- February 2009
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- Travel Tips
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- Government/Legislation
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Industry Trends/Innovations
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Compliance with corporate travel policies can have safety and security benefits
Corporate travel policies often serve multiple purposes. Cost savings and preferred supplier usage rank high on the list, but another key benefit of a well-designed travel policy is traveler safety and security.
Below are some reminders about the importance of travel policy compliance:
Read and abide by the Corporate Travel Policy
Many companies post Corporate Travel Policies on their intranets, outlining which travel expenses are acceptable for reimbursement; which air, car, and hotel vendors are approved for use; acceptable dollar amounts for expenditures such as meals; and more.
Make all business travel reservations through company-approved channels
Travelers are usually required to call their company’s specific phone reservation line and/or to use their company-approved online booking tool to make travel arrangements. This rule offers employer and traveler benefits alike, including:- The ability to better understand overall spend with a particular supplier and subsequently to negotiate better discounts.
- The ability to effectively locate and assist traveling employees in the event of an emergency.
Sources: Carlson Wagonlit Travel, CWT Travel Management Institute
Airports/Airlines struggle to improve on-time stats
Figures available to date indicate that while there is still room for improving on-time numbers, 2008 was slightly better than 2007. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 23 percent of domestic flights arrived at least 15 minutes late in 2008 compared to 24 percent the year before.
New York’s JFK made a significant improvement in the two-year period with 35 percent of its flights delayed in 2007 dropping to 26 percent in 2008. Miami, on the other hand, had a 3 percent increase in delays in the same time frame. Among airports that moved into top ratings were Seattle, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National.
While the major causes of delays are not new—financial circumstances, congested airspace, major hub traffic, and weather (which accounts for about 30 percent of summer delays), some of the coping strategies being implemented to deal with them are having new impacts.
In response to financial challenges, some airlines have reduced the number of flights they offer. While it would seem that fewer flights would mean fewer delays, many of the reductions were at smaller regional airports rather than the more congested major hubs. Schedule reductions can also mean that travelers have to connect rather than fly non-stop, increasing the likelihood of delays and missed flights.
Business travelers may benefit by considering these factors while planning travel. General precautions can include arriving at the airport early, allowing sufficient time between connections, and checking into the on-time performance and security wait times for unfamiliar airports/airlines. The Air Travel Consumer Report, provided by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Enforcement and
Proceedings, is available online and provides statistics regarding on-time performance for various airports and airlines.
Sources: Travel and Leisure, Forbes, http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov
Healthy airports across the US
Recent studies have shown that some airports are diligently working to make the traveler’s experience healthy by offering nutritious food, safety technology, stress-free spaces, walking paths, to name a few features.
Some of the top-ranked airports, as reported by Health Magazine, are:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International: This airport won rave reviews for a comfortable environment and low-stress experience for fliers. Its health food options also ranked high. Pet parks offer active passengers—and traveling canines—the opportunity to work off some energy. The airport is also known for sanitary bathrooms that are specifically designed for the disabled.
Baltimore/Washington International: Rather than being hectic and congested, this airport’s security checkpoint is known for its soft music and warm lighting, providing a welcoming entry. A walking path has been designed around the airport’s grounds and is accessible from public areas of the terminal. Spa services are offered to de-stress travelers.
Chicago’s O’Hare International: As one of the world’s largest airports, O’Hare International makes the list by offering numerous low-fat restaurant options as well as kid-friendly play areas. A fitness room and spa services are offered at the on-site Hilton Hotel.
Detroit Metropolitan: Numerous heart-healthy meal options are available at this airport. In addition, the National Weather service has recognized the airport as the first to have a “StormReady airport system.” Various officers and firefighters have been trained as weather spotters to effectively communicate storms to travelers.
Denver International: This airport may be known as one of the greenest. Its solar panels provide electricity to run half of the airport’s train system, greatly reducing carbon emissions. Recycling systems have also been installed to encourage travelers to go green. In addition, the airport is also known for its stress-free atmosphere by exhibiting art throughout.
To read the full list and reviews of other healthy airports throughout the United States, visit Health.com
Sources: Health.com, TSA.gov, signonsandiego.com
