January 2010
In this issue...

• Washington-Boston Shuttle Deal Extended Through 2010
• New Security Information
• First Ever Meals on Waves Cruise to Benefit DC Central Kitchen
• MacNair's 2010 Educational Webinars
• Message about the Earthquake in Haiti
• DOT Limits Tarmac Delays to Three Hours
• Airline Updates: Performance and Service Improves as Discounting of Airfares Continues
• New US-Japan Open Skies Agreement Liberalizes Air Service Across Pacific
• Customers Happier About Hotel Service
• Fees, Budget Travel Top List of Industry Trends for 2010
• Rates for Car Rentals Soar in 2009
• Vacation Hotspots by Kim Peele, Personal Travel Division Manager
  

Washington-Boston Shuttle deal extended through 2010

MacNair's Washington Reagan National-Boston Logan shuttle deal has been extended through 2010! The rate is still a capacity controlled $150 each way ($171.95 with tax), and is fully refundable. There are currently seven flights in each direction on weekdays all with various fifty-seat all-coach regional jets.

New Security Information

Following up on last month's security bulletin, here is the latest airline security information:

On flights from Canada to the US, travelers are not permitted to bring carry-on luggage into the cabin of the aircraft, with some exceptions including, small purses, cameras, coats, medications, items for the care of small children, laptop computers, and canes/walkers. On flights from the UK to the US, travelers are permitted to carry-on only one bag. Passengers with passports from, or itineraries through, the following 14 countries should expect additional screening: Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen. (This would include a US citizen traveling Yemen-Germany-US for example).

First Ever Meals on Waves Cruise to Benefit DC Central Kitchen

Have fun with philanthropy on the first ever Meals on Waves cruise to benefit the DC Central Kitchen. Sail from Ft. Lauderdale to some of the most beautiful ports, including Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay with Mike MacNair on Holland America's Eurodam March 20-27, 2010. Spend a week relaxing, visiting beautiful islands and giving back with a day of service in St. Thomas feeding the hungry. Seven days from $849. Airfare and taxes additional. Contact the Meals on Waves reservation team at 202-496-9308 or email your questions to mealsonwaves@macnairtravel.com.

2010 Webinars

Back by popular demand! We are announcing our 2010 webinar schedule based on topics requested by our valued customers. Mark your calendar and tell your friends! Sign up now! If you are interested in a one-on-one webinar, please let us know.

2010 Webinar Schedule:
1. The Keys to Travel Savings in 2010's "New Normal" - January 28, 2010 12:00 - 1:00 Eastern
2. Best Practices in Federal Government Contractor Travel Management - April 29, 2010 12:00 - 1:00 Eastern
3. Travel Management Solutions for Association Staff, Committees, and Members - July 22, 2010 12:00 - 1:00 Eastern
4. The Secrets to Travel Management Data and Reporting - October 26, 2010 12:00 - 1:00 Eastern

Message about the Earthquake in Haiti

In response to the devastation caused by last Tuesday's massive earthquake in Haiti, MacNair Travel and American Express wanted to take this opportunity to share with you an option you may want to consider to support the relief efforts. The quake, which has been reported to have affected at least 3 million people, has decimated the capital of Port-au-Prince and its telecommunications infrastructure, making contact via phone and internet extremely difficult. Card members can donate or redeem points to their non-profit organization by logging into www.americanexpress.com/give. Through this website you will be able to make donations or redeem your membership rewards points to make donations to any non profit organization listed on the USAID website in support of Haiti. Relief organizations have indicated that the best way you can help is to make a financial donation. Given the situation on the ground, donations of supplies are being discouraged at this point. Our hearts go out to the victims and families affected by this devastating natural disaster.

DOT Limits Tarmac Delays to Three Hours

The Department of Transportation has limited the amount of time domestic flights can sit on the tarmac to three hours, unless security concerns or safety deem otherwise. After two hours, carriers have to give passengers food and drink. The rule goes into effect 120 days after it is published in the Federal Register. (Source: DOT press release.)

