World’s Busiest Airport – Information For Travelers

Air travel is on the up once more, with airports around the world reporting a total of 4.5 billion passengers in 2021. This is a significant rise when compared to 2020’s figures – the year that the pandemic first caused major disruptions to travel around the world. The world’s top ten airlines – eight of which are located within the US – handled around 10% of the global air traffic in 2021, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport busier than any other airport.

After losing out on the crown in 2020 to China’s Guangzhou airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is now back on top. The airport saw more than 75 million passengers in 2021 – a figure that is 76.4% higher than the totals it reported back in 2020, which is an impressive bounce back to form. Yet whilst the figure may be high by pandemic standards, it is still some distance away from the totals it recorded back in 2019.

In 2019 – the most recent year that was unaffected by the pandemic – more than 110 million passengers flew from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is around 32% more than the current totals it is reporting. As more and more countries continue to ease their travel restrictions and more routes are being restored and added to airlines’ networks, hitting pre-pandemic travel figures looks like a strong possibility this summer.

Yet with various different Covid-19 related disruptions afflicting the industry, including crew, pilot and staff shortages, travel this summer from a busy airport such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport could be set to get messy – which is why it’s now more important than ever for travelers to ensure they are well prepared for their trips.

Time management is key to ensuring trips get off to the best start. By setting off early towards the airport, not only can you hope to beat traffic on the way in, but you should beat the check-in and security queues too – not to mention buying yourself enough time to prepare for the worst.

If it’s been a while, it may even be worth re-reading the airline’s baggage policies to make sure you’re not over your weight limit or packing anything you shouldn’t be, with hold-ups in the check-in line or baggage screening the last thing you want before starting your vacation.

In light of the current situation in the aviation industry, it may also be worth keeping an eye out for any delays or cancellations – and keeping up to date with the airline’s cancellation or rebooking policies to avoid having to make any rash decisions.

Finally, whilst the number of restriction-free countries around the world may be growing, it’s still extremely important to ensure you take the time to double-check the entry restrictions for a country – and ensure you have all the relevant documentation to hand when you get to the airport. Don’t be the traveler who needs to find a last-minute Covid-19 test or needs to fill in a health declaration whilst in the queue.

Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 20, 2022
Manchester Airport promotes USA options with new campaign

Manchester Airport has launched its first multi-channel, multi-audience advertising campaign to showcase the breadth of locations it affords to the USA.

The #USADirect campaign will see the airport attain out to all areas of its catchment space that spans as far north because the Scottish Borders, south to the Midlands, east to Yorkshire, and west to Merseyside and North Wales.

Dedicated print and radio advert campaigns will go dwell through the eight-month campaign in Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and Newcastle.

These can be built-in with an aligned social media campaign and experiential occasions.

The campaign is ready to succeed in in extra of ten million individuals and can spotlight all of Manchester Airport’s 13 American locations.

Patrick Alexander, head of promoting at Manchester Airport, mentioned: “Manchester Airport continues to develop its lengthy haul providing, notably to America, which is one motive why now we have launched our #USADirect campaign.

“Another motive is a number of, smaller, regional airports have misplaced their connections to the USA, so what higher time to showcase the providing from Manchester, which has wonderful floor transport hyperlinks to those cities, making it a viable alternative for a direct flight to America.

“The multi-channelled approach will ensure we maximise reach and penetrate a range of audiences, ensuring key messages are delivered to the right demographic through the most appropriate medium.”

A wealth of USA locations have launched in the previous few years from Manchester together with Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Boston.

This 12 months additionally sees two carriers launch San Francisco.

Outside of London, Manchester is the one airport within the UK to supply these routes.

Manchester Airport is the UK’s third-largest with 25.6m annual passengers.

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July 28, 2021