In this issue...

• MacNair Travel Management: Travel More for Less!
• Important Travel News
• Run Away!
• American Express Rewards with Points
• Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
• Spotlight On... December Webinar: Leveraging the Value of Your American Express Card
• MacNair Travel Management Makes Headlines

MacNair Travel Management: Travel More for Less!

Although travel costs have risen, you can still travel more for less with MacNair Travel Management. At MacNair Travel Management, we continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients. Clients have saved an average of 23 percent on domestic tickets and 53 percent on international airfare - a combined average savings of 46 percent for the second quarter of 2008. This reveals that it is more important than ever to rely on an effective travel management company.

MacNair Travel Management, President & CEO Michael MacNair, says that the key to reducing costs is to implement a travel management policy. He says it is still possible to cut costs without sacrificing the amount of necessary travel: "By enforcing a travel management policy, our travel team ensures the traveler is taking the travel options the company wants which might include considering an alternate airport, connection or low-cost airline if the savings to the company represents $100.00 to $500.00 or more per transaction."

It is true that the times are changing. But savvy travelers who rely on an effective travel management company can still reap large savings and weather this economic storm smoothly. Just ask Mike MacNair, he knows all about smooth landings, in good times and in bad.

Important Travel News

Global Entry Program Speeds Frequent Travelers Through Passport Control at Chicago
US. Customs has opened Global Entry centers at Chicago O'Hare International to expedite international arrival processing for returning U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Global Entry travelers go to a special kiosk and insert their U.S. passports or lawful permanent resident cards into a document reader. The kiosk will direct travelers to provide digital fingerprints and will compare that biometric data with the fingerprints on file. Global Entry is in place at JFK, George Bush Intercontinental in Houston and Washington Dulles airports. (Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release).

Expansion of New Paperless Travel
The Transportation Security Administration plans a nationwide expansion of the use of paperless travel. This means that passengers can board a plane with an electronic bar code that has been transmitted to their cell phone or personal-digital assistant, as well as with the traditional use of a boarding pass. The bar code is scanned at airport security checkpoints. Business travelers who rely heavily on all information that is on a handheld computer will find this procedure especially helpful.

The program is already in limited use in the United States and overseas. Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France and KLM use paperless passes and will broaden the scope of their programs. In the United States, the system was approved in December and is in use at some airports by Northwest and Continental. United Airlines will follow suit next year.

Speed Through Airport Security
One size does not fit all travelers. This truism is at the heart of the Transport Security Administration's rapid expansion of "Black Diamond" self-select lanes at airports across the nation. Black Diamond lanes, currently in 46 airports, allow expert travelers to proceed quickly through security checkpoints. The green lane is for families and beginners who need more time and perhaps more help. The blue lane is for casual travelers who are somewhat familiar with airport security standards but not in much of a hurry. Since they have been implemented, there has been an average 21 percent increase in traffic in expert lanes.

The expansion of Black Diamond self-select lanes will be especially appreciated by business travelers who want to save time and energy at airports. In this way, they can arrive relaxed and ready to give their best for the work at hand - thus, adding more value on their trip for their employer.

Run Away!

Bailouts, economic turmoil and endless politics - don't you just want to run away and escape to a beautiful place?

It might seem impossible, but you can do it now. It will cost less than you expect. A little bit of time away can give you the rest and relaxation you crave - the delightful moments you need to think about what is truly important.

We sell the most powerful cure for your frustrations. We can also help you get it at the best value. We can send you to cities like Mazatlan in Mexico, Marquesas in the South Pacific or even Buenos Aires or Croatia where the dollar is still strong. We can use our influence with suppliers as part of American Express to find a great deal for you. We can even help you use your American Express points to buy a vacation.

Value! Deals! Good times! We have a million of them!

Refuel yourself, re-engage with family or friends, and see the wonders of the world. Give yourself something to dream about, to long for, to smile about and just go away!