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Tuesday, May 15, 2012 

WestJet Launches Code Share Agreement with Korean Air…WestJet (WS) has signed a code-sharing arrangement with Korean Air, the largest airline inSouth Korea. Tickets are available for sale as of today for flights beginning May 31st. The agreement will allow Korean Air‘s flight indicator on inbound connecting WS operated flights in North America allowing access to over 70 flights within the WS North American network.

Improvements for Canada-U.S. travellers…the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would simplify the NEXUS renewal process and embark on a campaign to increase NEXUS membership. The new rules eliminate the time-consuming interview requirement for renewing cardholders who maintain their low-risk status and who have not made changes to their personal information. The changes are the latest in a series of initiatives to be implemented as part of the joint Canada-U.S. Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness (Beyond the Border). 

Trend in small hotel meeting rooms is growing…hotel chains such as Marriott and Starwood's Westin are exploring the concept of compact rooms that can serve as office space or a meeting area, this feature says. The rooms offer privacy for businesspeople who wish to forgo the crowds at the nearest coffeehouse or the hotel lobby, as well as plenty of electrical outlets for their devices. USA TODAY

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Friday, May 4, 2012 

AC flies to JFK three times a day …Air Canada launched its three-times-a-day service between Toronto Pearson and John F. Kennedy International Airport on May 3. It is the only Canadian airline to service all three major airports in the New York area. Operated by Air Canada Express using 50-seat CRJ regional jets, the new service will have with morning, mid-day and evening flights. With the new service to JFK,  increased service to La Guardia Airport and the existing service to Newark Liberty International Airport, Air Canada now operates up to 38 non-stop return flights a day to New York City this summer from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver.  Executive-class service is offered on La Guardia and Newark routes.

San Diego: The perfect city for meetings…perfect weather and great links to the rest of the West Coast make San Diego a prime place for meetings and conventions -- if you can resist the temptations of the outdoors. The world famous zoo and the rest of Balboa Park are worthy of the praise heaped on them, and Tijuana is, well, right across the border. Frommers.com

 

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012 

New border clearance program at Vancouver…Vancouver has become the first airport in Canada to participate in creating and delivering an automated approach to border processing. ABC is a new initiative that uses self-service, automated technology to process Canadian travellers returning to Canada. Canadians will experience shorter wait times, less congestion, and faster processing at the airport. Building on the success in Vancouver, the pilot project will be moved to full program status and expanded to other international airports across Canada, starting with Montréal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in June. 

Delta upgrades in-flight entertainment…the airline has completed upgrades to its in-flight entertainment options, available on demand to customers. A new interface features easier navigation and 150% more on-demand programmes on all 32 Delta A330 aircraft.  The expanded content includes 100 movie titles, 20 hours of HBO programming, eight hours of Showtime, 27 hours of TV choices, 4,200 audio selections, and 16 radio channels. Upgrades to system usability and navigation will be available on more than 260 aircraft equipped with personal in-flight entertainment this summer. On-demand entertainment is available on Delta’s Boeing 747, 777, 767, 757-200, 737 and Airbus A330 aircraft. 

Hertz launches Business Rewards program…the car rental company has created Hertz Business Rewards, a program designed for small and mid-size businesses, providing up to 20% discounts on car-rental rates. Benefits for companies include; low rates:  Small and mid-size businesses can save up to 20%. Special offers:  Special offers and member-only promotions. Free rental days:  Earn 15 rental credits (1 rental day = 1 credit) and receive a free rental day certificate.  Companies receive additional credits for enrolling and bonus credits if they enrol online.  

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Thursday, April 19, 2012 

Delta Hotels and Resorts has upgraded the bandwidth in select properties across Canada…to provide the fastest Internet service available in any full-service hotel chain in Canada. This new offering, called Internet XL, will provide service that is 20 times faster than household high-speed Internet. The Internet XL service will be offered at 17 Delta locations, and is free for a limited time. Internet XL will offer meeting planners the ability to guarantee and reserve Internet bandwidth accessibility and to secure dedicated I.P. addresses for their events, at a competitive price. In addition to this new service, Delta will also provide its base high-speed Internet access for free in all guestrooms across the chain that do not have Internet XL.

