In travel news for August 18th, 2022 we have updates from London, Heathrow airport; good news for passport renewals, and an exciting update from Delta about travel to Japan.
Heathrow Extends Capacity Limits
London Heathrow Airport has been especially hard hit by staffing shortages over the summer, which has lead to headline grabbing issues with luggage handling, flight delays and cancelations. Last month the airport implemented a capacity limit of 100,000 passengers per day, where in years past the airport would handle almost 220,000 passengers per day. The capacity limit is helping to improve service, however the airport is still struggling with staffing shortages. The airport has recently announce an extension to the capacity limit through October 29th. Heathrow isn’t the only airport to implement capacity limits, airports in Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Frankfort, Germany have also taken similar measures. It’s important for travelers planning on visiting Europe to understand that, due to these capacity limits there will be less available flight options. So book sooner rather than later.
Passport Renewal Moves Online
The U.S. State Department is updating their Passport Renewal system and is currently running a test of the new program. Starting this month the first 25,000 passport renewal applicants will be able to renew their passport online. The new system, which should launch later this year for general availability, will allow for qualified applicants to upload their passport photo and other supporting documents instead of having to send everything through the mail. Qualifications for online renews include being 25 years or older, having a passport issued between 2007 and 2013, living within the U.S., and being in possession of the expired or soon to be expired passport.
Delta Airlines Loves Japan
Delta Airlines has recently announced that they will be resuming service from Los Angeles to Haneda, Japan starting October 30th. Delta said that they will be resuming this route in anticipation of a broader reopening of Japan. Japan currently has a restrictive travel policy, only allowing visitors who are part of a pre-approved group tour to enter. Deltas optimism of a broader reopening will come as welcome news to many who have been waiting to visit Japan without being restricted to a predefined tour.
If you are thinking of visiting Japan for the first time, or really any foreign destination, I would highly recommend that you at least consider a tour, there are many amazing Tours available that cover just about every interest, from historical, cultural, and even modern Japan. Tours are a wonderful way to first experience a location. If you would like more information about visiting Japan, or about foreign tours give us or your Travel Advisor a call.