In travel news for June 10, 2022 we have good news for international travelers returning to the U.S., those wanting to travel to Japan, and we have more news about JetBlue.
JetBlue, American Airlines, and the Antitrust Lawsuit
Yesterday we did an update on the JetBlue Airways attempt to beat Frontier Airlines on the purchase of Spirit Airlines. The main reason Spirit declined the financially superior offer was out of concern over a government antitrust lawsuit against JetBlue and American Airlines over their NorthEast alliance. The government contends this agreement is a “de facto merger”. Both American and JetBlue filed motions to dismiss. On Thursday a District Judge has ruled against the motion of dismissal allowing the lawsuit to proceed to trial. How this will affect JetBlues continued attempt of a hostile takeover of Spirit is not yet known.
Japan's Phased Reopening
Japan has officially reopened today to travelers that have booked an approved packaged tour. This is yet another step in Japans phased opening that was originally announced back in May. Japan has implemented a 3 tier color coded system of blue, yellow, and red, to determine where travelers can come from, and what entry restrictions they might face. Currently the United States, Canada, and many European countries are in the blue category. Travelers from countries in the blue category are not required to provide proof of vaccinate, proof of covid test, or have to quarantine on arrival. Travelers should expect to wear a mask among other precautions while visiting the country.
U.S. Eliminates Pre-Departure Testing
It’s being reported that later today the Biden Administration will be announce that as of Sunday, June 12 they will be ending the pre-departure testing requirement for those coming to the united states via air. According to a senior official The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “has determined based on the science and data that this requirement is no longer necessary”. The U.S. originally required negative test taken within 72 hours, then back in November they decreased the window to 1 day. The travel industry and even the mayors of many major cities, have been aggressively lobbying for an end to this policy for months.\