Journeyscape, Journey Latin America's sister brand which launched to the trade last summer, has reacted to the news that searches for 'flights to the USA' are up by 44% over the last month with top tips for agents and their clients heading stateside
Despite the pound falling rather substantially against the dollar in Q4 (down from $1.34 at the end of September $1.25 on New Year's Eve), it seems appetite is not slowing for stateside escapes. Journeyscape is hoping to capture some of the demand evident in those 89,000+ searches and help agents along the way.
The USA specialist operator is reminding clients that duty-free allowances (notably in the alcohol and tobacco sections) are not universal: rules on allowance and declaration differ. Journeyscape recommends clients to check in on the latest US customs regulations.
While contactless is almost ubiquitous across the UK, it is less so in the States; agents should recommend their clients carry a certain amount of cash and authorise their cards for international use, should cash or chip-and-pin be required. Cash is equally king for tipping, with a much greater expectation to tip American service workers.
Journeyscape also recommends at least two to three hours is allocated for layovers when connecting to onward domestic flights in the USA, given potential wait times for international customs, re-check in and security.
The operator's head of marketing, Kerry Manley, said, "Navigating US airports can be a seamless experience with a little planning and preparation. Travellers who want to make the experience a little smoother should take the time to familiarise themselves with key differences ahead of time so they know what to expect and can factor this into their travel plans.
"Stay informed about new technologies like facial recognition and remember to carry small denominations for tipping. By planning ahead and understanding the nuances of US airport procedures, you can turn what might seem like a daunting process into a smooth and stress-free part of your journey."