Airline Updates: Performance and Service Improves as Discounting of Airfares Continues

The 19 largest airlines in the U.S. collectively set a record in November for the lowest rate of mishandled luggage and posted their highest on-time performance, according to data from the Department of Transportation. About 88.6% of flights arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time in November. In November, the six biggest U.S. airlines reported their best traffic numbers in 18 months. For the carriers' best customers, some are offering perks and striving to make them feel special by developing tiers of flier status. For example, Continental Airlines recently rolled out its Presidential Platinum category for passengers spending at least $30,000 a year on airline tickets. Premium ticket sales are beginning to improve. Officials all noted an increase in ticket sales for their first- and business-class cabins. The International Air Transport Association said that airlines will continue to reduce ticket prices in order to fill their jets, resulting in likely losses despite a recovery in passenger numbers.
(Source: BTNOnline.com, Bloomberg, The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Reuters, Chicago Tribune/The Associated Press, Air Transport World)

New US-Japan Open Skies Agreement Liberalizes Air Service across Pacific

A new Open Skies agreement between the U.S. and Japan means that airlines from both countries can select routes and destinations based on consumer demand for both passenger and cargo services, without limitations on the number of U.S. or Japanese carriers that can fly between the two countries or the number of flights they can operate. It will remove restrictions on capacity and pricing, and provide unlimited opportunities for cooperative marketing arrangements, including code sharing, between U.S. and Japanese carriers. The agreement also would provide opportunities for growth of U.S. carrier operations at Tokyo's Narita Airport. (Source: DOT press release).

Customers Happier About Hotel Service

Lodging Interactive's monthly benchmarking report showed that hotels were headed into the holidays with improved customer satisfaction ratings. Although mid-scale limited service and extended stay segments struggled, other categories did well. Guest ratings on facilities increased 3.9% to a 4.04 rating, with 5 being tops. Housekeeping increased 5.52% to 3.63 and satisfaction with staff increased slightly, by .26%. The only areas of decline were a 1.69% decline in dining and a more substantial 5.64% slip in value to 4.18. (Source: Lodging Interactive press release).

Fees, budget travel top list of industry trends for 2010

Budget travel is expected to be one of the leading trends for 2010, according to a number of online surveys. Other trends include a plethora of fees, including airline fees and resort fees, videoconferencing and body scans at airport security checkpoints. (Source: Chicago Tribune/Tribune Newspapers)

Rates for car rentals soar in 2009, MacNair Offers Special Negotiated Rates

Although most of the travel industry was offering deals and discounts, car rental rates skyrocketed in 2009. Abrams Consulting Group found that the average weekly rate for rental of a compact car at an airport had jumped more than 50% last year compared with the previous year. Neil Abrams, President of the car rental consulting firm, said rates will continue to increase this year. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

"Luckily, we offer special industry rates using our industry leverage," says Michael MacNair, President and CEO of MacNair Travel.

VACATION HOTSPOTS
BY KIM PEELE, PERSONAL TRAVEL DIVISION MANAGER

Just a few of the many travel values available this month:

• Take a journey through the greatest sights and attractions of Europe! Imagine discovering the treasures of Europe by river cruise ship. MacNair Travel is offering savings of $100 per person on Escorted Vacations and European River Cruises and 5% off of Independent Trips, through select suppliers. Book by February 28, 2010 for a 2010 departure.
• Be on the beach in four hours! Flights from Dulles to Cancun are nonstop - simple, fast and easy. Ask a MacNair Travel consultant today about the many resorts available to you at rates that nobody can beat!
• Consider an exotic Tahiti getaway! Whether it's a romantic over-water bungalow or a relaxed, pampering sail on the South Seas, MacNair has some wonderful itineraries and values for you!
• The MacNair Brand Promise. Book a vacation with MacNair Travel and if you are not completely satisfied, we will refund any booking fees that were collected. At MacNair Travel, we want clients for life and we are committed to you!
• And don't forget, when you book with MacNair Travel, and use your American Express card, you can Pay with Points, earn double Membership Rewards points, earn $100 Annual Travel benefit and even a full year of Travel & Leisure magazine!

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Please feel free to send comments or suggestions to our editor, Tony Torres, at ttorres@macnairtravel.com.