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Contact customer care, massive interest for sas’ “destination unknown”.

SAS opened the possibility for EuroBonus members to sign up for the recently introduced flight experience “Destination Unknown” today at 12 noon. Within minutes, over 1000 members signed up for the chance to embark on this mystery journey.

On April 5, SAS EuroBonus members will meet at Copenhagen Airport ready to board a mystery trip. The travelers are invited to explore the concept of flying to an unknown destination and join a unique adventure curated by SAS.

SAS invites EuroBonus members to embark on a mysterious journey between April 5-8, 2024. This extraordinary SAS experience promises to add additional excitement and adventure to the trip. The allure of the unknown destination will keep travelers on the edge throughout the flight until the destination is revealed.

" I am thrilled about this innovative concept, and I am confident that, just like me, a lot of travelers are excited by the idea of an unknown destination. The prospect of embarking on an adventurous and mysterious journey with fellow enthusiasts, finding new connections and friendships along the way, is truly exciting. SAS equals trust and quality and promises our passengers an adventure that will bring their travel experience to a new level. These are not just trips; they are extraordinary journeys that will stay with you for a lifetime,” says Paul Verhagen, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

All seats on the flight are reserved for SAS EuroBonus members and can only be purchased using EuroBonus points. The Destination Unknown tickets are all so-called biofuel tickets. Read more about SAS biofuel tickets here: https://www.flysas.com/en/bio/

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Change your ticket

Whether you need to reschedule your travel dates or update traveler names, we have all the information you need.

Travel date or time

Rebooking policy.

SAS regular tickets can be rebooked up to 1 hour before departure.

SAS Bonus tickets can be rebooked up to departure, provided the points are still valid.

If you’re rebooking on a flight that costs more than your original ticket, you’ll need to pay the difference.

You can rebook for regular tickets on a new flight 361 days ahead and for SAS Bonus tickets 330 days ahead or according to availability.

A rebooking fee may apply. The fee will be based on the ticket rules.

If you've booked via a travel agent / travel website, please contact them for available options.

Rebooking fee

You enjoy unlimited free rebooking for SAS Go Pro, SAS Plus Pro and SAS Business Pro tickets. If rebooking to a ticket with a higher fare, you will also have to pay the fare difference.

For SAS Bonus tickets, a rebooking fee per traveler and flight will apply:

Domestic and European flights: 25 EUR/250 SEK/250 NOK/175 DKK/25 USD/32 CAD

To/from Asia and North America: 75 EUR/750 SEK/750 NOK/525 DKK /75 USD/96 CAD

For all other ticket types, a rebooking fee from 650 DKK/NOK/SEK (or the equivalent in the local currency) will apply per traveler and flight. In addition to the rebooking fee, a fare difference (if any) may apply.

How to rebook

Go to My bookings

Enter your booking reference and last name, or log in.

Open the booking and click "Change booking".

Select the flight you'd like to rebook.

Choose the new travel date or time and continue to payment.

Enter your payment details and confirm the change.

If you're not able to rebook yourself, just contact us for help.

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You can change the name on an unused ticket for a flight operated by SAS, for example, to make a correction or transfer your ticket to another traveler. Please note:

SAS regular tickets and SAS Bonus tickets can be changed up to 1 hour before departure.

It’s not possible to change passenger type (e.g. adult, child, youth).

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For all tickets, the fee is 600 DKK/NOK/SEK (or the equivalent in the local currency) per traveler.

How to change

To change the name on your ticket, contact SAS Customer Service

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Book now. Decide later. With our flexible 24-hour money-back guarantee, you can cancel your trip at no cost within 24 hours after the booking was made.

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If you're unable to travel and need to cancel your trip, you may be entitled to a refund. Below you'll find information about ticket refund rules and how to apply for a refund.

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If your SAS flight is canceled, we will do our best to take care of you and keep you informed.

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If your flight is delayed, we will inform you as soon as possible by text message and through our app, based on the contact information in your booking. If your flight is significantly delayed and you choose not to travel you may be entitled to compensation.

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Meningococcal Disease Cases Linked to Travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Ensure Pilgrims are Current on Meningococcal Vaccination

Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network May 20 2024, 10:30 AM ET CDCHAN-00508

Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to alert healthcare providers to cases of meningococcal disease linked to Umrah travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that can be performed any time in the year; the Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage this year taking place June 14–19, 2024. Since April 2024, 12 cases of meningococcal disease linked to KSA travel for Umrah have been reported to national public health agencies in the United States (5 cases), France (4 cases), and the United Kingdom (3 cases). Two cases were in children aged ≤18 years, four cases were in adults aged 18–44 years, four cases were in adults aged 45–64 years, and two cases were in adults aged 65 years or older. Ten cases were in patients who traveled to KSA, and two were in patients who had close contact with travelers to KSA. Ten cases were caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W (NmW), one U.S. case was caused by serogroup C (NmC), and the serogroup is unknown for one U.S. case. Of nine patients with known vaccination status, all were unvaccinated. The isolates from the one U.S. NmC case and two NmW cases (one U.S., one France) were resistant to ciprofloxacin; based on whole-genome sequencing, the remaining eight NmW isolates were all sensitive to penicillin and ciprofloxacin.

In the United States, quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY) conjugate vaccination is routinely recommended for adolescents, and also recommended for travelers to countries where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, including a booster dose of MenACWY if the last dose was administered 3–5 or more years previously (depending on the age at most recent dose received). In addition, all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims aged one year and older are required by KSA to receive quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine. Healthcare providers should work with their patients considering travel to perform Hajj or Umrah to ensure that those aged one year or older have received a MenACWY conjugate vaccine within the last 5 years administered at least 10 days prior to arrival in KSA. Healthcare providers should also maintain increased suspicion for meningococcal disease in anyone presenting with symptoms of meningococcal disease after recent travel to KSA for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage. U.S. health departments and healthcare providers should preferentially consider using rifampin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin instead of ciprofloxacin for chemoprophylaxis of close contacts of meningococcal disease cases associated with travel to KSA.

