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If you’re planning university-related travel between July 18, 2025, and October 31, 2025, you could earn up to 10,000 Rapid Rewards® bonus points with Southwest Airlines—points that also count toward A-List and A-List Preferred tier status.

Here’s how it works:

• Book and fly two qualifying roundtrip flights (or four one-way flights): Earn 5,000 bonus points

• Book and fly four qualifying roundtrip flights (or eight one-way flights): Earn an additional 5,000 bonus points (for a total of 10,000 bonus points)

To participate, you must:

1. Register for the promotion at Southwest.com/2025tieraccelerator

2. Book your flights through UMBC’s preferred travel booking tool

3. Travel on qualifying flights between 7/18/25 and 10/31/25

Starting on October 12, 2025, the European Union will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES)—an automated border control system for all travelers from non-EU countries, including the United States.

What is EES?

• Replaces manual passport stamping at EU external borders

• Electronically records traveler’s name, passport details, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), and dates of entry and exit

• Aims to enhance border security and accurately monitor the length of stays within the Schengen Area

• No application or fee required

• Travelers may experience longer wait times during initial rollout

Looking Ahead: ETIAS Authorization
In the last quarter of 2026, the European Union will introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This system will require eligible travelers to apply online for authorization prior to entering most EU countries.

• ETIAS is not a visa, but a pre-travel authorization

• More information is available at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

Additional Resources:
For more information about EES, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees

If you have questions or plan to travel to Europe for university-related purposes after October 2025, please contact travelservicesap@umbc.edu.

Happy FY26, UMBC!

As we begin a new fiscal year, the Travel Services team would like to thank you for your continued partnership and share an important reminder:

Starting today, July 1, 2025, Globetrotter is no longer available as a travel agency option in the UMBC travel system.

• Any new pre-approvals submitted from this point forward should not include Globetrotter.

• If you have an existing pre-approval already submitted and approved with Globetrotter, your travel will continue to be supported by them through completion.

Going forward, Altour is the approved travel agency for all UMBC business travel. You can contact Altour directly at 1 (800) 333-2115 for assistance with booking or support.

This change supports our transition to SAP Concur, our new travel and expense platform launching later this year. We’re excited to bring you a more efficient and user-friendly travel experience.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Travel Services at TravelServicesAP@umbc.edu.

Here’s to a smooth and successful FY26!
— UMBC Travel Services

Hotel Revival – UMBC Preferred Hotel Partner

Located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon district, Hotel Revival offers a boutique hospitality experience with exclusive benefits for UMBC guests:

UMBC Guest Benefits:

• 25% off the best available rate

• Waived amenity fee

• 24-hour cancellation policy

• No minimum night stay required

Booking Is Easy:
Guests can reserve a room by visiting www.hotelrevivalbaltimore.com, clicking “Book Now,” and entering promo code UMBC under “Special code or rate.” Or use the direct UMBC Booking Link.

We encourage departments to recommend Hotel Revival for visiting speakers, collaborators, and job candidates. For more information, view the Hotel Revival Lookbook or contact Business Services for assistance.

Thank you again for your input—we’ll continue to keep you updated as we finalize additional partnerships in the coming months.

Please see attached for more details 

• Attached Flyer for Preferred Hotel Partner: Hotel Revival, Baltimore