Travel Information & FAQs Resource
In recent months, the travel industry has experienced many uncertainties due to coronavirus. We appreciate your patience as we continue to make real-time modifications to our available inventories, update policies & procedures and adapt to new industry standards.
Here, we hope to provide you with all of the resources needed to feel well informed when making travel decisions. We are in this together, and we will continue to make the health and safety of our members our number one priority. Please note, because this situation is very fluid, guidelines and recommendations listed on this page may change at any time.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to monitor the U.S.’s CDC's website.

Important Announcement

Effective January 26, 2021 –

The CDC has implemented expanded mandatory COVID-19 testing requirements for all international flights arriving into the United States. Any air traveler departing from a country outside of the U.S., including Mexico and the Caribbean, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding.

We are diligently working alongside our suppliers - including airlines, cruise lines, resort and hotel properties, tour operators, and rental car rental agencies to ensure compliance with the CDC's latest requirement. Our team is currently reviewing departure dates and are proactively reaching out to members affected by this mandate, as needed.

Expanded CDC Testing Requirements include:

  • While guidelines evolve and change, please review the most updated information by visiting the CDC's website
  • All U.S.-bound air travelers are required to take a COVID-19 viral test within 72 hours of departure.
  • Written documentation of test results, with the name and information of the testing laboratory or health professional, must be provided to the airline before boarding.
  • Airlines accept electronic or paper documentation.
  • For those recovered from COVID-19, passengers are permitted to provide written evidence of having recovered, with documentation of test results conducted within three months of the flight date from a foreign country.
  • Airlines are required to confirm negative test results or documentation of recovery for all passengers.
  • If a passenger refuses to provide documentation or elects not to take a test, the airline will deny boarding to the passenger.
  • To slow the spread of COVID-19 within communities from travel-related infections, the CDC recommends testing three to five days post-arrival and self-quarantining for a minimum of seven days post-travel.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to monitor the U.S.’s CDC's website

We're here to help

Our Commitments to You
We want to thank you, our loyal members, during these unprecedented times. Our team is working around the clock, keeping pace with new changes to policies from our travel partners and processing changes to travel reservations on behalf of our members. We sincerely appreciate your continued patience and understanding at this time. Please note: We are actively managing all reservations for upcoming travel. We commit to keeping you informed about the status of any affected reservations you have made with us.

Here are our commitments to you:

  • 1. Will actively manage all reservations for upcoming travel on your behalf, so you do not need to call in and check on the status.
  • 2. Will notify you when and if there is a change, and we will process those changes on your behalf.
  • 3. Will maintain an updated FAQ resource page that lists cruise line and tour supplier cancellations as well as future travel incentives and credits. Click here for the latest updates.
  • 4. Will act on the feedback, concerns and questions coming to us from our members and make improvements to our service operations. We are committed to delivering an excellent customer experience, especially during these challenging times.
  • 5. Will continue to work closely with all of our travel suppliers across the cruise line, tour, resort, hotel and airline communities to secure and honor future travel incentives and flexible cancellation policies on behalf of our members.
Meet our Team
Meet our team – these are the folks working in the travel industry who will be here for you when we are all traveling again. We could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve you and the support our members continue to show us. Our Team has compiled a list of FAQs based on the questions members are asking us most, in the hopes that this delivers some peace of mind and valuable information for our soon-to-be travelers.

Meet the Team Servicing You

"The most meaningful part of my job is bringing smiles to the faces of members that we send on vacation each day. In some ways, we too share in those memories that will last a lifetime." #travelstrong

– Melvin, Memberships Team
"I love being able to help people make their travel dreams true. Being able to continually provide our members with improved travel options makes me feel totally satisfied." #travelstrong

– Elsy, Account Management
"I have the good fortune to spend each day with a team that demonstrates commitment to our members and resilience in the face of adversity. It's an honor to be part of this travel family." #travelstrong

– Travis, Service & Sales
"The memories that we create through vacations are truly the benchmarks in our life's story. I love being able to inspire our members to get out there to create more of those memories." #travelstrong

– Leah, Marketing
"It's fair to assume that we're all in need of a well-deserved vacation! I am proud to be part of this community and honored to be here for our members when they are back to planning their next adventure." #travelstrong

– Anthony, Operations
"I'm proud to work in the travel industry because we are making people's dreams come true - whether a honeymoon or a spring break trip, these are the memories that we will forever hold in our hearts." #travelstrong

– Jasmine, Human Resources
"I love helping families come together for vacations that will be remembered forever! We don't hold onto memories of paying bills or doing laundry - we hold onto the memories of our vacations." #travelstrong

