Studies show clear benefits of business travel
Two important travel industry studies have shown that deep cuts
in travel can harm a company’s bottom line. Oxford Economics,
in a study released this week found that each dollar spent on
travel by a U.S. company can expect an average profit boost of
$3.80. Meanwhile, a study from IHS Global Insight estimates that
U.S. companies could miss out on $193 billion in profit for 2009
because they cut too deeply into business travel. Read
more
News Highlights
Airlines
launch widespread fare hike
An industrywide increase of domestic air fares appears well on
its way of becoming the fourth hike of 2009, a top fare analyst
said on Wednesday.
Travel
Cost-Cutting Is the New Normal
AS business travel slowly comes back, company travel departments
are sending out a strong message: Work harder. Fit more productivity
into each trip. Become a lot more accessible on the road — even
on airplanes, using new in-flight wireless services.
TRAVEL TIP: How
much should you tip when traveling abroad?
The short answer is, "Most travel writers would recommend
$5 to $10 a day." But our reader's question brings up
the broader question of tipping, generally, which deserves
a bit of a look. |
British
Airways Charges for Seat Assignment
Earlier this month, British Airways began offering customers
the option to pick their seat assignments up to 355 days in advance
of their flight — for a price. Seat-selection fees range
from £10 ($15.90, at $1.59 to the pound) on economy-class
seats on flights within Europe, and £60 for business-class
seats on longer flights.
Even
as Fares Creep Up, Airlines Tack on Fees, Too
Forget fare wars, since ticket prices are rising. Skip to next
paragraph Enlarge This Image Scott Olson/Getty Images To avoid
the usual fees, frequent fliers on United can pay a $249 annual
fee to check up to two bags on each flight. Add to Portfolio
* Continental Airlines Inc Go to your Portfolio » Now there
are fee wars. And travelers are losing out in this battle, as
airlines introduce new surcharges, on top of the checked-bag
fees and fuel surcharges that became the norm in the last year.
Cracking
Down On How Airlines Treat Travelers
Many airlines may be violating federal rules on reimbursing travelers
for expenses when baggage is lost, delayed or damaged on domestic
flights, and the federal government is finally cracking down
to help consumers.
Survey
says airlines face balancing act
Airlines are challenged by weak revenue and volatile fuel prices,
but many executives think keeping loyal customers happy is the
best way to improve their business, according to a new survey.
Premium
Air Travel Recovery Is ‘Fragile,’ IATA Says
The number of people traveling in first- and business- class
seats fell 12 percent from a year earlier, IATA said in a statement
today. In July the decline had slowed to 14.1 percent from 21.3
percent the previous month.
Why
2010 will be the year of the travel deal
If you thought the travel bargains were unbelievable this year,
just wait until 2010. I'm fully aware that this prediction flies
in the face of conventional wisdom. I mean, how many travel experts
have you seen on TV lately, warning that the deals are going,
going, gone?
Flexibility
Saves Money Durings the Holidays
If you haven't already made your holiday plans, take heart. Suppliers
tell us that airline seats and hotel rooms are still available.
You may have to pay a bit more than you planned, but some fares
are better on specific days than others. This year, more than
ever, the industry is bombarding us with best-time-to-travel
information. |
