Is Your Corporate Travel Agency Saving You Money?

Do you get a monthly fare savings report from your corporate client? How much money have they saved you in the past month? Year?

Do you get discounts on cars and hotels? My clients get 20 percent off of Hertz - 10 percent off of Avis and similar discounts with other car companies.  If you are not getting these things it is time to re-evaluate your relationship with your corporate travel agent. 

Contact me today for a review of your corporate policies and find out how we can save you money!

We are celebrating our 28th year in business! 

What is the deal on American Airlines' Choice Class of Service?

A client called me today about the new American "Choice Classes." The way it was explained to her, if you pay a bit more you don't have to pay a change fee. True. What the agent failed to tell her is that you are still stuck with paying difference between the new fare and the old fare. So while you escape the $200 fee, you will still be hit with the new fare which could be any amount up to and over $1000 depending on the itinerary.

Choice might be a help - and there are other benefits - but you still have to pay for changes.
Here is a complete breakdown in the various levels of Choice.

Choice

With this option, you select the individual perks you want to enjoy. Start with the standard benefits of pre-reserving your seat and earning AAdvantage® miles, then add any extra benefits you would like. Want to be among the first to board? Or perhaps relax in the Admirals Club®? You have the freedom to design a travel experience tailored to your preferences.

Choice includes:
• Pre-reserved seat
• Earn AAdvantage miles

Choice Essential

With Choice Essential, your trip automatically becomes easier and more flexible. On top of our standard benefits, you'll enjoy extra perks that make your flight even more convenient: Check a bag, be among the first to board and have the option to change your flight without a fee.

If you're an AAdvantage® elite status member, you'll receive all the benefits you already enjoy, plus you'll be able to check a third bag. AAdvantage® Executive Platinum members receive an additional fourth bag with purchase of this fare.

Choice Essential includes:
• 1 checked bag
• Group 1 Boarding
• No change fee (any difference in fares would still apply)
• Pre-reserved seat
• Earn AAdvantage miles

Choice Plus

Looking for a way to make travel more comfortable, convenient and worry-free? Choice Plus means you can call off the search. If your plans change on a moment's notice, it's not a problem. You can standby for a different flight or even change your flight on the day of travel with no change fee. You'll also be one of the first to board, check a bag, enjoy a free drink and earn more AAdvantage® miles.

If you're an AAdvantage elite status member, you'll receive all the benefits you already enjoy, plus you'll be able to check a third bag. AAdvantage® Executive Platinum members receive an additional fourth bag with purchase of this fare.

• 1 checked bag
• Group 1 Boarding
• No change fee (any difference in fares would still apply)
• Same-day flight change
• Same-day standby
• Premium beverage on board
• Pre-reserved seat
• Earn 50% more AAdvantage miles

New changes at UsAir Operations at LaGuardia

Here is the latest news from USAIR on changes in New York.

Changes at New York LaGuardia beginning March 25, 2012

We’re beginning a series of updates at New York LaGuardia airport to streamline our operation and improve the airport experience for our customers. If your clients are flying through LGA in the coming months, we want you to know what they can expect.

US Airways Shuttle:

• New US Airways Shuttle gates will be 7, 8, 9 and 10.
• The Elite Limo sedan service desk will move to the baggage claim level as you exit security.
• The US Airways Shuttle schedule will stay the same.

Airport:

• US Airways ticket counters will move to the far left side of the building as you enter.
• All US Airways flights will depart from gates 1 – 12 in Terminal C.

US Airways Club:

• The US Airways Club will become a Delta Sky Club. Club members will be able to visit the Delta Sky Club until it closes for remodeling on April 8.
• Between April 8 and July 10, the Delta Sky Club will be closed and there will be no club access.

When the Delta Sky Club reopens, you’ll be able to visit it until our new US Airways Club is finished in late 2012.

TSA Pre-check Program to Expand

Consultants and other business travelers will be happy to know that TSA will soon be expanding the Pre-check Program to 28 airports. This program allows frequent fliers to pass normal security checkpoints - there is no computer check, no shoe removal etc.

If you are a frequent flier you should have or will soon receive an invitation from the airline with which you have the most miles to join the Pre check.  If you do not receive and invitation by mid March contact the airline.

My clients can contact me for assistance.

https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes