MTS Traveler January 2012
Jan 19th
January 2012
***Celebrating the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. ***
American Express Membership Rewards Pay Off!
Recently Menno Travel redeemed a company’s American Express Card Membership Rewards for 28 airline tickets, resort accommodations, meals and entertainment totaling $68,000 for their company retreat. The only out-of-pocket expense they incurred was for three rental cars.
And, another company receives between 200,000 to 300,000 American Express Membership Rewards monthly on their card account. They have been able to use Pay with Points for all of their airline tickets.
The American Express Pay with Points program is a seamless process at Menno Travel Service, with no additional charge. Click here for more information on Pay with Points and then contact Geof or Deb to see how simple this can be for you!
Don’t have an American Express Card? Click here for a description of the card types and benefits and to apply for a card.
Incentive Travel Corner
Most companies offer an incentive travel program for an ROI through increased sales, shifting seasonality, moving stale inventory, or introducing new products. While these “hard” benefits are important, it’s important not to miss out on the “soft” benefit of building strong relationships with your customers through shared experiences.
The best way to ensure shared experiences is by using a controlled venue where interaction among the group is guaranteed. Las Vegasand a huge cruise ship are tough places to keep a group together.
River cruises inEuropemight be the right option for you. Ships have 75 to 82 staterooms and can be chartered or part-chartered with enough advance notice. Space is tight for 2012, so now is the time to plan for 2013. River cruises offer great value with accommodations, all meals onboard, wine and beer with dinner, and most sightseeing included.
For the 2013 season, AMAWaterways offers a choice of 7-night cruise venues in France aboard the MS AmaLegro or MS AmaDagio. Cruise round-tripParis on theSeineRiver to enjoy the splendor of Paris, beautiful Honfleur, Monet’s gardens,Rouen and the Normandy D-Day landing beaches. Or cruise the South of France and revel in Roman ruins,Provence and splendid vineyards. Both itineraries contain fabulous excursions and more than 80% of the staterooms contain a full sliding glass door with French Balconies so each guest can soak up the beauty of the countryside right from their stateroom.
Contact Mary Ann or Moe for your next incentive program.
Welcome Ronda Morris to Menno Travel!
We welcome Ronda Morris as our newest Group and Incentive Travel Specialist. Ronda started in group travel with Warsaw Travel Specialists about 30 years ago. In recent years, Ronda owned and operated Destinations Travel in Warsaw. Menno Travel acquired Destinations in December adding Rebecca Gehrke as a vacation travel specialist and Ronda to our group department.
In addition to her knowledge of travel suppliers and destinations, Ronda brings strong organizational and technology skills. Ronda joins Maureen Russell, Tara Nisley, and Mary Ann Holderman in Groups.
Hertz Mobil Gold Alert
“Carfirmation” is a cool mobile alert that Hertz offers Gold Plus Rewards members. They will let you know which car you will be driving and where it will be parked when you arrive. That way you can head straight to your car, get in and go! To sign up for this alert, or to update your preferences, click here.
If you (or your company) do not have a Hertz Gold Plus membership, contact Geof or Deb to sign up for a fee-free account through Menno Travel Service.
Reminder: Notify your Menno Travel agent if your Hertz number has changed.
SkyTeam Introduces Priority Airport Service
SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, offers SkyPriority, a series of priority airport services to Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers. SkyPriority was created by Delta Air lines in 2010 to ensure a common and consistent service standard for priority airport services, and due to its success, SkyTeam adopted the program. The roll-out of the program will start in March 2012 at selected airports.
SkyPriority services include:
Priority check-in areas
Priority baggage drop-off
Priority service at airport ticket offices
Priority service at transfer desks
Priority lines at security, where available
Priority boarding
Priority baggage handling
Each member airline has its own implementation date and roll-out timeline. Some of the first airports where SkyPriority will be launched areAmsterdam,Atlanta,Guangzhou,Nairobi,ShanghaiandTaipei. By early 2013, SkyPriority will be visible at over 1,000 airports.
The Wall Street Journal’s Middle Seat Puts American Last
Each year the Journal releases Middle Seat, ranking carriers on their customer service performance. American was picked for last place as the airline that loses bags, cancels flights and has the worst customer service. The best-performing carrier last year was Alaska Airlines, the smallest among the seven majorU.S.airlines. Delta came in second after placing ninth in 2010. United/Continental just came in ahead of American with their combined scores.
The Middle Seat scorecard ranks major carriers each year on a number of key measures important to travelers: on-time arrivals, long delays, canceled flights, mishandled bags, passengers bumped from flights and complaints filed with the Department of Transportation. Delta engineered a major operational turnaround last year. In 2010, Delta was second-worst in punctuality and baggage handling among rival airlines and it had the highest rates of canceled flights and consumer complaints filed with the DOT. For 2011, Delta ranked in the top three in five of six categories.
More Airline Consumer Protection Laws to Kick In
There are new Department of Transportation airline consumer protection rules going into effect January 24. Airlines will have to promptly notify travelers via their websites and phone of delays of more than 30 minutes or flight cancellations. And they have to include all government taxes and fees in advertised fares (they’ve got until January 26 on this one). They’ve got to show all baggage fees during booking and on e-tickets. Finally, once you’ve bought a ticket, they can’t raise the fare unless it’s due to a government tax and you agree to pay the increase.
This is a huge win for anyone trying to control travel costs. Last May we asked for your help to encourage our government policymakers to come up with these rules, and now we see results, so thank you!
TSA Expands Pre-Screening to New Airports
Sick of that security check rigmarole of taking off your shoes and belt and pulling out your laptop and those three-ounce bottles of shampoo? The Transportation Security Administration is adding airports using the TSA Pre Check program. If you qualify for TSA Pre Check, you volunteer information about yourself that is embedded in the bar code of your ticket. You can then go through the expedited screening lane, which means you might not have to take off your shoes or pull out your laptop. Pre Check is now available at Las Vegas’ McCarran International. Next up: Minneapolis-St. Paul and LAX. United Airlines is joining the program; some of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines’ frequent travelers are also eligible as well as participants in Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS, who are U.S.citizens and are flying on participating airlines. For more information click here.
Vacation Value
**American Express Platinum and Centurion Card Members Specials**
Book any 5-Night or longer Royal Caribbean cruise between now and February 15 and receive these exclusive Cruise Privileges Program benefits:
►Two category upgrade or between $50 to $300 onboard credit per stateroom
– Offer (either upgrade or onboard credit) will be determined by stateroom category selected.
►Complimentary dinner for two in a specialty dining restaurant*
►Bottle of premium champagne
*Guests aboard ships without a specialty restaurant will receive a complimentary spa treatment in place of dinner.
In addition, if you book a balcony or above category stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise before February 15 you will receive a Complimentary Spa Treatment**, just by booking with an American Express Travel Representative!
** Bookings must be created at least two weeks prior to sailing.
If you are not a Platinum or Centurion Card Member, or if you do not have an American Express card, click here for a description of the card types and to apply for a card.
American Express’s Cruise Privileges Program offers added benefits on Royal Caribbean and other premium and luxury cruise lines for Platinum and Centurion cardmembers. Your Menno Travel vacation specialist can provide full information.
Contact dorothy@mennotrav.com or your Menno Travel vacation specialist today to take advantage of this American Express special or to book any cruise or land vacation.
