January 2010
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CWT keeps you informed
Editorial more
Entry requirements for the USA: ESTA has become mandatory from January 20, 2010 more
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner aircraft takes test flight more
CWT Traveler Trendbarometer: New flu is no cause for alarm more
Dear Readers,
Bankruptcies, billion-euro bailouts, manager bonuses and that familiar catchphrase: cash for clunkers – this past year everything seemed to revolve around material values. But in 2010 inner, immaterial values could take center stage, with the words “human rights” on everyone’s lips. Why?
Let us begin with Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross. The 100th anniversary of his death falls in 2010. Dunant was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize, but the world has unfortunately been unable to build lasting peace.
As a strong reaction to the atrocities of the Second World War, the United Nations signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. South Africa, whose policy of apartheid could not be reconciled with the right to equality, abstained. But then Nelson Mandela – likewise a Nobel laureate – guided his land without violence from apartheid to democracy, embodying humane ideals and values. He will hopefully be on hand for the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup football championship in Johannesburg on 11 June 2010.
Shared values can only come about through personal contact. This forms the basis for gaining respect and appreciation for others and building solid business relationships. That’s why increasing globalization makes business trips all the more important. And CWT will continue to offer you the best in business travel services – our contribution to bringing people together and creating value !
Your Carlson Wagonlit Travel agency !
Entry requirements for the USA: ESTA has become mandatory from January 20, 2010
Last year, the United States Department of Homeland Security implemented a new program known as ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorization. All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nationals are required to have an electronic travel authorization from ESTA prior to check-in, unless holding a valid U.S. visa. Children and infants must have their own ESTA.
As of 20 January 2010 passengers without a travel authorization from ESTA are denied check-in on international flights into the United States. In addition to an ESTA approval it is still necessary to complete the I-94W form until further notice.What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP, and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. Upon completion of an ESTA application, a VWP traveler is notified of his or her eligibility to travel to the United States under the VWP.When has been ESTA fully implemented?
The ESTA process has been fully implemented on 20 January 2010.
What will happen if passengers arrive at the airport without an ESTA after 20 January 2010?
The passenger can attempt to apply for an ESTA before the cut off time for check-in, or must delay travel until an ESTA or U.S. visa can be obtained.Must Form I-94W still be completed?
All passengers must still complete the green I-94W Arrival/Departure record even if they have received an ESTA. For now, the I-94W is the only record of when a passenger leaves the U.S.When to apply for an ESTA?
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States and a third party, such as a travel agent, will be permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveler. VWP travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States, and at least 72 hours before departure.How to apply for an ESTA?
VWP travelers may apply for an ESTA online through the U.S. government web site esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
The online ESTA application primarily consists of submission of passport data, country of residence, U.S. visiting address and answering certain questions (as currently listed on Form I-94W). Once the ESTA is approved (in most cases instantaneously), the applicant will receive an application number and expiration date of the ESTA. The traveler is NOT required to present a copy of the application neither can it be used for boarding pass issuance. An electronic ESTA must be on file prior to boarding pass issuance.An approved ESTA travel authorization is:
- Valid for up to two years, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first
- Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
- NOT a guarantee of admissibility into the United States
What language versions are available for the ESTA application?
Currently the ESTA website provides the following language versions: Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, and Swedish.However all questions must be answered in English
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft takes test flight
An aviation milestone was reached on December 15, 2009, when Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner took its first test flight. Originally scheduled to take its first test flight in 2007, this aircraft faced numerous delays on its way to becoming the first major airliner to be made mostly of composite materials. This landmark flight was piloted by Michael Carriker and Randall Neville, who took off at approximately 10:30 a.m. PST from Everett's Paine Field with over 12,000 Boeing employees and guests watching.
The pilots took the new, fuel-efficient aircraft on a three-hour flight over Washington state where they conducted a series of fundamental tests and systems checks before landing at Seattle's Boeing Field. This test flight marked the beginning of the extensive flight test program which is needed in order to obtain the aircraft’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.
There is a long road ahead, with 10 months of flight tests scheduled. Sources say the Dreamliner will not fly commercially until at least 2011, but Boeing promises travelers will have an overall “ better flying experience” on this environmentally-friendly airplane. Some of the benefits will include more luggage space, larger windows, and better lighting and seating for up to 300 passengers.
CWT Traveler Trendbarometer: New flu is no cause for alarm
Our last CWT Traveler Trendbarometer brought a first: all of the CWT Traveler readers who participated in the survey on the Influenza A (H1N1) virus (“Has your travel schedule changed due to Influenza A (H1N1)?”) answered without exception that this was not the case. The possible answers: “Yes, I am personally trying to travel less” and “Yes, my company is trying to minimize business travel in order to protect employees” received not a single “vote.” People evidently don’t regard the risk of catching the new virus as so alarming that it would cause them to change their travel plans.
As a fitting theme for the New Year, with our hopes for general economic recovery, we would like to ask for your prediction:
Do you think your travel schedule will change in 2010 compared to 2009?