OIL IS CHEAPER; AIRLINE FEES ARE HERE TO STAY While some airlines have reduced the fuel surcharges they place on cargo shipments, passengers have yet to see any relief. Airlines say fuel prices remain volatile and still remain significantly higher than just a year ago. But a bigger change is at work in the airline industry. Airlines have long hoped they could find ways to extract more revenue out of customers than just fares, and this year's fuel crisis prompted them to ratchet up the push toward charging for different services a la carte. US Airways says the pay-for-what-you-use approach amounts to a "business model transformation." Instead of spreading the cost of baggage handling over all passengers, including those who don't check bags, the airline thinks it's fair to charge bag-checkers for the service. Airlines now believe they need more cushion on their balance sheets because of oil-price volatility, so they are trying to build cash reserves. No matter the price of fuel, US Airways President Scott Kirby sees the change as permanent. "The industry is evolving to a more a la carte model," he said. "Airlines can't continue to operate as they did." BAG-CHECK FEES LEAD TO STUFFED BINS OVERHEAD Checked-bag fees recently imposed by airlines to increase revenue are squeezing business travelers out of their most precious real estate: the overhead bins. Frequent business traveler Jeff Brown was boarding his US Airways flight at Hartford, Conn., when he was told that the overhead bins were full, just after passing the first-class cabin. About 20% of the passengers were still in line to get on board. Airline officials, flight attendants and frequent travelers say Brown's case is hardly unique. “Flight attendants are seeing more bags in the cabin, and we have to work harder to make sure they fit," says Candace Kolander, coordinator of air safety, health and security for the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). Typically, airlines allow two carry-ons, but now with the new fees, cabin crews are seeing more roller bags brought on board, and not all are within the size limit, says AFA's Kolander. American has eliminated the standard silver metal crate used to measure them because they are ineffective, Smith says, and is considering several new designs for a luggage-sizer that could handle different shapes. American and United are also staffing employees at the security checkpoints of some airports to alert customers who are attempting to pass through with bags that are larger than the allowed limit. LIFE GETS EASIER FOR U.S.-BOUND ROAD WARRIORS British Airways PLC said its planned business-class only flight from London's City Airport — which is just a 14-minute train ride from the city's financial district of Canary Wharf — to New York will allow passengers to complete U.S. arrival checks in Ireland. The airline said that the route's refueling stop at Shannon airport, in western Ireland, will double as the port where passengers will go through U.S. immigration checks, meaning they'll be able to skip them when they land in New York, and speed straight into the city. BA said that travelers would also save time because they will only be required to arrive at London City Airport 15 minutes before departure time. "Many city workers will be able to get from desk to aircraft in as little as 30 minutes," said BA's commercial director Robert Boyle. The new route is scheduled to start flying in autumn of next year. It will be the only long-haul flight offered in and out of London City Airport, which generally serves European destinations. Eastbound flights — from New York into London — will be nonstop. E-NEWSLETTER READERS ON TRAVELING BY RAILROAD In response to Ovation Corporate Travel’s recent survey – “With airlines continuously raising prices, would you consider alternative methods (such as the railroad) for business travel?” - 39% of readers told us that, because of the length of their trips, the railroad is not a viable option. 31% of readers would consider it as an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation and 16% say they would absolutely consider it as a cost-saving method. Another 16% of readers say they already use the railroad and are happy with it.
OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY! The Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey gives you the opportunity to weigh in by voting your opinion on hot topics in business travel. You can also post comments online on the topic of the week. Question of the Week: Do you feel it has become more difficult to find space to store carry-on items when traveling? To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
__________________________________________________________________________ Ovation Corporate Travel |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introducing the Exclusive Club at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand.
Welcome to Hotel Vitale, a Luxury Hotel on San Francisco's Waterfront. Hotel Vitale opened its doors on the revitalized Embarcadero Waterfront on March 9, 2005. This new landmark San Francisco boutique hotel was designed by Heller Manus Architects. The modern interior design created by San Francisco's McCartan Design, uniquely encompasses luxury touches while featuring soothing natural elements.
Escape to extraordinary elegance at Grand Hyatt Washington DC. Centrally located in Penn Quarter – with convenient in-lobby Metro Center access – this downtown Washington DC hotel is an ideal spot to explore the US capital. Stroll to concerts or sporting events at Verizon Center, historic monuments or the Smithsonian Museums. When guests return to the captivating Washington DC Hyatt hotel, they will enjoy stylish guestrooms with plush Grand Beds™, indulgent amenities, multiple dining venues and recreation at Grand Slam. Utilize the full-service business center and 32 outstanding meeting rooms – just steps from Washington Convention Center. Relax by the lagoon in the lovely 12-story atrium. Experience the highest standard of luxury in the Hyatt hotel in downtown Washington DC.
Located in the heart of London’s financial area, Crowne Plaza London – The City is the perfect choice for both business & leisure guests visiting England’s capital.
W Does Dallas