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Menno Travel Service Phone: 574-534-1521 / 800-635-0963 * Fax: 574-534-2158
If you would like to be removed from Menno Travel’s business traveler newsletter list, please click here.
October MTS Traveler
Jan 12th
October 2011
Incentive Travel Program Success with Royal Caribbean Cruise
What a way to achieve business objectives while realizing a good return on investment! On a Royal Caribbean cruise, your company can accomplish your goals with unparalleled value, ease of planning along with the delivery of a meaningful and memorable experience for you and your participants.
Mid-City Supply, headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, returned last week from taking 153 employees and customers on a Mediterranean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas visiting Spain, southern France and Italy. This is what they had to say about the experience:
“Since we started planning our Mediterranean cruise back in early 2008, Maureen, Mary Ann and Dorothy (Menno Travel Incentive Travel Staff) have been along side Jeff New (Mid-City Supply Owner) and myself every step of the way. Their attention to detail during this process was simply fantastic. While on board the ship, they interacted with our customers in every professional way possible. They were always available to answer questions or to help with any situation. Plus, they provided us with some nice surprises during our final night on board.
Our goal is to give our customers the very best travel experience possible and once again, thanks to the Menno Travel ladies, we delivered another “trip of a lifetime.“ In a word, your team is Outstanding.”
- Jeff Stevens, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Mid-City Supply
American Express Platinum Cardmember Benefits Expanded
Take advantage of these new Travel Benefits for Corporate Platinum Cardmembers:
► Global Entry Membership Application Reimbursement: With Global Entry, there’s no need to wait in the passport line. This U.S. Customs and Border Protection program allows participants to enter the United Statesby using automated kiosks located at 20 major airports around the country. Corporate Platinum Card members will be reimbursed the $100 application processing fee when paid with the Corporate Platinum Card. Apply online at globalentry.gov.
► Complimentary Gogo®: Corporate Platinum Card members can now enjoy 10 complimentary in-flight Internet sessions on any Gogo-equipped flight each year. Participating airlines include Air Canada, AirTran, AlaskaAirlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, United, USAirways, and Virgin America. Corporate Platinum Card members can simply use their Card to pay for a Gogo session and receive a statement credit within six weeks upon receipt of their bill. For more information about Gogo, please visit gogoair.com.
► Access to Airspace Lounge™: Corporate Platinum Card members, and up to two guests, can now catch up on business in the newly opened Airspace Lounge at Baltimore Washington International airport, regardless of which airline they are flying.
Contact Geof or Deb for information on other travel benefits through American Express.
American Changes Boarding Policy For Economy Passengers
American now boards economy class passengers in a randomized order based on how they check in for a flight. First-class, AAdvantage premium frequent fliers and uniformed members of the military still board first. According to American the change was made “to enhance the travel experience for our customers and to make the boarding process more welcoming and more personal.” Flight attendants are not happy with the new procedure saying it is causing “complete chaos in the cabin.” The new policy is similar to the one that Southwest Airlines has employed for years. American introduced “priority boarding” last year, guaranteeing Group 1 boarding. That costs $9 per flight segment.
United MileagePlus and Continental OnePass Merger
All of the 2012 MileagePlus features and benefits will take effect on the day the Continental OnePass and United MileagePlus technology systems are converted to a single system in early 2012. Until then, the MileagePlus and OnePass programs will continue to operate separately as they do today.
At system conversion, OnePass members will be automatically enrolled in MileagePlus and receive MileagePlus award miles equal to their OnePass award miles balance. If you already have a MileagePlus account, we encourage you to link it to your OnePass account now. Sept 30th was the last day to transfer miles from Continental to United.
Go to onepassmergerupdates.com for additional information on the merger.
United MileagePlus New Status-Levels
Beginning in 2012, MileagePlus will adopt new status-level names and terms for qualifying miles and segments. The MileagePlus status levels will be:
► Premier® 1K® 100,000 Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or 120 Premier qualifying segments (PQS)
► Premier Platinum 75,000 PQM or 90 PQS
► Premier Gold 50,000 PQM or 60 PQS
► Premier Silver 25,000 PQM or 30 PQS
All levels will require a minimum of four flights per calendar year on the new United, including Continental or Copa Airlines. If you hold a Chase-issued Continental Airlines Presidential Plus(SM) Card, you are exempt from this minimum flight criteria as long as your Card account is in good standing at the time of qualification.
UA and CO combine/rename airport clubs as United Club
United and Continental airlines renamed their separate airport clubs this past Saturday, another step toward combining the two carriers. The lounges will be called United Club, replacing United’s Red Carpet Club and Continental’s Presidents Club. Together, they have more than 50 lounges at 39 airports.
Delta Airlines Updates
First Class is now available on 228 Delta Connection regional jets. Delta is the onlyU.S.carrier to offer a First Class cabin on every domestic flight longer than 750 miles (approximately 2.5 hours).
This summer, Delta began offering its new Economy Comfort class on international flights on more than 160 aircraft. Located in the first few rows of the economy cabin, Economy Comfort features:
• Up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline
• Early boarding
• Complimentary spirits, in addition to all other standard international Economy Class amenities, including complimentary meals, beer, wine, entertainment, blankets and pillows
• In-seat power on most aircraft equipped with personal entertainment systems, along with free HBO programming and other for-fee content. In-seat power and seat-back screens are being installed through 2013.
Delta has in-flight Internet service onboard its regional CRJ700 aircraft operated by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines.
SkyMiles members will now have the option to use their miles to upgrade on AirFranceoperated flights between the domesticU.S.andEurope.
Delta Raising Bag Fees on International Flights
Tickets Issued on/after Oct 1 for travel on/after Oct 15:
2nd bag fee to $40 USD/CAD for travelUS, CA, MX, C. America, Caribbean to/from MX, C. America,Caribbean
2nd bag fee of $75 USD/CAD and $60 USD/CAD online for travel US, CA, MX, C. America, Caribbean, S. America (excluding Brazil) to/from Asia (excluding JP, PH), Australia, New Zealand
2nd bag fee of $75 USD/CAD and $60 USD/CAD online for travel US, CA, MX, C. America, Caribbean to/from S. America (excluding Brazil)
2nd bag fee of $40* USD/CAD for travelJapan(entire country) to/from Guam/Saipan/Palau
2nd bag fee of $75 USD/CAD/EUR and $60 USD/CAD/EUR online for travel between South America (excludingBrazil) andEurope
Tickets Issued on/after Oct 1 for travel on/after Nov 1:
2nd bag fee of $75 USD/CAD and $60 USD/CAD online for travel US, CA, MX, C. America, Caribbean, S. America (excluding Brazil) to/from Middle East and South Africa
2nd bag fee of $75 USD/CAD and $60 USD/CAD online for travel US, CA, MX, C. America, Caribbean, S. America (excluding Brazil) to/from India
1st bag fee of $25* USD/CAD for travelUS, CA to/fromCaribbean(excluding DO, GY, HT)
*Same fee applies for online or airport check-in
Note: There are no changes to existing baggage exceptions for Military, Elite etc.
Stiffer Airline Consumer Protection Laws Now in Effect
It’s official. The new Department of Transportation rules designed to give airline passengers more protections are in effect. That means airlines now have to refund your baggage fees if they lose your bags. If you’re bumped from a flight, they now have to pay double what they used to for that inconvenience. The ban on lengthy tarmac delays now covers international carriers as well as domestic carriers.
