BenchMark Incentives

Beginning April 10, the European Union's new Entry/Exit System for border control will be fully operational. The program, which has been under a gradual rollout since October 2025, will replace traditional passport stamps with a digital system. It is designed to increase security, as well as make border checks faster and more efficient.

The new Entry/Exit System will apply to all non-EU nationals who are visiting European countries for a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Border control agents will collect the visitor's fingerprints, take a facial image and ask for travel information, such as their entry and exit dates. This information will be stored electronically for three years.

United Airlines became the second U.S. carrier this week to announce it would be raising its checked bag fees.

Beginning with tickets purchased April 3, the first checked bag on a United flight within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America will cost $50, and the second checked bag will cost $60. Both are $10 increases.

The airline will continue its policy of providing a $5 discount for first and second checked bags paid more than 24 hours before the flight.

United's move follows JetBlue, which raised checked bag fees on March 30, citing higher fuel costs as its reason.

TSA ConfirmID — Launching February 1
Beginning February 1, domestic travelers who arrive at the checkpoint without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID, may verify their identity using TSA ConfirmID. TSA ConfirmID is a new way for travelers to verify their identity for a 10-day travel period when they don’t have an acceptable ID on hand. Starting on this date, if you are unable to provide the required acceptable form of ID at a TSA checkpoint, you will have the option to pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID. TSA will then attempt to verify your identity so you can begin the airport security screening process.

If you don't have a real ID for domestic travel, visit the TSA ConfirmID page and pay the $45 fee before heading to the airport.TSA continues to urge travelers without a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

ARE YOU REAL ID READY?
On May 7, TSA will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck travelers, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, military ID, or CBP Global Entry card.
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant, and who do not have another acceptable alternative can expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.

Our special interest group to the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu recently returned after a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru. Guest comments included flawless, life changing and a wonderful experience!

We recently managed an incentive trip for 300 guests to Cambodia & Vietnam. The venue for the final night was built on top of a rice paddy just for our group! Our client was blown away and told us this evening would be tough to beat on future trips. Challenge accepted!

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month - If you’re flying Delta during October, expect to see lots of pink on board and in airports as employees rally around raising money for a cure.
Throughout its 19-year partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Delta has raised $28 million for life-saving research and supported 112 research projects.
"I continue to be amazed by the passion of our people and generosity of our customers as they come together to support BCRF’s mission,” said Kristen Manion Taylor, S.V.P. of In-Flight Service and a breast cancer survivor. “This cause resonates with so many, and we’ll continue fighting until we find a cure.”
“The way Delta has woven BCRF into its culture is especially meaningful,” said Donna McKay, BCRF President & CEO. “It’s not just the pink uniforms or the extraordinary fundraising, it’s the genuine commitment that Delta employees have to advancing research. With Delta’s dedication, we are shaping a future where no one has to hear the words ‘you have breast cancer.’”
Keep reading for ways you can support this month, on the ground or in the air. Donations can be made all year round at delta.com/BCRF.
ON BOARD
For the entire month of October, 25% of proceeds from all on-board food and beverage purchases will be donated to BCRF. Customers can also donate directly to BCRF while on board with credit and debit cards only. Flight attendants will collect donations throughout the month.

Our very own Chris Rohan is quoted in this month's Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine after we operated back-to-back conferences in Orlando for a client.

Orlando - www.themeetingmagazines.com Orlando has become Florida’s Tomorrowland, and planners’ favorite global resort destination. It continues to change and expand — marveling and drawing attendees looking to explore new worlds and ways of mixing business with pleasure.

A tourist is looking to escape life, a traveler is looking to experience it!
You never know how long life is going to be, so don’t waste time on escaping it, spend it on experiencing it instead.

Don’t be a tourist…Be a traveler!