TRAVEL WATCHER
Insider news & notes from your business travel authority 
FEBRUARY 2017
PROTRAVELLIFE 
Are Cost Savings Enough?
As corporate travel professionals, we all know too well about the importance of saving company money and making employee travel as efficient as possible. But what about effective?

Should savings be the only indicator of how well your company travel is managed? Should other factors like convenience or traveler productivity play a role?

In a recent survey from AMEX BT, 700 road warriors operating under cost-focused travel policies were asked about their current company programs. The results:
  • Travelers admitted to an average 13% lower rate of compliance with their travel policies.
  • Indicated a 15% higher rate of being burned out on travel.
  • Were significantly less willing to travel now and in two years' time.
  • Estimated a scrap rate (trips that in hindsight weren't worth the time or cost) that was 12% higher.
  • Reported trip outcomes that were 22% less effective.
Would any management team purposely design a travel program that inflicts negative outcomes on its road warriors? Of course not. But, focusing so much effort on maximizing traditional savings is not always beneficial when it creates roadblocks to our travelers' ability to succeed. With so much focus on corporate savings and the bottom line, perhaps we should also research the relationship between a traveler's comfort and convenience and their success rates? 


 
New Study Finds Travel Agents Save Consumers an Average Of $452 Per Trip
Consumers report that travel agents save them an average $452 per trip plus four hours in travel planning, and help them avoid costly mistakes, according to new research about to be released by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
UP INTHE AIR
TSA will 'significantly reduce' access to Precheck lanes for non-members
For several years, the Transportation Security Administration has surprised many passengers with free access to  TSA Precheck , the agency's expedited security lane, where travelers need not remove coats and belts, nor take toiletries or laptops from bags. But for some passengers, that perk may soon disappear...


TSA Adds 11 Airlines to Precheck
Eleven additional airlines now are participating in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's Precheck program, including Avianca, Emirates, Spirit Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, the TSA announced. Other newly added carriers include Aruba Airlines, Boutique Air, Key Lime Air, Miami Air International, Southern Airways Express, Sunwing and Xtra Airways. Thirty airlines now participate in the program, which gives travelers access to expedited screening at more than 180 U.S. airports.
How to Have a Better Flight
A flight attendant who worked for a major US airline for more than three decades shared her insights with the New York Times.
AAdvantage Members to See Great Change in 2017
The most visible change is a move from three levels of status to four. The new tier, Platinum Pro, falls between Platinum and Executive Platinum and requires 75,000 elite qualifying miles or 90 elite qualifying segments annually. 
HOTELNEWS
Hilton Reveals Significant Changes to Loyalty Program
Hilton Worldwide announced major changes to its loyalty program 
THE GREAT ESCAPE
Moments like these are best shared 
 with the ones you love
The wonders of Alaska are as vast as its wilderness. America's last frontier inspires awe at every turn, from Alaska's national parks and wildlife refuges to the state's magnificent mountain ranges and scenic rivers. Our all-inclusive promise not only offers you the opportunity to explore all of Alaska with FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions for your entire family, but we also feature specialized programming for the younger members of your family with our Club Mariner Youth Program. 

Club Mariner is designed for children of different age groups and supervised by specially trained counselors. Your children or grandchildren will enjoy the excitement of exploring the world in a meaningful, enriching way. And you will delight in sharing unforgettable moments and creating cherished memories with your loved ones. 

MISSED AN ISSUE? WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? VISIT 

View our profile on LinkedIn  Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View on Instagram