An Airline-Related Funny
A vulture approaches the gate to board an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess stops him and says, ‘I’m sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.”
– thank you, corporate client BJ Thompson
Aviation, Past and Future, Viewed Through the Prism of 9/11
What’s the state of the airline industry a decade after 9/11? Airlines today are leaner and more resilient than they’ve ever been, according to the International Air Transport Association’s just released “The Impact of September 11 on Aviation.” Airline revenues this year will be nearly double what they were in 2001 and they’re flying one billion more passengers than they did a decade ago. Still, 9/11 cost airlines about three years of growth and profit margins remain slim.
The report’s main focus, however, was less on the past and more on the future. It looked specifically at how to improve the check-in experience, turning it from an obstacle course to a more streamlined experience. The goal is to use data the airlines already have to judge the risk travelers present and allocate security resources toward screening and checking high-risk passengers. Scans of passengers’ passports or tickets would send them to one of three different lanes. Most travelers would simply stroll through a checkpoint that can detect metal and other dangerous substances–without having to stop, unpack or strip. This type of progress is certainly good news!
International Driver Permits Now Required in Some Countries
When traveling abroad, many foreign countries do not recognize yourUnited Statesdriver’s license as official identification. However, most countries do recognize a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) — and, in some countries, such asItaly, it’s now a requirement.
Major car rental companies in foreign countries often require you have a valid IDP, in conjunction with your validU.S.driver’s license, before they will rent you a vehicle.
If you are 18 or older, you can apply for an IDP at any AAA full-service branch location and receive it in the same visit. The application form is available online. You will need to provide:
►U.S.driver’s license valid for at least six months past the issuance of the IDP.
► Completed IDP application.
► Two original passport-type photos. (See guidelines for specific requirements.)
► $15 fee.
You may also obtain an IDP through the mail; however, you will need to allow 4-6 weeks for processing and delivery. For more information on IDP, click here .
Here’s An Interesting Phone App
Jibbigo is a language App that can be used on any iOS iphone, iPad, iPod or Android
product. The App costs $4.99 per language and is available for translating English into and back from Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Iraque, Arabic, Chinese, Tagalog and Korean. Each language has a 40,000-word vocabulary and costs $4.99 and 10 minutes to download. The program works entirely on the mobile device and is not connected to any server therefore no roaming charges. You speak to the device and it answers in the chosen language. For more information go to jibbigo.com.
Hertz Launches eReturn Service
On your Hertz car rentals, you can now receive an eReceipt as part of their new eReturn Service. To sign up for this service, you must go to the Vehicle Preference page of the online Gold profile (Hertz #1 Gold Club membership is free through Menno Travel!) and check “eReturn” to sign up. And then, when you return your car, just fill in the Express Return slip on the Rental Agreement and leave it with the keys on the dash. Simply drop and go – Hertz takes care of the rest.
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December MTS Traveler
Jan 12th
December 2011
Our Office Will Be Closed December 26 and January 2
We wish you Happy Holidays as we say farewell to 2011 and welcome 2012. If you need to reach our After Hours Hotline for travel assistance while our office is closed, please call 888-367-1633 and advise the hotline agent of our VIT Code P-3ND. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Top Three Reasons Managed Travel Programs Work for Business Travel
Number 1) Contain the rising cost of travel – can’t measure, can’t manage, can’t control.
Number 2) Traveler security – know where your employees are in the world.
Number 3) Fraud protection – more than 20% of fraud is related to the expense claims process.
Is your company effectively managing its travel? Menno Travel offers both fully managed and lightly managed travel services. Contact Geof or Deb for details on each program.
Redefining Lowest Logical Airfare
For your corporate travel policy, consider expanding your definition of “logical” beyond price, scheduling and corporate discounts–to the benefit of both your travelers and your organization. The traditional, old-school lowest logical airfare approach–booking flights based primarily on price and schedule–simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Consider the following:
• Fees: Does your definition of lowest logical fare include ancillary fees that can increase the cost of a trip by 10 to 30 percent?
• Productivity: Is it logical to have a business traveler fly across the country on an aircraft that doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, a power port or enough room between seats to even open a laptop, when you know they want to work?
• Status: Is the $75 in savings worth it when the traveler does not have priority boarding, overhead space and had to check their bag (and wait for it at the other end), and of course, enjoyed all the pleasures associated with a middle seat in the rear of the aircraft?
Few corporate travel policies consider what the traveler wants or how the changing travel landscape could impact their travel program. By understanding the needs of travelers and their greater mission for the company, the travel manager can better manage the overall experience–keeping costs down, and compliance to corporate policies and traveler satisfaction high.
Contact Geof or Deb to help you update or create a travel policy for your business.
Corporate Cards Save Money for Businesses of All Sizes
Companies that fail to use corporate cards for travel and entertainment spending are losing out in negotiating clout, travel policy compliance, back office efficiency, traveler satisfaction and potential card rebates. Regardless of how much a company spends on travel and entertainment, a card program will create huge benefits.
How much in savings will a card program yield? The typical company can cut 15% from spending on contract commodities like air, hotel and car, according to Martin Cannings, product director for Citi commercial cards in Europe, the Middle East andAfrica. Increasing card use also cuts internal costs by making T&E processes more efficient, he said.
More complete data provides more opportunities to:
• analyze and improve traveler compliance,
• create a more robust data set for more effective vendor negotiations,
• automate data capture,
• reduce costs associated with erroneous and incomplete data entered by travelers, and
• lower costs from decreased fraud, misuse, and out-of-policy spending.
The higher the corporate card use, the easier it is to run reports on non-card spending and identify individual travelers who aren’t using the card.
Contact Geof or Deb for more reasons to get a corporate card if you don’t have one.
Ron Yoder Saves Clients $8,000!
“Over the years our organization has sent hundreds of people all over the world, often to remote destinations where travel is not an easy task. To ease the burden of caring for these details on our own we have utilized the services of Menno Travel, specifically working with Ron Yoder. We have always felt taken care of but recently Ron’s service went above and beyond. This fall we are sending several groups to far off destinations in Africa where tickets run close to $3,000 a person. After tickets had been purchased, Ron came across new lower prices that saved our travelers $500 a ticket. We are grateful for Ron’s attention to detail and desire to serve our organization even after the sale! As a result we are able to free up these funds to advance leadership development and medical care in African countries rather than simply paying for travel. Thanks, Ron!”
Displaying Itineraries for Flights Using Multiple Carriers
If a trip contains multiple airlines, each airline won’t necessarily have the entire itinerary listed on their website. The first airline in an itinerary may show only part of the second airline’s itinerary, for example. Even if all carriers’ flights are listed, the first carrier may not receive updates if there are changes to “down-stream” carriers.
For example, a client recently contacted us because Delta’s website still showed a Korean Air flight that we had canceled, but Korean Air didn’t send the information through to Delta. The client was concerned when they saw the Korean Air flight still listed on Delta.com.
This can be a problem domestically too, especially with all the codesharing between airlines. If the flights were booked in our reservation system, you can see all flights in your itinerary at www.MyTripAndMore.com. Here you will also find links to the airlines’ online check-in pages.
Be sure to contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding your itinerary.
Delta Air Lines Boosting Flights Out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport
Delta is adding routes that target American Airlines and put it in a better position to compete against United. Delta says the additions make it the biggest airline between theNew Yorkarea and cities in theU.S.That should help increase Delta’s business travelers.
