Events We're Watching
Storm Predicted for Northeast This Weekend
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Airlines have already issued travel waivers for Jan 7-9 for many cities. Read more
Check airline web sites for travel advisories.
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American Airlines Dispute Over Online Ticket Sales Widens
Heathrow Airport passengers are once again facing the possibility of disruptions, as Unite has given notice of a strike ballot among British Airways' (BA) staff. The ongoing dispute between the airline's cabin crew and the union over changes to terms and conditions and perks has so far caused major disruption to holiday makers. As of July, BA staff had participated in 22 days of industrial action this year. Read more
Travel-On does not utilize the Sabre system discussed in this article. We have complete access to American Airlines schedules, fares, and ticket sales through our online and agent-assisted booking platforms. Travel-On monitors hundreds of direct live feeds from airlines, airports, major news services, security firms, and social media resources around the world to provide information and services as necessary wherever major news events and weather systems will affect your travel program or travelers.
Fears of New Year Terrorist Attack Increased – Additional Police Deployed At Transport Hubs in London as Safeguard
Sky sources have indicated members of the emergency services have recently been briefed about how to respond to a Mumbai-style attack on the capital. Read more
What Travel-On is Doing:
Travel-On / Travel Place continues to identify travelers who may be in these areas or whose travel plans may be impacted, and our agents are contacting them or the travel administrator to provide assistance. If you have any questions about this emergency situation, please contact one of our agents, your travel team leader, or your account manager. We will continue to monitor these conditions and bring you any updates or changes as the news breaks.
What Travelers Can Do:
- Download and use the Mobile Personal Assistant (requires company enrollment)
- Sign up for automated FlightStats alerts in the Notification section of your online traveler profile
- Contact our 24-Hour Emergency Service at the number listed on your itinerary or call 1-877-858-3254. (please bear in mind that during extreme or multiple travel disruptions hold times will be longer than normal)
Travel-On acquired Junction Travel of Manassas, Va.
The new agency will do business under the Travel Place brand, joining three other locations in Potomac, Bethesda, and Beltsville, MD. Travel Place is Travel-On’s leisure division, specializing in ”Smart Luxury”: fascinating destinations, tailored itineraries, and memorable experiences at an affordable price.
Travel Place Manassas, the only American Express Representative in Prince William County and Manassas City, will market proprietary American Express Vacations as well as all major tour companies, cruise lines, airlines, hotels and more. The American Express brand has packages available throughout the world. American Express Membership Rewards participants will receive double rewards points when they purchase American Express Vacation packages and select cruises using their American Express card. American Express cardholders can also pay for vacations using Membership Rewards points, an exclusive benefit of American Express Representative offices.
Dulles Toll Road 25¢ Rate Hike Effective Jan 1
Drivers on the Dulles Toll Road will pay 25 cents more per trip starting Saturday, an increase designed to help pay for the multibillion-dollar Metrorail extension into Loudoun County. Read more
Southwest Revising Rewards Program
Southwest Airlines will roll out its new Rapid Rewards program on March 1. Read more
Rome’s New Hotel Tax Upsets Tourists, Hoteliers
Looking forward to seeing the Trevi Fountain or strolling along the Piazza de Spagna again? Or finally getting to see the incredible Colosseum and Pantheon? If so, expect to pay a bit more for the experience. Read more
Spain Stubs Out Cigarettes as New Law Takes Effect
Smokers stubbed out their cigarettes in tapas bars and restaurants across Spain as one of Europe’s strictest anti-tobacco laws came into force on Sunday. After a one-day amnesty granted for New Year’s Day, the new law banning smoking in all bars, restaurants and public places — including even some outdoor areas — took effect at the stroke of midnight Saturday. Read more
Undergarments Claim to Give You More Privacy in Body Scans
Want to maintain some modesty going through full-body machine scans at the airport? A lawyer and blogger says he thinks his new business has an answer for those wanting to protect their modesty without making a scene while going through full-body scanners at airports. Read more
Brighter Days Ahead for U.S. Travel Industry
From a social science perspective, the travel planning and purchasing habits of the 2011 traveler will continue to be characterized by a “new resourcefulness.” Although the trading down phenomenon we have observed over the past 18 months will begin to abate, travelers will continue to demand more in exchange for their travel dollar: more leg room, an upgraded guest room, a more bountiful breakfast included with their hotel room rate, and, yes, free Internet. Value remains in vogue, and this is particularly true for leisure travelers. Read more
The Best Way to Use the Last 5 Minutes of Your Day
We rarely take the time to pause, breathe, and think about what’s working and what’s not. There’s just too much to do and no time to reflect. Read more
