TSA partners with Rejjee Inc. to improve lost and found recovery rates

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), thirty to forty thousand items are left behind at security checkpoints at airports across the country each month. While losing any valuable is upsetting, lost laptops and smartphones are especially troubling because the data stored on the devices represent one of the leading cyber security risks to personal identification and company data. Currently the TSA is able to return only a small percentage of high value items to the rightful owners. However, the TSA is working to change that through its newly announced partnership with Rejjee Inc. 

Under the new agreement, the Boston-based startup, which has already successfully worked with government entities such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to boost lost item recovery rates, will expand its highly successful lost & found platform to airports nationwide.  The TSA will provide Rejjee with official daily reports of property found by screeners that will be entered into Rejjee’s lost item registry platform.  Travelers will be able to use a single standardized form to search for items and file a lost property claim for any airport in the United States. When a potential match is found, Rejjee will connect the applicant directly to the TSA for validation and potential recovery. More information can be found at https://rejjee.com/.

Delta announces policy changes and service enhancements

Delta Air Lines recently announced several updates to some of its policies and procedures along with unveiling some service enhancements. Among the policy changes, Delta said effective Dec. 18 it will no longer accept emotional support animals on flights longer than eight hours. The carrier also said it will no longer accept as emotional support animals that are under 4 months old.  Exceptions will be made for passenger who have already purchased tickets but only for flights through Feb. 1. 2019. These moves are the latest in response to the continued rising problem of “incidents” involving animals who have relieved themselves during flight or have lashed out at or even bitten other animals or passengers.

 Delta will implement a modified boarding process on flights around the world starting Jan. 23, 2019. With the goal of creating a more clear-cut process while reducing congestion at the gate in mind, Delta will put most passengers into boarding groups based on ticket type. Delta One ticket holders will board first right after pre-borders.  First class and premium ticket holders will follow ahead of select frequent flyers. The new Sky Priority group, which will consist of platinum and gold medallion status members, will board next. (Diamond Medallion members will still board with Delta One or first class depending on the aircraft.) Main cabin passengers will be broken down into three groups, with silver frequent fliers and certain credit card holders boarding in Main Cabin 1. Finally, basic economy travelers will be invited to board in the last group.

 Passengers flying in the Delta One cabin on international flights will be able pre-select their in-flight meals in advance on all flights between the United States and Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America. Previously this option was only available on select transatlantic and transpacific routes. SkyMiles members booked in Delta One will be sent an email three days before departure asking them to select their first meal choice.

 Delta customers can now purchase an upgrade using miles in addition to cash after booking their reservation. Previously customers could only purchase the upgrade with miles during the initial booking process.  The new post-purchase upgrade is only available on flights operated by Delta.