– Tom, Cruise Team
"Find a job you love - you'll never work a day in your life” I feel this way each day helping members plan their vacations. I can't wait to get back to helping our members create more special memories." #travelstrong

– Bonnie, Cruise Team
"When we travel again - I'm excited to see new destinations. This experience has made me rethink my “bucket list” and I won't let those destinations collect dust on a wish list anymore." #travelstrong

– Michelle, Marketing
"Traveling in the remainder of 2020 will be amazing. The amount of time we have had to sit and dream of being outside and exploring new places has enhanced the dreams we already were having." #travelstrong

– Will, Operations
"Being a part of the travel community allows me to see things at 10,000 feet! We get to experience adventures personally as well as through the adventures of our extended family, our members." #travelstrong

– Eddie, Data Management
New Travel Industry Guidelines
During these unprecedented times, leaders in the travel industry have come together alongside science and medical experts to ensure the health and safety of travelers. Through this focused collaboration, a core set of health and safety guidelines have been created that align with evidence-based recommendations. This guidance will provide you with an understanding of key practices throughout the US Travel Industry and peace of mind when considering or making your next travel decision.
Travel companies including airlines, cruise lines, resort and hotel properties, tour operators, car and restaurants have been adapting their day-to-day operations, modifying employee practices and focusing on the redesign of public spaces to help protect employees and customers.

These strategies include, but are not limited to:

  • Hand-washing protocols, which can decrease the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses by ~50%
  • Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves
  • Installing physical barriers, such as transparent screens to provide proper separation between customers and employees
  • Encouraging physical distancing by posting new signage to ensure proper separation in lines and common areas, discouraging congregating in crowded areas, reconfiguring public spaces, or limiting the number of employees and customers in various areas
  • Thinking creatively to limit staff physical contact with customers where practical while still delivering superior service, for example, through online ordering, curbside service, automated entrances and other practices
  • Educating both employees and customers about their shared responsibility to help protect each other in a COVID-19 environment.
Travel providers and operators have begun implementing many touchless solutions, including protective barriers. These solutions limit the chances for transmission while still promoting a positive travel experience.

Other measures may include contactless technologies for:

  • Ticketing
  • Identification
  • Check-in
  • Payment for goods and services
  • Automated ordering and pick-up for food and services; and
  • A broader range of travel and hospitality amenities.
Travel providers and operators have begun implementing enhanced sanitation protocols to combat the transmission or spread of the virus.

In the focus of promoting the health and safety of each customer and employee, the following sanitation procedures have begun to be implemented:

  • Policies that include frequent hand washing by all employees and, in the absence of hand washing, make frequent use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
  • Sanitizing more frequently, using products and disinfectants that meet requirements for effectiveness against COVID-19; special attention to high-touch surfaces
  • Providing hand sanitizer in public areas throughout facilities
  • Modifying business hours when necessary to carry out thorough sanitation and disinfection procedures
  • Providing new training for employees on implementing these measures
  • Researching technological innovations and testing new procedures, as appropriate, to enhance sanitation
Travel businesses have begun encouraging health screening protocols for employees, isolation plans for workers that show symptoms of the virus and the implementation of health resources to customers.

Health-screening procedures would require that all employees:

  • Monitor their heaxflth
  • Not report to work if they are ill and/or showing any symptoms
  • Self-isolate if showing symptoms of COVID-19, if awaiting test results, or if diagnosed with COVID-19
Travel providers and operators have begun to implement new procedures should an employee or customer test positive for the virus.
Should an employee or customer test positive, travel businesses shall follow an appropriate checklist of actions in response. 
Travel businesses are encouraged to follow best practices in food and beverage services to promote the health of employees and customers.
While COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness, food and beverage service is an essential and ubiquitous part of the hospitality our industry provides to travelers. When serving food and beverages, travel businesses should follow evidence-based best practices for retail food stores, restaurants, and food pick-up/delivery services during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the National Restaurant Association’s COVID-19 Re-Opening Guidance.
They should also review the National Restaurant Association’s longstanding ServSafe guidelines or comparable state program.
Resource Prepared by the U.S. Travel Association, Updated May 4th, 2020

Contributing Organizations:

ACRA, AAAE, ACI-NA, AAHOA, Airlines for America, AGA, AHLA, ARDA, ASTA, Brand USA, CLIA, Destination International, The Events Industry, IAAPA, IAEE, IAVM, IFA, IITA, IMEX Group, MPI, NCBMP, NLA, National Restaurant Association, NTA, PCMA, SISO, Skål International, USTOA, U.S. Travel Association CEO Roundtable, U.S. Travel Association Destinations Council, U.S. Travel Association Gateway Airports Council, U.S. Travel Association Meetings Mean Business, U.S. Travel Association National Council of Attractions and Experiences, U.S. Travel Association of State Tourism Directors https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/HealthandSafetyGuidance.pdf
General Travel FAQs

What happens in the event of a positive test prior to re-entering the U.S.?

