The almighty dollar

It was recently announced that Delta was changing their frequent flier program to move away from accruals based on miles flown, to accruals based on how much you paid for the ticket.  This is an obvious lean toward the business traveler, or even more importantly, the business CLASS traveler.  What does this mean for corporate programs?  We may see:
1 - People gaming the systems to make their reservations closer in to pay more for their travel?
2 - People finding ways to still meet their status accrual needs?
3 - People finding another carrier that will give them a point for a mile?

Only time will tell.  

Airlines are making profits now on the business traveler because they know when and how they are booking.  (Anyone who is searching for leisure travel rates Mon-Fri 8a-5p is crazy!)  They are making money on the leisure traveler with no status by charging for things like bags, seats, etc.  I love seeing the airlines profitable, we can't be successful without them.  Will be interesting to see where the money flows with changes like this. 

The almighty dollar drives decisions and in the meantime, we simply, keep going! 

Perfect Storm

In this season of snow storm after snow storm, I sit back and think, "Hmm, this is the open/managed perfect storm."  Let me explain.

Last week, I myself was in the DC area and was impacted by the "storm" that halted traffic and closed airports.  (I have it storm in quotes because I didn't think it was all that!)  I spent time in the airport and hotel watching and listening to travelers around me. 

Managed - Those operating in a managed travel program were maybe calling their agency.  Their glimmer of hope that someone on the other end of that phone can get them home and away from the madness.  The agencies, struggling with the onslaught of calls, took the calls and did what they could to help the travelers with ever changing inventory and options.

Open - Those operating in an open environment found themselves calling the airlines, searching apps, standing in line at the counter in order to get the help they needed.  In this situation, the airlines are the keepers of the seats.  The guardians of the sacred space needed to get people home. 

Who fared the best?  Who got home the fastest?  Who got the best rate?  Who got their waitlist cleared more quickly?   Who got that last seat on each plane? 

Maybe more interestingly, what happens when they collide?  What happened to the woman who lives in a managed program called the airline because she knew her status would help to get her taken care of.  What happened to the man who lives in an open environment but called the agency to help because the airlines hold time was 45 minutes? 

Ideally, the company would get all the information.  The changes, no matter where they were made, were fed back to their respective companies so the companies travel management team can make sure their highest priority, safety and security tracking, is met.  Hmm, novel idea...I know.

Because its only February, there are more storms coming...some from the sky, some from the industry.  Either way, let just keep going! 

I'm a Belizer!

I am not a good vacationer.  I very rarely can sit in one place and have things done for me.  I like to be moving and doing things all the time.  That could be working, cooking, cleaning, coaching, watching sports, etc!  Even in church on Sunday morning, I am doing things all the time.  Last week, I went to the dark side.  I took a full week off and with a great group of friends (no kids), traveled to San Pedro Island, Belize.  It was AMAZING! We rented a house on the beach with two amazing caretakers.  We snorkeled, swam, fished, ate, gambled, danced and shared a cocktail or two. 

Now don't get me wrong, I have taken time off before, but never completely unplugged for a week!  Sure, I read the "Urgent" emails and the ones that you have to read when you know you are away, but nothing more than that.  Is my inbox a horrible disaster?  YES!  Will it all get resolved in time?  I am sure it will.  Did I love vacation?  Yes.  Was a ready to come home?  Absolutely, I missed my kids horribly!  Will I do it again?  Sure. 

In a week, I became a Belizer and know that someday I will return.  Until then, I better get back to work and, as ever, keep going!