Assist Alert – Lifting of Mask Mandate on Airplanes
A U.S. District Court Judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of transportation. As a direct result of the ruling, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials released a statement announcing that the face covering extension mandate would no longer be enforced.

Assist Alert: April 2022 Mask Mandate Extension
The Biden Administration announced a 15-day federal mask mandate extension for all public U.S. transportation services before the previous mandate’s April 18th expiration. The announcement comes in response to the considerable rise of COVID-19 cases, in particular with the BA.2 subvariant.

Assist Alert: Mask Mandate Extension
The White House announced a 30-day federal mask mandate extension for all public U.S. transportation services. The announcement comes after a national decline of COVID-19 cases, states removing their own restrictions and just days before the original mandate’s March 18 expiration.

Assist Alert -- European Travel: Impacts of the Ukraine/Russia Conflict
As global travel steadily approaches pre-COVID-19 levels, the travel industry is facing and responding to new challenges directly caused by the Ukrainian and Russian conflict.

Newark Airport Reopens Crucial Runway Ahead Of Schedule
Port Authority: Work was sped up to take advantage of reduced flight schedules resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA authorizes booster dose of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for people 65 and older
The US Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday it would grant emergency use authorization for a booster dose of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine in people 65 and older, people at high risk of severe disease and people whose jobs put them at risk of infection.

US to ease travel restrictions on fully vaccinated foreign visitors
The United States plans to ease travel restrictions on all fully vaccinated foreign visitors starting in November, the White House said Monday, relaxing a patchwork of bans that had begun to cause fury in Europe and replacing them with more uniform requirements for inbound international air passengers.

FDA panel votes to recommend 3rd shot for some Pfizer vaccine recipients
An advisory committee says Pfizer recipients who are at risk for severe COVID-19, including people age 65 and older, should get a third shot.

Pfizer to seek approval for COVID-19 vaccine in kids 5 and up in coming weeks, report says
Pfizer and its partner BioNTech will reportedly soon seek clearance for their COVID-19 vaccine to be used in children 5 and up.

12 fall hotel openings we’re looking forward to for autumn travel
Fall is one of our favorite times to travel. Kids are back in school, so even if it’s not technically the adult pool you’re basking in it might very well feel like one. The summer crowds have slimmed out in most places and, of course, there are those off-season deals to be had.

The U.S. Is Off the E.U.’s ‘Safe List.’ What Does That Mean for Americans Traveling to Europe?
The European Union removed the United States from its “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to its 27 member states without requirements such as quarantine and testing.

CDC recommends COVID vaccines for pregnant people: What you should know
Research shows COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant people and their babies, and for those who want to be pregnant in the future, the CDC says. Here's what we know.

The Traveler: August 2021
From helpful information regarding protecting your personal information while traveling, wildfire information and tips, to preparing for your next flight, catch up on global health, security and travel-related topics. Also in this issue, read about how Assist America repatriated a member who was in a motorcycle accident in Florida.

Architects Help Ensure A Stress-Free Travel Experience
Is it possible to travel stress-free these days? Considering the uncertainty that still looms large throughout the world, it may be difficult – perhaps impossible – to travel without feeling some degree of anxiety. After all, the sheer nature of traveling can be a stress inducer for many people. The following architects are implementing strategies that are designed to lessen the stress associated with travel.

Delta allows free basic economy ticket changes as travelers struggle to reach agents
Delta Air Lines is making its basic economy tickets more flexible for the rest of year as it grapples with long customer service wait times.

This Hotel Group Just Launched an Awesome New Program for Pet Owners
Some 85 million U.S. households now also contain an animal companion. To many, these aren't mere pets, but rather full-fledged members of the family. So, when it comes to travel, few people want to leave their furry friends behind. Lucky, IHG Hotels & Resorts sees this and is ready to accommodate.

U.S. air travel passengers jumped 19% in May over prior month
U.S. airlines carried 56.6 million passengers in May, up 19% over April but still 30% below 2019 levels, the U.S. Transportation Department said on Monday.

Olympics will ban spectators after Japan declares state of emergency
Olympics organizers will ban spectators from the games in Tokyo, after Japan declared a state of emergency amid rising Covid-19 cases in the country.

Port-au-Prince's International Airport Closes
Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) has been closed until further notice and flights previously scheduled to land in the capital have been either canceled or redirected as of July 7.

Hurricane Elsa Becomes 1st Atlantic Hurricane of 2021
Hurricane Elsa becomes the first hurricane of 2021 as it forms just west of the Caribbean island of Barbados. Forecasters predict it will approach the United States sometime next week as it continues growing and moves over the Caribbean this weekend.