Hilton Worldwide plans to launch at least 500 restaurants by 2015…in its hotels around the world and has developed a website to help match suitable eatery concepts to its properties. On top of this, Hilton is developing proprietary restaurant concepts that will, in time, be rolled out. The company also conducts market surveys to launch restaurant concepts in luxury properties in high-visibility locales. In addition, the chain is seeking established local or national-chain restaurants to operate, or lease space in, Hilton properties.

Why are business travelers still being charged for Wi-Fi?...It's time to put to bed the Wi-Fi charge for hotel guests, this feature notes. But the times, they may be a-changing. "Getting charged each night for 24 hours Wi-Fi seems like pure profiteering on their part, but I think hotels are starting to realize that they will lose valuable customers and valuable business by charging crazy amounts for Wi-Fi," said Juliana Shallcross, managing editor at Hotel Chatter. CNN

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Tuesday, April 17, 2012 

WestJet’s Back at Hamilton International with Cross-Canada Service for Summer 2012... Hamilton International Airport is pleased to announce the return of WestJet’s non-stop domestic service for summer 2012. Daily flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton and Winnipeg will begin operation April 29, 2012 and continue through until October 27, 2012. In addition to these non-stop flights a number of destinations, such as Vancouver, will be offered as connections through Calgary.

Business travelers are doing more with less, study says…many business travelers are getting more bang for their travel buck by staying a few extra nights to handle more business instead of making return trips, according to a study by the Global Business Travel Association trade group. "We're seeing road warriors taking fewer trips but making the most of them, making more stops and spending more on the road," said Michael W. McCormick, association executive director. Los Angeles Times

TSA is testing automated system to check fliers' passes, ID…The Transportation Security Administration has begun testing a system at Washington Dulles International Airport that uses machines to check travelers' identification and boarding passes. It is scheduled to start tests today at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Texas and in Puerto Rico next week. "For efficiency, it is fantastic," said Domenic Bianchini of the TSA. "We think it's a valuable technology, and we think over time we will see the real value added." USA TODAY

 

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Wednesday, April 10, 2012 

Hotels are updating their lobbies into gadget-friendly common spaces…hotel lobbies around the world are undergoing a transformation from sterile and useless spaces into comfortable common areas where guests can meet people while using their mobile devices, this feature says. Some hotels are completing the laid-back atmosphere at the lobby by offering drinks and light snacks. Los Angeles Times 

More airlines expand Wi-Fi offerings…several airlines have recently announced plans to expand their onboard Wi-Fi offerings. Some 1,800 main-line aircraft out of 3,500 offer Wi-Fi, said Amy Cravens, an analyst at market-research company In-Stat. Experts say that carriers with Wi-Fi may be more attractive to business travelers. Chicago Tribune 

Airlines upgrading, improving their airport lounges…airport clubs and lounges are being upgraded and improved with "innovative and cool" offerings as the airlines take steps to attract the revenue-generating business passenger. "As competition for the lucrative business traveler has intensified, airlines are pumping money into their lounges, adding more comfortable seating and power outlets, plus upgrading snacks, drinks and other amenities," Nancy Trejos writes. USA TODAY


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Thursday, March 29, 2012  

American Airlines’ Waterloo Airport to Chicago service in June…American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will start round-trip service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Waterloo Region on June 14. The new service will be operated with 50-seat Embraer Regional Jets. 

Hotel rates in North America jumped more than 7%...for both business and leisure travelers in February, marking the biggest year-over-year increase on record, according to data released Monday.

Hotel rates for business travelers jumped 7.1% in February, compared with the same month in 2011, and increased 7.3% for leisure travelers for the same period, according to data reported by Pegasus Solutions, a Dallas-based technology company for the hotel industry. 

Cut the hassle of travel with 25 proven tips…pack smarter and print boarding passes earlier and you're already on your way to a less-stressful flight, this feature notes. Travel writer Scott McCartney has compiled 25 simple yet effective ways to fly right. The Wall Street Journal

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Monday, March 27, 2012

US Airways announces new Canadian  non-stop flights to D.C….the airline has announced new non-stop flights to Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport from Montreal and Toronto to begin on July 11. The newToronto andMontreal toWashingtonD.C. direct access flight options come as US Airways launches new non-stop service betweenReaganNationalAirport and several North American cities.