Background Meningococcal disease , caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis , is a rare but severe illness with a case-fatality rate of 10–15%, even with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Meningococcal disease often presents as meningitis with symptoms that may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or altered mental status. Meningococcal disease may also present as a meningococcal bloodstream infection with symptoms that may include fever, chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, severe aches and pains, rapid breathing, diarrhea, or, in later stages, a petechial or dark purple rash (purpura fulminans). While initial symptoms of meningococcal disease can at first be nonspecific, they worsen rapidly and can become life-threatening within hours. Survivors may experience long-term effects such as deafness or amputations of the extremities. Immediate antibiotic treatment for meningococcal disease is critical. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures are indicated for patients with suspected meningococcal disease. Healthcare providers should not wait for diagnostic testing or receipt of laboratory results before initiating treatment for suspected cases of meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal disease outbreaks have occurred previously in conjunction with mass gatherings including the Hajj pilgrimage. The most recent global outbreak of meningococcal disease associated with travel to KSA for Hajj was in 2000–2001 and was primarily caused by NmW. Since 2002, KSA has required that all travelers aged one year or older performing Hajj or Umrah provide documentation of either a) a MenACWY polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4 is no longer available in the United States) within the last 3 years administered at least 10 days prior to arrival or b) a MenACWY conjugate vaccine within the last 5 years administered at least 10 days prior to arrival. This requirement aligns with ACIP recommendations for revaccination of U.S. travelers to endemic areas who received their last dose 3–5 or more years previously (depending on the age at most recent dose received). Nevertheless, meningococcal vaccination coverage among Umrah travelers is known to be incomplete.

Close contacts of people with meningococcal disease should receive antibiotic chemoprophylaxis as soon as possible after exposure, regardless of immunization status, ideally less than 24 hours after the index patient is identified. Ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and ceftriaxone are the first-line antibiotics recommended for use as chemoprophylaxis. However, ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of N. meningitidis have been emerging in the United States and globally. CDC recently released implementation guidance for the preferential use of other recommended prophylaxis antibiotics in areas with multiple cases caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. Health departments should discontinue using ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis for close contacts when, in a catchment area during a rolling 12-month period, both a) ≥2 invasive meningococcal disease cases caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains have been reported, and b) cases caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains account for ≥20% of all reported invasive meningococcal disease cases. Though a catchment area is defined as a “single contiguous area that contains all counties reporting ciprofloxacin-resistant cases,” in this circumstance, it is more appropriate to determine the catchment population based on travel history rather than geographic location at the time of diagnosis. Among the 11 global cases associated with travel to KSA that have antimicrobial sensitivity results available, 3 cases (27%) were caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. Rifampin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin should be preferentially considered instead of ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis for close contacts in the United States of meningococcal disease cases associated with travel to KSA.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

• Recommend vaccination with MenACWY conjugate vaccine for people considering travel to KSA to perform Hajj or Umrah (pilgrims) in addition to routine meningococcal vaccination for adolescents and other people at increased meningococcal disease risk.
• Maintain a heightened index of suspicion for meningococcal disease among symptomatic people who have recently been in KSA and among close contacts of people who have recently been in KSA, regardless of vaccination status.
• Immediately notify state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments about any suspected or confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in the United States.
• Preferentially consider using rifampin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin instead of ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis for close contacts in the United States of meningococcal disease cases associated with travel in KSA.

Recommendations for Health Departments

• Consider outreach to local communities to promote meningococcal vaccination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to KSA.
• Collect a detailed travel history for all reported cases of meningococcal disease.
• Continue to report cases of meningococcal disease in people who have recently been in KSA, or in close contacts of people who have recently been in KSA, to CDC at [email protected] in addition to routine reporting through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System ( NNDSS ).

Recommendations for the Public

• People considering travel to KSA to perform Hajj or Umrah should ensure they are current on vaccination with MenACWY vaccine as required by KSA . All travelers aged one year or older performing Hajj or Umrah should have received either a) a MenACWY polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4, no longer available in the United States) within the last 3 years administered at least 10 days prior to arrival or b) a quadrivalent MenACWY conjugate vaccine within the last 5 years administered at least 10 days prior to arrival.
• Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis may include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light), or altered mental status (confusion).
• Symptoms of meningococcal bloodstream infection may include fever and chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, severe aches and pains, rapid breathing, diarrhea, or, in later stages, a dark purple rash.
• Initial symptoms of meningococcal disease can at first be vague, but worsen rapidly, and can become life-threatening within hours.

