Jan 12
maureen-pickellTrade Shows air travel, airlines, non-profit, pcma
Your ConventionPlanit.com blogger has had a busy day at the PCMA “Convening Leaders” Annual Meeting!
The day began with the opening general session which could be titled – “A Tale of Two Sisters” presented by Ambassador Nancy Brinker. As a result of her sister’s battle with and loss of her life to breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen Foundation was launched by Nancy to provide grants for research and development to combat this global disease. As the largest grass roots movement of its kind, this collective effort began 30 years ago and depends on “the power of one” to help change the global culture as it relates to breast cancer and the apathy that has grown up around it. As a recent winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Nancy Brinker has fulfilled her promise to her sister, Susan, by diligently empowering activists of all ages and backgrounds to participate in this international health movement.
Next up was The PCMA Masters Series – Airlines and Meetings: A CEO Conversation where the audience was privy to a discussion between Gerard J. Arpey, Chairman, President and CEO, AMR Corp. and American Airlines, and Gary Kelly, Chairman, President and CEO, Southwest Airlines, moderated by Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.
If you think that you have issues with the business model represented by most of the major airlines today, take a look at the unprecedented level of volatility that these CEO’s have dealt with during the past decade and most particularly in the last two years:
- Surge in the price of oil resulting in an ongoing fuel crisis
- 2009 economic downturn
- Growth opportunities restricted by operating costs and security concerns
- Future issues include:
- The need to modernize the Air Traffic Control System
- The necessity to develop commercially viable sustainable fuels
- The development and deployment of new aircraft technology
The good news is that group business is important to both American and Southwest who both have programs targeting the meeting and convention market. During the economic recovery, people will need to do business in places that they’ve never been before – and that will result in increased demand for air travel.
Airlines will continue to be our partners in combating the misguided perceptions regarding meeting and incentive travel.
Dec 08
Damion RutherfordNews air travel, Continental Airlines, travel tips
Between cold and flu season and swine flu, personal hygeine has become more important than ever. Grocery stores offer antibacterial wipes next to shopping carts, and the most popular hand out on the trade show floor has become travel-sized hand sanitizer.
The CDC’s latest healthy travel campaign urges ill travelers to stay home – but at what cost? Flying while ill to avoid significant cancellation and rescheduling fees certainly seems like a viable option…but what if you are the unlucky passenger stuck next to the passenger coughing and sneezing throughout your flight?
A recent MSNBC article outlines current airline policies on cancelling a reservation due to illness:
- JetBlue, Northwest and Delta – case-by-case basis
- American and US Airways – changes to non-refundable tickets cost $150, plus the difference between the old and new fares
- AirTran Airways – waives cancellation and rescheduling fees for any passenger with a doctor’s note documenting that they have H1N1 (but not seasonal flu or other illnesses)
- Virgin America, Continental and United – ongoing policies to waive change fees for customers who can provide documentation of illness from their doctor
- Southwest – no charge for changing or cancelling flights
How does illness impact your travel plans?
Jul 13
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits, News, Places to Stay air travel, airlines, travel tips, unique activities
Frequent travelers forced to leave their furry friends behind when flying have a new option…
…Pet Airways debuts tomorrow as the U.S.’s first pet-only airline. Pets will travel in the main cabin, not the cargo hold of the planes.
The airline strives to protect the comfort and safety of pets, who are often injured in unsafe cargo conditions. Flights will serves New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles to start, with plans to expand nationwide.
Owners can book online and even track the progress of their pet’s flight at http://www.petairways.com.
Is this a service you will use?
Jun 23
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips air travel, airlines, carry on luggage, Transportation Security Administration, travel tips
Senator Dan Lipinski has introduced a bill to standardize carry on luggage sizes.
The bill would require the Transportation Security Administration to set up templates on luggage conveyor belts that would block pieces larger than 22 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches.
Larger bags would have to be checked in.
With airlines expected to increase checked baggage fees this summer, would this bill create tension at luggage check points? Or is the bill a way to ensure there is room on board for customer’s overhead bags?
Apr 27
Ashley SpitzerPlaces to Stay, Tips for Meeting Planners air travel, economy, Fairfax, meeting ideas, Tips for Meeting Planners
Fairfax, Virginia has made planning an affordable meeting so easy that you don’t even have to try.
Fairfax is between Dulles International (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA) airports, so attendees can comparison shop for the cheapest fares.
There’s plenty to do – one-of-a-kind special event venues are within short driving distance, such as Mt. Vernon, the Barns at Wolf Trap and the Tyson’s Corner Shopping Center, not to mention the majestic sights of nearby Washington, DC.
Visit Fairfax has worked out amazing deals with 20 area hotels to lower costs even further with bonuses like:
-complimentary continental breakfasts
-free guest rooms
-discounted audio-visual
-percentage off your master account
Fairfax is a great alternative for your next meeting. Be sure to check it out!
Mar 25
Ashley SpitzerNews, Places to Stay, Tips for Meeting Planners air travel, overseas meetings, travel tips
New travel regulations are coming in June…
…are YOU prepared?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all citizens carry a valid passport to enter the following countries:
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Jamaica (except for business travel)
Mexico
Montserrat
Netherlands Antilles
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Turks and Caicos
Get details and border travel advice here.
Mar 03
Ashley SpitzerMember News, Misc Tidbits, News, RFP, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners, Trade Shows air travel, meeting planner feedback, technology, travel tips
As Smart Phones increase in popularity and function, it’s no surprise that many travelers are opting to leave heavy laptops at home.
USA Today has come out with a list of the best travel tool applications for the iPhone…
…so you can leave the laptop, French dictionary, map, and even the restaurant guide book at home.
Check out the top apps here…
Our favorites are FlightTrack (check up to date flight delays and cancellations) and Babelingo (translates text into 11 languages!!)
Which apps help you the most when traveling or planning??
Dec 23
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners air travel, airlines, Continental Airlines, economy, travel tips
The NY Times reports that airlines are pleased with consumer response to baggage fees…
…which means they are most likely here to stay!
Most business travelers have not been affected by the fees, since many airlines waive checked baggage fees for elite or frequent travelers and those flying first or business class.
How have airline fees affected you? Have you become a lighter packer to avoid fees, or are you exempt from paying?
Oct 09
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits air travel, travel emergencies, travel tips, weather
Hurricane Alert! If you’re traveling to Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, beware…
…because so is Hurricane Norbert. Currently a Category 4 storm, Norbert’s strength should begin to weaken on Friday, but it’s best to check with your hotel and airline before traveling.
Stay safe, everyone!
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