Hyatt Hotels…is to extend its new in-room entertainment system to up to 60,000 rooms in the US, Canada and the Caribbean within the next two years. The Roomlinx technology, which has already been deployed in 1,800 rooms, allows guests to browse favourite services on the web such as Facebook, YouTube and Netflix, manage and print documents and order room service.

Four Seasons – end of an era…the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto will be closing its doors at its current location at 21 Avenue Road on March 28, as it readies for its grand opening at 60 Yorkville Avenue this summer.  Located just two blocks from its original location, it is scheduled to open in July with a 30,000-square-foot luxury spa, glass-enclosed event rooms and Cafe Boulud and bar by Chef Boulud.

The evolution of travel apps…travel applications are becoming a key part of the way that people plan their trips. "Increasingly, we'll see people rely on apps in the way they previously relied on maps, guide books and indeed personal assistants, booking flights and hotels," said Tom Dunmore of Mediablaze. For example, Kayak's travel app has generated 12 million downloads in the past few years. CNN

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Construction starts on Toronto Island Airport pedestrian tunnel …the pedestrian tunnel will be underground and under water. It will provide round-the-clock access between the airport and downtown Toronto regardless of weather. The airport sees over one and half million passengers each year. The tunnel will be funded mainly through the Airport Improvement Fee and will take approximately two years to complete.  It will complement the current ferry service.

More leg-room with AA…American Airlines has announced plans to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Main Cabin Extra, which will offer more leg-room as well as priority boarding. Main Cabin Extra seats will be located in the front portion of the main cabin, allowing easier boarding and deplaning. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, and AAdvantage Platinum members, and customers who purchase a full-fare economy class ticket will receive complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra, subject to availability. Also, AAdvantage Gold members will receive complimentary access to the new seating product through December 31, 2013. The airline will continue to reserve a significant portion of Main Cabin Extra seats and other seats in the Main Cabin exclusively for elite customers, who can select these seating options at the time of booking up until check-in.

More hotels launch exclusive floors aimed at women travelers…a growing trend among hotels acknowledges the unique hotel preferences of female travelers through the introduction of women-only floors with specially selected amenities. "Unlike other hotels, it seemed like someone actually thought about what women wanted. And there are so many women in my type of role traveling around the globe -- hotels need to wake up to that a bit," said Michelle Williams, frequent business traveler and event coordinator with Ernst & Young. CNN

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Print on the go…Toronto Pearson Airport now has options to make printing easier. Passengers can use the ePrintit kiosks to print documents or photos directly from their smartphones or tablets. Please click here for locations of the kiosks.

Wi-Fi internet access is available at Detroit Metro Airport…travellers in the McNamara or North Terminals with Wi-Fi enabled laptops, PDAs and smartphones can surf the web, send email, even log on safely to corporate intranet sites. Users can choose between two Wi-Fi rate programs: "Boingo AS YOU GO" service costs $7.95 USD and provides Wi-Fi access for a 24-hour period in the airport. Customers may also choose "Boingo Unlimited" service which provides unlimited Boingo Wi-Fi service and costs $9.95 USD per month. Both Boingo plans, provide the user with Wi-Fi access, not just at Detroit Metro Airport, but at all of Boingo's more than 125,000 Wi-Fi HOTSPOTS around the globe, including many other airports, hotels, retail and restaurant venues.

United rebrands premium cabins…the airline is to upgrade its premium-cabin services, offering new food and beverage options, additional choices in in-flight entertainment, and new amenity kits, pillows and blankets on long-haul international flights. The airline will also be rebranding its international, long-haul premium-cabin services, introducing United Global First and United BusinessFirst. United Global First will commence March 3 on long-haul international flights and some flights within Asia and the Pacific.  It will offer flat-bed seats, laptop power, USB ports, individual audio and video on demand with noise-reduction headsets, additional storage compartments and a multi-course meal with complimentary wines.  Additional in-flight food choices and amenity kits will also be added.

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Wednesday, February 15, 2012 

Canada/US air travel made easier…starting  Wednesday, February 15, NEXUS members flying to the United States will be able to use NEXUS cards in designated security lines for pre-board screening at airports for faster service. NEXUS members travelling to the United States will be able to use valid NEXUS cards for faster screening by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) at Canada's eight largest airports (Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver). Designated security screening lines currently in operation at select domestic and international checkpoints will be open to passengers flying to the United States.