For More Information

Healthcare Providers

• Clinical Information | Meningococcal Disease | CDC
• Meningococcal Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Professionals | CDC
• Meningococcal Disease | CDC Yellow Book 2024

Health Departments

• Meningococcal Disease Surveillance | CDC
• Meningococcal Disease | Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases | CDC
• Meningococcal Disease Outbreaks and Public Health Response | CDC
• Meningococcal Vaccination | CDC
• Signs and Symptoms | Meningococcal Disease | CDC
• Travelers’ Health: Saudi Arabia | CDC  
• Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Visit CDC-INFO or call 1-800-232-4636
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Meningococcal Infections. [Section 3]. In: Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, Sawyer MH, eds. Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. Itasca, IL : American Academy of Pediatrics ; 2021;519–32. https://publications.aap.org/redbook/book/347/chapter/5754116/Meningococcal-Infections
• Mbaeyi SA, Bozio CH, Duffy J, et al. Meningococcal Vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep 2020;69(No. RR-9):1–41. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr6909a1
• Badur S, Khalaf M, Öztürk S, et al. Meningococcal Disease and Immunization Activities in Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage: A review. Infectious Diseases and Therapy 2022;11(4):1343–1369. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40121-022-00620-0
• Yezli S, Gautret P, Assiri AM, Gessner BD, Alotaibi B. Prevention of meningococcal disease at mass gatherings: Lessons from the Hajj and Umrah. Vaccine . 2018;36(31):4603–4609. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.06.030 .
• Berry I, Rubis AB, Howie RL, et al. Selection of Antibiotics as Prophylaxis for Close Contacts of Patients with Meningococcal Disease in Areas with Ciprofloxacin Resistance — United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024; 73:99–103. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7305a2
• Willerton L, Lucidarme J, Campbell H, et al. Geographically widespread invasive meningococcal disease caused by a ciprofloxacin resistant non-groupable strain of the ST-175 clonal complex. Journal of Infection 2020;81(4): 575–584. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2020.08.030

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8 things I learned while flying business class on SAS  

The next time you're traveling to Denmark , Sweden or Norway , you may very well find yourself flying on the region's main airline, SAS . For a recent trip from the New York City area to Oslo, I found a great cash fare for round-trip flights to the Norwegian capital that was thousands of dollars cheaper than what my preferred airline, United , was charging.

I'd never flown with SAS before, and because I'm on an eternal quest for United MileagePlus Premier qualifying points , I hesitated to book directly with SAS and face complicated earning rules. (The airline's declaration of bankruptcy this summer didn't help, either.) But the price was too hard to resist and, since SAS is a Star Alliance member, I knew I could still earn some points and segments to help me requalify for MileagePlus Premier status in 2023.

But it wasn't long after I booked my discounted economy-class SAS Go fare that I started to regret my decision to take a seven-hour overnight flight in an economy seat that didn't even come with a free seat assignment. Fortunately, I was able to bid on an upgrade to SAS Business and enjoyed my flight across the Atlantic in a lie-flat, business-class seat instead. Here's what I discovered about the product — and the thrill of winning an upgrade bid.

You can bid your way to an upgrade

Many airlines allow you to bid on an upgrade , though travelers are often restricted to upgrading by just a single class of service — you can't always leapfrog from economy to business or first class instead of premium economy. I initially called SAS to ask about paying for an upgrade, and a friendly agent informed me it would cost upward of $5,000 to do so, in part because they could only upgrade the entire four-segment trip. All I really wanted was to sleep in a horizontal position from New York to Norway, though.

That was going to be a no.

Instead, I decided to take advantage of the airline's upgrade bidding program. In the days leading up to a flight, travelers can bid on an upgrade to a premium cabin. You have until 25 hours before departure to bid on domestic and European flights but can submit a bid as late as six hours before departure for U.S. and Asia flights.

Bids for business class on my flight started at 420 euros (about $410 at the time due to the strong U.S. dollar — and a steal, in my opinion). I rounded up to 450 euros (about $440 at the time) to improve my odds. A bit of research (read: Googling) led me to believe many travelers secure upgrades with only the minimum bid, and an ExpertFlyer search confirmed there was wide-open availability in business class on my flight. About 24 hours before my flight, I received an email saying my upgrade had cleared.

Travelers could certainly wait until the last possible hour to check seat availability, though I'd make sure you bid on U.S. and Asia flights at least 25 hours in advance, which is when the upgrades start to clear.

If you happen to be sitting on a stash of EuroBonus points (or American Express Membership Rewards points , which transfer to EuroBonus at a 1:1 ratio) you can also bid on an upgrade using those points.

A winning bid won't change your fare class

Though cash upgrades do earn additional EuroBonus points, the fare class of your ticket stays the same, so I did not end up earning more United PQPs than I would have if I'd stuck with my coach seat since United still considered my ticket to be an SAS Go fare.

You'll get business-class perks (regardless of how you booked)

My business-class experience began at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) . Though my flight to Oslo Airport (OSL) departed from the sorely underwhelming Terminal B, which didn't even have a dedicated TSA PreCheck line or Clear kiosks , I was able to take advantage of lounge access. I would have been permitted entry with my Star Alliance Gold status , but for travelers who don't have other means of entry, your business-class boarding pass will do.

The SAS Lounge in Newark's Terminal B, near Gate 60, was suitable for short stays, but I wouldn't count on having a substantial meal there. There was plenty of seating in the distinctly Scandinavian design-inspired space, but despite the late hour, the lounge was fairly busy.

There was a self-serve beverage bar and a disappointing cold food buffet (fresh lettuce and raw vegetable crudites, but also trays of sliced turkey and American cheese slices) and no music; you forget how important a bit of background sound is until it's completely absent.

Other perks include free onboard Wi-Fi, where available, and access to Fast Track security lanes, where available.

The meal was surprisingly good — even for business class

It had been years since the last time I'd flown international first class with an international carrier, and I had forgotten how much better the food is than in economy — generally speaking.

I was impressed with the service I received during my seven-hour flight from the New York City area to Oslo. But what I loved the most about the experience were the thoughtful details and special touches I wasn't expecting. A couple of members of the crew changed into crisp, double-breasted chef's whites for the dinner service (I'd find out the following week this was true in economy, too), which established a more formal dining atmosphere.

My flight attendant "set the table" with a crisp white linen napkin, and my potent gin and tonic was mixed to order and served with the remaining can of Ekobryggeriet tonic.

Though my colleagues have since remarked that I should fly international business class more often (no arguments there), I was thrilled when dessert was rolled out on a cart for passengers. I felt immediately transported to the Hogwarts Express — only instead of a trolley witch selling chocolate frogs and boxes of unpredictably flavored jelly beans, a flight attendant was doling out plates of seasonal fruit with vanilla yogurt, apple doughnuts and ice cream.

Even before dessert, I was impressed with the variety and execution of the meal that evening. Dinner was preceded by a selection of breads, a mixed greens salad and a choice of starters (beef tenderloin carpaccio or Maine lobster with smoked tomato vinaigrette with corn salsa).

Entrees included four selections that accommodated almost every dietary preference (broiled chicken with lemon sauce and garlic confit; a mustard-and-pepper short rib with truffle Gruyere gratin; seared sea bass atop a fennel and tomato ragout; porcini and caciocavallo ravioli with mushroom ragout).

I ordered the sea bass, which was perfectly prepared; it was moist and flaky, with no indication it had been reheated in a galley microwave.

The service was attentive and frequent

I'd hardly sat down in my seat before a flight attendant came by to offer me a beverage (water, red wine or a sparkling white). And the drinks never stopped coming after that, with the flight attendants frequently asking if I wanted another gin and tonic.

I've been on much longer international first- and business-class flights in the past where you're counting the hours between beverages, or have to get up and request one (which I always feel a bit uncomfortable doing). I shudder to think how many drinks you could consume on an SAS flight if you were able to down a full drink between flight attendant check-ins.

Though I mostly slept on the overnight flight, the flight attendants also politely woke me for breakfast, upon request, and assisted with my overhead luggage whenever I needed it. It wasn't the first time I'd found the overhead bins too high to reach, but these did seem even taller somehow.

You can get a massage in your seat

The best part of a strip mall pedicure is, I'm sure we can all agree, the massage chairs. And the lie-flat seats on board SAS are equipped with the same technology, which I wouldn't say made for a more restful sleep but was particularly fun while I waited for my food to arrive.

You could crank up the firmness of the seat five notches, and the simple massage feature delivered a gentle rolling massage.

Though they're not the most spacious business-class seats in the sky, Hastens bedding is provided (including a seat topper, a thick checker-pattern blanket and a cozy pillow) which even puts United Polaris' Saks Fifth Avenue bedding to shame.

The Scandinavian bedding brand is famous for its craftsmanship, and if you wanted a duvet of your own at home it could easily set you back between $800 and $5,000. (Travelers might know the brand from the $11,000-per-night Regent Seven Seas Cruises suite with a handmade Hastens mattress worth around $200,000.)

Seats are competitive — especially for the price

Business-class cabins on the SAS A330 are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, with the window seats alternating between either the seat itself or the console being right up against the window.

Though every seat allows every passenger in the cabin to enjoy direct aisle access, having a seat right up against the wall (like mine, 2H) of the aircraft made getting in and out of the seat a tight squeeze, though the actual Thompson Vantage XL seats were comfortable and spacious, with easy-to-use controls.

Seats on board are 23 to 24 inches wide, and they can transform into 77-inch beds when flat. When in a full lie-flat bed position, the footwell does get a bit cramped.

It's a great introduction to Scandinavia

I loved rifling through my amenity kit when I boarded to see the assortment of Scandinavian brands represented in the little bag (including lip balm and moisturizer from Stockholm-based Verso Skincare). And the aforementioned Hastens bedding made my night far more restful than I expected; cozy and with enough weight to transport me far from the freezing skies to, say, a mattress store in Sweden.

The menu featured a variety of Swedish, Danish and Norwegian brands and ingredients — apple must from Norway's Upper Ringi farm; port wine marmalade made in Malmo, Sweden; and a Danish IPA and Pilsner — and went to great lengths to celebrate the region. My only disappointment was that the seafood entree featured sea bass, and not Norway's iconic pink salmon.

Bottom line

My business-class flight on SAS wasn't perfect. When I settled into my seat, I quickly realized I had an inoperable tray table and would have to lean over the armrest to eat for the duration of the flight.

And the boarding process was not unlike watching the doors to Best Buy open on Black Friday: Either every single person in that plane had priority boarding, or the gate agents did nothing to maintain order.

There wasn't a ton of space for my belongings at the seat either; there was no enclosed storage, like the miniature cabinet you'll get at a United Polaris seat . But SAS still delivered great value for its premium service.

Now, if only I could convince them to recalculate my total ticket price with the upgrade bid so I can earn more United PQPs.

MAKE MORE POSSIBLE

Every single day, our teams move merchandise – for retailers  and  suppliers to retail across the U.S., Canada, and Asia.

As retailers build and renovate stores that delight shoppers and increase shopability, we execute their vision at store level. We help retail capitalize on trends and innovations by rehauling and rejuvenating retail environments. We help retailers drive sales growth with regularly refreshed products and new item merchandising.

Category sales optimized with well-executed merchandise movement. This is all we do, all we think about, and over the decades of doing this, we have become really, really good at it.

Integrated technologies provide our customers with transparency into each and every store. Plus, retailers employing SAS Rebotics ™ , our advanced AI technology, are solving for persistent and costly out of stocks, focusing labor to solve store-level issues, and so much more.

We're here to make your impossible , possible at retail. Any S tore. Any A isle. Any S ervice.

CUSTOMER FOCUSED RELATIONSHIPS

Our focus is customer-oriented ~ Ours and our customer’s customer. We’ve learned from experience that real success is built on good relationships. Whether we’re:

• Placing new product this week
• Building that new section Planogram
• Installing new front-end racking to capture those impulse purchases
• Refreshing your cosmetic section to re-engage those returning to offices. ( Read the blog )
• Mapping stores for quality POG updates
• Updating and invigorating an entire store to keep your shoppers coming back.

We activate your vision. We’ve no hidden agenda. We’re a trusted partner. 

It helped us experience rapid growth into today’s full-service partnerships with over 50, 000+ retail doors.

We’ve grown our business by continually asking one simple question:

HOW CAN WE HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW?

POWERED BY OUR PEOPLE

As much as we grow sales at retail, we also grow our amazing and dedicated Associates.

Every person who works for SAS Retail Services is a trained Associate, a colleague and a team member—not a contractor or day laborer. Committing to our employees, and to each other means, we can deliver better service, greater value, and more smile-worthy experiences for our customers—and theirs. 

It’s more fun—and rewarding—when we’re all in it together. Looking to join our growing team? Opportunities abound!

WHAT DO YOU NEED? WE'RE HERE TO HELP!

Complex Category Resets - Flawless Outcome

Multiple manufacturers, unique display and racking requiring specific set-up, and more! These complex category nuances result in reset headaches or worse, neglected areas. Call us gluttons for punishment, but we excel here also. From launch to a flawless outcome, your sections shine and your shoppers will shop.  

DISPLAY COMPLIANCE AUDITING

The proof is in the pudding, they say. But, how do you know  you have the  level of compliance  on promotions that you think you have in each and every store? Do you  know   which locations are best for certain products?

Our AI and machine learning technology will give you unprecedented insight on a store-by-store basis so you can make smarter decisions that activate your vision.

Flexible Field Force

As a possible extension of your team, we can merchandise, place POP, build seasonal displays & set endcaps. Our seasonal support has clients expanding sales because we’re experts at execution. 

Insights and Highlights

It’s really the dedication of our people-powered teams supporting execution excellence at retail. They, in turn, are supported by leaders that truly care. They care about our customers, but they also care about building a diverse and inclusive culture. A culture of mentorship and growth. A culture where people have purpose and where they know that what they do every day, matters. When we get that right, the testimonials from our clients just keep rolling in. 

Need help? Call our award-winning support team at 1-888-649-1075

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USA TODAY 10Best

Best affordable ways to travel? Vote now

May 21, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors May 21, 2024

Travel doesn't have to be expensive. Some of the best attractions in the United States are completely free, and it's possible to find an inexpensive hotel room while still staying in style. Rental car? Skip it by visiting a walkable city. Plane travel? Skip that too by buying a bus ticket.

We enlisted a panel of travel experts to help us select the top nominees in the budget travel categories of Best Bus Service, Best Buffet Restaurant, Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand, Best Free Attraction, and Most Walkable City to Visit in the United States.

Now, it's your turn to vote. Voting ends on Monday, June 17 at noon ET, and you can vote once per day, per category.

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Click on each category below to vote:

Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand

Lodging can easily become one of the biggest expenses when it comes to travel, but you shouldn't have to blow through your budget or stay in a drab, personality-less room in order to save. These 20 hotel brands — nominated by an expert panel as the best — combine affordable rates, lots of amenities, and frequent freebies to set the scene for a comfortable and wallet-friendly stay, whether for business or pleasure.

Which budget-friendly hotel brand is your favorite?

Vote: Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand »

Best Buffet Restaurant

Buffet restaurants are popular across the United States for good reason. They're affordable, convenient, and offer a variety of dishes and cuisines to suit different tastes and preferences. That makes them a great option for a group outing on a budget.

These buffet restaurants have been selected by an expert panel for their quality offerings at an affordable fixed price. Now, we need your help in crowning the 10 winners.

Which buffet restaurant do you favor?

Vote: Best Buffet Restaurant »

Best Bus Service

When you travel by bus in the United States, you can enjoy a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and adventure. Plus, it's an eco-friendly and economical choice for those looking to explore the vast landscapes and diverse cities of the nation without the hassle of driving themselves.

Many bus companies — including these that have been selected by an expert panel as the best in the U.S. — provide amenities like free Wi-Fi, onboard restrooms, and comfortable reclining seats, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Which bus service do you think is best?

Vote: Best Bus Service »

Best Free Attraction

When you visit one of these 20 free attractions — chosen by a panel of travel experts as the best in the U.S. — you can save big travel budget bucks for other things. Even though they come at no cost, in each case, you get way, way more than you pay for.

Which free attraction would you most like to visit?

Vote: Best Free Attraction »

Most Walkable City to Visit

Visiting a walkable city in the United States offers a lot of benefits for travelers who want to explore different attractions, enjoy the local culture, stay healthy, and especially save some money. Not to mention, you'll be doing the environment a favor by reducing your carbon footprint.

These 20 cities — chosen by a panel of travel experts for their walkability — offer lots of things to do, places to eat, and places to stay, all connected by pedestrian-friendly streets.

Which destination gets your vote?

Vote: Most Walkable City to Visit »

Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on Wednesday, June 26.

Budget airline will let you check a case of wine for free out of this Bay Area airport

Travelers flying home from a trip to Wine Country will still have to pay to travel on Avelo Airlines, but soon their wine won’t.

Avelo, a low-cost airline that’s boosting air service at Sonoma County Airport , on Monday announced a “Wine Travels Free” program. Starting Saturday, which happens to be National Wine Day, flyers older than 21 will be able to check a case of wine, properly packed, free of charge on their Avelo flights departing Sonoma County Airport.

Avelo flies from Sonoma’s Charles M. Schulz Airport nonstop to Salem and Redmond in Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Kalispell, Mont., and Burbank and Palm Springs.

Avelo defines a case of wine as a single box or case containing up to 12 bottles weighing 50 pounds or less. The program allows free wine shipping only out of the Sonoma airport.

Bottles must be packed in a protective case or cardboard box with packing materials including styrofoam, bubble wrap or cardboard liners. Passengers are responsible for ensuring their wine is properly packed in advance; the airline notes that it won’t offer packing supplies at the airport.

The perk can mean significant savings for Wine Country tourists, since  wine can be expensive to ship . 

The Wine Travels Free program is part of Avelo’s efforts to boost its presence at Sonoma County Airport and fits with the airport’s marketing campaign promoting it as the gateway to Wine Country, sparing travelers the drive to and from San Francisco International Airport.

The airline, based in Houston, added four direct flights out of Sonoma earlier this month and plans to establish Sonoma County Airport as one of its bases, stationing at least two of its Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft at the airport and employing as many as 50 new crew members, it announced in January.

Avelo is currently the airline offering flights to the most destinations out of Sonoma County Airport. But Alaska Airlines has announced that starting in October, it will add a flight to Las Vegas, also giving it seven destinations.

Sonoma County Airport, located in northern Santa Rosa, also took on the name of Peanuts creator and local resident Charles M. Schulz. The Bay Area’s smallest commercial airport, it’s served by three airlines: Alaska, American and Avelo.

Alaska Airlines offers a Wine Flies Free program  that covers travel from 32 West Coast destinations  — including Sonoma County, San Francisco International, Mineta San Jose International and the newly minted San Francisco Bay Oakland International  — to any U.S. destination served by the airline. You must be a member of the airline’s free mileage plus program to claim the perk.

Reach Michael Cabanatuan: [email protected]; Twitter: @ctuan

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From August 1, 2024, Onward: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

At a glance.

Starting on August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required).

Requirements for all dogs

Requirements for dogs with a current and valid rabies vaccination administered in the united states.

• Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry

All dogs must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
• The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
• Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
• Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.

This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.

• This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
• There is no charge to importers for submitting this form.
• Additional requirements for dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do NOT have appropriate documentation of current US-issued rabies vaccine
• Additional requirements for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry

Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.

Specific requirements depend on whether the dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies  in the past 6 months.

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies must:  

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section above
• The Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form is required for the importation (re-entry) of U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in high-risk countries for dog rabies  within the 6 months before re-entry into the United States.
• Please note, during the transition period, the importer may instead present a copy of the USDA endorsed export health certificate that was used to ship the dog from the United States, if that export health certificate documents the dog’s age (at least 6 months), the microchip number, and valid rabies vaccination administered in the United States. The rabies vaccination must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form.)

Dogs with a current rabies vaccination administered in the United States that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months must:

• A Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States; or
• Document a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Important information about the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form

The Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form must be completed before the dog departs the U.S. Before asking your veterinarian to complete this form, verify the following requirements will be met:

• Ensure your dog will be at least 6 months of age on date of return to the U.S.
• Have your dog microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip (implanted before any required rabies vaccinations)
• Ensure the veterinarian scans the dog for the ISO-compatible microchip and records the microchip number at the time of vaccine appointment. Rabies vaccines administered prior to microchip implantation will not be considered valid.
• Ensure the rabies vaccination will be valid for the entire duration of your travels. If your dog’s U.S.-issued rabies vaccination lapses while overseas and your dog has been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, your dog will need to be revaccinated overseas and meet requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs to return to the U.S., including having a rabies serology titer, arriving at a specific port of entry, and possible quarantine requirements.
• Your dog’s first rabies vaccination must be administered at least 28 days before travel.
• Ensure the veterinarian submits this form to the USDA for official endorsement through the VEHCS portal
• Your dog must travel with a printed copy of the official endorsed form upon your dog’s return to the United States if your dog has been in a high-risk country within the 6 months before returning to the U.S.

During the transition period, U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, may have either the Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form or the USDA endorsed export health certificate for re-entry into the United States. Without one of these forms your dog will need to meet the requirements specific to the risk category of the countries where they have been in the 6 months before returning to the United States.

The export health certificate must document the dog’s age (at least 6 months), microchip number, and the rabies vaccination date. The rabies vaccine must be valid (not expired) on the date of return or the form will be invalid.

Requirements for foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a country with high risk of dog rabies within 6 months before entry

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been in a country at high-risk for dog rabies within the 6 months before entry and do not have appropriate documentation of current U.S.-issued rabies vaccine must:

• Meet all requirements in the “All Dogs” section
• Ensure the dog is microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip before receiving the rabies vaccination and the number is recorded on the veterinary documents or the vaccine will not be considered valid
• Verify the dog is at least 12 weeks (84 days) of age when vaccinated against rabies
• The dog must have a valid (i.e., non-expired) rabies vaccination. If it’s the dog’s first vaccination or if the dog’s vaccination coverage has lapsed, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before arrival to the United States.
• The Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form must be completed by your veterinarian AND endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country.
• The blood sample for the rabies serology titer must have been drawn at least 30 days after the dog’s first valid rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before entry to the U.S.
• Dogs with a history of multiple valid rabies vaccinations administered after the microchip was placed may have the sample for the rabies serology titer drawn at any time after a rabies booster vaccination as long as the dog’s first vaccine was given at least 30 days before the blood sample was drawn and there has been no lapse in vaccine coverage. If a lapse occurs, the sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the valid booster vaccination was administered.
• The sample must be sent to a CDC-approved rabies serology laboratory . If there is no CDC-approved laboratory in your country, your veterinarian may draw the sample and send it internationally to a CDC-approved laboratory.
• Passing results must be obtained in order for a serology to be valid.
• Rabies serology titer results will be considered valid for the life of the dog as long as the dog’s rabies vaccination coverage does not lapse. If a lapse occurs, a new rabies serology titer will be required and that sample must be drawn at least 30 days after the new vaccination was administered.
• If the dog does not have a valid rabies serology titer, it will be required to be quarantined at a CDC-registered animal care facility for 28 days after the dog is revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the previous 6 months must have a reservation for examination, verification of age, documents, and microchip number, and administration of a rabies booster vaccination at a CDC-registered animal care facility immediately upon arrival in the United States.
• Dogs that do not have a valid rabies serology titer must also have a reservation for quarantine. Dogs will be quarantined at the facility for 28 days at the importer’s expense after being revaccinated by the facility’s veterinarian.
• All CDC-registered animal care facility expenses, including exam, revaccination, and quarantine (if required), are the responsibility of the importer.
• The facility will need copies of all required documents prior to confirming your reservation.
• Ensure the dog meets any facility-specific requirements (contact facility for additional information).
• If after arrival the CDC-registered animal care facility determines that your documents are not valid or the dog’s microchip number, age, or description does not match the paperwork provided, the dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.
• Dogs that have evidence of illness or are not healthy will be required to have testing to confirm they do not have contagious diseases before they will be eligible for release, which may extend the required quarantine period beyond 28 days. Any required testing or extended stay in quarantine will be at the importer’s expense, so please ensure dogs are healthy upon arrival (including no evidence of fleas, ticks, or skin diseases).
• Dogs must arrive to the U.S. at the airport where the CDC-registered animal care facility is located. This must be the location where the dog has a reservation.
• This must also be the airport listed on the CDC Dog Import Form
• Domestic flights or other forms of travel to other locations in the U.S. are not permitted until after the dog receives required follow-up services at the CDC-registered animal care facility and is cleared for entry.
• SERVICE DOGS ARRIVING BY SEA : Service dogs, as defined in 14 CFR 382.3, may arrive by sea if they meet the requirements in the “All Dogs” section, have a complete Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form and a valid rabies serology titer, and are traveling with their handler. Emotional support animals are not service animals under this definition.

Countries that are not on the list of countries at high risk for dog rabies  are considered to be free of or low risk for dog-mediated rabies virus variant (DMRVV) (called dog rabies-free or low-risk countries on these webpages).

Dogs, including service dogs, that have been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before entry into the United States must:

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States.
• Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
• Is for the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the form will only be valid for 30 days if it does not contain rabies vaccination information), or
• Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years)).
• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the 6 months before traveling to the U.S. The form must be completed within the 30 days before arriving to the United States.
• Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months
• Arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (This can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select it when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form .)

Any documentation that is not from the United States must be completed in the country where the dog’s travel originates. For example, if the dog’s documents were issued in France, the dog may not enter the U.S. via a land-border crossing from Mexico to the U.S.

*Examples of veterinary records that must accompany completed forms are European Union pet passports or proof of payment for veterinary services received in the exporting low-risk country for the previous 6 months. Records must include the dog’s microchip number.

For more information, see: Frequently Asked Questions on CDC Dog Importations  

If you have questions or need more information, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

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• Press Releases

Disrupting Irregular Migration: Best Practices in Response to Recent Developments in the Aviation Sector

The Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury are jointly issuing this alert to notify airlines, air charter operators, travel agents, and service providers of the ways in which migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks are exploiting legitimate transportation services to facilitate irregular migration to the United States. This statement conveys the U.S. government’s efforts to promote responsible practices in the industry, prevent and disrupt illicit activity, and enhance compliance with lawful immigration and migration pathways. It follows an important announcement by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and several member airlines of their commitment to strengthen collaboration with governments and international organizations to address irregular migration and to consider commercial measures to minimize illicit travel.

Recent developments in the aviation sector, described below, expose migrants, airlines, air charter operators, travel agents, and service providers to increased safety, economic, reputational, financial, logistical, and legal risks. This statement identifies a number of recommendations that could help industry stakeholders and governments reduce their exposure to risks associated with facilitating irregular migration.

Migrants are increasingly traversing the region using Managua as a disembarkation point to continue the journey northward by overland means. The United States has shared releasable intelligence with the aviation sector highlighting this trend and underscoring the need for greater enforcement of airline policies with respect to flights in and out of Managua. In particular, actions by the Nicaraguan government are of grave concern. President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have put in place permissive-by-design migration policies that have introduced opportunities for migrant smuggling and trafficking networks to exploit migrants for economic gain and fuel dangerous, irregular travel towards the U.S. southwest border.

There are numerous examples of how ruthless smuggling networks have taken advantage of these routes:

In September 2023, Ofelia Hernandez-Salas was extradited to the United States by Mexico for allegedly conspiring with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants into the United States from and through Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Hernandez-Salas took advantage of commercial routes and charter flights to facilitate the movement of individuals to the U.S. southwest border.

In December 2023, French authorities thwarted an attempt by an organization to move individuals from India, through France, into Nicaragua for further transportation and smuggling arrangements to the U.S. southwest border. More recently, in May 2024, authorities in Jamaica refused entry to a charter flight of irregular migrants that were seeking to travel to the U.S. southwest border.

In May 2024, an Egyptian court initiated the trial of 16 individuals accused of smuggling migrants to the United States. The individuals face criminal charges related to organized crime and human smuggling. According to the charges, the group arranged air transportation of migrants and placed the migrants in dangerous, degrading, and inhuman circumstances throughout the smuggling process.

Recommended Industry Actions

The following are recommended best practices, subject to applicable laws and regulations and, as appropriate according to their risk, based on: (i) their role; (ii) the information available to them; and (iii) the types of transactions in which they engage:

Recommendation 1: Monitor high-risk routes. Proactive measures to identify flight segments/routes known to be used by migrants and migrant smuggling or human trafficking networks can prevent the exploitation of those routes. The United States is closely tracking this issue and can provide relevant information to support airline efforts. IATA and several airlines already have announced voluntary steps industry can take in support of this effort.

