Events We're Watching

Potential Federal Government Shutdown Notice 

As the potential government shutdown that may begin when the current Federal Government spending authorization ends on March 4, 2011, we are urging travelers to plan accordingly to minimize as much as possible the chance of significant delays.

We anticipate that if the shut down occurs, passports in process will be inaccessible resulting in unavoidable delays.

Travel-On’s Passport and Visa Service, CIBT, will attempt to contact applicants who have submitted their passports prior to March 4th to inform them of the likelihood that their application may be impacted. Where possible, they will accelerate the processing.

If you would like more information, please contact your Travel-On/Travel Place agent who can assist you with CIBT services and information.

MD 200, Maryland’s First All-Electric Roadway Opened Wednesday

How to purchase an Ez-Pass for MD 200 (ICC), a 7-mile segment of Maryland's first all-electronic, variably-priced roadway. Read more

Major airlines try to increase fares again  

Major U.S. airlines are trying to revive fare increases for high-end tickets after failing to impose bigger price increases last week. The move comes as airlines worry about the prospect of higher jet fuel prices. Read more

Hi-Tech Travel Shortcuts – Coming to Your Mobile Device Soon

Envision yourself finding a parking space — a parking space! — on the first try. Read more

Travel as a Competitive Advantage

Travel can be an overlooked means to gain competitive advantage...New research benchmarks the travel spending businesses require to help support their growth and explores the change in this suggested optimal spending level depending on the economic conditions and business characteristics, including industry. Read more

British Airways Faces Easter and Royal Wedding Strike Threat

British Airways could endure strike action over Easter after cabin crew agreed to take part in a new ballot. Unite has given the airline a week’s notice of what will be its fourth ballot in two years – with the result due to be declared on March 28. A yes vote could lead to industrial action in April, disrupting not only Easter, but also the Royal Wedding on April 29. Read more

Shop 'til you takeoff: Top airports for shopping

These gateway hubs span the globe, from Portland to Dubai, and offer the traveler more than just a distraction before boarding — they provide a viable (not TSA-related) reason to arrive the recommended three hours before (international) departure time. Read more

What’s the Best Airport in the World?

New data issued by Airports Council International identifies a South Korean airport as unchallenged when it comes to treating customers at a world-class level. Read more 

Expanded Ammenitites Follow Business Travel Rebound

Business travel is roaring back after a two-year slump, and the airlines are welcoming it with a selection of new amenities, including bigger, more comfortable seats. But the luxuries typically come at a price. Read more

Airport Security Mice Sniff to Detect Explosives

Airport sniffer mice are being used in a new security device created by an Israeli firm and demonstrated in public trials during the last few weeks. Read more

United, Delta To Expand Premium Economy Seating

United Airlines next year will expand Economy Plus to Continental Airlines in an ongoing effort to standardize product offerings following the carriers' merger last year, and Delta Air Lines by this summer plans to introduce an international premium economy product. Read more

More Rental Cars Going 100% Smoke Free

As of Jan. 1, travelers who rent a car from Dollar or Thrifty had better think twice about lighting up. The rental car company that owns both has a new policy prohibiting smoking by renters at all U.S. corporate stores and participating franchise locations Read more

Economy Comfort is “best fit” for Delta

Speaking at a press briefing in London today, Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president Europe, Middle East and Africa, said that the soon-to-be-introduced Economy Comfort product was the “best fit” for the carrier. Read more

Got a Heavy Load?

Have you Tried United’s Door-to-Door Baggage Options. Read more

App Happy: How to Put Your Corporate Meeting on Attendees' Smartphones

Create a mobile meeting guide for your next meeting. What Hilton did that could help you. Read more

36 Things a Mobile Meeting App Can Do

Mobile meeting guides range from inexpensive bare-bones agendas to flashy, custom productions that work as sophisticated, hand-held communication portals for the event, providing polling functionalities, embedded social media, attendee messaging, interactive floor plans, and much more. Here’s a wish list of 36 features that can be incorporated into a smartphone app for your meeting, convention, or special event. Read more

Study Shows Meetings Contribute $263B to US Economy

including direct spending and multiplier effects, this number is increased to more than US$907 billion in U.S. economic activity. Read more

Hyatt, Marriott: Corporate Rates Rising

Both Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels Corp. are reporting corporate rate increases in the high single digits as they wrap up negotiations for 2011 hotel programs. Read more

Avis Budget Puts Brakes On No-Show Fees

Avis Budget Group chairman and CEO Ronald Nelson on Thursday said the company does not plan to aggressively push no-show fees for U.S. car rentals in the near future and instead will rely on other tactics for fleet optimization, such as pre-payment. Read more

America’s Coolest Rental Cars

These definitely won’t fit your corporate travel policy, but might be fun for your next get-a-away. Read more