Apps make sure you're not a stranger in a strange land…web sites and smartphone applications are making it easier for business travelers to find what they need in a strange city. Poynt and Around Me apps can direct the out-of-town traveller to banks, gas stations, hospitals, restaurants, hotels and more. When business takes you to a foreign land, try the World Customs and Cultures app. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
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Tuesday, February 7, 2012 

Sabre launches listing for green hotels…Sabre, our global reservation system has launched the “Eco-Certified Hotel Program,” with more than 4,700 hotels worldwide are highlighted for their sustainability efforts that may relate to energy use, water use or other operations. The hotels are vetted by a third party to ensure that they abide by a set of criteria outlined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. It is estimated that more than two-thirds of travellers believe their travel habits can affect the environment, while more than half of the meeting planners in a recent survey said they will only book meetings in sustainable venues.

Increased Air Canada service to London Heathrow…reports indicate thatAir Canada has announced plans to increase the number of daily services to London Heathrow from itsToronto hub from four to five non-stop flights each day, commencing 2 June. In addition,AirCanada will offer daily non-stop services to theUK from seven other major Canadian cities including Montréal,Calgary,Vancouver,Ottawa,Edmonton,Halifax andSt John’s. 

80% of travelers will use mobile check-in by 2018, study shows…the technology of tomorrow is available today but it will take several years for airports to implement the changes that will streamline the air travel experience. Technology is joining the dots by giving passengers the opportunity to 'automate' their way through the airport touch points. Reuters

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Thursday, February 2, 2012 

Porter Airlines is enhancing its New York service...with two additional daily flights and a more convenient schedule. This increases daily roundtrip departures between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to as many as 13 flights, and provides a wider range of morning, afternoon and evening departures for passengers. With the fastest available travel time between downtown Toronto and downtown Manhattan, Porter’s service from Toronto City Airport to Newark also provides the most convenient access to New York’s financial district.
The first new flight starts March 26, with a second flight beginning on April 16, and additional weekend options from March 25.

What you need to do before taking your mobile device abroad…trying to make a little sense out of international wireless standards and roaming rates can cost you a lot of dollars. "If you aren't careful, what initially seems like a few phone calls, text messages and basic Web searches can end up costing more than your airfare," Jonathan Blum writes. Luckily, there are ways to stay connected while keeping the costs in check. Entrepreneur.com

Beware the "tricks" of the rental-car trade…stop and read the fine print before signing any rental-car agreement, urges an expert on scams. It's all there in black and white, yet plenty of renters sign for unnecessary coverage because they're in a hurry to hit the road. "I can't blame rental companies for making sure their cars are covered, nor can I fault them for trying to earn a profit. But sometimes I wonder if they're trying too hard," Christopher Elliott writes. Frommers.com

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Monday, January 30, 2012 

Air Canada strengthens NYC routes…the airline has announced that it will launch triple-daily, non-stop flights between Toronto Pearson and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport  beginning May 3 and increase to hourly its flights to LaGuardia Airport from May 1. The airline will operate up to 38 non-stop return flights a day between Canada and New York this summer. Air Canada's New York service, with hourly flights, is ideally-suited for business travellers. Customers will have the option to purchase flight passes, access to Maple Leaf or Star Alliance partner lounges at all airports with priority ground services where applicable. In addition, Air Canada flights to LaGuardia and Newark feature Executive Class; the only Canadian airline offering business-class service.

WestJet announces New York service…the airline unveiled details of its scheduled service to New York's LaGuardia airport (LGA).  In November, WestJet successfully bid for eight slot pairs, bringing WestJet to the slot-controlled airport preferred by business travellers. The airline will launch seven non-stop flights each business day between Toronto (YYZ) and New York City starting June 4.  On July 12, WestJet will increase to eight non-stop flights each business day.  Flight times offer business travellers the flexibility and convenience to change plans on their day of travel at no cost.

Premium seats for WestJet?...the airline is reportedly considering providing premium seating for passengers willing to pay according a report last week in the Calgary Herald. The report said that WestJet did not plan to create a separate business class as it would not be financially feasible.

