Travel Tip: Can TSA PreCheck Keep Up With Demand?

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Image Credit: @tsa on Instagram

Just a few months ago, the security lines at many U.S. airports were long and unmanageable.

Staffing shortages and bad scheduling on the part of the TSA combined to create a chaotic and stressful situation.

The TSA promised to make changes, and at some airports, they actually have made progress.

But the problems remain.

With nearly 15,000 people a day signing up for TSA’s PreCheck—a program designed to streamline the security check process for trusted travelers—the lines are once again long.

At many airports, the TSA continues to close the PreCheck lines at peak periods.

So, before you apply for PreCheck, ask yourself this: Why pay money for a service that is not consistently being provided or executed?

If you have applied and received PreCheck, then let your elected representatives know you need their help to not just move the lines, but to open them.

For more information about TSA PreCheck, check out:

• Why TSA PreCheck May Not Fix Long TSA Lines
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Is Worth It?
• How Effective is TSA PreCheck?

Hyatt Loyalty Program: Dramatic Changes

The Hyatt Gold Passport program as we know it is about to change drastically to the new “World of Hyatt.” The chain will soon change the name of its loyalty program and completely overhaul its elite statuses and benefits.

The new World of Hyatt logo.

Full details about the program are still being confirmed at this point, so stay tuned and we'll post for updated information.

Before breaking down the differences of the future program, let’s take a look at the current Hyatt Gold Passport program:

	Member	Platinum	Diamond
Base Points per Dollar Spent	5	5	5
Point Bonus	0	15%	30%
Internet Access	Paid	Free Premium	Free Premium
Preferred Room Upon Arrival	No	Higher Floors or Preferred Views	Best Room Available
Complimentary Club Access	No	No	Yes
Complimentary Breakfast (If No Club)	No	No	Yes
Stays Required	0	5	25
Minimum Nights to Qualify	0	15	50
Welcome Gift	No	No	Amenity or 500-1,000 Points
Diamond Suite Upgrade	0	0	4

Currently, the Hyatt Gold Passport program has just three levels — and there’s a pretty stark difference between the bottom two levels and the top level. In fact, we value Platinum status at $200 and Diamond status at $3,085. Diamond status is earned after 25 stays or 50 nights, and can be viewed as one of the most rewarding statuses in the hotel loyalty sphere.

With the new changes, however, everything we’ve known about the program will soon be different. Here’s an outline of the new World of Hyatt program, which will feature four tiers of membership:

	Member	Discoverist	Explorist	Globalist
Base Points per Dollar Spent	5	5	5	5
Point Bonus	0	10%	20%	30%
Free Night at a Category 1-4 Award	After Staying at 5 Different Brands	After Staying at 5 Different Brands	After Staying at 5 Different BrandsAfter Completing 30 Eligible Nights (Must Be Consumed Within 120 Days)	After Staying at 5 Different BrandsAfter Completing 60 Eligible Nights (Up to Category 7, but Must Be Consumed Within 120 Days)
No Resort Fee	On Award Nights	On Award Nights	On Award Nights	On Award Nights & Eligible Paid Rates
Guaranteed Room Availability	No	No	72-Hour Guarantee	48-Hour Guarantee
Preferred Room Upon Arrival	No	Higher Floor, Larger Room	Best Room (No Club Rooms, No Suites)	Best Room Including Standard Suites
Free Daily Bottle of Water	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Late Checkout Request	No	2:00pm	2:00pm	4:00pm
Complimentary Club Access	No	No	(4) Awards	Yes
Complimentary Parking on Award Nights	No	No	No	Yes
Access to My Hyatt Concierge	No	No	No	Yes
Priority Access to Available Rooms (Early Check-In)	No	No	No	Yes
Stay Credits Allowed	No	No	No	No
Minimum Nights to Qualify	0	10	30	60
Optional Base Point Qualification	0	25,000	50,000	100,000

As you can see, there are some pretty big changes. Instead of qualifying by solely nights or stays, you will now be able to qualify by nights or points, which are earned by dollars spent (5 points per dollar plus a bonus for elites). For all four new tiers of membership, the stay qualification is going away and will be replaced by points. To qualify for the top tier (Globalist), you’ll have to stay a minimum of 60 nights or earn 100,000 points. Additionally current Diamond members will need to requalify with 60 nights or 100,000 points — a reduced earning of 55,000 points to requalify will apply in 2018.