Delta is adding flights toMiamiand Dallas, both American Airlines hubs. It will also fly toHoustonandDenver, which are both United hubs, andCharlotte, which is a hub for US Airways.
It will be interesting to see how these increased flights out of LaGuardia will affect service on other Delta routes…
Delta’s New In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-fi
Delta Air Lines launched new in-flight entertainment options as part of its $2 billion investment in the flying experience. The additions include Delta Connect, an in-flight portal that will be available to all customers using Wi-Fi on Delta aircraft; wireless movies and television on demand on Boeing 757-300 aircraft. Delta Connect will offer an expanded range of free content such as more choices for entertainment and shopping as well as flight and destination information.
A List of Airlines with WiFi
Inflight Wifi is becoming increasingly important to business travelers, and three airlines have Wifi on their entire domestic fleet: AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines and Virgin America. Five more have it on select aircraft; they are: AirCanada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways.
The Delta App Now For All Four Major Smartphones
Whether you have the iPhone®, Android™, BlackBerry® or the Windows® Phone, you can take advantage of the following features of the Delta App:
- View the most updated flight status and gate information
- Check in and download your eBoarding pass
- Change your seat assignment
- Access the standby and upgrade lists
- Receive alerts on flight and gate changes
- Review your SkyMiles account information
- View airport information and weather updates
- Set a reminder of where you parked at the airport
What Does American’s Bankruptcy Mean?
Basically we will see no change from American Airlines’ bankruptcy, which was the only network carrier that had avoided bankruptcy. Airline bankruptcies are all about restructuring debt. It’s business as usual, including the AAdvantage loyalty program.
Alert: Travelers to Canada with Criminal Convictions May Be Denied Entrance
If you are traveling toCanada, be aware of an enforced law that may deny you entrance if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense. The list of applicable convictions
include: 1) a minor offense (including shoplifting, theft, assault, possession of an illegal substance, etc.); 2) an “indictable” criminal offense (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter; etc.), or 3) Driving While Impaired (DWI).
According to Canada’s website, it is possible to have some offenses cleared in advance of travel by submitting an application for a Minister’s Approval of Rehabilitation. For details, including a sample disclosure to provide customers, click here.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government toU.S.citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.
STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S.embassy or consulate. Click here for more information and to register.
Fort Wayne Airport Adds Flight
American Airlines added a third flight betweenFort Wayneand Dallas/Fort Worth. This will increase connections toMexicoand the southwest.
“Give The Gift Of Memories” Vacation Promotion – Book by December 30, 2011!!
Holidays are a great time for families to gather. Why not gather your schedules as well and plan to take a family trip next year? Take advantage of Exclusive Travel Specials from Menno Travel Service for your Anniversary Trip, Spring Break or Annual Family Vacation. When it comes to value and price, you won’t get more anywhere else.
All NEW Cruise or Tour bookings Made before December 30, 2011 are eligible to receive*:
Spend $2,000 and get a $100 gift certificate to use on a future trip
Spend $4,000 and get a $200 gift certificate to use on a future trip
Spend $6,000 and get a $300 gift certificate to use on a future trip
Spend $8,000 and get a $400 gift certificate to use on a future trip
Spend $10,000+ and get a $500 gift certificate to use on a future trip
*gift certificates issued with final trip payment
Contact our Vacation Department at 574-534-1521 / 800-635-0963 or dorothy@mennotrav.com to get started!
This Year, Give them Memories
July 2011 Newsletter
Jun 28th
** Our office will be closed to observe the July 4 Holiday **
Revised Office Hours Beginning July 5
Menno Travel Service office hours will change to 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday starting Tuesday, July 5. Our office doors and phone had been answered until 5:30 pm, however, since our corporate department currently closes at 5:00 pm, this change will make uniform our operating hours for all departments.
Our After Hours Emergency assistance phone number, 800-367-1633, remains in effect 24/7 for customers needing travel assistance outside of our office hours. (A nominal use fee will be shared for this service.) In addition, our website is a great source of information. Here you will find our toll-free and international phone numbers for our After Hours Assistance, information on access to your booked itinerary at MyTripAndMore, access to Business Travel Profile forms, corporate reports, our MARVIN quality control program, as well as a wealth of information on American Express programs and our online booking program, Rearden.
Why Use Menno Travel For Meeting Fares?
Anytime you have the possibility of ten or more people traveling to the same destination it may benefit you to book a meeting fare. With Delta Air Lines, for example, you will save 5% off from hub markets (Detroit, Minneapolis, Atlanta, etc), 10% off all other cities, and receive 1 free for every 40 tickets booked. Often, even if the total number of travelers falls below ten, there is no penalty for using the Meeting Fare.
Meeting Fares are not available to book online, so let us help you save money and time. We will provide a flight manifest showing arrivals and departures and we can arrange for a car rental discount and hotel contract including all of the necessary meeting services and amenities.
Contact Geof or Deb for more information to assist with your next meeting.
How to Get Comps From Airlines
Airlines technically don’t owe you anything in a weather delay, but you may get freebies if you know how to ask for them.
Tips on how to ask:
Be compassionate to the gate agent amid the inevitable crowd of unhappy travelers. The agent may accommodate you first. Remember that the highest-level person working there is the one authorized to make decisions, so figure out who this is and direct your concern towards them. All negotiating will happen at the gate, so don’t surrender and walk away from the area.
If you’re holding up the line as you talk to an agent while keeping your voice down, the airline is more apt to grant your requests. But if you’re making a scene and everyone’s hearing what you’re demanding the reps will shut you out.
What to ask for:
Ask for a hotel. In many cases it doesn’t have to be just any hotel. Do the research on your smartphone and suggest a hotel you want. Ask for food vouchers (and not just one meal) and Wi-Fi cards. Ask for a ticket into the airline lounge.
The airlines in the U.S. can say no to all of the above in a weather event. However, the potential for hazardous PR plus persistence make it harder for carriers to say no. Infrequent travelers are less likely to get freebies because they don’t have status or clout with the airline.
As always, Menno Travel is your advocate and will assist in any way possible with any dispute or situation where our travelers have been unfairly treated.
Delta’s Compensation for Overnight Delays or Cancellations
If you are flying Delta and are forced to overnight due to a delay or cancellation within Delta’s control, you will receive meals and hotel accommodations at Delta contracted facilities, based on availability. If a hotel is not available, you’ll receive a Transportation Credit Voucher that is equal in value to the Delta contracted hotel rate for that city and may be used toward future Delta transportation and most travel-related services.
Hertz Now Renting to 20 Year Olds
Most other car rental companies don’t allow rentals under 21 without a Young Renters Fee. Hertz does, meaning that young renters will save anywhere from $15 to $25 a day. The offer is good for advance reservations for vehicle pick up on or before September 30, 2011. The discount will be applied at the time of rental and excludes Adrenaline and Prestige Collection rentals and Corvettes. Additional terms and conditions apply. Click here for complete details.
Western Europe Chip-And-Pin Cards
Americans have been having difficulties in using the standard magnetic ATM and credit cards in Europe. To assist with this problem, Travelex is selling Chip-and-Pin Cards to Americans online. The Chip-and-Pin card is widely used in Western Europe and is a card requiring the user verify his/her identity with a four-digit pin number. They are exactly like an ATM card and can be loaded with a predetermined amount of Euros or British pounds. You can also add to the amount on the card at any time. The card is not connected to your bank account so there is little risk of identity theft if lost or stolen. The card can be ordered at http://www.us.travelex.com/.
