In this issue...

• Analysts Predict Continued Growth in Travel for 2009
• Fewer Planes in the Air Boost On-Time Performance
• United Makes It a Little Easier to Pay Baggage Fees and Buy Extra Leg Room
• Delta to Contract Out New York-Washington Shuttle, MacNair Retains US Airways Discount
• New Security Requirements for Visa Waiver Program
• Avis and Budget, National and Alamo Expand Toll Pass Programs
• American Express Card Savings Opportunities to Maximize in 2009
• Did You Know...? MacNair Travel Has a Web-Based Data Reporting Tool
• First Webinar of 2009: "Seven Keys to Powerful Travel Savings in 2009"
• DC Team Working Remotely During Inauguration
• Carnival Fun Ships Are Coming to Baltimore!
  

ANALYSTS PREDICT CONTINUED GROWTH IN TRAVEL FOR 2009

To help in the finalization of budgets and provide an outlook for 2009, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) recently hosted an online seminar about the direction the economy may take in the next year and beyond. NBTA noted that while the media has reported that companies have been cutting their travel budgets and sending less people on the road, some companies are maintaining levels of spending or even spending more on travel. Most companies are also using cost containment measures to save money. Panelists admitted that times are tough, but all were positive about the future. Demand for business travel will grow more slowly in 2009, but 2010 and 2011 should be strong years.

"Effective travel management provides ways for companies to drive savings," said NBTA's Caleb Tiller. "Now is the time for travel managers to step forward and show their companies what they can do and really drive that value." (Source: NBTA Connecting News- December 22, 2008)

Click here for tips on how to better manage your travel in these difficult times. (Scroll to page 2.)

Fewer planes in the Air Boost on-time performance

The airline industry's capacity cuts, resulting in fewer flights operating daily, have contributed to improvements in on-time performance. Notably, in September, when the share of flights arriving on time rose to 84.9%, carriers implemented the bulk of the large capacity cuts announced at the height of the summer's oil-price surge.
(Source: Wall Street Journal)

united makes it a little easier to pay baggage fees and buy extra leg room

More airlines are making it a little easier for consumers to pay baggage and other fees. United Airlines cancelled its previously announced plans to increase the domestic second bag fee from $25 to $50 one way, and now lets you pay your baggage fee in advance on its website instead of at check-in. Your MacNair Travel consultant can upgrade you to Economy Plus in advance instead of at check-in, which starts at an additional $14 one way for up to five additional inches of legroom. Northwest Airlines is another carrier that now lets you pay your baggage fee in advance when you check-in online. Spirit Airlines discounts your baggage fees when you pay online. Look for more airlines to make it easier to pay a variety of fees in advance, either through your travel agent or on their website. (Source: United, Northwest and Spirit press releases)

delta to contract out new york-washington shuttle, macnair retains us airways discount

Delta is contracting with a regional airline for its New York-Washington shuttle service for the first time. The airlines regional jet service will eventually be entirely operated by Shuttle America. Delta will evenly split its shuttle service between 142-seat MD-88s and 76-seat Embraer E-175s. The Delta Shuttle Service began splitting evenly between the two aircraft on January 5th. (Source: Travel Weekly - December 22-29, 2008)

MacNair Travel has retained its discount on the US Airways shuttle (using full service jets) and is almost 30% off of the walk-up shuttle fare.

new security requirements for visa waiver program

International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization under the Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). (Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

avis and budget, national and alamo expand toll pass programs

Avis Budget Group will now provide eZGo Anywhere wireless toll collection transponders with Avis Rent A Car, Budget Rent A Car and Budget truck rentals. The transponders work with more than 95 percent of all toll systems in the United States.

National Car Rental has expanded its toll pass program, which uses the E-Z Pass electronic toll payment system, to Chicago, Houston, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse and New York City. It already included Newark and is also available through National's sister company, Alamo Rent A Car.
(Source: Avis Budget, National press releases)

american express card savings opportunities to maximize in 2009

MacNair Travel's December webinar was a good reminder of some of the advantages of the American Express card that can be used to enhance savings for 2009.

Savings at Work - You can get a 5% rebate on spending with American Express when you use their Savings at Work suppliers. Participating companies include Budget, Avis, FedEx, Choice Hotels, Hilton, DoubleTree and more. Consider addressing these suppliers in your travel policy and pushing travelers toward them.

Membership Rewards - Are you maximizing the usage of these miles and using them for all possible expenditures? It's a great year to do so.

Automatic Insurance Coverage - Understand the coverage provided and be sure to adjust your company policy so coverage is not duplicated. You can also remind travelers that this is yet another reason to use your travel procurement (booking, payment, etc.) system.

Actual Spending Data - You can leverage your card's reports to manage costs and speed reimbursement turnaround time. This data can be accessed from American Express at Work via the Corporate Program.

Online Expense Report Tool - Cards support this system by providing the data that can feed into a system. Card members also have the ability to create an online expense report via the American Express system. It's a basic functional tool that could be the first step in a future program to take automated expense reporting to the next level. It can be created in Microsoft Excel or using American Express's standard system. Saving time equals saving money.

Click here to view the webinar presentation.

did you know...? macnair travel has a web-based data reporting tool

Did you know that if you are a contracted customer of MacNair Travel that you have access to web-based reports containing all of your booking data? Our system is called iBank and it is one of the most widely utilized tools we offer. All data that we secure on your behalf (customer or department codes, lowest available fare offered, etc.), including your booking data (air, hotel, car, etc.), is captured in this system and is available 24/7 via the web. Keeping tabs on your spending data is one way we help you save money.

Interested in learning how this works? Contact your Account Manager or a Consultant for more information.

Register now for the first webinar of 2009:
"seven keys to powerful savings in 2009"

MacNair Travel Management's President and CEO Michael MacNair will once again be delivering virtual webinars in 2009 on key topics identified by our valued customers to enhance travel management value, quality and savings. We hope you will be able to attend. Please feel free to share our invitation with others who can benefit from this information.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 12:00-1:00 PM EST. "Seven Keys to Powerful Savings in 2009"
Please click here to register.

You may also contact Rian Watson at 703-650-5256 or rwatson@macnairtravel.com to register.
Dial-in information will be emailed out to participants two days before the webinar.

DC team working remotely during inauguration

Our Washington, DC office will be closed on January 19th & 20th due to the Presidential Inauguration and road closures. The Alexandria office will remain open. If you need to reach one of our staff members from our DC office, you will still be able to reach them at their usual phone extension through our Alexandria office or by email.

carnival fun ships are coming to baltimore!

Beginning April 27, 2009, Carnival Pride will offer year-round 7-Day Exotic Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from the historic port of Baltimore, MD. She will also sail a select number of 6-Day Bahamas and 8-Day Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises between April and August 2009.

Carnival Pride is part of Carnival's delightful Spirit class of ships and offers a terrific blend of big-ship features in a mid-sized environment. Whether it's a getaway for two, a family trip or a group cruise, the experts at MacNair Travel Management are here to handle all of the details for you. Book your cabin today and don't forget to ask about our group pricing.

InFlight has a new format. Love it? Hate it? Please feel free to send comments or suggestions to our new editor, Tony Torres, at ttorres@macnairtravel.com.