The valuable Diamond Suite Upgrades will be improving with quantity. Globalist level members will get complimentary upgrades to suites based on availability, as well as four confirmed suite upgrades — they will be the usual seven-night upgrades and can be used on any stay. Globalists will earn a new upgrade added after every 10 nights that a Globalist stays beyond the required 60 nights (maximum of four). Being able to earn a maximum of 10 suite upgrades could be very valuable for Globalist members who are presumably traveling a lot. Another upgrade to the program would be that following 30 nights (or 50,000 points), World of Hyatt members will be given a Free Night certificate for Category 1-4 properties, and you’ll get a Category 1-7 Free Night certificate if you earn 60 nights (or 100,000 base points) in a calendar year. It’s not yet known how these two perks will be dealt with for existing Diamond members who are requalifying.

The Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

Since there’s a lot of info to digest, here’s a list highlighting some of the biggest changes, including both the ones addressed above and some additional updates:

• You’ll no longer be able to qualify for status based on stays; you can qualify through nights or through points
• Top-tier Globalist elites will now get complimentary, unlimited suite upgrades on stays in addition to four confirmed suite upgrades
• Hyatt’s rewarding members for trying different brands within its portfolio by giving them a free night at a Category 1-4 property after trying five different brands
• Explorist and Globalist members will also get a free night at a Category 1-4 property after completing 30/60 eligible nights, respectively (must be used within 120 days of being earned).

The Grand Hyatt Bali.

What Does This Mean for Current Members With Status?

As of March 1, 2017, Hyatt Gold Passport members who have status will translate into the following:

• If you requalified for Diamond status for 2017, you’ll get Globalist status
• If you were Diamond but didn’t requalify for 2017, you’ll get Explorist status
• If you requalified for Platinum status for 2017, you’ll get Discoverist status
• If you qualified for any Hyatt Gold Passport status in 2016 and would have requalified, your status will be upgraded (if you met the nights but not points requirement, you’ll still get the status)

All About Hyatt’s New Top Tier Status, Globalist

If you’ve been a Hyatt Diamond member and requalified, you’ll be getting the World of Hyatt’s highest level of status: Globalist. So, what does it mean for you? Well, generally speaking, there are some great perks:

• You won’t pay resort fees, regardless of the type of stay
• You’ll get unlimited suite upgrades on all stays (subject to availability)
• You’ll get free parking on Free Night stays (not cash or Points + Cash stays)
• You’ll still get two complimentary United Club passes annually
• World of Hyatt will still honor Guest of Honor benefits
• You’ll get a Free Night at a Category 1-7 property (a Free Night at a Category 1-4 property when you qualify got Explorist status)
• You’ll still get lounge access at properties where it’s available. When it’s not, you’ll get free breakfast but you won’t get the 2,500 bonus points if a lounge is closed
• You’ll get four confirmed suite upgrades, eligible on all stays
• You’ll get additional benefits when you reach 70, 80, 90 and 100 nights — 10,000 bonus points or an additional confirmed suite upgrade at each tier. You can earn 8 additional upgrades in a calendar year (up to 12 in 2017)
• You’ll have early check-in access to your room (when available)
• Once you qualify for Globalist, you only need 55 nights to requalify in 2018
• You’ll get a late checkout request time of as late as 4:00pm.

One noticeable difference between Diamond benefits and what’s offered with Globalist is the lack of welcome amenity. Whereas Diamond members used to get a welcome amenity upon arrival — either bonus points or a food and beverage — Globalists will no longer have that option. This is an unfortunate change with the new program.

In addition, Globalist members will also get access to the My Hyatt Concierge. The concierge is a dedicated agent who provides personalized and proactive customer service. They’ll help to coordinate the details of stays — scheduling spa and dining reservations, providing notice about promotions and hotel openings and more. This is a nice addition to the top tier status with Hyatt. Stay tuned for posts that further breakdown the new tiers of status with World of Hyatt.

