TRAVEL-ON TRAVEL INDUSTRY NEWS

For Your Comfort and Convenience While Traveling *

2009-10-12T16:12:00.000-04:00

You might like to take them along on on your next trip.

Moviewedge Keep your mobile device securely in place and at a comfortable viewing angle. Watch a movie on your mobile device without having to hold it through the entire movie.	Rocket Shower Showerless clean-up for those times when you need to freshen up on the go.
CollarCard designed for your wallet, this credit-card sized card contains 4 collar stays. Pop them back onto the card when not in use. No more flat collars when you go in for that sales presentation.	Stylish, airport-friendly travel cases Unique organization system holds laptop, accessories, digital devices and personal effects firmly in place with style, color and fashion.

*Travel-On has NO connection with these companies or products.

Why Pay More Than You Need To? Consider these car rental tips.

2009-03-26T17:33:00.002-04:00

Extra Hours Mean Big Bucks

Car rental rates cover a 24-hour period starting at the time you pick of the car. Returning the car just one hour past the 24-hour period can cost as much as half the daily rate. Consider this example: Daily Rate: $42 Extra Hour: $21 Total for 25-hour rental: $63 – plus the additional taxes and fees.

Pre-Paying a Fill-Up

Some car rental vendors allow renters to pre-pay a full tank of gas at the going local rate at the time of pick-up. While this sounds great on the surface, you are paying for a FULL tank of gas regardless of how much you actually use. The average business traveler uses less than half a tank of gas, so you are paying to replace gas you didn’t use!

Topping Off the Tank

Think because you only drove 20 miles and the gas needle barely moved that you don’t need to top off the tank before returning the car? Think again – many car vendors now charge a $10-15 “top up” fee. To avoid the fee, always top off the tank and show the receipt to the attendant when you return the car.

Great News!

2009-03-26T17:25:00.002-04:00

NOW IS A PERFECT TIME TO TRAVEL...BUSINESS OR VACATION!

Lower Rates and Fewer Travelers

Projected rate increases for 2009 did NOT take place. In fact, airfares, car rental rates and hotel room nights have been lowered, in some cases by as much as 60%.

If you can get by with a roll-aboard suitcase and bring your own pillow, blanket, and snacks, the total cost can be quite reasonable, if not downright surprising. From the DC area to Los Angeles or San Francisco begins at $198 roundtrip (plus tax), or fly from DC to Denver starting at $138 roundtrip (plus tax). Many European destinations are only $300-$500 roundtrip (plus tax). Need a mini-vacation? Just extend your business trip through the weekend. Friday to Sunday car rentals begin at about $13 a day. Restrictions vary by airline and destination, and the additional fees for optional services do apply.

The best news for you is that many of the reduced fare rules are lenient enough for business travelers to use them.

To find the best price for your business destination, contact your Travel-On agents or go to your company's online booking site provided by Travel-On. Find out how easily your business trip will fit into your budget.

2009-03-26T17:23:00.001-04:00

TSA Wants Your Date of Birth and Gender

The new Secure Flight rule will require that airlines (and therefore travel agencies) provide to the TSA prior to the flight, the full legal name, gender and birth date of each traveler. The DHS Transportation Security Administration will use the information to screen passengers against a watch list of potential terrorists, a function the airlines have been performing. TSA will retain passenger information for seven years, including travel itinerary, for anyone tentatively matched to a name on the watch list.

We do not have an effective date for when we need to begin providing this info with each reservation, but the TSA rule and press release indicate that it will begin requiring this information on domestic flights in early 2009. We have begun adding these fields to the traveler profiles, but will not be providing it to the airline until required.

To avoid the possibility of missing points, travelers with frequent flyer numbers should act now to ensure that the name on their frequent flyer accounts exactly matches the name on their driver's license or passport, which must be used on all airline tickets. Travelers with frequent flyer accounts in other variations of their name may find themselves "unrecognized" by the airline's computer systems and may not receive their point automatically. Name changes can be made visiting the frequent flyer program's website or calling the frequent flyer membership program number.

