Italian flag-carrier Alitalia has announced an extension of its COVID-19 testing program which will run on its three weekly flights between Rome and New York. The trial opens up another COVID-free flight route between Europe and the US, following on from similar programs recently announced by Delta Airlines and British Airways, and aims to encourage …

EasyJet has made two back-to-back announcements this week – offering both good and bad news for travelers. The airline first revealed on November 30 that it was partnering with two COVID-19 testing firms to offer its customers a reduced rate on pre-flight tests, making it easier for passengers to obtain tests which are now necessary …

American Airlines has launched a trial of a new digital health pass which, alongside pre-flight COVID-19 PCR testing, will enable its customers to easily travel internationally again. The program represents a welcome move for travelers, as the airline attempts to open up tourism to countries and territories which require new arrivals to prove that they …

A proposed bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill, which would provide USD$17 billion in support for the beleaguered aviation sector, offers hope to US travelers planning vacations in 2021. While the passage of the bill into law is not yet certain, the news provides a timely boost to US airlines, which have been placed under significant financial …

This Thanksgiving has seen a spike in air travel unprecedented during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Sunday November 29 seeing the highest number of passenger screenings during a single day at US airports since the start of the outbreak. The lead-up to the holiday had already seen air passenger numbers reach new pandemic-era highs, with four …

WestJet and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have announced a pre-flight rapid Covid-19 testing trial, in partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC), with the aim of helping to develop safe air travel protocols during the pandemic. Unlike other testing programs underway at Calgary International Airport (YYC), which intend to help immediately reduce quarantine times …

Canadians are keen to get back to international vacations next year, but remain wary of the risks associated with commercial travel during the pandemic – according to the results of a survey by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA). The survey, conducted among 1,000 participants across Canada in October 2020, found that while …

With resorts beginning to open up across America, skiers and boarders are preparing for a winter season which will look a little different to normal. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of the ways we enjoy ourselves, and ski hills are no exception. The good news for skiers and boarders is that, unlike many other …

Quarantine-free travel between the US and Europe has moved a step closer with the announcement that Delta Airlines has begun a COVID-19 testing program on its flights between Atlanta and Rome. In a press release on November 26 the US airline explained that it had developed a rigorous COVID-19 testing regime, with assistance from the …

The US government is reportedly considering removing the ban on international visitors from Europe and Brazil, potentially opening the door for tourists from these countries to return for the first time since March. Discussions between the federal government, public health agencies and airlines have resulted in widespread official backing for the move, which still requires …

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the travel industry forever, with one impact being the acceleration of trends for more local and sustainable tourism. The pandemic has been hugely disruptive for tourism, with travel restrictions and lockdowns implemented worldwide since March in order to contain the spread of the virus. This has affected all kinds of …

Qantas has become the first airline in the world to announce that it is likely to require its passengers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before travelling. The Australian airline’s chief executive, Alan Joyce, said in an interview that “We are looking at changing our terms and conditions to say for international travelers, we …