Beware Sending Credit Card Numbers Via Email
Unless you use special software, emails are not encrypted and anyone who intercepts the email can read a credit card number. Always give your number by phone or in person.
This does not affect our Business Travel Profile forms that we ask our corporate clients to complete online. These are encrypted and any updated or new credit card information sent this way is secure.
Visit Our New American Express Card Benefits Website
Click here to see our new website promoting reasons for you to book your travel using an American Express card. Here you will find details on specials as well as all of the travel services and benefits that you receive when using the card and/or booking through Menno Travel Service, an American Express agency. Apply for an American Express card if you do not have one.
How Much Are Airline Fees Increasing Business Travel Spending?
The Global Business Travel Association reported in April that business travel spending in 2011 is expected to increase by 6.9 percent for the year – up from the 5 percent growth forecast previously.
The association projected that business travel spending would continue to grow even with higher oil prices, which have led to rising air fares. And it’s clear that everyone is trying to define the fees, how to disclose them, and how to account and budget for them. Those fees added an estimated $21.5 billion worldwide to fares in 2010, according to a recent study by IdeaWorks, the air travel consultant, and Amadeus, the reservations network.
Fees are often hard to anticipate or even identify and that detailed information on exact spending is important for enforcing travel policy. Most companies will pay for one baggage fee and a beverage, but not multiple beverages or upgrades. Airlines don’t have uniform procedures for reporting on the wide range of fees they charge. Some of those fees can even vary by the status and fare class of a customer.
According to the Transportation Department, checked bag fees alone accounted for $3.4 billion in extra charges last year – against just $464 million in 2007, the year before most airlines began charging for most checked bags.
It’s still not clear how much those fees are adding to the costs of air travel, incidentally. In a study done last summer, the Consumer Travel Alliance said that hidden fees added an extra 26 to 54 percent to the cost of a ticket. The estimate examined only charges for checked bags and extra legroom on nine airlines flying four major domestic routes.
Last week, however, AirPlus released a report that indicated that fees might not be as big a part of air travel costs as that. It analyzed travel spending during the first quarter for a multinational company that it did not identify and found that the fees represented only 3.1 percent of total travel spending of $2.3 million.
Part of Menno Travel’s service to our clients includes travel policy compliance for corporate travelers. We can assist with updating or creating a travel policy, however, currently there is no software or reporting system that is able to show a breakdown of airfare vs. hidden fees for baggage, upgrades, standbys, or food and beverage.
Geof Landis recently attended the Ohio Valley Business Travel Association meeting in Indianapolis where it was evident that travel managers need this breakdown and if, or when, it becomes available we will be sure to advise you.
Copa Airlines Expanding to Chicago in December 2011
Copa Airlines will soon serve 57 destinations in 28 Central, South and North America and the Caribbean countries. In December they will add Asuncion, Paraguay; Cucuta, Colombia; and Chicago. In addition to these new destinations, Copa recently began service to Toronto, Canada; Porto Alegre and Brasilia, Brazil and Nassau, Bahamas.
Operating from its Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Copa Airlines offers the most international flights and destinations within Latin America of any hub on the continent and expects to increase capacity by approximately 20 percent in 2011. The airline’s expansion plans also include the delivery of 23 new aircraft in the next two years.
Pay With Points Reduces Business Travel Costs
Geof Landis has been successful in extolling the benefits of using Membership Rewards Points with American Express to pay for airline tickets. Businesses who currently earn points can save a lot of money by burning those points for business travel rather than using them in other ways or not at all. Menno Travel Service/American Express began burning points for cardmembers last year. Apply for an American Express card if you do not have one. Or, contact Geof for more information.
Reduce Stress and Increase Your Creativity
Go on vacation! A recent poll revealed that 28% of Americans surveyed took no vacation time the previous year; 65% took less than two weeks. Research shows that days off can ease stress, increase productivity, and promote general well-being.
Contact our Vacation Travel Professions and plan a rejuvenating getaway today! Call 574-534-1521 or 800-635-0963 or email Karen, Kami, Tricia, Sondra, or Maggie.
Vacation Value
Oceania Cruises is offering select 2012 European Voyages with 2 for 1 Cruise Fares and Free Airfare, Up to $2,000 Bonus Savings per stateroom and Free 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay*. Act Now – offers expire August 31, 2011. (*Call for complete terms and conditions.)
In addition, Oceania is offering special amenities on select sailings between July and December, only available to our clients because we are an American Express travel office: FREE pre-paid gratuities • $100 shipboard credit• $100 spaclub credit• $100 shore excursions credit • FREE welcome bottle of champagne.
Click here for additional 2011 promotions and availability and then call our Vacation Travel Professionals at 574-534-1521 or 800-635-0963 or email Karen, Kami, Tricia, Sondra, or Maggie.
May 2011 Newsletter
Jun 2nd
Delta Offering New Economy Comfort Seats
Purchase an international economy ticket for a flight of six hours or longer on Delta, for travel beginning June 1, and upgrade to an Economy Comfort seat for a fee of $80 – $160 one-way depending on the length of the flight. Besides more legroom and improved seat recline, purchase of Economy Comfort seats will include complimentary spirits, beer and wine, plus blankets, and pillows. In-seat power will also be available on most aircraft equipped with personal entertainment systems.
The Economy Comfort fee is waived for Diamond and Platinum Medallion Skymiles members. Gold and Silver Medallion customers receive a 50 percent and 25 percent discount, respectively. To learn more about Economy Comfort, please click here.
Terms & Conditions:
The Economy Comfort Medallion travel companion benefit is applicable for up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation as the Medallion member. Group reservations are not applicable. We reserve the right to assign or reassign an Economy Comfort seat at any time, even after boarding of the aircraft, for operational, safety or security reasons. The final decision resides with the ground staff and the operating crew on the day of the flight. In the event you have paid for and are not accommodated into an Economy Comfort seat you are entitled to a refund in the amount paid for the upgrade. All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits, respectively. To review the rules, please visit Membership Guide & Program Rules.
Airfare Transparency Rule Changes Gives Back to Passengers
Thank you to all of our clients and friends who signed the letter last month that we sent asking for your assistance in urging U.S. House and Senate representatives to change the rules to require airlines to make their fees transparent. Your efforts were noticed, and while the airfare transparency issue is not completely settled, progress has been made.
Airlines now must disclose hidden fees, pay back your baggage fee if they lose your bags and pay you more for bumping you-as much as doubling the amount in some instances. The new rule also expands the ban on lengthy tarmac delays. What it doesn’t do, however, is to require airlines to display full fee information on any platform selling airline fees. Right now, it only requires airlines to provide all fee information on their own websites, but not to travel agencies or travel management companies.
We will continue to fight to have this information more readily available to us, so that we can better assist you with travel cost management.
State Department Issues Summer Long Foreign Travel Alert
The State Department’s worldwide travel alert issued after U.S. Special Forces units killed Osama bin Laden advises Americans to exercise caution if they’re in areas more prone to anti-American violence. Click here to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for travel updates, information and security issues. We recommend this to all international travelers.
The Business Platinum Card Pays for Itself
At an annual fee of $450, the American Express Business Platinum Card offers these benefits as a return on your investment:
● Receive up to $200 Airline Fee Credit to cover incidentals with the airline of your choice
● Get 20% Travel Bonus when redeeming with Membership Rewards® Pay with Points.
● Airport Club Access Worldwide – complimentary access for you and up to 2 travel companions.
● Platinum Office Program – access 1000 internet-equipped business lounges in 450 major cities worldwide
● Fine Hotels & Resorts – receive room upgrades upon availability, continental breakfast, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and a special amenity at over 600 properties worldwide.
● Open Savings® – save 3-10% on business expense with companies like FedEx, Hertz®, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts®, and more
● Business Protection – protection on your purchases and insurance coverage that gives you added peace of mind when you travel
● Business Platinum Concierge – access a team of consultants on hand to help you with just about anything personal or professional
Apply here for your American Express Business Platinum Card.
Bypass Immigration and Customs With Global Entry
Your time is valuable. The last thing you want when you arrive in the US after an international flight is to wait in line when you get off the plane. Global Entry is the perfect solution for frequent international travelers and automates CBP entry and eliminates the paper customs declaration.
Doug Risser from our office recently applied for the program and did his personal interview during a layover in Atlanta. The online application took about 15 minutes and was approved in about a week. The interview and fingerprint scan took 20 minutes. His traveling companion used Global Entry in Atlanta and said he had no wait on entry and it was simple to use.
Global Entry is in place at 20 US airports with international arrivals. There is a $100 application fee and authorization is valid for five years from approval. American Express consumer Platinum Cardmembers qualify for reimbursement of the $100 fee. Click here to apply or contact Doug with questions.
United / Continental Drop Checked Bag Discounts
The airline had been offering discounts of $2 – $3 for passengers who prepaid for checked bags online. The carrier announced last Friday it had discontinued the discounts. The charge for domestic flights operated by Chicago-based United Continental Holdings Inc. is now $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second, no matter how or when you pay. United and Continental used to offer a $2 discount on the first bag and $3 off the second to encourage passengers to pay before arriving at the airport.
For more information on United and Continental baggage fees, click here.
Check the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) Prohibited Items List
If an item you are traveling with is not on the prohibited list supplied by the TSA, don’t assume that it is allowable. The TSA page of prohibited items is not complete and a further step may be necessary. There is a fill-in form that you can use to ask about specific items. Recently a client of ours traveled with ink and toner cartridges and was able to check the restrictions before getting to the airport, saving time and frustration.
Click here to access the fill-in form.
Delta Customers Can Now Track Checked Bags
Delta has introduced baggage-tracking on its website. From the site, you can see if your bags have been loaded off an aircraft, said the airline. You will need the last name of the passenger’s bag and either the Bag Tag Number or the File Reference Number. Click here to access the Delta Baggage Tracking website.
Note: A recent change now mandates that baggage fees must be refunded if a bag is lost (not delayed).
Earn National’s Emerald Club® Rental Credits at Enterprise
Earn Emerald Club rental credits at participating Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations, including more than 6,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. This greatly improves your ability to achieve Executive® or Executive Elite® status and earn Free Rental Days on your Emerald Club account.
Fill The Gas Tank Before Returning A Rental Car
With the high cost of gas these days it pays to fill the tank as close to the return car rental site as possible. Five of the eight major companies, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty, charge customers who don’t refuel at a gas station or prepay for gas at least $7.99 per gallon at most airport rental locations. Hertz tops them all with $9.29 a gallon according to USA TODAY. Car rental companies say they are not in business to sell gas and do so as a convenience for customers. Last year, Hertz took in $43.7 million in refueling fees.
Prepaying for gas is sometimes a good deal and sometimes not. If you don’t use the full tank it becomes the property of the rental company. Most renters are unable to plan their trip so precisely to ensure they are returning a vehicle on empty.
Airline Fuel Surcharges Set Record
United, Continental, Delta and rival U.S. carriers have added a record $420 in fuel surcharges to round-trip European fares to compensate for rising oil prices. (Emirates has eliminated their fuel surcharges) Across the industry, surcharges are as much as 50% greater than those put in place when fuel prices reached a record three years ago. In 2008 fuel surcharges were $330 for a return transatlantic fare. Jet fuel has become airlines’ biggest operating expense, surpassing labor and climbing to an average $2.96 a gallon from January through March, up 41% from a year earlier. Fuel surcharges between the U.S. and some countries in South America are as much as $580 round trip today, up from $390 in 2008. The fee on flights between the U.S. and Sydney is $500 now, compared with $220 in mid-2008.
Spring Break 2012 Travel Tip
Next year Easter falls on April 8, the last day of most local schools’ spring break. If you plan to travel over this holiday, you will want to reserve your flights into this area earlier than usual to get the best schedules. Reservations are available now for Spring Break 2012.
Kalamazoo Completes Airport Terminal Renovation
Direct Air, American and Delta offer flights out of the newly improved Kalamazoo Airport. $39 million was spent on their new two-story, 92,000-square-foot energy efficient terminal. The new terminal offers improved convenience and comfort for passengers, and it will help retain and attract airlines to serve the Kalamazoo area.
Delta Retires 130 Aircraft
Over the next 18 months, the old DC9′s Delta acquired in the merger with Northwest, are being retired along with the Saab Turbo-Prop fleets and 60 50-seat regional jets. The airline will reduce planned capital expenditures by $300 million to $1.2 billion for 2011.
New Skywalk Opens in Indianapolis
Pedestrians in downtown Indianapolis may now travel via a new skyway from the Crowne Plaza Hotel to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Stadium without going outdoors. The 97-foot-long Crowne Plaza Skywalk, which opened on March 18, crosses Capitol Avenue. It’s part of the Indianapolis Downtown Skywalk System, which connects Circle Centre mall, the Indianapolis Artsgarden and many hotels and downtown businesses. www.visitindy.com.
Maggie Lewallen Earns Top Travel Agent Award
Mar 18th
Maggie Lewallen, Vacation Travel Specialist at Menno Travel Service/American Express won the American Express Pacesetter Award from the American Express Travel Network. “This award is the most elite form of recognition a travel agent can receive within the American Express network,” said Ellen Bettridge, Vice President, Retail Travel Network, American Express Travel.
Each Pacesetter is carefully selected based on their leadership role in the travel agency community and their exemplary level of performance and customer service. Maggie won an all expense paid trip to Paris this spring, where she will be recognized as a top-producing travel professional across the American Express Representative Network.
Maggie joined Menno Travel Service in 1993 and is a Certified Travel Associate, Accredited Cruise Counselor, Certified Sandals Specialist, Disney Specialist as well as a Destination Specialist for many regions around the globe. Dorothy Shirk, Vacation Department Manager says, “Maggie is truly dedicated to her clients, consistently providing them with outstanding value and service. She is loyal to the American Express preferred suppliers, which positively affects our company bottom line.”
“We offer our congratulations to Maggie for winning this individual award.” say co-owners, Geof Landis and Doug Risser.
Corporate Travel “Triple Dip”
Mar 16th
At MennoTravel Service / American Express, when you book and pay for your travel with an American Express card, you can earn rewards in not just one, but three rewards programs. We call it the “Triple Dip” and here’s how it works:
- Individual Frequent Flyer Program
Travelers earn points with their individual airline programs - Corporate Frequent Flyer Program
Companies earn points towards free tickets with their corporate airline programs - American Express Membership Rewards
Companies earn rewards points when they pay vendors with the American Express Corporate Card
Pay With Points
An additional benefit of booking your travel with Menno Travel Service / American Express is that we can redeem your American Express Membership Rewards® points to pay for your business or personal travel. Contact Geof Landis at 534-1521 to discuss how partnering with Menno Travel Service / American Express will benefit your corporate travel
programs.
