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Airlines Opting to Reduce Dates for Peak Travel fees and surcharges

October 5, 2011 Travel
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Travelers looking for a little break from airline fees and surcharges are in for a bit of a surprise because their wish is being granted. Albeit, many airlines have simply opted to cut the number of days they add a peak travel surcharge to airfares. The fees can range from $20 to $40 each way on a standard round-trip ticket, so the savings can be substantial and might even encourage a few more folks to take to the skies.

Delta, American, United and Continental will only use the peak travel surcharge on six days around the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The lone holdout is US Airways, which will enforce the surcharge on 18 days. Apparently, the holiday spirit only goes so far, but Southwest has stated it will not add any surcharges. Since the holidays are popular for family travel, the savings can be a particular relief for that market.

The exact reason for the decline in dates is still unclear. Perhaps airlines are still busy counting the millions of dollars they pocketed earlier in the year during the FAA shutdown, or the industry is settling down since airfares have already been raised since last year. Of course, the particular state of the travel industry and the economy could also be a concern, and airlines are afraid of scaring travelers away by adding $40 to $80 to round-trip flights for the holidays.

Whether or not the move will result in holiday travel not being affected by a sluggish economy remains to be seen, but airlines and hotels will be watching booking patterns closely. Airlines are currently trying to fight a new rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation that would require the reporting of ancillary revenue into 19 subcategories. Currently, airlines only report checked bag fees and fees for changing or canceling reservations separately, all other fees are lumped together.

Fees have proven to be a big part of the new strategy of airlines to keep their profits up. While some fees have been unpopular with passengers, turning the industry into an a la carte service allows travelers to pick and choose which services they are willing to pay for. In not choosing to enforce the peak travel surcharge, airlines might be sending a message that they are concerned about the state of the leisure travel market.

Jason Gallagher is a former travel professional with a decade of experience in the industry. He remains an avid traveler and hotel fan with exposure to technology and trends in properties across the United States.

Travel Picks: Top 10 NFL Tailgating destinations

October 1, 2011 Travel
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NEW YORK (Reuters) – In the United States, Autumn means American football and the fans who pack the NFL stadiums will likely fortify themselves for games at traditional pre-game “tailgate” parties held in the parking lot.

Whether it’s just cold chicken and a soda or a full-on gourmet barbecue with beer, wine, salads and desserts out of the back (tailgate) of your car, football fans will enjoy different traditions at each of the many stadiums around the country. Online travel adviser Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) offers its top 10 list of the best tailgate destinations. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.

If there’s one thing New England Patriots fans understand about tailgating, it’s food. We’re not talking hamburgers and hot dogs; we’re talking about stick-to-your-ribs clam chowder, fresh lobsters and juicy steaks. Fans travel from all over New England to Foxborough, situated between Boston and Providence, and partake in the tailgating experience every Sunday morning of the season. While it’s common knowledge that New England fans are boisterous no matter which sport is playing, if you’re looking for a quiet place before a Pats game, you probably won’t find it at Gillette Stadium.

2. Cleveland Browns Stadium – Cleveland, Ohio

It’s no secret that what’s happening on the football field isn’t the only competition brewing. Fans love to pull out all the stops and secretly compete for the legendary status as tailgater; and at Cleveland’s Dawg Pound it’s no different. Browns fans get the party started at 7 a.m., and, within no time, the smell of grilled brats (sausages) fills the air and beer cans get passed around. If you haven’t had the luxury of trying Beer-can chicken (a Brown’s tailgating classic in which chicken is literally stuffed with a full can of beer), there’s no better place than the parking lots of Cleveland’s stadium.

3. Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.

For football fans who know a thing or two about tailgating, it’s no surprise that Kansas City makes this list. While other stadiums work hard to crack down on tailgating-mania by limiting parking lot hours, Chiefs’ fans light up the smokers a day early and camp out overnight to ensure they are raring to go Sunday morning. It’s rare for many NFL stadiums to reach the sort of status of college tailgating, but Arrowhead attendees do it weekly. Part of their secret to success is a mastery of a tailgating menu, and Chief’s fans have mastered their barbecue.

4. Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati, Ohio

Team Spirit rules the parking lots of Paul Brown Stadium as orange and black cover everything from old RVs to painted bare bellies (which won’t be the strangest thing you see). Cincy fans love to chow down their beloved Cincinnati chili, which is usually made up of cheese, spaghetti and the occasional addition of oyster crackers. Who Dey Nation takes great pride and ownership in the tailgating experience – its intense energy keeps the party going all day long.

5. Lambeau Field – Green Bay, Wis.

Insanely passionate fans decked out in their Sunday best – meaning comedy hats in the shape of a wedge of cheese and other costumes poking fun at the “cheesehead” epithet thrown at folks from Wisconsin – pour in and around the momentous Lambeau field and set the stage for an unforgettable tailgating experience. Football and tailgating aren’t just for the sports junkies in Green Bay – it’s a community event and everyone participates whether they have tickets to the game or not. Packers fans are some of the nicest people around, and asking a neighbor to use their restroom is no less commonplace than chowing down a bratwurst or sipping (chugging) schnapps. Whatever you do while you’re hanging out at Lambeau, you’ll want to dress warm – it’s not called the Frozen Tundra for nothing.