This is the info that we have at this time. Please watch our ETB (Electronic Travel Bulletin) for more updates.

2009-03-26T17:19:00.001-04:00

Middle Seat: The Next Airline Fee — Buying Tickets?

There are fees for checked luggage, reservation changes and even pillows and blankets. And now, one airline is poised to start levying a fee when you simply buy a ticket.

U.S. Travel Association Debuts "Meetings Mean Business"

The U.S. Travel Association has launched the “Meetings Mean Business” campaign, a major initiative intended to push back against what it is calling the political demonization of business meetings and events.

Hidden Cuts in Business Travel: What to Look For

While the down economy has provided vacationers with a host of new bargains, business travelers, already pressed by employers to tighten their belts, are discovering that the travel universe is becoming increasingly creative when it comes to cutting costs.

Travel buyers to consolidate supply base

As companies look for ways to trim travel costs, without eliminating travel altogether, many are turning to procurement to apply some tried and true purchasing discipline to the spend.

Group posts guidelines for legitimate business travel

The U.S. Travel Association has responded with a series of news releases, reminding Congress that jobs are at stake and decrying the current “witch-hunt mentality.” The association also has issued its suggestions for deciding when a meeting, event or incentive program is a junket and when it’s a legitimate travel expense.

Hoteliers Remind Congress About Value Of Business Travel

he U.S. Travel Association today announced that ten of the nation's largest hotel companies are urging members of Congress to consider the value of business travel for meetings, events and performance incentive programs before enacting legislation and regulations that may unintentionally hinder economic recovery and cost American jobs.

Enterprise to buy Advantage assets out of bankruptcy

Enterprise Rent-A-Car said Tuesday it plans to buy certain assets of Advantage Rent-A-Car out of bankruptcy for $19 million.

2009-02-27T15:12:00.002-05:00

The Tale of Two Travelers

Two travelers are sitting on a plane waiting to pull away from the gate. Traveler #1's phone rings, he gets a text message and then closes his phone.

Leaning over to Traveler #2 says, “Well, we're not going anywhere for an hour and a half”

“Really? How do you know that?”
“That was my flight alert from Rearden Personal Assistant.”

A couple of minutes go by. The pilot comes over the intercom and announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to be held up here because of weather. We'll be arriving an hour and a half later than scheduled".

Traveler #2 looks at the first in amazement. “Wow, you have a great assistant.”

“Yes. My assistant has already advised my client, and changed our dinner reservations at the restaurant.”

All of your travelers can be Traveler #1 with our new Rearden Personal Assistant featuring flight alerts, calendar integration, and mobile access. The Personal Assistant stays one step ahead of you just like an exceptionally good personal assistant should.

TSA Wants Your Date of Birth and Gender

2009-02-27T15:11:00.000-05:00

2009-02-27T15:06:00.003-05:00

US Airways Drops Nonalcoholic Drink Fees
The new era of air travel—saturated with exorbitant fees for things like checked baggage or traveling with a child or pet!—will see minor relief from US Airways, which will resume free beverage service on March 1. Gee, thanks!

Price War Begins Between Airlines
If you have plans to travel this summer, now is the time to book a flight due to an air fare war taking place among major airlines but there are tricks to getting the best prices, reports CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.

Deadline nears for border ID
Beginning June 1, only documents compliant with the federal Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative can be used for international travel within the hemisphere. Those include U.S. passports and New York state enhanced driver's licenses and enhanced non-driver photo identification cards.

United Airlines to go cashless on North American flights
nited Airlines says it'll start accepting credit and debit cards for onboard purchases beginning March 23.

Airline passenger fee to rise
A fee charged to every airline passenger to help pay for security would go up an undisclosed amount in 2012 if President Obama's proposed budget is approved.

NWA, Delta travelers allowed to change flights for winter storm
Customers booked on flights operated by Delta, Northwest Airlines or Delta Connection carriers to, from or through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport through February 26th.

American Airlines International Sale - Call Travel-On International Travel Team at 240-387-4033 for details.

Available from the United States (excluding Alaska) to nearly all of American and American Eagle's international destinations.

For destinations except Europe, begin travel by May 17, 2009. For Europe, begin travel by May 16, 2009. For all destinations, complete travel no later than May 20, 2009.

Purchase tickets no later than March 10, 2009.

Travel Still Safe to Major Tourist Hubs in Mexico
On February 20, 2009, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert to those visiting Mexico, warning of increased violence and drug-related conflicts in several areas. The alert states, in part, While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.

2009-02-20T13:46:00.002-05:00

TSA Wants Your Date of Birth and Gender

2009-02-20T13:43:00.002-05:00

Pros and cons of a la carte airfare pricing
Whether you call the practice à la carte pricing or nickel-and-diming passengers, the fees most airlines now charge for everything from food and drinks to checked bags aren't going away. With far fewer people flying because of the economy -- especially business travelers -- many carriers are counting on this revenue more than ever.

Cellphones take flight on Ryanair
Budget carrier Ryanair has become the first European airline to launch in-flight cellphone service. The Irish discount airline is famous for finding ancillary sources of revenue, and cellphone calls and texting could be a cash cow. The service will cost £1.50 to £3 per minute (one pound is currently worth $1.43), 40p per text sent (incoming ones are free) and £1 to £2 for limited e-mails use.

FAA tells airline pilots to turn off cell phones
The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an alert to airlines following an inspector's report that a first officer's cell phone began ringing at a critical phase of a take-off recently, an incident the agency says was "a potentially serious hazard".

Delta to add Milwaukee-Salt Lake City flights
Delta Air Lines Inc. said the plan to combine its network with Northwest Airlines' network will result in the addition of two Delta Connection flights between Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport and Salt Lake City.

American Airlines adding third, seasonal DFW-Heathrow nonstop
American Airlines is temporarily adding a third daily flight from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to Heathrow Airport this summer. The Fort Worth-based airline will launch the flight May 1 and will operate it daily through October, said Tim Smith, a spokesman.

Eu Rules on Airport Charges 'Important Step', Says AEA
The Association of European Airlines , representing Europe’s most important network airlines, has described the adoption of the EU’s Airport Charges Directive by Council on February 19th as an ‘important first step’ in addressing a serious deficiency in the air transport value chain, but believes that current pricing practices of airports, as yet not covered by the new rules, are seriously damaging airlines.

JetBlue Airways Offers Fare Refunds to Customers Who Lose Jobs
JetBlue Airways Corp., competing for sales as travel demand declines, is offering to refund the fares of some customers who lose their jobs after purchasing tickets.

2009-02-13T13:07:00.003-05:00

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have lost a family member, friend, and colleague in the crash of Continental 3407 near Buffalo, NY.

Flight 3407 Plummeted Straight Down, Killing 50

Experts are baffled why a commuter plane with 49 people on board plummeted out of the sky so suddenly that the pilot didn't even have time to broadcast a Mayday alert.

Travel GPA 2.0 Delivers Auto Analysis of Air, Car and Hotel Contracts

Travel GPA 2.0 is the first product to provide real-time, in-depth dashboard and benchmarking analysis on corporate travel spend. The data is live and can be scored against internal goals or benchmarked against the Travel GPA database of more than 17,000 companies and totaling more than $4 billion in spend.

Travel-On is proud to have Travel GPA as part of our business intelligence suite providing the full spectrum of travel management and analysis tools.