Menno Travel Service/American Express Wins Rep Excellence Award
Mar 16th
American Express Travel named Menno Travel Service/American Express a Representative Excellence Award winner for 2010. The award was established to recognize members of the American Express Travel Network who achieve exceptional preferred supplier sales growth and are also in compliance with specific operational responsibilities of membership, established by American Express in support of the Brand.
“We are thrilled to receive this award for the first time in our 17 years of affiliation with American Express Travel. We are proud to be one of the Top Five Representatives in percentage growth year over year in preferred tour and cruise sales”, says Doug Risser, co-owner of Menno Travel Service
As a result of their concentrated effort in selling preferred suppliers and engaging in American Express products and programs, a member of the Menno Travel Service management team will be hosted on a Silversea seven-day voyage aboard the Silver Spirit from Southampton, United Kingdom to Barcelona, Spain this spring.
“We will be recognizing all of our staff for their hard work this past year with a celebratory company dinner. They all deserve the credit!” say co-owners, Geof Landis and Doug Risser.
February 2011 Newsletter
Feb 10th
Assisting Travelers during the Winter Storms
Our staff helped at least one hundred clients who were delayed, stranded, or had their trips canceled during the recent blizzard of 2011. With airline phone lines jammed with calls, and websites not a lot of help either, our travelers were able to make one call to their travel agent and get taken care of.
At times, several of our staff waited on hold with airlines for up to 3 hours and 45 minutes to make the necessary changes to existing reservations. Communicating with our clients took the forms of email, phone calls and texts, based on the clients needs. We are here before, during and after your trip to help you!
“Above and Beyond” Award to Corporate Travel Staff, Jill and Debi!
Incentive Travel Specialist, Mary Ann Holderman, recommended Corporate Travel Specialist, Jill Mann, for our intra-office recognition award, the “Above and Beyond Award”, awarded for exceeding expectations for service to our clients. This award is in the form of a large wooden giraffe that makes its home on the desk of the honored employee until such time as it moves to the desk of the next honoree.
Mary Ann writes: “Jill’s willingness to help me issue 175 tickets on 5 different airlines for my Hawaii Incentive Group was invaluable! She was extremely patient and became my personal ‘help desk’ when no one else was around.” The group left for Hawaii on Saturday, January 22 for a seven night cruise. Menno Travel Owners, Doug Risser and Geof Landis noted that Jill helped Mary Ann in between taking care of her own corporate clients at the busiest time of the year!
Along with Jill, Debi Riegsecker was honored for having the largest number of new reservations in this time period in at least four years! The time needed to process the large number of reservations was compounded by the additional hours needed to assist our clients whose flights were cancelled due to weather. Doug and Geof wrote, “Thanks, Debi and Jill for your efforts ‘Above and Beyond’ both in assisting clients with new reservations and for working the many additional required hours when they get stranded.” Congratulations!
Delta SkyBonus Enrollment Promotion
Delta is offering 25,000 bonus points to new small corporate accounts enrolled in their SkyBonus Program prior to March 31, 2011. You will receive the bonus points up0n the completion of your first trip within 60 days of enrollment. Contact Deb Mangas or Geof Landis to enroll or to get more information.
Why are airfares cheaper on Tuesday and Wednesday?
Many experts say Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to find low airfares, while weekends tend to be most expensive. Wall Street Journal Columnist Scott McCartney researched the reasons for price fluctuations, including competitive concerns and even staffing levels. On weekends, for instance, he found that pricing is more automated, so fares automatically rise as cheap seats sell out. But when pricing managers return to work on Monday, they may override the computer models, making more cheap seats available in an effort to maximize revenue. Also, most fare increases are filed at the end of the week and may be withdrawn early the following week if not matched by the other airlines.
Southwest Bookings On The Rise
Southwest Airlines continues to make friends among business travelers and vacationers alike with their no bag fee policy, their no change fee policy and their friendly staff. Recently, it was reported by Gary Kelly, chief executive officer at Southwest Airlines that in 2010 there was a 13% increase in quarterly earnings with a great outlook for 2011.
At Menno Travel Service, our Southwest Airlines reservations reflect this increase in popularity. Keeping travel costs in mind, we are pleased to offer our clients this alternative to the “a la carte” airlines.
Delta Increasing Legroom On Some International Flights
Delta announced a major investment in its international fleet with plans to introduce a premium economy section – “Economy Comfort” – on all long-haul international flights starting in summer 2011. The new seats will feature up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Delta’s standard international Economy class seats.
Murphy’s Laws For Frequent Flyers
• No flight ever leaves on time unless you are running late and need the delay to make the flight.
• If you are running late for a flight, it will depart from the farthest gate within the terminal.
• If you arrive very early for a flight, it inevitably will be delayed.
• Flights never leave from Gate #1 at any terminal in the world.
• If you must work on your flight, you will experience turbulence as soon as you touch pen to paper. Or start to drink your coffee.
• Only passengers seated in window seats ever have to get up to go to the lavatory.
• The crying baby on board your flight is always seated next to you.
• The less carryon luggage space available on an aircraft, the more carry-on luggage passengers will bring aboard.
Recognize/Reward Employees With Menno Travel Flexible Vacation Vouchers
Flexible Vacation Vouchers are the perfect way to let an employee know you value their service to your company. The vouchers are prepaid to Menno Travel Service with a two-year validity, good for travel anywhere, anytime. Contact Deb Mangas or Geof Landis for more information.
Great Meeting Rates at Wyndham Hotels!
There are great rates popping up at Wyndham Hotels for companies looking to hold meetings in the U.S. and around the world. An example of low rates at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista in Florida:
May 6-12: $74 / May 22-26: $65 / May 30-June 9: $85 / August 14-October 6: $59 / December 11-22: $79
Besides these fantastic introductory rates there are several booking incentives, including Triple Wyndham Rewards Points and a Welcome Reception. Keep Wyndham in mind when choosing your upcoming meeting site.
Incentive Travel: Different Programs for Different Reasons
Most incentive travel programs that we arrange for clients have two primary goals:
• Increase profitable business
• Build relationships
As such, most programs focus on increased sales over a longer period of time, for instance achieving 110% of expected volume to earn the reward trip. There are other ways to structure an incentive program. Here are a few:
• “President’s Club”—This recognizes the most important clients, the elite top 10 or 20. These trips tend to be high-end, once a year, and exclusive.
• “Fast Track” contests—These can start at the drop of a hat to meet immediate situations, such as excess or stale inventory, seasonality issues, or reaction to competition.
• New product introduction—Need to promote a new product, especially one with a high profit margin? This program should be short term, simple, individual rather than as a group, and can be tiered.
• Advanced Sales Academy—Dealers complete training programs, demonstrate product knowledge, and make required sales contacts. Rewards are cash or prizes and qualify them to participate in future incentive travel programs.
Contact Doug Risser, Geof Landis, or Deb Mangas to discuss how a well-designed incentive travel program can help your company increase profitable sales while building relationships.
Escorted Motor Coach Tours
Long-time Menno Travel escort Judy Cunningham and Cardinal Bus driver Fran Eldridge invite you to join them on their two motor coach tours in 2011!
