In travel news for September 5, 2023 we talk about the Crystal Symphony returning to service after an extensive refurbishment, travelers using Clear will be required to provide identification in addition to Biometrics, and American Airlines flight attendants vote to Strike.
Crystal Symphony Revamp: Luxury Sailing with New Amenities
Crystal Symphony, a Luxury Cruise ship, has re-entered service after significant refurbishments. The upgrades come after its parent brand, Crystal, was acquired by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group. Setting sail from Athens, Greece, the ship has a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio and joins its sister ship, Crystal Serenity, in ushering in a new era for the renowned cruise brand. Travelers can look forward to revamped suites, specialty dining options, and public spaces designed for relaxation and entertainment. Crystal Symphony's upgrades are part of a $150 million investment that has also seen the revitalization of Crystal Serenity. The ship's journey will include diverse, exciting destinations such as Santorini, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai. This marks a significant milestone for the Crystal brand, making it a go-to option for travelers seeking luxury cruises.
TSA Tightens ID Checks: What Travelers Need to Know
If you're a frequent traveler and a member of the Clear registered traveler program, expect stricter identification checks soon. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced changes to identification requirements due to recent security breaches. The new measures will be integrated into airports where updated ID authentication technology is available. This could affect the promise of quicker security checks for Clear members, who pay $189 annually for the convenience of skipping long identification lines. Clear says it's developing a workaround with the TSA, but the timeline for these changes is still unclear. This development comes amid increased scrutiny of Clear after a series of reported security lapses, adding another layer of complexity for travelers who rely on the program for expedited security checks.
American Airlines Strike Vote: Travel Plans May Be Affected
If you're planning to travel with American Airlines soon, you should be aware of a recent labor development that could impact your journey. The flight attendants at the airline have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a Strike. With the backing of their labor union, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, nearly 99.47% of flight attendants are in favor of this action. This vote comes amidst a tight labor market where workers in various industries have more power to negotiate terms. Last week, pilots from the same airline approved a new contract with substantial benefits. The strong stance by flight attendants indicates that if an agreement isn't reached soon, travelers could face disruptions such as delays and cancellations.