For details regarding re-entry to the U.S in the event of a positive test, please visit: www.travel.state.gov Travelers should also review and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus as well as visit their hotel, resort, air, car or cruise line provider’s direct website for additional health and safety information and precautions.

How do I find out more about what my travel insurance covers?

Travel insurance varies based upon the provider, and the policy. We recommend for our members to review the most updated insurance policies by visiting the links below:

Where do I take my test?

Each supplier offers a variety of testing option. Please find your travel supplier from the list below to review their most updated testing information.
Cruise Line Partners:
Major Domestic and International Air Carriers:
Resort and Hotel Partners:
Rental Car Providers:

Discrimination Statement:

Assumptions about coronavirus affecting any individual should not be made based on behavior, appea rance, or travel status.

Should I stop traveling?

Du e to the coronavirus, U.S. and Canada have issued advisories to avoid internati onal travel. Older adults or those with an underlying/preexis ting condition should postpone all travel, including domestic.

Are there specific areas that I should avoid traveling?

Wh ile we constantly are monitoring the effect of the virus to different countrie s and locations around the world, we encourage our members located in United States to visit the U.S. State Department’s website for information regard ing travel to different countries. For members residing in other countries, please visit CDC website for Travel Recommendations by Country. We value the opinions of our members, and understand that they should make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.

If I choose to book travel, should I get travel insurance?

We always recommend travel insurance to our members, especially for international travel. If your concerns for purchasing insurance are specifically related to coronavirus, we recommend that you speak with one of our travel specialists and read your travel insurance policy as the rules and restrictions may vary vendor to vendor

If traveling by air, how do I know that the plane has been cleaned sufficiently enough to prevent the spread of coronavirus?

Shared guidelines recommend that flight crews follow cleaning procedures when no symptomatic passengers have been onboard a flight. If there have been symptomatic passengers, outlined enhanced cleaning procedures to practice alongside routine procedures will be implemented.
  • All surfaces within a six-foot radius of the ill passenger's location, such as their seat and seat belt, the surrounding carpet, armrests, tray tables, windows and overhead compartment handles.
  • All bathrooms used by the symptomatic person, including the door handle, locking device, toilet seat, faucet, washbasin, adjacent walls and counter.

What health and safety precautions should I take to protect myself from coronavirus while traveling?

Leading health authorities are urging the same personal best practices that are standard for a typical flu season, such as the following:
  • Avoid close contact with people who show signs of illness, including coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed while traveling?

If you have recently traveled, or have been in proximity to individuals in a location outside of your home circle, please visit https://www.cdc.gov or https://www.who.int/ for specific instructions recommended by the CDC and the WHO.

What if coronavirus is detected while I’m located in my place of travel?

Health and local authorities in each domestic location, or country of travel are responsible for directing any official response.
Future Cruise Credit (FCCs) FAQs

What is a Future Cruise Credit?

Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are credits issued by a cruise line to use as payments towards another cruise vacation in the future. These are given to customers as a form of compensation for inconveniences caused by canceled cruises or service issues on a previous cruise. These are typically awarded to a guest in the form of a certificate with a certificate number and a finite expiration date. The amount may vary depending on the cost of the cruise.
You do not have to decide on your future cruise at the time you receive the FCC. Generally, you will have a year or more to choose your future cruise and rebook. It is important to know the details of the FCC, such as blackout sailing dates and expiration dates. FCCs are usually able to be combined with whatever promotions the cruise line has available at the time you rebook.

My cruise was cancelled because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). I was offered the choice of a Future Cruise Credit or a refund. Which option should I take?

Most cruise lines who suspended or cancelled cruise departures as a result of coronavirus (Covid-19) are offering generous Future Cruise Credits that are significantly higher than the amount guests actually paid for their cruise. For this reason, we recommend the Future Cruise Credit, as the amount of the credit may be worth more than what you already paid. The additional FCC amount could benefit you by paying the difference in an upgraded stateroom or longer cruise. Since an FCC means you'll definitely cruise again, we offer our members additional benefits to encourage you to select the Future Cruise Credit so you'll actually book the future cruise you deserve.
However, if you are not able to book or travel within the FCC expiration dates or if you are in immediate need of the funds for an alternate vacation, then select the cruise refund option.