6. Sports Authority Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.

The Mile High City is more than just a medley of high altitude and great beer – it’s also home to some of the nation’s wildest fans. The tailgating experience at Sports Authority Field (which was recently renamed from Invesco Field) is filled with local microbrews and tasty Mexican fare. Don’t forget to chant “IN-COM-PLETE” when the visiting quarterback incompletes a pass. Also, be sure to check out the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, located right at Gate 1, dedicated to the state’s most prized athletes. Plus, around the stadium are plenty of top-rated restaurants to hit after the tailgating festivities and the game, of course.

7. Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.

It’s common knowledge that Philadelphia fans love to talk about their team to anyone who’s listening, but, unless you’ve experienced an Eagles’ tailgate firsthand, you might not know that they can also throw a great party. Loud chanting may echo through your brain long after the game is over, but you’ll have a newfound respect for Eagles’ fans – as long as you don’t sport the garb of the opposing team. The lots at Lincoln Financial Field are usually decked out with some of the wildest looking Eagles’ automobiles, covered in the team’s intimidating logo of the fierce eagle head. And what’s a trip to Philly without a cheesesteak? There are plenty of those at the park, and other flavorsome foods to be had.

8. Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.

Towering over the Ohio River’s edge is Heinz Field, home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fervent fans. The view of the river is enjoyable, the pierogies are delectable, the fans are wild and the colors are black and gold – need we say more? Get yourself acquainted with the “Steeler Polka” because you’ll hear it blasting from other trucks in the lot, as well as plenty of “Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go” chanting. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Heinz Field is the Coca-Cola Great Hall, endowed with a vast collection of Steeler memorabilia.

9. Sun Life Stadium – Miami Gardens, Fla.

While many dedicated fans often wrestle with inclement weather, Miami is usually basking in the sun and donning Dolphins gear that’s typically lighter weight. Good weather combined with tasty Cuban cuisine is a bit of a novelty to other football fans, but at Sun Life Stadium it’s just a regular Sunday afternoon. And if that’s not enticing enough, check out games, prizes and live music to be had on the south side of the stadium, as well a few statues of the Dolphin’s great football legends.

10. Reliant Stadium – Houston, Texas

While recent regulations have made it a bit more difficult to tailgate at the Texans’ Reliant Stadium, it doesn’t stop Houston fans from throwing a great party. Years back, when the Oiler’s were still around, there was no tailgating allowed at the Astrodome; so Texans’ fans have worked hard to create a thriving tailgate community for their beloved team. And to keep the competitive spirit alive, every year the top tailgaters of the season are crowned. Surrounded by enthusiastic fans and famed Texas barbecue, there’s no doubt that tailgating at Reliant is among the best.

Travel perks take off for small businesses

October 1, 2011 Travel
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71ae9 alg airport terminal Travel perks take off for small businesses

Small businesses with frequent-flying employees are always looking to cut costs on travel. So it’s no surprise that when Joshua Rockoff saw a bus-stop billboard for American Airlines’ Business ExtrAA program, he immediately signed up his firm.

“We have an employee traveling somewhere for business each week,” says Rockoff, president of New York City-based Strike Interactive, a digital media consulting company.

“Last year was a big year for us. We traveled quarterly, but now we travel weekly, so with the volume of travel, we wanted to see how we could collect points and use it on things like company outings,” adds Rockoff.

He’s not alone. Programs with similar incentives for small and medium-sized businesses have taken flight at several major airlines, with clients finding the plans as practical as they are generous.

For example, American lets individuals and companies reap rewards on the same flight – points for the business and frequent-flier miles for the employee’s personal tab.

“We racked up a considerable amount of miles. We had like 540,000 last year,” says Rockoff, whose company has now used Business ExtrAA for more than a year.

“With Business ExtrAA, we used the points for upgrades. My clients stipulate that we fly coach, so with Business ExtrAA, we apply to free upgrades for business class for our staff.”

Delta’s SkyBonus program, for businesses of any size, is similar. As firms accumulate points toward upgrades, award travel, Silver Medallion status in the SkyMiles program and Delta Sky Club passes, individual employees earn miles through Delta’s SkyMiles program.

As a clever incentive to get companies started, 500 points can be accumulated just by reading one of four “SkyBonus University” articles on Delta’s website.

Another advantage for those doing business in Europe: Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Alitalia also participate in Delta’s program.

United focused on the German market by partnering with Lufthansa-operated flights for its PassPlus program.

Both PassPlus Flex and PassPlus Exec (designed for first-class travelers) come with plenty of perks for businesses from one to 125 employees: a trip to the Priority check-in counter, priority boarding and no baggage fees on the first two checked bags.

Depending on how frequently a business flies, discounts of up to 15% (PassPlus Flex) or 25% (PassPlus Exec) might be the bigger perk.

United’s program also allows businesses to prepurchase ticket packages based on their number of employees. American offers something similar, but more exclusive, with its AirPass program.

AirPass members receive something called a “Concierge Key” – a black card that opens up a world of perks. Only about 10,000 Concierge Keys have been issued to date.

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