What About the Hyatt Credit Card?

We’re not sure on the specifics of the card as far as the future of its sign-up bonus and earning structure (or if it’ll change at all), but we do know what it’ll mean for elite status with the World of Hyatt. As a Hyatt Credit Card holder, you’ll automatically get Discoverist status and benefits. If you become a cardholder prior to March 1, 2017, you’ll also get an additional 5% bonus points on eligible spend when earning base points at Hyatt or M life properties through February 28, 2018. If, at some point during that period you earn Explorist or Globalist status with World of Hyatt, the bonus will bump up to 20% and 30%, respectively.

In addition, Hyatt Credit Card holders who spend $50,000 each calendar year will get Explorist status through the following calendar year. Although it’d be nicer if this spend would get you Globalist status, it’s a great option to be able to achieve status through spend on a credit card.

How Will M life Reciprocal Status Work?

One of the nice benefits about having status with Hyatt is the recoprocal elite status you’ll get with M life Rewards, especially if you frequent Vegas often. Previously, Hyatt Platinum meant M life Gold, and Hyatt Diamond meant M life Platinum. Here’s how the reciprocal benefits will work with the new World of Hyatt program:

World of Hyatt Status	Reciprocal M life Rewards Status
Membership	Sapphire
Discoverist	Pearl
Explorist	Gold
Globalist	Gold

And here’s how the reciprocal benefits will work the other way:

M life Rewards Status	Reciprocal World of Hyatt Status
Sapphire	Membership
Pearl	Discoverist
Gold	Explorist
Platinum	Explorist
NOIR	Explorist

As you can see, you can no longer earn Gold status with M life Rewards for being a Hyatt Credit Card holder. Instead, you’ll M life Pearl status for being a cardholder, with the chance to earn Gold status if you spend more than $50,000 on the card.

Bottom Line

These changes by Hyatt bridge the gap between what we’re seeing in the airline loyalty industry by switching to a revenue-based system and the hotel loyalty industry. By doing away with the ability to earn status based on stays and instituting a new points qualification option, Hyatt’s new program is switching the balance in favor of those who spend more with the hotel brand. Diamond members who qualify based on stays will definitely lose out with this new program, but members who can spend their way to top-tier Globalist status will enjoy some generous perks.

Crystal Partners With Peninsula Hotels For Crystal AirCruises Inaugural Journey

Crystal AirCruises ultra-luxury Boeing 777-200LR jet taking off on August 31, 2017

Crystal CEO and President Edie Rodriguez announced today a partnership with The Peninsula Hotels for the maiden journey of Crystal AirCruises ultra-luxury Boeing 777-200LR jet, taking off on August 31, 2017.

The 27-day “The Peninsula Grand Inaugural Crystal AirCruise” flies from New York to Paris, stopping in 10 glamorous cities, where guests will embark on cultural, culinary and exhilarating adventures. In each destination, The Peninsula Hotels will welcome Crystal guests, offering the superior standard of luxurious hospitality for which both companies are celebrated. Additionally, in each destination, guests will be treated to exclusive events that showcase the locale.

Remarkable Peninsula-curated events that depict the authentic spirit of each destination await Crystal AirCruises guests, including four special galas, beginning with a rooftop cocktail reception with the New York skyline as the glittering backdrop; a private party and dinner on the Great Wall of China in Beijing; an over-the-top dinner reminiscent of the glamour of “Old Shanghai” at The Peninsula Shanghai; and a special Loy Krathong “Festival of Lights” celebration at The Peninsula Bangkok. Additionally, in Tokyo, guests will enjoy a private performance of the ancient art of Kabuki, while the conclusion of the program in Paris takes guests on a journey to the Champagne region for an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes and private lunch at a famed Champagne house. In each destination, guests will be treated to The Peninsula’s famous Afternoon Tea experience.

