Travel-On Travel Industry News
07-15-2011
Events We're Watching

"Carmageddon" - How to Get to LAX This Weekend

Carmageddon, the alias for the planned closure of the a 10-mile section of the 405 Freeway starts at 7 p.m. Friday, July 15, and reopens at 6 a.m. Monday, July 18. The 405 closure is expected to bring the city's traffic to a crawl. Many business are shutting down early so their employees don't get caught in the traffic, while others like the Getty Center are closing entirely for the weekend. The entire city will be affected. The question remains, how do I get to/from LAX this weekend?  Read more

Alternate Routes: Regional Alternate Routes, Detour Routes
Traffic Updates: Sigalert
Metro (Bus Service):B> Metro.net
Metrolink (Train Service): Metrolinktrains.com
Amtrak

Typhoon Ma-On Turns Toward Japan

There is potential for a severe landfall with peak gusts of more than 250km/hr in Southern Japan. This typhoon is capable of causing severe damage in southern Japan and is likely to bring adverse weather to Fukushima. Read more

Qantas Engineers to Use Left Hands in Industrial Dispute

Industrial action in which right-handed Qantas engineers will repair planes only with their left hands could pose a safety risk, the airline says. Read more

Really?!? Another Icelandic Volcano?

Scientists have warned that one of Iceland's most feared volcanoes, Hekla, is showing signs that it could blow, raising fears of a new ash cloud crisis. Read more

Turin Airport Closure July 15-19

In order for upgrade works to be carried out at Turin Airport, the hub will be closed temporarily from 2100 on Friday 15th July until 1200 on Tuesday 19th. All flights due to land at the airport will be diverted to either Milan Malpensa or Cuneo Levaldigi.

Can I use a consolidator ticket for business travel?

We regularly work with clients whose pricing guidelines and nature of international travel provide for the inclusion of consolidator tickets; however they are not suitable for everyone. Coach class tickets often have little or no savings, while business class fares can save up to 50% in exchange for greater restrictions and penalties.

Consolidators have been compared to warehouse retail stores - low prices, limited selection, and minimal service. Typically the tickets are non-refundable and may have additional restrictions as well, such as not being able to change seats, upgrade, or get frequent flier points. In some cases the consolidator selects the airline for you and doesn't allow changes if the airline isn't one you are comfortable with. And though airlines are reluctant to admit this, passengers who with consolidator tickets often get the lowest priority when cancellations occur.

Knowing which consolidators are reputable is key. Our International Desk has developed preferred relationships with a handful of consolidators on whom we know we can depend for reliable service and low prices. When client policy permits the use of consolidator tickets, our agents discuss with the traveler the savings and restrictions allowing the traveler and/or the company to make an informed decision as to whether a consolidator ticket is appropriate for the particular trip.

Did you know that Travel-On has a global presence?

Unlike the mega-agencies who have large networks of corporate, franchised, and affiliate offices around the world with varying levels of consistency, management, and communication, Travel-On forms targeted partnerships in the key markets where our clients have a specific need. Our Global Partner Offices (GPOs) are rigorously qualified to ensure the highest standards of service, most cost-effective pricing, solid knowledge of travel regulations and customs for the sale of travel in the region they serve, and a strong attitude of collaboration. Should we need to incorporate one or more of our GPOs in London, Sydney, and Johannesburg into your travel program, Travel-On will work closely with the key personnel at each to ensure they are fully versed in your values, policies, procedures, and expectations, have access to negotiated rates, establish communication channels and test data feeds, and much more. Reservations made and tickets issued by these partners are included in your comprehensive travel reports.

OTHER NEWS

Business Travel Spending to Remain Steady Despite Slow Economy

GBTA said continued business travel spending suggests the U.S. economic recovery will march on and resist a backslide or double-dip recession despite setbacks this year, including rising oil prices, natural disasters, slowing global growth, and shaky consumer confidence. Read more

EU Parliament Sets Conditions For Airport Body Scanners

The European parliament backed Wednesday the deployment of body scanners at airports, but on condition that travelers have the right to refuse to walk through the controversial machines. Read more

Airline Perks Worth Paying For

Instead of scoffing at the idea that fliers have to pay for something that was once complimentary, let's move on, accept the status quo and find out how we can use it to our advantage. Read more

