service excellence since 1989
- Announcing MacNair Travel's 2011 Educational Webinars!
- MacNair's Invaluable Assistance During Severe Winter Weather and Other Emergencies
- Senator Pressures Airlines to Disclose All Fees as Ancillary Fees Appear to be the Future of Airline Profits
- TSA, Coalition Develop Medical Notification Card
- Oneworld Airlines Add Hundreds of Code-share Flights
- Online Overload Drives More Travelers to Agent
- American Airlines Distribution Dispute Spreads to Sabre
- Travel Costs are Likely to Increase in 2011
- Vacation Hotspots by Diana Greer, Personal Travel Consultant
Announcing MacNair Travel's 2011 Educational Webinars!
Back by popular demand! We are announcing our 2011 webinar schedule based on topics requested by our valued customers. Mark your calendar and tell your friends! Sign up now. If you are unable to attend and would like a briefing, please contact us
- Feb 24th Establishing Effective Travel Policies and Procedures in 2011
- Apr 28th Leveraging Strategic Management Tools for Government Contractors
- Jul 21st Using Data to Measure the Success of Your Travel Management Program
- Oct 27th Using Travel Tools to be a More Effective Road Warrior
All webinars will begin at 12:00pm
MacNair's Invaluable Assistance During Severe Winter Weather and Other Emergencies
This winter is shaping up to be severe with several weather disruptions having already occurred and more on the way! When severe weather hits, it can be nearly impossible to get through to the airlines. It is common to get a pre- recorded message that informs you that they are busy, asks you to call back, and then promptly hangs up on you. No one wants to deal with trying to get through to the airlines when their travel plans are disrupted.Earlier this week, one of MacNair's great Travel Consultants, Debby Mackanick contacted a client when she noticed that there was a good chance Charlotte-Douglas International Airport would be snowed-in. She helped him to rebook his flight ensuring he would not be stranded and would make an important meeting this morning. With our state-of-the art technology and proactive approach, our experienced MacNair Travel Consultants are willing and able to do the same for you.
Senator pressures airlines to disclose all fees as ancillary fees appear to be the future of airline profits
The Department of Transportation reported last month that airlines earned $4.3 billion in the first nine months of 2010 by charging for ticket changes and checked luggage. Luggage and other ancillary fees alone accounted for $2.56 billion. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said much of that revenue was a result of "hidden" fees. "Much of it came by surprise," Menendez said. The airlines are under increasing pressure to clearly disclose all fees and charges. Menendez raised the issue after Continental Airlines announced a fee for passengers to lock in airfares and hold reservations. Scott Kirby, president of US Airways, told analysts that he expects ancillary fees to represent 100% of the carrier's profit this year. "Airlines are going to make profits where they can, and it's just been easier to do it with fees than with fares," said consultant Robert Mann. Scott Kirby, president of US Airways, told analysts that he expects such ancillary fees to represent 100% of the carrier's profit this year. "Airlines are going to make profits where they can, and it's just been easier to do it with fees than with fares," said consultant Robert Mann. (Source: MSNBC, USA TODAY)
TSA, coalition develop medical notification cards
The Transportation Security Administration worked with a coalition of representatives from dozens of disability and health organizations to develop new medical notification cards. Travelers present the cards to airport screeners to discreetly alert them about their health concerns. "Travelers can write their disability information on the wallet-sized card and hand it to the security officer," said Greg Soule, a spokesman for TSA. (Source: MSNBC)
Oneworld airlines add hundreds of code-share flights
American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia announced that they have added more than 300 code-share flights between Europe and North America, significantly boosting options for travelers flying between the continents. Virasb Vahidi, chief commercial officer at American, said the increase in code-sharing flights "makes it easier and more convenient for our respective customers to travel on the global networks of all three airlines and delivers on our promise of more choices, easier connections and a better overall travel experience."
(Source: The Dallas Morning News/Airline Biz blog, The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires, Air Transport World)
Online overload drives more travelers to agents
Over the past two years, the number of travelers who said they would be interested in using travel agents has increased, according to Forrester Research, because of a perceived decline in travel value and an increase in complexity at travel websites. Henry H. Harteveldt, an executive at Forrester, explains that there are several reasons people are keen to use traditional travel agents, including a lack of time to do research and seek out deals. (Source: TravelMarketReport.com)
American Airlines Distribution Dispute Spreads to Sabre
American Airlines has pulled its flights from Orbitz.com, and Delta Air Lines has withdrawn from CheapoAir.com. Airlines and online travel agencies are engaged in a skirmish in which both have plenty of money at stake, but the situation also will affect consumers and test their loyalties, Tom Johansmeyer writes. The Business Travel Coalition notes that airlines could lose revenue by pulling out of the online travel sites, and BTC Chairman Kevin Mitchell said the winners in this scenario likely will be the rivals of American and Delta. As a result of American's new strategy regarding distribution, American and Sabre are in a court battle after Sabre altered the order in which American flights appear in their search results. A court ordered Sabre to return American to their proper place in the search results. This dispute is very fluid at the moment, but MacNair Travel will continue to keep you informed of any developments and how they may impact your travel and the booking process. Please contact your Travel Consultant or Account Manager if you have any questions or concerns. (Source: Gadling.com)
Travel costs are likely to increase in 2011
Bargains will be available, experts say, but travelers likely will pay more for hotel rooms, flights and cruises in the new year as the economy recovers. "Travelers won't be as much in the driver's seat in 2011 as they were this year," said Bruce Baltin, senior vice president of Colliers PKF Consulting USA. However, he said, "there still will be deals." MacNair has more specific details on pricing projections for next year. Contact your Account Manager for details. (Source: Los Angeles Times)
VACATION HOTSPOTS BY DIANA GREER, PERSONAL TRAVEL CONSULTANT
- Ring in 2011 with a Travel Resolution. Make your #1 Resolution for 2011 to travel to a destination you have dreamed about. Our Vacation Dept. can assist you in planning a vacation to anywhere in the world. We offer packages, cruises, independent travel, tours, etc. Make calling MacNair Travel Vacation Dept. your first call for the New Year.
- The Perfect Trip for Fans of the Movie "The Tourist. Walk the same steps as Angela Jolie and Johnny Depp. Hotel Danieli, featured in the film "The Tourist" is located in one of the most prestigious positions in Venice just steps from the Piazza San Marco, near shopping, museums and outdoor cafes. This 4 Star hotel is offering a special 3 night stay for $549.00 per person.
- Cozumel: More than just a dive destination. Discover the all-inclusive side of Cozumel with prices starting at $289.00 per person for a three-night stay at the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Resort. With the All Inclusive Plan all your meals, snacks, drinks, entertainment and activities are included giving you a stress free vacation.
- Land of the Midnight Sun. Starting May 17, 2011 Icelandair will begin nonstop flights from Washington Dulles to Reykjavik four times a week with roundtrip air starting at $586.00. This is a unique opportunity to visit a country with unspoiled scenery and 24 hour sunshine.
- NFL Pro Bowl Honolulu, Hawaii. January 30, 2011. Special package offer including game tickets, game day transfers, pre- game tailgate party and three nights at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani for $999.00 per person. Air is additional. Call Diana in the Personal Travel Division for more information.
Click below to check out our latest specials and deals or contact the Personal Travel Division at MacNair Travel Management at dreamtrippers@macnairtravel.com or 703-836-1101 today!
Please feel free to send comments or suggestions to our editor, Tony Torres, at ttorres@macnairtravel.com.
As always, thank you for your business,
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