Please note: We have added many new email addresses to our Corporate Travel Newsletter distribution list. We strive to keep you informed with travel news and hope you find this newsletter useful and informative. If you would prefer to not receive this newsletter please email tanya@aitvl.com and  you will  be removed from the distribution list.

  Articles of Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Passengers Order Up Pie-in-the-Sky Airline Amenities
 Imagine boarding an aircraft and seeing a makeshift office set up where passengers can access the Internet, send and receive faxes, and make phone calls for a fee. Or how about in the back of the aircraft, a hot dog stand with someone asking if you want mustard on your wiener? Or how about a wet bar for those bumpy flights. Sound crazy? Hey, at a time when airlines are looking to find extra revenue while redesigning their aircraft, some frequent fliers believe they have just the idea. Click Here to continue.
 

More fliers let someone else lug their bags
 Times are good for business travelers tired of schlepping luggage. In the past few years, a mini-industry has built up around the notion that travelers will pay a premium price for someone else to pick up, ship and deliver their bags. Click Here to continue.

Could this be you?
 You booked your airline ticket directly with the airline. Upon arrival in Taiwan you are told you cannot enter the country because your passport expires in 3 months. What? You quickly find out that the airline didn't tell you that there is a 6 month validity rule to enter Taiwan. This rule means your passport must not expire for 6 months from the date of your return flight. Click Here to continue.

A Move to Add Still More Fine Print to Advertised Airfares
 If a number of large airlines have their way, comparison shopping, a main force in driving down airfares, could get much more difficult. Many airlines currently advertise fares that initially omit some government taxes and fees, which is allowed, though the uniform nature of those charges makes shopping for fares fairly easy. Click Here to continue.
   Airline News

 

 

 

 

Northwest schedule change notification changes
Northwest recently adjusted it's schedule change parameters to discontinue the notification of minor time changes. Northwest no longer sends schedule change notification messages for the following time changes:

Flight departing 1 - 29 minutes later
Flight departing 1 - 5 minutes earlier
Flight arriving 1 - 30 minutes later
Flight arriving 1 - 30 minutes earlier

American Airlines News
 Bloomberg News reports American Airlines will replace two galleys on about half its airplanes with seats to add as much as $34 million a year in revenue.  American will start taking the kitchen areas out of coach sections of its 327 Boeing MD-80 aircraft in September. The change will make room for four seats per plane, adding the equivalent of 10 aircraft, spokesman Tim Wagner said yesterday in an interview. Click Here to continue.
   Hotel News

Park Place Hotel
With each step throughout The Park Place Hotel Memphis, you will find your way paved with the foundation stones of true gracious hospitality. Allow The Park Place Hotel to keep you on the right path to success. Whether it be through a good nights sleep in one of their luxurious beds, a great workout in their state of the art exercise center, or a meeting in the most unique conference center in town; The Park Place Hotel Memphis is one giant step to success. A & I Travel has a special negotiated rate of $89.00 per night. Call your corporate travel agent and ask for this rate anytime. Click Here for a visual tour of the Park Place Hotel.

 
   Car Rental TIPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Beware of the 24 Hour Clock
When determining your car rental bill be aware of the "24 hour clock rate" most rental car companies use when charging you. This means if you rent your car on Wednesday and return it on Thursday, you are charged for one day only if you return it within 24 hrs. You are usually charged for 2 days if you return it more than 27-28 hrs after picking the car up. The policy for most companies is that an hourly rate is charged for the first 3-4 hrs after 24 hrs. Returning the car after the hourly rate period means a whole extra day is usually charged. Be aware that this procedure can vary from company to company and that some companies use a calendar day billing policy wherein you have until midnight to return your car before being billed for a full extra day.

You Might be Able to Upgrade!
If the rental car company is out of the class car you reserved you might be able to UPGRADE at no additional charge depending on what is available! Remember you reserved a rate in which the car company is obligated to. This can be risky though if you actually need a bigger car than the one you reserved.

Can I Let Someone Else Drive the Rental Car?
In most cases, you will need to list additional drivers on your contract at the time of pick up. Some companies will allow your spouse to drive at no additional cost, but check first. If someone else drives the car without the rental car agency's permission your contract maybe voided for protection and even claims against your personal insurance coverage.
  Exceptional Customer Service

 

 

 

People are Talking about a & i travel

Ashley,

I can't think of anyone that is better at giving GREAT customer service than Pat Teague who works with our Corporate Office, Perkins Restaurants. Pat is always very upbeat and helpful, and doesn't go home until the job is done. She has returned calls after normal business hours following up on flight changes, etc. You are very fortunate to have someone like this working with your TEAM!!!!......she is OUTSTANDING!!!!!

Jim Rahfaldt
Sr. Director of Operations
Perkins Restaurants

Send your exceptional service experiences to ashley@aitvl.com, we would love to hear from you.
  Did you know

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number One Hotel Guest Comment
 What in-room amenity elicits the highest number of guest comments if it is absent from the hotel room? Not robes, not slippers, not flat-screen TVs, CD players, Internet access or sewing kits. It's the coffeemaker and all the fixins for a cuppajoe.

Even Ritz-Carlton, one of the  last no-coffeemaker holdouts, has seen the writing on the wall. Guests can now brew, stir and sip in their deluxe room.

On-Time Performance of Major Airports
 Click Here for 2005 full year results
   Meeting & Incentive Management


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You only get one shot at making a good impression!

Meetings & Incentives are time-consuming and require endless attention to detail from site selection to contract negotiations to logistics. One small oversight can sabotage the success of your event.

From Conception to Realization, our professionals will ensure your event makes a lasting positive impression.

For your complimentary consultation please contact:
Karen Young, CTC
Meetings and Incentives Manager
Impressions Corporate Meetings & Incentives (a division of A & I Travel)
901-291-1440 or 800-467-1182
 karen@aitvl.com
  Travel & Leisure

 

 

 

 

 


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Package Includes Tickets & Upgrades
 Best Disney savings offer I have seen in years!
To celebrate 50 years of dreams coming true at Disney Destinations around the globe, Walt Disney World Resort has gathered up the most amazing collection of Disney thrills, laughter and magic you could imagine and combined them into one fantastic vacation.
Click Here for complete offer details.

Call an A & I Travel leisure specialists to make your reservations ASAP as space is limited. Ask for Joan, Joye, or Rhonda @
901-291-1400 or 1-800-467-1182
vacation@aitvl.com

LINKS TO PAST ISSUES

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August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005

A & I Travel Service | 5124 Poplar Ave., Suite 101  | Memphis, TN 38117  |  901-291-1400

Feb. 2005