REAL ID: Real confusing for citizens of some states

As some states across the country still struggle with compliance issues regarding the Federal Government's REAL ID ACT, there seems to be confusing and sometimes contradictory information in the media as implementation deadlines draw near. This may be due in part to the controversial and political nature of the issue for non-compliant states, as the Federal Government and officials from the non-compliant states continue to debate enforcement of the act.

REAL ID, which was passed by Congress in 2005 and is based on recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, sets standards for the issuance of sources of identification such as driver's licenses. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established a phased-in approach for enforcement, which stated that REAL ID compliant driver's licenses would be required for boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft no sooner than 2016. Once fully implemented, domestic travelers not possessing a REAL ID-compliant driver's license would be required to present a different type of approved identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

Currently approximately 50 percent of the U.S. states and territories are fully compliant with the REAL ID act and thus citizens from those states who possess a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will be ready when the official deadlines are set. Most of the states that are still not yet fully-compliant have received extensions that will allow their citizens to use their current valid driver's licenses for domestic travel until at least January 10, 2016, June 1, 2016 or October 10, 2016 depending on the state. A list indicating the status of each state and territory can be found on the DHS website. (http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief) According to the DHS site, at the time of this writing, only American Samoa and Minnesota are listed as non-compliant and have not received an official extension. However, it is currently noted on the site that Federal officials may continue to accept the Enhanced Driver's Licenses, which are available in Minnesota.

It is important to note, even with the currently specified deadlines, the DHS states on its website that "DHS will ensure the public has ample advanced notice before identification requirements for boarding aircraft or entering additional types of Federal facilities change."

Various political analysts have been quoted in the media saying they don't think the Federal Government would actually go through with denying citizens from non-compliant states access to domestic commercial aircraft unless they can present a valid U.S. passport or other approved identification instead. However, travelers from states that are not yet fully compliant who wish to avoid any potential issues may want to consider obtaining a U.S. passport. Adelman will continue to monitor this evolving situation, and we recommend that citizens from non-compliant states continue to monitor the DHS website at (http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief for the latest information.)

Leading with creativity, resourcefulness and dedication

Long time Adelman team member, Sherri Lewis, was recently promoted to Director of Account Management overseeing our Southern and Western regions. She began her career in travel over 25 years ago with Continental Airlines where she held multiple positions focusing on customer service. According to Sherri, working in a variety of travel industry positions and at other travel management companies before Adelman gives her a unique perspective on helping her customers.

Sherri joined Adelman in 1999 as an onsite travel consultant in Houston, Texas. She later moved to Austin, and shortly after that was promoted to onsite supervisor of one of our corporate accounts. Sherri was eventually promoted to Adelman's management consultant team. As a management consultant, Sherri focused on identifying opportunities to reduce costs, optimize volume within her customers' corporate travel policy and streamline travel processes for her accounts. Sherri's dedication, innovation and vision led to her latest promotion to Director of Account Management.

In her new role, Sherri not only oversees and supports Adelman's management consultants, but she also proactively monitors each customer's business plan to ensure that all objectives are being met and exceeded. Sherri notes, "I have always felt that it's important to be a creative and resourceful problem solver when identifying and executing solutions and carry this emphasis into my new position."

Besides being passionate about her career in travel, Sherri is an animal lover. In addition to caring for her own dogs, Sherri says "I attend and donate to various animal rescue events and also work to bring better awareness to the problem of homeless pets."

Having grown up near the ocean in Santa Cruz, California, Sherri has a special fondness for the beach and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys working out, especially doing yoga and weight training. According to Sherri, "My perfect evening would be a long walk on the beach with my dogs while taking in a beautiful sunset."

Delta further strengthens its corporate sales agreements

Delta has recently added several new components to its corporate sales agreement package, making it even more attractive for corporate customers.

As a way to highlight their exceptional operational performance record, Delta has implemented an Operational Performance Commitment for all customers with a corporate sales agreement. Under the commitment, the airline says it will compensate accounts if its controllable on-time and cancellation performance falls below United and American.

Additions to the Delta Edge suite of beyond-contract, value-added services include its Sky Partner Performance+ contract reporting app, which delivers real-time, on-demand access to performance data and trending charts along with actionable insights and advanced booking data. Corporate account travelers will also benefit from Delta’s industry-leading recognition and prioritization program, which gives priority to eligible travelers for boarding upgrades and other benefits along with specialized care, especially in the event of delays or other irregular situations.

Most recently, Delta announced that it is modifying its fare structures to make it easier to recognize its branded products. This new structure will also provide expanded opportunities for corporate agreement customers that include additional priority and recognition benefits for premium services.

Navigating airport security gets easier for travelers

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is using a multi-pronged approach to attack one of air travel’s most vexing problems: long lines of passengers awaiting inspection when entering the U.S. The agency has installed more than 900 automated passport control kiosks at major airports across the country, with more on the way. CBP officials say these kiosks have reduced wait times by as much as 40 percent. Now the CBP is introducing facial recognition to these kiosks with the first unit being launched at Orlando International.

The CBP is expanding its Preclearance program as another way to reduce arrival lines. The CBP already operates preclearance facilities at 15 airports, including nine in Canada, but under current expansion plans 10 more locations are expected to be opened within two years. CBP officials say, "The goal is to have one third of all arriving passengers pre-cleared by 2024." Preclearance not only benefits travelers by reducing arrival wait times but also enhances security by identifying potential threats before passengers board their aircraft.

The CBP also recently launched a redesign of its ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) website. The enhanced site makes the process of applying for an ESTA more user-friendly for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries wishing to visit the United States. The ESTA system also helps reduce wait times at the airport.

For domestic travelers signing up for PreCheck has gotten easier as MorphoTrust USA, which provides PreCheck enrollment services for the Transportation Security Administration, is now offering Saturday hours at 13 locations around the country in addition to expanded weekday hours. You can search for a sign-up center and its hours at https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/locator. MorphoTrust is also partnering with H&R Block to bring sign-up services to even more locations. For more information please visit http://www.morphotrust.com/Portals/0/H&R_Block_8-28-15.pdf.