Here's what's happening today in the world of travel.
* TSA PRECHECK DELAYS (New York Times). The Transportation Security Administration reports that the number of travelers signing up for its PreCheck program—which allows you to move through airport security faster and without removing your shoes and taking electronics out of your luggage—has more than tripled in the last few months, surging to an average of 16,000 applicants a day in May. The result? You guessed it: long delays in processing applications. To complete the PreCheck process, passengers have to pay a fee of $85, undergo a background check, and complete an in-person interview. But dozens of applicants complain that they've been given appointments for interviews that are weeks or even months away.
So if we have this right, travelers who followed the TSA's advice for not getting stuck in long lines now find themselves . . . stuck in a long line.
* UNIVERSAL RELEASES WATER PARK DETAILS (Orlando Sentinel). Universal Orlando has revealed some details about its new water park, Volcano Bay, which the company promises will be up and running by June 1, 2017. The park will feature 18 attractions, including a wave pool with sandy beaches, a winding river with special light and water effects, a raft ride with saucer-shaped curves, and a centerpiece faux volcano featuring a slide with a 70-degree, 125-foot drop.
Somewhat more mysteriously, Universal says it will "redefine the queue experience so guests can focus entirely on having fun and spending time together" instead of waiting in lines. No further details were offered on that score, but maybe Universal can share what it's learned with the TSA?
* ZIKA'S EFFECT ON CARIBBEAN TRAVEL (Washington Post). The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which can cause fetal brain damage in infants born to women infected with the disease, continues to spread in Latin Ameica and the Caribbean. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned pregnant women to avoid traveling to those areas. Nevertheless, the Caribbean Tourism Organization announced this month a 7.3% rise in bookings from the same period last year. Some places like Puerto Rico, though, reported declines as the year went on. Figures aren't broken down by age, but experts say any slowdown is likely due to travelers in their childbearing years staying away.
* ZIKA'S EFFECT ON CARIBBEAN TRAVEL (Washington Post). The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which can cause fetal brain damage in infants born to women infected with the disease, continues to spread in Latin Ameica and the Caribbean. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned pregnant women to avoid traveling to those areas. Nevertheless, the Caribbean Tourism Organization announced this month a 7.3% rise in bookings from the same period last year. Some places like Puerto Rico, though, reported declines as the year went on. Figures aren't broken down by age, but experts say any slowdown is likely due to travelers in their childbearing years staying away.
To ease concerns, some hotels are taking preventive steps such as spraying public areas with insecticide and providing guests with mosquito repellant. To drum up business, some resorts are reportedly offering big discounts on vacation packages, too.
That's all we've got for now. Check back throughout the week for fresh updates.
That's all we've got for now. Check back throughout the week for fresh updates.