In Travel News for February 27, 2023 we talk about the European Travel Information and Authorization System, the Canals in Venice drying up, and Air Travel between the U.S. and Canada.
Air Canada and United Airlines to Expand Routes and Increase Capacity for Summer 2023 Travel
In an effort to provide better service to their customers, Air Canada and United Airlines announced that they will be offering new routes and increased capacity between Canada and the U.S. for the summer of 2023. The airlines have worked together to optimize their schedules, adding more flights to give passengers greater connectivity and more flexible flight times. In fact, there will be over 80 transborder codeshare routes and more than 260 daily flights for the convenience of the passengers.
As part of the expansion plan, Air Canada will operate non-stop flights between Washington-Dulles and Vancouver beginning June 1. On the other hand, United Airlines will operate non-stop service between Washington-Dulles and Calgary starting June 2. This new United-operated service will provide passengers with another option for travel between the two cities.
"We're proud of our continued work with Air Canada to provide customers with even greater transborder connectivity, including adding more flights and new direct service to Calgary and Vancouver from Washington Dulles," said United Senior Vice President Patrick Quayle.
To ensure that passengers get the most out of their travel experience, Air Canada and United Airlines will codeshare on these flights, allowing Aeroplan or MileagePlus members to accumulate and redeem miles. Eligible customers and loyalty plan members will also enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, lounge access, priority boarding, and more.
The airlines plan to offer more than 260 combined daily transborder departures during summer 2023. This represents a 20% increase in schedule capacity compared to summer 2022. Additionally, there will be up to 120 daily departures between the airlines' hub markets, which is an increase from 101 in the summer of 2021.
"With schedules designed to give customers more flexibility with timing and more convenient connection options, as well as the ability to enjoy the benefits of both airlines' loyalty programs, our agreement with Air Canada makes United the premier U.S. airline for travel to Canada," added Quayle.
In addition to the expanded routes and increased capacity, Air Canada and United Airlines will offer 29 daily flights with complementary timings between Toronto and New York/Newark and Chicago, and 11 daily flights between Vancouver and San Francisco. Furthermore, there will be nine daily flights between Vancouver and New York/Newark, Houston and Chicago, and seven between Los Angeles and Vancouver. A second will be added between Calgary and both Chicago and Houston, and a second will also be added from Edmonton to Denver.
Overall, the airlines' collaboration will provide customers with a variety of travel options, as well as the benefits of loyalty programs and convenient schedules.
Drying Up of Venice Canals: A Rare and Unique Travel Experience for Tourists
The picturesque canals of Venice, Italy are drying up after weeks of abnormal winter weather conditions, which is making it impossible for gondolas, water taxis and other boats to navigate the iconic waterways. This phenomenon is being blamed on the combination of a few factors, with a lack of rain, a lingering anticyclone weather system and abnormal sea currents being among them. Furthermore, environmental scientists have confirmed that climate change has contributed to the anomalous high and low tides at this time of year.
The ancient city faces an opposite dilemma this winter, rather than facing the perennial flooding that’s typical at this time of year. It is now a prolonged period of atypically low tides causing critically low water levels that have reduced some of its 150 canals to mere muddy pits. The situation has raised concerns that Italy may face another drought on the scale of last summer’s water shortage, its worst in 70 years. The government had to declare a state of emergency for areas surrounding the River Po, Italy’s longest river and a major water source for roughly one-third of the nation’s agricultural production.
Besides being an emblematic cultural component, Venice’s famed canals support one of the famously sinking city’s primary transportation systems, being routinely plied by gondolas and other waterborne conveyances. The Venice canals have been a destination for travelers around the world for years. The canals offer a unique way to see the city from a different angle and experience the romance and culture of the city.
This unique natural phenomenon is a rare sight for locals and visitors to Venice. Environmental groups have pointed out that the Alps—whose snowmelt constitutes a critical water source in the spring and summer months—have received less than half of their normal snowfall this winter. This has contributed to the low water levels in the canals.
As climate change continues to affect the world's weather patterns, it's becoming increasingly important to consider how travel will be impacted. Travelers planning a trip to Venice in the coming months should be prepared for different experiences than usual, and may need to consider alternative modes of transportation to see the city's iconic sites.
While it is impossible to predict future weather patterns, travel experts are recommending that travelers stay up-to-date on weather forecasts and water levels if they are planning to visit Venice and explore the city's iconic canals. The low water levels are a rare event that may never happen again, and tourists have a unique opportunity to experience Venice in a different way.
In conclusion, while the drying up of the Venice canals is an unfortunate phenomenon, it is also a reminder of the importance of taking care of our planet and the need to address climate change. For travelers, it is an opportunity to experience Venice in a unique way and to be a part of a rare event that may never happen again.
Introduction of European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) Delayed Again
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was initially scheduled to come into force in 2021, however, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the introduction of the system. News has recently emerged from the European Commission's Migration and Home Affairs website stating that the system's introduction has been pushed back again, this time from November 2023 to 2024.
Britons travelling to European countries in the Schengen zone will be required to apply online for an ETIAS at a cost of €7, and it will be valid for three years. Similar to the Esta visa waiver scheme, which travelers must have to enter the United States, ETIAS will be a mandatory requirement for visitors from countries that are currently visa-exempt.
The Independent reported that ETIAS relies on another EU borders initiative, the Entry Exit System (EES) to be functioning. The EES requires third-country nationals, including British travellers, to have fingerprints and facial Biometrics checked on arrival and departure. However, the EES has also been delayed until the end of 2023, raising concerns over the impact on border controls in Europe.
The new system aims to provide enhanced security for both citizens and visitors to Europe. It will allow European Union member states to collect information on potential security risks in advance of travel, preventing unwanted visitors from entering the country. ETIAS will be a part of the EU's border management strategy, ensuring the highest level of security in Europe.
Travelers should be aware that these delays may affect their travel plans and could cause potential delays at border control. Travel experts recommend that passengers stay up-to-date with the latest information about ETIAS and EES, especially if they plan to visit Europe in the coming years.
While these delays are disappointing, they are also an important reminder of the constantly evolving nature of travel and the importance of staying informed about changes that may affect travel plans. As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, it's essential to remain vigilant and informed about any new regulations that may affect travel.
While the postponement of ETIAS is frustrating for those who were anticipating its introduction, the delay should not cause major disruptions for travelers. The EU is taking every precaution to ensure that the system is introduced safely and securely, and travel experts recommend that travelers stay informed and up-to-date on the latest news and changes. As always, the safety and security of travelers remains a top priority for all involved.