What is the difference between a Future Cruise Credit and a Future Cruise Deposit / Next Cruise Certificate?

Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Deposits (Next Cruise) are very similar in that they are both valid forms of payment for a future cruise. The difference between the two is that Future Cruise Credits are given by the cruise line AND Future Cruise Deposits are purchased by the customer.
As mentioned previously, Future Cruise Credits (FCC) are given to customers as a form of compensation for inconveniences caused by cancelled cruises or service issues on a previous cruise. Future Cruise Deposits or Next Cruise Certificates are purchased by guests while they are actively sailing on a cruise.
Many cruise lines have onboard cruise advisors who will help the guest find a future cruise and offer incentives like shipboard credits, specialty dining, upgrades or discounts to place a future deposit. Since booking a Future Cruise Deposit onboard offers such a great value, this is a very popular benefit among repeat cruise travelers. We highly recommend our guests take advantage of booking a Future Cruise Deposit while onboard their next cruise.

How much is my Future Cruise Credit worth?

The value of your Future Cruise Credit can vary based on many factors. The cruise line, how much you paid for the original cruise, and possibly even your sailing date or destination can all affect the value of your FCC. During the COVID-19 crisis, some cruise lines are offering a credit for an amount even higher than what you originally paid, and some cruise lines are offering a credit for any penalties you may have incurred.

How can I redeem my Future Cruise Credit?

Redeeming your Future Cruise Credit is easy! Just call one of our travel specialists, and they will take care of the details for you.

Can I transfer my Future Credit to someone else?

No, Future Cruise Credits are non-transferable. They are only valid for the passengers booked on the original sailing.

Do Future Cruise Credits expire?

Yes, when a Future Cruise Credit is issued there is an expiration date. The expiration date will be listed on your certificate. Many of the coronavirus (Covid-19) FCCs have both a "Book By" expiration date and a "Travel By" expiration date. Generally, you will have a year or more to use your Future Cruise Credit. These expiration dates vary by cruise line and certificate.

What does my Future Cruise Credit cover?

A Future Cruise Credit may be used towards the base cruise fare of any future cruise (typically with the same cruise line). It can be used towards a new sailing you book, or any existing sailing you have previously booked.

What does my Future Cruise Credit not cover?

Depending upon the cruise line, a Future Cruise Credit will likely not cover future charges such as port taxes and fees, initial deposits, prepaid gratuities, shore excursions, and onboard spending.

How is my Future Cruise Credit protected against future cancelations?

If the cruise you booked using your Future Cruise Credit is cancelled, the full amount may again be refunded in the form of another Future Cruise Credit and the expiration dates will likely be adjusted accordingly. In any case, simply contact a travel specialist and we will help you understand all of your options and find the solution that suits you best.

Ready to book your Future Cruise Credit or browse cruise options?

Booking with an FCC must take place over the phone. So, give us a call! We’d be happy to help you find your next perfect cruise sailing.
Existing Reservations: Canceling or Rebooking?
During this time of uncertainty, we want you to know we are here for you. Whether you are anticipating your upcoming reservation, need to cancel a reservation or have questions about cruising, flying, renting a car, or staying at a hotel or resort—all travel service providers are rapidly responding to the situation—addressing concerns, answering questions and making adjustments for more flexible vacation options.
If you have questions or need to cancel or rebook a reservation, please visit our ‘Travel Assured’ information hub.
Quick Travel Checklist
  • Check travel restrictions and quarantine rules for your desired destination
  • Check airline policies beforehand
  • Remember to pack items including seasonal inhalers, supplements, extra vitamin C and probiotics
  • If you’re traveling internationally, consider a small, carry-on first-aid kit including ibuprofen, aspirin, decongestant, antihistamine, Band-Aids, etc.
  • Always pack your medications inside your carry on (not in checked-baggage which can get misplaced)
  • Write an emergency contact sheet inside your carry on and/or in your wallet
  • Bring ample masks, hand-sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes
  • If possible, pack a digital thermometer
  • If possible, bring and safely store your own food while traveling
  • Keep contact information for your physician with you if needed for a health emergency
  • Look up local guidelines for outdoor activities for your upcoming destination, and follow them
  • Research restaurants ahead of arriving if you plan to dine out
  • Always practice social distancing
  • Keep current with your vaccinations
We're here when you're ready to travel again
1.866.260.3575