“It is our honor to partner with The Peninsula Hotels for the landmark occasion of Crystal AirCruises’ inaugural journey, as their reputation for excellence is legendary, and their philosophy of exceeding guests’ expectations and wishes aligns beautifully with Crystal’s own,” says Rodriguez. “For more than two decades and throughout our tremendous expansion, our guests continue to expect innovative experiences and new heights of luxury with their Crystal vacations. Crystal AirCruises will offer these with our signature meticulous service and attention to detail.”

Travelers aboard the inaugural journey will be treated to truly immersive destination experiences from takeoff to landing, as each Peninsula Hotel visited boasts authentic cultural atmosphere and heritage of its location. Destinations and Peninsula Hotels set to enhance this journey of rare privilege include:

The Peninsula New York, with its glamorous Fifth Avenue address, offers the perfect scene for a rooftop toast to the inaugural journey, set against the Manhattan skyline and setting an enchanting tone for the adventures ahead.

The Peninsula Chicago, delivering a landmark location in the heart of Michigan Avenue’s famous dining, museums, music, shopping and theater.

The Peninsula, Beverly Hills, just steps from the world-renowned shopping found on Rodeo Drive, and just a bit farther from the quintessential Southern California beaches that are shrouded in sunshine.

The Peninsula Tokyo, steeped in the ancient history of its surroundings while simultaneously an icon of modern chic, the property is surrounded by lush Hibiya Park, as well as Tokyo’s vibrant and unconventional fashion scene at every turn.

The Peninsula Beijing, with its grand pagoda gateway entrance, symbolizes the ancient culture that continues to permeate every facet of the city, from the Temple of Heaven to shopper’s paradise Wangfujing Road.

The Peninsula Shanghai, boasting an exclusively striking vantage point of this chic city from The Bund, including the sleek skyline, iconic Pearl Tower and a world of colors, sounds, and treasures in between.

The Peninsula Hong Kong, affectionately known as the “Grand Dame of the Far East,” is a luxurious home base for Crystal AirCruises guests, who will likely savor the hotel’s world-renowned Afternoon Tea as much as their many other memorable experiences in the city.

The Peninsula Manila, which is nestled lavishly into the city’s mix of old world and new flavor, treats guests with inspired cuisine and impeccable service amidst their explorations of Manila’s edgy art galleries and lively music scene.

The Peninsula Bangkok, its riverside locale an ideal take-off point for adventures along the Chao Phraya River, or into the bustling town center for an array of colorful experiences.

The Peninsula Paris – The Grand Finale of the journey and itself an architectural masterpiece in a city that boasts some of the world’s finest, as the hotel’s rooftop affords 360-degree perspective of the City of Light. Surprise events showcasing the romance, history and culinary arts of Paris will conclude guests’ journey in the most magical way.

“Two world-class brands are partnering to create the ultimate global journey with ‘The Peninsula Grand Inaugural’ Crystal AirCruise,” says Simon Yip, Vice President of Sales, The Peninsula Hotels. “We couldn’t imagine a more perfect partner than Crystal to offer a guest experience reminiscent of the historical ‘grand tours,’ now elevated to include a private air experience unlike any other paired with our incredible hotels and bespoke destination programs.”

The dramatically redesigned aircraft is larger and newer than any global jet tour travel option, appointed with features rarely found in even the most luxurious private jets. The Crystal Exclusive Class seats are designed for maximum personal space and ergonomic comfort, and convert to 180-degree, lie-flat beds. The expansive social lounge with stand-up bar and dedicated table seating fosters friendly camaraderie among luxury travelers. Cuisine will be prepared by a dedicated executive chef in two state-of-the-art galleys and paired with an elegant premium wine list. For the inaugural AirCruise, special Peninsula amenities will also be present on-board, creating a seamless experience both on the ground and in the air.

Pawa Dominicana Becomes The First Dominican Republic Airline To Offer Scheduled Flights To U.S. In Decades

Pawa Dominicana marks a new milestone in the Caribbean’s aviation industry with the arrival of its first passenger service to Miami from Santo Domingo, making it the first commercial Dominican airline to offer flights to the United States in over 20 years. The airline’s new route, which was announced at a press conference yesterday, will start Nov. 16, 2016 and tickets are already available for purchase online.

