Travel
E-Travel News
May 2021 - Volume 13, Issue 2
In This Issue
REAL ID Requirements Pushed to May 2023
The Department of Homeland Security has delayed the requirement for Real ID compliant identification to May 2023. The deadline was pushed from October 2020 to October 2021, but officials say another delay is necessary because the pandemic has made it difficult for people to get into the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Especially in more rural areas, where offices have been closed and travel in/out of villages is more challenging with limited flights.
Even though there is a delay in the requirements, now is a good time to take advantage of new services the DMV has implemented during the pandemic, such as scheduled appointments at most locations.
Alaska DMV website http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/ID%20News.htm has an interactive process that will help you prepare your documents in advance of your appointment. Taking time to go through the Real ID checklist and various FAQs, before you head to the DMV will ensure your appointment goes smoothly.
Please remind your state travelers to get their REAL ID now!
Know Before You Go
Corporate Travel Management has put together a couple of great blogs that includes a comprehensive traveler documentation checklist and how travel has become contactless during the pandemic.
- Traveler Checklist details https://us.travelctm.com/blog/travel-documentation-checklist/
- Contactless Travel the new end to end experience from airport, to car and hotel rentals.
Rental Car Shortages
You will notice when booking car rentals, that rates are higher and one or more of our car rental contracts may not be available. Car rental companies sold most of their fleets to remain open during the pandemic, as result we are now seeing an increase in travel but a shortage of car rentals.
Specifically, Anchorage has a shortage right now and this may extend to other areas within the state of Alaska as well. For example, Budget has pulled most inventory to avoid situations where renters do not return vehicles on time, which creates a problem for the next person that needs to pick up.
This is not unique to state funded travel or our contract vendors. You can expect to see a shortage nationwide for both business and personal use until things stabilize.