Plaza Premium Lounges is opening new locations in Edmonton…a new lounge will be open the U.S. departures area in February and in the domestic/international departures area in the second quarter.
There are also plans to expand their presence in YYZ’s T3. The new 7400 sq. foot facility that is currently in the planning and approval stages includes a space in T3’s US departures area.  “The objective is to expand in the rest of the country with lounges in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and Calgary,” says Brent Bowes, Business Development Manager. Travellers can enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and private washrooms in most lounges. Current services include self service food and beverages, while a noodle bar and Panini press are planned for the new YYZ lounge.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012 

VIA Rail launches express service on the Toronto and Ottawa corridor…the service will appeal to business travellers with a travel time of three hours and 57 minutes.  The express train is scheduled to depart Toronto at 16:20 arriving in Ottawa at 20:17.  It departs Ottawa at 17:06 and arrives in Toronto at 21:03. The service runs every day except Saturday. VIA is currently refurbishing their business-class cars. Upgrades planned include changing the upholstery and carpeting with more environmentally friendly products.  There will be a reduced number of business-class seats available until the refurbishment is complete. For business-class passengers travelling to and from Toronto, the new Panoramic Lounge is scheduled to open mid-March.  The new location will be on the main level of Union Station with seating capacity of 200 passengers.  

Porter Airlines is launching Toronto-Washington, DC, flights, on April 16…up to three daily roundtrip flights will operate between Washington Dulles International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Flights will departToronto at 7:00 a.m., 1:55 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Washington flights will depart at 9:15 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8:35 p.m. Washington will be the Canadian carrier’s sixth U.S. destination.

File syncing gives business travelers instant access to all files…business travelers are prime candidates for file syncing, the process that provides instant access to all files from any computer or Internet-connected device, such as a smartphone or tablet. "While file-syncing services won't change your personality and turn you into a neat and mindful individual, they can act as a safety net, helping you avoid disastrous consequences for your disorganization," Jill Duffy writes. PC Magazine

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

WestJet and Delta announce a code-sharing agreement…on flights within the United States and Canada, further expanding the partnership between the two carriers. The code-share flights are available for purchase now for service beginning January 23. Under the first phase of the new code-share agreement, Delta will place its code on WestJet flights to more than 15 cities, while the WestJet code will be added to Delta flights on five markets, expanding the networks of both airlines for customers flying between the two countries. Members of the Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles® program and WestJet's Frequent Guest Program® will be able to earn miles or rewards on the code-share flights, providing customers another benefit of the enhanced relationship.  

The Road Warrior of 2012 is plugged in like never before…while some companies are plugging into remote meetings and other technological advances to cut down on business travel, others are embracing smartphones, tablet devices and in-flight Wi-Fi as they travel to maintain the all-important face-to-face encounter. "That need for face time is prompting companies to once again boost travel budgets -- and the people hitting the road are often accompanied by the latest gadgets to make them more efficient," Chris Morris writes. CNBC

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Monday, January 9, 2012 

Mobile products that satisfy the needs of entrepreneurs on the go…whether you have to print an important document, knock out a top-level presentation or digitize sensitive data, there are a number of mobile tools at the ready for the business traveler armed with smartphones, tablets and notebook computers. Gadget guy Ramon Ray offers "a sampling of mobile products that will satisfy common needs of entrepreneurs on the go." Entrepreneur.com

 

Travel to U.S. made easier…passengers travelling to the U.S. will soon be able to use NEXUS cards to expedite screening at Canada's eight largest airports (Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver) using dedicated screening lines. The Government of Canada will work closely with airport authorities to fully offer this service beginning in February 2012. NEXUS lines are already operating at all eight major international Canadian airports at domestic and select international checkpoints.

 

VIA Rail improves schedules…in response to customer demand, VIA Rail Canada will introduce new schedules in the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto triangle, effective January 24, 2012. Passengers on VIA's new Ottawa-Toronto express trains will make the non-stop journey in just three hours and 57 minutes. These new trains will operate every day except Saturday, leaving Toronto and Ottawa in late afternoon. Passengers travelling from Montreal to Toronto will be offered two new trains, bringing the total number of weekday departures to Toronto to ten.