The airline will connect the Dominican Republic capital and South Florida with two daily flights offered every day of the week. In addition, the airline’s routes will allow for quick connections to other popular Caribbean destinations like Curacao, St. Maarten, Antigua, Port Au Prince, Aruba, Puerto Rico and Havana.

“In the case of Cuba, an attractive destination for Miami’s residents given the large community of Cuban expats who have settled in the city, Pawa offers a unique multi-destination opportunity to explore Santo Domingo and Havana in one trip,” said the Chairman of Pawa Dominicana’s Board of Directors, Luis Ramirez.

The Director of the Dominican Republic Office of Tourism in Miami, Wendy Justo, was also present at the press conference to stress the importance of this announcement in increasing travel to the Dominican Republic.

“This is good news for everyone, especially for travelers who wish to see our Dominican capital and experience the beauty that characterizes our island,” said Justo. “We are confident that having this national airline fly to Miami will help us achieve the goal of 10 million visitors in the coming years.”

“Pawa offers a different experience with an emphasis on the human aspect of customer service,” stated Pawa Dominicana U.S. Country Manager Daniel Castillo. “We offer the broadest variety of ticket sales channels, in addition to the typical Dominican warmth, both on board and on ground. Additionally, our punctuality rate has exceeded 93 percent during our first year of operations,” said Castillo.

According to the Dominican Republic Office of Tourism in Miami, the city Miami is one of the busiest destinations to and from Santo Domingo, so the opening of this route is greatly anticipated by passengers.

Other advantages include Pawa’s baggage allowance, which will permit passengers to carry a suitcase of up to 50 lbs. and a carry-on of up to 22 lbs., as well as hot food and open bar service on board. Santo Domingo-Miami flights will depart from Las Américas International Airport at 10:00 a.m. and 6:15 p.m., and from Miami International Airport at 5:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

New York will be the next destination in the airline’s expansion plan, which includes new direct flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Punta Cana. Pawa Dominicana is the Dominican Republic’s flagship airline and aims to position Santo Domingo as the Latin American hub for Caribbean travel.

About Pawa Dominicana

Pawa Dominicana began operations in August 2015, has an investment of over $53 million to date, a total of 298 direct employees, and a projection of over 116,000 passengers by the end of 2016. For more information about Pawa Dominicana and its new route, visit www.PawaDominicana.com.   

Travelore Update: Second Stronger Earthquake Strikes Italy

An earthquake has struck near the Italian city of Perugia. Credit: Reuters

After a 5.4 earthquake struck Italy today at 1710 GMT, 2 hours later an even stronger quake struck with a 6.2 magnitude.

The earlier quake was shallow and located in the province of Macerata, and the second earthquake shook buildings in the country’s capital, Rome, rattling doors and windows.

A spokeswoman for Italy’s civil protection agency, Ornella De Luca, said a portion of highway north of Rome had to be closed due to a landslide.

In one town, the mayor reported that residents were now without power and some buildings had been damaged.

Italy Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is on his way to Rome to review the damage.

Max Brenner Philadelphia's 20th Anniversary Party #MaxBrenner, #MaxBrennerUSA,#NationalChocolateDay

Chocolate Martini with chocolate and hazel nut
covered strawberry

We recently attended the 20th Anniversary party for Max Brenner's restaurants, specializing in chocolate, at their Philadelphia location. Specialities include their Chocolate Martini, light and fluffy Sweet Potato Tots, Apple Pie Crepe, Bake Sale Fondue, and Pumpkin Spice Mocha drink. Fior more details please visit: www.maxbrenner.com

Sweet Potato Tots

Pumpkin Spice Mocha

Bake Sale Fondue

Apple Pie Crepe

Travelore Breaking News: New Earthquake Has Rattled Rome

Just 2 months after a powerful earthquake toppled villages in central Italy, killing nearly 300 people, another quake is now hitting Rome. While there are no immediate reports of damage, the quake shook centuries old plazzi in Rome's historic district.