2009-02-13T13:01:00.002-05:00

Northwest Changes Domestic Ticket Validity Policy

In an effort to more closely align Delta and Northwest domestic ticket validity policy, Northwest will change its domestic ticket validity policy as follows:

All domestic tickets issued on 012 ticket stock on/after February 5, 2009, are valid for one year from the date of original ticket issuance and the new origination date on the exchanged ticket is within one year of the original ticket date on the original ticket.

For example, if a ticket is issued on February 5, 2009 for travel on March 5, 2009, the ticket is valid for exchange and the new origination date must be on/before February 5, 2010.

Domestic travel is defined as travel between the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Previously, Northwest's domestic ticket validity was calculated from the original outbound travel date.

Delta, Northwest to consolidate airport gates
Delta Air Lines plans to stop using roughly 170 gates at airports it serves as part of the integration of its operations with Northwest Airlines, Chief Executive Richard Anderson told employees.

Air Share Of T&E Dollar Is 42 Cents: Breakdown Stands The Test Of Time
Corporate spending on travel has increased dramatically during the past three decades of active travel management, but the breakdown of the spending by travel category has remained remarkably consistent over the years, according to multiple studies.

Spotting Fees A Tricky Game Even For Seasoned Fliers
US airlines have made a real meal out of charging for niceties -- like pillows, choice seats and food -- that used to be part of standard fares, but they aren't making it easy for passengers to know what fees they will be hit with when they book flights, critics say.

The Future of Air Travel May Include Passenger Weigh-In
Luggage Forward, the leading provider of doorstep to destination luggage delivery worldwide, today released its third annual report Looking Back, Looking Forward, highlighting emerging patterns and trends observed in empirical data and client interactions.

United Airlines Brings Back Call Center Jobs From India To US
United Airlines will return 165 call center jobs from India to the U.S. by April to help improve customer service. Reservation officers of UAL in Chicago and Honolulu will include customer relations tasks in their work, mainly involving passenger travel complaints.

ASTA Fights Insecticide Provision in FAA Bill
ASTA, joined by a broad coalition of industry allies, wrote to key House of Representatives committee chairmen to request that a costly and unenforceable provision governing insecticide screening of passengers be removed from major aviation-related legislation.

You can get a good deal on air fares right now
Frontier Airlines invited travelers to take part in its "Super Roll" promotion, while Southwest Airlines encouraged America to fly with its "Yes You Can" deals.

US DOT: Airline On-Time Performance Improves in 2008
The on-time performance of the nation’s largest airlines improved in 2008 compared to the previous year, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

2009-02-06T16:02:00.005-05:00

Message from Founder and Chairman, Bill Goldstein

This month Travel-On celebrates its 35th anniversary. Over the years we have not only weathered the constant changes of a dynamic industry, but have embraced the challenges of shifting financial and service models to be recognized as an industry leader. Proudly, we have accomplished this without losing sight of our guiding principles: build and maintain a tradition of personal integrity; respect each individual; and provide personalized, responsive travel services based first and foremost on the travel needs of the client with special attention to detail and value for cost.

Today as I reflect back on the many peaks and valleys along the road, I offer these thoughts:

To the staff – There is no more talented and dedicated group of professionals anywhere. From our newest team members to our 30-year veteran, I am proud of each and every one of you and all that we have accomplished together.

To our valued clients – We are fortunate to work with terrific clients who provide us with new challenges and business successes every day. Over the years many of us have become true friends. It is an honor and privilege to serve you.

To our vendor partners – I appreciate your dedication to this industry and your commitment to our mutual clients. Our success would not be possible without the strength and longevity of our partnerships.

Our philosophy of total IN-Fusiontm will continue to guide our success as one of the leading travel management companies:

Blend highly skilled employees and smart technology. Provide intuitive tools for our clients. Integrate value-strategies with superior service throughout the trip experience. Support travelers and travel planners whether they book online or offline. Provide integrated solutions for Procurement and Finance. Make road warriors feel like kings. That's the difference that Travel-On's IN-FusionTM will make to your company.

