Higher Prices Change The Business Travel Paradigm

Higher airfare, new luggage fees, fuller flights and what seems like more cancellations all add up to a litany of added stress.

"It's really tough right now because overall it's very expensive," said a well-known business executive, noting that 45% of her business' expense now goes toward travel, up from 32% a year ago. She isn't the only business executive feeling the pinch of higher prices and trying to adjust her employees behavior accordingly.

In the past three reporting months, businesses increased their air travel spending by 12% from a year ago while the number of tickets purchased decreased by 1%, according to a cross sample of more than 80 clients with Ovation Corporate Travel, an independently owned travel management company. The trends make a lot of sense considering that recent airfare increases have come hand-in-hand with an overall economic downturn.
Michael Steiner, Ovation's executive vice president, said "We're seeing our clients' policies tightening around certain criteria such as approvals for trips, class of service, etcetera."

TSA's 3-1-1 For Carry-Ons Rules

3-1-1 for Carry-Ons main graphic

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.
One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared.
Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing
3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids.
Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed
in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to
be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the
checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

Travel Lessons Learned from Crisis in Japan

By what was widely considered a safe and tranquil spot in the world with over 700,000 Americans visiting annually, tourists were once again reminded of the value of travel insurance.  Travel insurance companies proved to be an invaluable source of protection and expert information during the recent crisis in Japan.  Their clients had access to helpful advice 24/7 and to exit strategies beyond commercial air evacuation not readily available to the uninsured.  During the Chinese Olympics, for example, the travel insurance industry booked and reserved capacity at Chinese and Taiwan medical clinics in advance should overcrowding occur.  Whether an earthquake, a tsunami, or an impending plume of radiation, access to immediate evacuation or medical care by the first means available can be priceless.

TRAVEL INSURANCE SALES SKYROCKET

The New York Times reports that more travelers bought travel insurance in the past twelve months than previously estimated, and it’s no wonder.  Between recent earthquakes, floods, political upheavals, volcanoes and ice storms, the smart traveler recognized the need to be prepared.  In the United States alone, untold thousands of flights were canceled yearly.  Emergency evacuations from hotspots like Egypt are becoming more common.

Linda R. Kundell, spokeswoman for the United States Travel Insurance Association, explains that most insurers provide insurance at multiple levels to suit individual concerns.  Family crises, lost baggage and unexpected illnesses are just the basics. Taking advantage of trip cancellation coverage, for instance, has become a very relevant benefit in these days of unpredictable life events and political upheavals.  Think Egypt.

SafetyFirst Travel Insurance is a proud member of the United States Travel Insurance Association.  The association offers further tips and advice on its Web site, ustia.org.