Travel-On Travel Industry News
Events We're Watching
Friday, March 30, 2012

  • Iberia Pilots to Strike for 30 Days

    Iberia's pilots are set to go on strike for two days every week from April to July as the dispute about the launch of no-frills subsidiary Iberia Express intensifies. Pilots union SEPLA said that its members would walk out every Monday and Friday from April 9 to July 20 - a period of 15 consecutive weeks.

  • Philippines - Travel Delays and Heightened Security Likely During Holy Week

    Authorities are taking steps to boost security and ensure smooth travel conditions throughout the Philippines during Holy Week April 1-8. Millions of people will go on vacation or travel to their hometowns during the period. Increased street crime is a concern during Holy Week. Fuel price adjustments could prompt protests or strikes by leftists or transport groups. Roads: Use caution on heavily congested highways, especially those connecting Manila with other parts of the Luzon region, as accident rates are typically much higher during Holy WeekAuthorities will probably suspend Light Rail Transit (LRT), Metro Rail Transit (MRT), and Metrostar Express services in Metro Manila April 5-8. The LRT and MRT will likely have reduced operating hours from 0500 to 2200 April 1-4. Travelers departing Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) should arrive three hours before scheduled flight times due to potential delays at security checkpoints. Flight delays are possible at other main airports throughout the country.

  • United States - Occupy Wall Street Group to March in New York City

    The Occupy Wall Street group plans to march across the Brooklyn Bridge April 1 in commemoration of the December 2011 Brooklyn Bridge march, which resulted in more than 700 arrests. At 1400, Manhattan-based protesters will gather at Zuccotti Park (Liberty Plaza), while Brooklyn-based protesters will gather at 1 Hanson Place in Brooklyn. The groups will march to converge at Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn, at 1600 for a general assembly. Traffic disruptions are likely along the march route, including the Brooklyn Bridge. Traffic delays may occur on the Manhattan Bridge if drivers use it as an alternate route.

Q and A

How much does my company need to use a particular hotel before we can get a discounted rate?

The answer depends on a number of variables. These include, but are not limited to, hotel location, how much more business the hotel could get from you by offering a discount, your pattern of stay, etc. As with airfare and car rental, the more business you can commit - and deliver - to the hotel, the greater the discount. In some markets 100 room nights might be enough while in other markets the magic number could be 500 or more. It depends on the supply and demand for hotel rooms in that particular area as well as in the specific hotel. The nights you typically book and the average length of stay can also work for or against you. If the hotel is in a market that already has a lot of Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals for one-night stays and that is your pattern as well you may find that there isn't much you can do to negotiate. However, if your needs are more for nights the hotel needs to fill, such as Sunday through Tuesday or Thursday through Saturday, then you may have more bargaining power. The same is true if you typically book upscale rooms or suites that are more profitable for the hotel and harder to sell to others. New hotels or properties that have just changed brands are sometimes able to bargain a bit more than competitors while they establish themselves in the marketplace. Conversely, if the hotel is the only one in the immediate area or otherwise has a "protected clientele" based on location that they are not afraid of losing, the hotel will have the upper-and at the negotiating table. In some situations it is also possible, sometimes more advantageous, to negotiate amenities instead of or in addition to the rate. Free breakfast, parking, internet, etc., can substantially reduce your travel spend in areas beyond just the room rate.

For assistance in evaluating your hotel spend and negotiating opportunities, please contact your Travel-On account manager.

 

Consider these IT tips when traveling:

 

  • Avoid carrying your purse or laptop on the seat of the car where it can be easily snatched
  • If hotel wi-fi seems slow, try the "wired" Ethernet connection instead as it's often faster
  • If your smartphone internet access suddenly stops while traveling check your settings; many phones are set to disable internet while roaming
  • Take essential documents with you on a USB or other storage device rather than counting on being able to download them from a cloud service provider
  • The cords and cables for many devices look alike - label yours to help keep them straight
  • Always password protect your devices and if you use them in public places invest in a privacy filter to help prevent "over-the-shoulder" information theft

 

What do Olympics and Paralympics Mean to London Travel?

The 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics games will be held in London July 27-Aug 12 and Aug 29-Sep 9 respectively. What can you do now to minimize impact on your business travel?

Review Your London Travel Needs
Review your anticipated travel for July-September. What projects, conferences, or meetings might require travelers to be in London during this time? Remember that London is a major connecting point for many international destinations, including a frequent overnight stop on some African routings. Consider not only the need to have travelers IN London, but the impact on travelers possibly connecting through London as well.

Restrict Travel to London
If possible, impose a travel black-out during the Games. No travel to or through London during this time. Schedule client visits and meetings to take place in June or October, or better yet, move them to an alternate location.

Book Essential Travel Now
If you have essential business in London that absolutely cannot be moved or rescheduled book it now! This is particularly true for hotel rooms. Hotel space is already at a premium and priced accordingly. If you are unable to secure accommodations at hotels in the city consider trying extended-stay properties, corporate apartments, or hotels outside the city.

Allow Extra Time
Remind both travelers and employees living in London to allow plenty of extra time to move around the city. Heightened security and the increase in athletes and spectators will combine to create traffic jams. Public transportation will be crowded.

For more information check out www.london2012.com, which includes FAQs, schedules, maps, and venue information, a video on preparing for the Games, and much more.