Airport Security Breaches Since 2001 Raise Alarms

More than 25,000 security breaches - an average of about seven per day - have occurred at U.S. airports since November 2001, according to newly released Department of Homeland Security documents. Read more

This Isn't the Airline I Signed Up For

While disclosure of the airline operating the flight is required by the government, it's still easy to miss if you aren't paying close attention. Read more

Airlines Fight EU Law Capping Greenhouse Gas Emissions

U.S.-based airlines that began to see steady profits only this year after a steep drop in demand during the recession are fighting the law, saying the European Union has no right to impose such a plan on non-European airlines. Read more

3 Must-Have Gadgets for Business Travel

Having spent far too much time overloading my lumbar lugging this or that bit of electronics around the globe, I've learned that tools that do double duty are the key to saving time and money as you travel. Read more

KLM Launches Commercial Flights Amsterdam-Paris On Biofuel

In September KLM will launch more than 200 flights being operated on biokerosene between Amsterdam and Paris. Read more

Carbon Tax to Prompt Qantas Price Rise

The introduction of a carbon price system next summer by the Australian government will mean more expensive flights, Qantas has announced. Read more

ATL: Back to Basics on Customer Service

Most air travelers these days are happy to just get through the airport without major hassles. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is in the midst of a program to give them a little more than that --- good service at every point along the way, from the parking lot to the food court to the boarding gate. Read more

New USB Powerboards Let Travelers Leave the Chargers at Home

There are two universal constants of business travel: your hotel room won't have enough conveniently-located power points, and all your gadgets need one charger each (if you want to charge them simultaneously, at least). Read more

Southwest Airlines Celebrates 40 years of Service with 40 Conservation Projects Coast-to-Coast

In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, Southwest Airlines has teamed up with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for the Conservation In Action Tour: 40 Projects for 40 Years. Read more

Study: Crime Risk Near Airports Exceeds National Average

The exclusive study, shows that the likelihood of a crime exceeds the national average outside 28 of 29 airports in the most populous metropolitan regions of the country and all 26 central train stations studied. Read more

Credit Card, Debit, Cash, Traveler's Checks and Exchange Rates - The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas

What's the best option for you? And how can you avoid those pesky currency conversion fees when making purchases abroad? Read on for answers to these questions and a comprehensive roundup of all your currency conversion options when you're traveling overseas. Read more

Top U.S. Frequent Flyer Programs For the Business Traveler

When deciding on a frequent flyer program, most travellers choose plans passively - signing up for whichever schemes are associated with the airlines they most often travel with. But there are five major factors which frequent flyers should consider to obtain the best deal. Read more

FedEx and Delta Hop On Board with NexGen

Waiting at the end of the runway or in an airborne holding pattern is bad for business and the environment. It's one reason Memphis airport super-users FedEx and Delta jumped on board the Federal Aviation Administration's NextGen program to modernize the air traffic control system. Read more

Tips for Speaking English Abroad

Is it presumptuous to try and communicate in fluid English when abroad? Is it condescending to simplify your speech when talking to a non-native English speaker? Read more

Car Rental Programs for Business Travelers-Coming to Your Smartphone

You use your smartphone to unlock the vehicle, turn a key that's already in the ignition and drive to your meeting on the other side of the city or to the airport. When you arrive, you park and walk away. Read more

One More Reason Not to Trust What You Read in Hotel Reviews

WHAT?!?!? Hoteliers offer free rooms and cash in return for glowing TripAdvisor reviews. Read more

Nobody Mentioned the Building Site! Travel Website Exposes Holiday Companies Who 'Photoshop' Glossy Brochure Images

A new website claims to show holidaymakers the reality at hotels and resorts, promising to expose holiday companies who 'airbrush' hotels and resorts in a bid to make them seem more attractive. Read more

Concierge Etiquette: Quick Tips for Getting Better Service

One of the advantages of a good hotel is the assistance of a terrific concierge. Whether you need hard-to-get theatre tickets or dinner reservations, this member of the hotel staff is invaluable. Here are some hints on working successfully with a concierge. Read more

Summer Travel Alert: Scammers Target Hotel Guests

Spend the night at a hotel and get a call from the front desk and it could turn out to be a con artist trying to steal your credit card number. Read more

Conferences and Events: The (Lost) Art of Welcoming

You've spent gobs of time, money and energy on meeting invitations and promotions. THEN, you manage to "hook" me and I register for your event. When I arrive and waltz through the door, you blow it because... Read more