In travel news for May 2, 2022 we have an update on the potential merger of JetBlue and Spirit, new entrance procedures for visiting European countries, and a COVID update from Italy.
Spirit - Frontier - JetBlue Merger
Back in February Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines announced a proposed merger, then in April JetBlue Airways made an unsolicited offer to buy Spirit with an all cash offer of $3.6 billion dollars. This offer was $700 million over what Frontier was offering. Today Spirit has declined the offer from JetBlue. Citing regulatory hurdles, mainly JetBlue’s Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, which faced lawsuits from the Department of Justice and 6 states. JetBlue was willing to divest parts of it’s operation in order to merge, but were unwilling to end the alliance with American Airlines. Unless there are any more surprises it looks like Spirit and Frontier will be moving forward with their merger.
New E.U. Visitor Registration System
The European Union is moving forward with a new visitor registration system. Starting in May 2023 visitors from non-visa countries will be required to register Lon the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The system will increase border security by pre-screening visitors. Travelers that have to apply for a Travel Visa will be exempt from registering on the ETIAS. Non-visa countries include the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The system will be required for all 26 E.U. countries as well as countries in the Schengen area. There will be a 7 euro fee for the registration. The ETIAS is similar to the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Italy Lifts Green Pass
Over the weekend Italy lifted it’s “green pass”. Travelers will no longer need to show proof of vaccination to visit bars, restaurants, museums, ride in a Train, or stay in a hotel. This follows Italy dropping pre-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travelers back in March. Unvaccinated travelers can enter the country with either proof of recover within the previous 6 months, or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours. Italy has adopted the European Unions recommended definition for full vaccination as having received the final dose or booster within the previous 9 months, or recovering from COVID within the previous 6 months. Masks are still required for public transportation, indoor performances such as concerts and theaters, as well as in museums, galleries, and in parks and gardens.