 

Healthier food has really taken off at the airport…an analysis of restaurants serving travelers at 15 major airports shows that 83% now offer "at least one heart-healthy, low-fat, cholesterol-free vegetarian entree on their menus," this article says. There's room for improvement, but the airport eateries have made great strides, says registered dietitian Susan Levin. Check out the best and worst airports for healthy food options. The Huffington Post 

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011  

Construction of YYZ rail link to the city…the Ontario Government announced Monday that the Air Rail Link Project which will connect Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Union Station, in downtownToronto, will begin construction in the spring. The GTAA (Greater Toronto Airport Authority) welcomed the announcement on the Air Rail Link indicating that it will transport their guests, employees, tourists, business people and others between two critical transportation hubs: Union Station andTorontoPearsonInternationalAirport. 

 

Ottawa forces airlines to advertise full ticket prices…after years of delays, Canada’s airline industry has agreed with Ottawa to make it mandatory for domestic carriers to advertise all-in ticket prices that include taxes and fees. The Canadian Transportation Agency will draft regulations over the next year to require the airlines to market full fares to consumers, scrapping the current practice of promoting one-way ticket prices before factoring in taxes, security levies, fuel surcharges, airport improvement fees and airline charges for air navigation services.
 

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Thursday, December 15, 2011  

WestJet announces Japan Airlines code-share agreement…WestJet has announced that it has signed a code-share agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL) to begin accepting connecting guests on WestJet flights on December 15, 2011. Under the code-share agreement, which will allow Japan Airline's guests to travel seamlessly into WestJet's network, Japan Airlines will place its "JL" flight indicator on WestJet-operated flights betweenVancouver and six Canadian cities:Calgary,Edmonton,Kelowna,Montreal,Toronto andWinnipeg. Ticket sales begin today.
 

Sheraton Centre Toronto now offers WiFi in all guestrooms…the now offers wireless Internet in all 1,377 guestrooms, making it the largest WiFi hotel inCanada. In addition to the meeting space and public spaces at the hotel, guests can now connect to the Internet throughout the hotel during the course of their stay.
 

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Thursday, December 8, 2011  

U.K. proceeds with air tax hike despite industry outrage…Britain’s government will go ahead with a 10% increase in theU.K.’s airline departure tax (Air Passenger Duty) next April despite intense lobbying against it from airlines, travel industry associations, destinations and companies on both sides of theAtlantic. Adding salt to the wound is the government’s intention to make the air tax retroactive so that passengers who already have booked flights departing after April 1 will have to pay the increase. 

Can’t Get There From Here? You Might Have to Drive…at least 27 U.S. city airports have lost service from Delta, United, and other mainline carriers over the last two years, and more cuts are planned, according to Forecast International. To save fuel and cut costs, carriers are parking or scrapping hundreds of jets and turboprop aircraft with fewer than 50 seats. Business travelers headed for smaller cities with shorter runways and outdated electronics may have no choice but to drive several hours from the nearest larger airport. 

New Delta App Tracks Bags in Real Time…Delta Air Lines launched a new salvo in the battle for connected travelers, a mobile app to track checked bags in real time. The Delta Baggage Tracking app was released last week for iPhone and Android; Windows and BlackBerry versions will be available sometime in December. The app lets customers scan their bags with their phones and track their location. Customers can also use the app to check in, pay luggage charges, access electronic boarding passes, make seating changes, check upgrade and standby lists, and get flight/gate information alerts. 

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Monday, December 5, 2011

Tryp hotel brand makes Canadian debut…Wyndham Worldwide’s first Tryp by Wyndham hotel in Canada opened on Thursday in Quebec City. The 242-room Tryp Quebec Hotel PUR, formerly Hotel PUR, is located within walking distance of Quebec’s “Old City” and has views of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The hotel includes a restaurant, more than 9,000 square feet of meeting space and a large indoor pool. Wyndham Worldwide acquired the Tryp select-service brand from Melia International Hotels in 2010. It plans to open Tryp's first U.S. hotel in New York City this winter.

Amex reveals state of meetings market…of the meeting planners surveyed, 42% of North American, 50% of Latin American, 51% of European and 57% of Asian respondents see signs of increased activity from their clients for next year. In many cases, meetings and event spend is an indicator of outward facing organizations connecting with their clients and prospects, and well-run meetings and events can be leading drivers of new business and growth for organizations. In addition, meetings will be shorter and smaller; closer to home; have fuller agendas and be ‘more green’.

Drive away the hassles of the car rental counter…a little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to streamlining the car-rental experience. In fact, business travelers can steer clear of many of the hassles that accompany the process. FoxNews.com