Sights of Pennsylvania on July 23—29
Their trip to Eastern Pennsylvania will combine the scenery of the Poconos, the early history of our country in Philadelphia, and a return to the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster for their newest Biblical production, Joseph.
Click here for complete Pennsylvania tour information.
Missouri River Lore & More on September 18—24
The early history of Missouri is tied to the Mississippi River and this tour visits the popular sights along the Mississippi River between Mark Twain’s Hannibal and historic French America.
Click here for complete Missouri tour information.
If you or someone you know would enjoy these great tours, make your reservations soon to ensure you’re not left behind! Contact Tara Nisley at (574) 975-7766 or (866) 606-6198 or tara@mennotrav.com for more information.
December 2010 Newsletter
Feb 10th
American Express Cardmember Travel Privileges Expanded
Take advantage of these new Travel Benefits for Personal and Small Business Platinum and Centurion Card members.
1. $200 Airline Fee Credit – Check a bag or enjoy an in-flight meal on American Express. Every year American Express will cover up to $200 of incidental airline fees that are charged on the Cardmember’s enrolled Card on a selected airline. The $200 Airline Fee Credit can apply to fees such as baggage fees, flight change fees, in-flight food and airport lounge day passes.
2. 20% Travel Bonus – When Cardmembers use Membership Rewards Pay with Points to pay for part or all of their travel including airlines, hotels, cruises and vacation packages, they will get 20% of those points credited back to their account. For example, redeem 30,000 points to pay for an airline ticket, and American Express will credit 6,000 point to your Membership Rewards Cardmember’s account.
3. American Express® Travel App – This complimentary mobile app will help keep travelers informed with flight alerts, an airport lounge locator, airport guides and more.
Free WiFi For The Holidays
Passengers who want to surf the Internet while they fly on AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin America, can do it for free this month. This is a holiday gift the carriers and Internet providers hope might lure fliers to pay for the WiFi later. Google is offering free in-flight WiFi through January 2. The carriers use Gogo Inflight Internet, which typically charges $4.95 for access during short flights and up to $49.95 for multiple prepaid in-flight sessions.
Winner of Elkhart County Thanks4giving Raffle
Pictured: Deb Mangas (Menno Travel), Jim Shea (Fairmont), Janet Walls and Pam Hluchota (United Way Board Chair)
Congratulations to Janet Walls, the 7-night Palace Resorts package winner from the United Way of Elkhart County Thanks4giving Raffle last month. Menno Travel Service is proud to provide Janet with a seven day all-inclusive resort package (including airfare) to Mexico. Now would be a good time to book that trip south, Janet!
Delta Adds Recharging Stations At Airports
Delta plans to roll out recharging stations in 19 airports across the U.S., including its seven domestic hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York Kennedy and Salt Lake City. There will be two Delta recharging stations available at each passenger gate area. Each station will feature six standard, 110-volt outlets and two USB ports. Recharging pads designed for smartphones and mobile devices will be available in all domestic Delta Sky Club locations.
Recharging stations will also be installed at airports in Boston, Columbus, Ohio; Hartford, Conn.; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Nashville; Norfolk, Va.; Omaha, Neb.; Pittsburgh; Portland, Ore.; Seattle and St. Louis.
Delta increases availability of Preferred Economy Seats
Delta expanded the number of Preferred Economy seats by up to 40%. That’s good news for Delta Medallion members and bad news for anyone else trying to get advance seat assignments.
Also, Delta used to release those seats to the general public 24 hours prior to flight time. Now they won’t be released until 2 hours prior.
Delta Sky Club Now Open At Indianapolis Airport
Delta Air Lines opened its first Delta Sky Club at Indianapolis International Airport. Located inside security on Concourse A, the new 4,800-square-foot Indianapolis Sky Club is the first and only premium airport lounge for business travelers in the state of Indiana. Available to Delta Sky Club members and their guests, as well as American Express Platinum cardmembers flying Delta, the club offers complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and Wi-Fi, wireless charging pads for smartphones, as well as personalized flight assistance, satellite TV and computer workstation access.
Rental car companies improving customer satisfaction
According to a recent J.D. Power consumer survey, Enterprise Rent-A-Car ranks highest in customer satisfaction for the seventh consecutive year. National Car Rental is second and Hertz ranks third.
The survey, which polled consumers who rented cars at airports in North America during the twelve months ended in September, looks at six factors to measure overall customer satisfaction: costs and fees, pick-up processes, rental car, return process, reservations process and shuttle bus or van service.
The increased satisfaction scores indicate that staff that had been reduced in the past two years has begun to be added back and rental companies have started to add newer and lower-mileage cars to their fleets.
Electric Cars Coming to Hertz
Hertz will began renting electric cars this month through its Connect by Hertz car-share program, a membership program that enables members to rent cars on a per-hour basis, with New York as the launch market. In 2011 they will be available in the Hertz Car Rental fleet. Hertz is offering one of the Smart models, the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, starting Dec. 15. After the New York launch, Hertz plans to bring electric rentals to Washington and San Francisco in early 2011.
Down the road, other models will include the Nissan Leaf, the Coda and Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV, as well as electric hybrids like the Toyota Prius Plugin Hybrid and Chevy Volt. Hertz plans a “full-scale deployment” of electric cars in U.S. and international markets next year.
Three Reasons Why Airfares Are Likely To Rise
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average domestic airfare jumped 13% from $301 to $341 in the second quarter of 2010 vs. the previous year. That $341 fare was 3.8% more than the previous quarter and represented the fourth consecutive quarterly fare increase.
United Airlines’ average fare for the first nine months of this year is up 25% vs. a year ago. Even Southwest Airlines, long considered the budget standard, reported an average fare increase of 15% for that same period, and Southwest’s average airfare paid has increased 23% over the past three years.
According to David Grossman in USA Today, there are three primary reasons why airfares will continue to rise:
Capacity cuts and rising demand
According to the Air Transport Association (ATA), available seat miles (ASMs) for domestic travel declined by more than 12% between the fourth quarter of 2007 and the fourth quarter of 2009. As the increase in travel demand has exceeded the supply of available seats, passenger load factors, or the percentage of occupied seats, jumped from 75.3% to 78.8% during the first ten months of 2010 vs. 2009. Higher load factors inevitably lead to higher airfares.
Prolonged period of higher oil prices
All airlines are affected by rising oil prices, but one airline has felt the impact more than most: Southwest. With their cost advantage from hedging oil prices now history, Southwest has had to raise its prices to remain profitable, and the rest of the industry has followed.
Changing business model for low-cost airlines
So called “low-cost” airlines look more like network airlines every day. As these airlines mature, their operating costs are on the rise. These costs include flying from larger “hub” airports with higher costs and more congestion. Southwest’s absorption of Air Tran will add a second aircraft type, further increasing operating costs.
These additional operating costs, combined with higher oil prices and rising travel demand outstripping capacity will contribute to upward pressure on airfares. So, in answer to the age-old question about the best time to book your next flight: It may be right now, as all signs point to a continued climb.
New York City Hotel Capacity Soars
New York City is planning to open 33 hotels by the end of this year. Six of these will be high-end properties including the InterContinental New York Times Square, Hyatt’s latest Andaz on 5th Avenue, a Gansevoort on Park Avenue, the W New York-Downtown, a Conrad in Manhattan, and an Embassy Suites in the Financial District.
