Navigating the world of travel can be complex, and at American Airlines, we are committed to ensuring our team members and their guests are well-informed and prepared for their journeys. As part of our dedication to smooth and efficient travel experiences, we regularly issue travel advisories to keep you updated on essential information that may impact your travel plans. These advisories are designed to help you and your loved ones travel safely and return home without unnecessary complications. It’s crucial to stay informed, especially during peak travel seasons or when heading to popular destinations. Remember, our airport and reservations teams are working diligently to assist travelers, and your preparedness significantly contributes to their success. As a sponsoring employee or retiree, your role includes guiding your guest travelers to ensure they are well-informed and ready for any travel adjustments.
Latest Travel Notices
Here are the most recent travel notices that you should be aware of:
Brazil Visa Requirement Update for U.S., Canada, and Australia Citizens
Effective April 10, 2024, a new visa requirement is in place for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia planning to visit Brazil for tourism or business purposes. These travelers will now need to obtain an eVisa to enter Brazil. The Brazilian authorities advise applying for the eVisa well in advance of your travel date, recommending at least two weeks prior to departure, even though they estimate a minimum processing time of five days. You can apply for your eVisa through the official government portal. It is critical to note that travelers without a valid visa will not be permitted to board flights to Brazil. Furthermore, attempting to enter Brazil without the required visa could result in fines.
It is important to note that crew members traveling for work are currently exempt from this requirement and should consult their workgroups for specific guidance regarding travel to Brazil in the near future.
For all international travel, we strongly recommend using Sherpa to verify the most up-to-date entry requirements for your destination. Sherpa provides comprehensive information on visa requirements, health documents, and other travel regulations.
SNA Airport Passenger Limits and Non-Rev Travel Embargo
Effective through December 31, 2023, John Wayne Airport (SNA) has implemented passenger limitations due to local regulations. To comply with these restrictions, a non-rev and ZED travel embargo is in effect for all American Airlines-operated flights to and from SNA. This means that any non-revenue passengers traveling for leisure purposes with itineraries including SNA will be denied boarding at the airport.
Given that these passenger limits affect multiple airlines operating at SNA, we recommend that you consider alternative airport options. Nearby co-terminal airports such as Burbank (BUR), Los Angeles (LAX), and Ontario (ONT) are available and can serve as excellent alternatives to SNA during this period. Please make new flight listings accordingly if your travel plans are flexible.
Travel Advisory for Haiti
Issued September 18, 2023, due to ongoing security and infrastructure challenges in Haiti, a travel advisory is in effect. The U.S. government has advised U.S. citizens to depart Haiti as soon as it is safe to do so. To assist with departures, American Airlines operated larger aircraft to Port-au-Prince (POP) through September 20.
While flight availability may appear open closer to departure times, it is strongly recommended to avoid discretionary non-revenue travel to or through Port au Prince (POP). High last-minute demand from revenue passengers is anticipated, which will likely impact the availability of non-rev seats. Your safety and smooth travel are our top priorities, and avoiding non-essential travel to Haiti at this time is advised.
Checked Baggage Policy Update for Cuba Travel
There have been several updates regarding checked baggage policies for non-revenue travel to Cuba. As of the latest update:
All non-rev travelers, including D3 guests, are permitted to check up to two (2) bags without charge when traveling to Cuba. This is a welcome change that aligns the baggage allowance with that of revenue passengers. However, please remember that travelers are still responsible for any charges associated with extra baggage or overweight/oversized items.
Carry-on Allowance: It’s important to remember that all passengers, regardless of ticket type, are allowed the standard personal carry-on allowance in addition to the checked baggage policy.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Non-Rev Travel Limitations and Updates
London Heathrow Airport (LHR), a major European gateway for American Airlines, has experienced periods of restrictions on non-revenue travel due to various operational factors, including security worker strikes and passenger capacity limitations.
Past Embargoes and Restrictions:
- March 2023 Strike Impact: A planned strike by security workers in March 2023 at LHR led to several airlines, including British Airways and JetBlue, implementing embargoes on non-rev travel departing from LHR. These embargoes sometimes extended over holiday periods like Easter weekend. Travelers were advised to have backup plans, such as considering departures from London Gatwick (LGW), and to allow extra time for security processing. Note: American Airlines flights were not impacted by this specific embargo at that time.
- Summer 2022 Capacity Restrictions: During the peak summer travel season of 2022, LHR faced significant challenges with long security lines and baggage handling issues. This led to phased embargoes on non-rev departures from LHR, initially affecting D3 guests and later being lifted in phases for all non-rev travelers. Time restrictions were put in place, allowing non-rev travelers to list and check-in only during specific hours (before 8 a.m. or between noon and 3 p.m. BST) to help manage passenger flow and comply with airport capacity limits.
- October 2022 Update: By October 2022, restrictions on non-rev travel out of LHR were lifted, allowing non-rev passengers to clear security at any time.
Current Status: As of the latest updates, it’s advisable to check for any current advisories before planning non-revenue travel through LHR, especially during peak travel times, as situations at major international airports can change rapidly.
COVID-19 Related Travel Requirement Updates
The landscape of COVID-19 related travel requirements has been constantly evolving. Here are some key updates related to travel to and from China:
- China Travel Testing Removed (March 2023): Effective March 10, 2023, all COVID-19 testing requirements were lifted for travelers entering the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, or those who had recently been in these regions. This removed the need for pre-departure COVID-19 tests for these travelers.
- New Entry Requirements from China (January 2023): Prior to the removal of testing, starting January 5, 2023, travelers entering the U.S. from China, Hong Kong, or Macau were required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days before departure or proof of recent recovery. This requirement also applied to travelers from Seoul, Toronto, or Vancouver who had been in China, Hong Kong, or Macau within the previous 10 days. Transit passengers spending less than 24 hours in these locations were exempt.
- Vaccine Requirements Remain: While testing requirements may have been lifted for certain regions, it’s important to note that COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international travelers entering the United States may still be in place. Always verify the latest vaccine mandates and requirements with official sources like Sherpa before your international travel.
VeriFLY App: To help streamline your document verification process, American Airlines encourages the use of the VeriFLY app. While Travel Planner can be used for initial check-in for international travel, airport agents are required to verify travel documents. VeriFLY allows you to upload your test results and other entry documents directly, potentially expediting the airport verification process.
Staying informed about travel advisories is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey, especially when utilizing non-revenue travel benefits. Always check for the latest updates before your travel dates and ensure you have backup plans in place to handle any unforeseen circumstances. Safe travels!