As we look forward to the next 35 years we eagerly anticipate a bright and vibrant future for all of us.

Are you challenged to save X% in your travel budget this year?

2009-02-06T15:17:00.007-05:00

What are your options? Let Travel-On help you.
Our Travel GPA provides a dynamic, predictive modeling tool to let you project various travel scenarios using your own travel data and see the outcome before you make hard changes to your policy.

For instance, how much would it save if you increased your average advance purchase by 2 days?

What if you increased the flight time required for business class by 2 hours?

Once you decide on your plan, you can easily keep track of progress, and drill down into areas where you may be exceeding or falling short of your goal.
Graphs, charts, and lists are easily exportable into presentation format for review by senior management.

Our Client Services and Value Strategies personnel are available to help analyze and set strategic goals.

2009-02-06T12:41:00.011-05:00

US Airways to charge $7 for pillows and blankets
If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on US Airways, it's going to cost you $7. US Airways said Thursday it will begin charging for its "Power-Nap Sack" on Feb. 16. It's following the lead of JetBlue Airways, which announced a similar policy last summer.

Sky-High Fees for Overweight Bags
The economy's gotten so bad, it won't be long before we all revert to hunting-gathering. So it's no surprise that every company seems to be doing what it can to earn a little more cash — including airlines. Extra charges for food, movies and blankets have become commonplace, but could airlines also be lining their pockets with fees for overweight baggage measured on faulty scales?

Middle Seat: When the Airlines Make the Rules
Perhaps no other consumer-service business is so rule-bound as the airline industry. The result: bewildered and angry fliers.

Low air fares -- for now
U.S. airlines are slashing air fares in response to lagging sales due to the recession, but industry analysts say prices will head up as summer approaches.

U.S. Travel Lauds House For Airport Security Rights Bill
The U.S. Travel Association (formerly Travel Industry Association) praised the House of Representatives for passing HR. 559, the FAST Redress Act. The House approved the FAST Redress Act 413 – 3. The bill improves the current redress process for travelers who are wrongly identified as a threat when screened against a terrorist watchlist or database used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

UATP Announces Record Charge Volume for 2008
(UATP), the low cost payment network privately owned by the world's airlines, announced record charge volume and profits for calendar year 2008.

Court Orders TSA To Recalculate Security Fees For Airlines
A federal appeals court Tuesday ordered the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to recalculate the amount of fees it charges air carriers for passenger and baggage screening, a development that the airlines say could save them hundreds of millions of dollars.

As hotels struggle for business, some guests find an upside
Many also are enjoying improved service and special treatment, such as free upgrades to suites or club floors, as hotels roll out the red carpet to try to attract and hold on to customers.

2009-01-30T16:52:00.002-05:00

"Companies that have no formal travel policy, or those that have a very loose policy, often end up with endlessly escalating travel expenses."

New carry-on baggage policy - US Airways

2009-01-30T16:50:00.003-05:00

Beginning February 1, we're changing our carry-on baggage policy

Please be sure to communicate our new policy to all your clients traveling on or after February 1, 2009.

Size requirements*

Beginning February 1, 2009, carry-on bags may not exceed 45 in/115 cm (14 x 9 x 22 in or 36 x 23 x 56 cm)

Beginning February 1, 2009, carry-on bags may not exceed 40 lbs/18 kg.

*For your clients traveling to or from Canada, the size limitation (45 in) for carry-on baggage will take effect on February 1, 2009, but the weight limitation (40 lbs) for carry-on baggage will not take effect until February 21, 2009.

Considering End-to-End T&E Management?

2009-01-30T16:03:00.005-05:00

End-to-end T&E Management is the policies, processes, and technology solutions leveraged to manage all aspects of T&E as an integrated life-cycle. Technology strategies include use of a single, end-to-end solution or the integration of different T&E management solutions to enable a life-cycle approach to management. Components include:

Travel Sourcing

Travel Booking

Corporate Card

Expense report submission and processing

Expense reimbursement

Compliance monitoring

If you're like many of our clients you might be wondering:

How much can moving to online booking really save?