Recommendation 2: Report companies that trigger concerns. Industry participants can report concerning activity, including information about travel agencies known or suspected to be engaging in activities supporting irregular migration and migrant smuggling or human trafficking networks to their U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) liaisons, relevant law enforcement and civil aviation authorities, and IATA. As appropriate, carriers may take proactive administrative actions, such as by restricting the ability of agencies known or suspected to be supporting irregular migration to conduct financial transactions with airlines for the purpose of making reservations and ticketing.

Recommendation 3: Undertake appropriate due diligence. Airlines can reduce risk by carrying out appropriate due diligence to protect against the exploitation of services. Conducting increased diligence when dealing with intermediary companies (e.g., travel agents or brokers) that conceal their ownership or otherwise engage in unusually opaque practices. Doing so can help mitigate deceptive practices that create risk.

Recommendation 4: Transmit Advance Passenger Information (API). All airlines should comply with government regulations requiring the transmission of accurate and timely Advance Passenger Information (API) prior to departure, beginning at 24 hours prior to scheduled takeoff to enable proper record checks and offload recommendations.

Actions the United States will Continue to Take to Halt Irregular Migration and the Exploitation of Migrant Populations:

Action 1: Government-to-Government Training and Information Sharing: The U.S. Government will work with governments to identify travel patterns and routes of concern and share indicators and best practices for addressing irregular migration.

Action 2: Industry Training: The U.S. Government will share information with and train airlines to help them detect migrant smuggling and human trafficking cases, signs of irregular migration, fraudulent documents, and imposters. Enhancing foreign partner passenger analysis units and helping them fully leverage Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) transmission will aid in illuminating emerging trends, targeting malafide passengers, and identifying migration facilitators.

Action 3: Visa Restrictions: Under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 212(a)(3)(C), the Secretary of State has recently announced a visa restriction policy that targets owners, executives, and senior officials of companies providing transportation by land, sea, or charter air designed for use primarily by persons intending to migrate irregularly to the United States.

The State Department has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals and their family members for knowingly facilitating the travel of irregular migrants to the U.S. southwest border.

Action 4: Sanctioning transnational criminal organizations: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will continue to impose sanctions on transnational criminal organizations, including migrant smuggling organizations, their facilitators, and their support networks, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13581, as amended by E. O. 13863. OFAC is also prepared to use, as appropriate, other sanctions authorities to target human smuggling activity, including its Global Magnitsky authorities under E.O. 13818 that target persons involved in corruption or serious human rights abuses related to human smuggling and other irregular migration.

Sanctions actions apply broadly and carry serious consequences. OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons with or within the United States involving the property or interests in property of any individual or entity that is sanctioned. All U.S. persons must comply with OFAC’s prohibitions—including all U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens whether in the United States or abroad, all persons within the United States, and all U.S.-incorporated entities and their foreign branches. Violations of OFAC regulations could trigger civil or criminal penalties. Moreover, OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations based on strict liability, meaning that a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction may be held civilly liable even if that person did not know or have reason to know that it was engaging in a transaction that was prohibited under sanctions laws and regulations administered by OFAC.

Action 5: Investigate and prosecute migrant smuggling and human trafficking: The U.S. government will continue to investigate and prosecute migrant smuggling and human trafficking cases through collaboration with foreign governments and the aviation industry and pursue criminal charges against migrant smugglers and human traffickers, and their co-conspirators.

• Immigration Enforcement

How to download directions on Google Maps to navigate easily offline

The way we travel has changed. The paper map that once unfolded to the size of a kitchen table now fits in our pockets. It also gives us detailed instructions for navigating almost anywhere in the world. And, if step-by-step instructions aren't your thing, you can use augmented reality to help you get to the right spot. 

But getting from point A to point B in a new place can be stressful, especially if you're in a foreign location and don't have cell service or WiFi. Fortunately, the navigation apps you might already be using can be used offline.

It's also helpful to save points of interest on your map, like where you're staying or places you want to eat. This makes it super simple to remember where you're staying or the name of the café you wanted to check out.

Watch this video to see how to download and use Google Maps with no internet.  

How to download offline maps

Google Maps and Apple Maps let you download maps to use offline. WiFi or cellular data is required to download the map, so you'll need to download it while you have service.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

To download a map in Google Maps: 

• Search the city.
• Tap on the name or address. 
• Tap the three dots in the corner. 
• Tap Download offline map. 
• Adjust the window to include the areas you need. 
• Tap download. 

There are limitations on which directions are available in offline mode. According to Google , transit, bicycling and walking directions are unavailable offline.

To download a map in Apple Maps: 

• Tap Download. If you don't see the option, tap More, then Download Map. 
• Tap Download. 

According to Apple, offline maps will still provide directions for driving, walking and cycling, as well as transit and restaurant hours.

To access the downloaded maps when you're on the go, use the app as you normally would. You can navigate anywhere as long as the beginning and end points are within the window you selected in the downloading process.

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Over 1 million claims related to toxic exposure granted under new veterans law, Biden will announce

President Joe Biden, intent on selling his legislative accomplishments this election year, will travel to New Hampshire to detail the impact of a law that helps veterans get key benefits as a result of burn pit or other toxic exposure during their service

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden , intent on selling his legislative accomplishments this election year, will travel to New Hampshire on Tuesday to detail the impact of a law that helps veterans get key benefits as a result of burn pit or other toxic exposure during their service.

In raw numbers, more than 1 million claims have been granted to veterans since Biden signed the so-called PACT Act into law in August 2022, the administration said Tuesday. That amounts to about 888,000 veterans and survivors in all 50 states who have been able to receive disability benefits under the law.

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