Is there more to be saved than just the booking fee?

How does having an automated expense reporting system save me money?

How does having both online booking and automated expense systems help me?

What role does corporate card play?

Where do value-added services fit into the picture?

How does having an end-to-end solution affect compliance?

Travel-On has the solutions, the technology - and the expertise - to assist you in complete T&E life-cycle management. Now is a great time to get started. For a more in-depth look at our solutions please contact your Travel-On account manager.

Industry Experts Address Business Travel Trends, Forecasts Amid Tough Economic Times

2009-01-30T16:03:00.004-05:00

Top travel executives representing Best Western International, WestJet, Aeroplan and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) convened in Toronto last week for a panel discussion on the global economy and its impact on the state of business travel in 2009. Read more

American Express provides tips for reducing T&E cost

2009-01-30T16:02:00.006-05:00

A new study by American Express Global Commercial Card in New York finds that some of the best practices that companies are using to control costs in an economic downturn are not as complicated as one might think. Read more

United Airlines to launch new service to Moscow

2009-01-30T16:02:00.005-05:00

The non-stop service will be launched on 29 March 2009. The airline is offering the following one-way fares to Moscow: USD369 from Washington DC, USD432 from Los Angeles; USD477 from San Francisco, USD463 from Seattle, USD410 from Houston, USD421 from Denver, USD384 from Chicago, USD356 from Boston and USD327 from New York. These fares are based on round-trip purchase and are available before 18 February for travel on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 3 April and 14 May 2009. Read more

Delta, Pilots Rejoining U.S. Airline Safety Program

2009-01-30T16:01:00.002-05:00

Delta Air Lines Inc., the world’s largest carrier, reached an agreement with pilots to rejoin a voluntary federal safety program that was created to cut the industry’s fatal-accident rate. Read more

Continental will shift alliances in October

2009-01-30T16:00:00.002-05:00

Come Oct. 24, Continental Airlines will shift alliances, creating new travel opportunities and perhaps some confusion for customers.

The Houston-based airline on Thursday announced the date for its departure from the SkyTeam marketing partnership, opening the way for it to join the Star Alliance, led by United Airlines and Lufthansa. Read more

Airlines scale back on Indianapolis flights

2009-01-30T15:59:00.004-05:00

Airlines are dropping some nonstop flights from the state's busiest airport as business and leisure travelers cut back on travel amid the lingering recession.
Read more

American Airlines won't furlough flight attendants after all

2009-01-30T15:58:00.004-05:00

American Airlines Inc. won't have to furlough flight attendants this spring as previously feared, and it is recalling more pilots off the furlough rolls, the carrier said Wednesday. Read more

TRAVEL-ON TRAVEL INDUSTRY NEWS

For Your Comfort and Convenience While Traveling *

Why Pay More Than You Need To? Consider these car rental tips.

Great News!

NOW IS A PERFECT TIME TO TRAVEL...BUSINESS OR VACATION! Lower Rates and Fewer Travelers

TSA Wants Your Date of Birth and Gender

The Tale of Two Travelers

TSA Wants Your Date of Birth and Gender

TSA Wants Your Date of Birth and Gender

Are you challenged to save X% in your travel budget this year?

New carry-on baggage policy - US Airways

Considering End-to-End T&E Management?

Industry Experts Address Business Travel Trends, Forecasts Amid Tough Economic Times

American Express provides tips for reducing T&E cost

United Airlines to launch new service to Moscow

Delta, Pilots Rejoining U.S. Airline Safety Program

Continental will shift alliances in October

Airlines scale back on Indianapolis flights

American Airlines won't furlough flight attendants after all

NOW IS A PERFECT TIME TO TRAVEL...BUSINESS OR VACATION!

Lower Rates and Fewer Travelers