UNIGLOBE Insight Newsletter - April 2009 - UNIGLOBE Vision Travel

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UNIGLOBE Insight Newsletter - April 2009

In this Issue:
When it comes to business budgets, it pays to travel	Zuca Pro Carry-On Bag Meets Planners’ Needs
How Many Liquids Can I Carry On a Plane?	UNIGLOBE Feature
Credit and Debit Cards For Inflight Purchases

When it comes to business budgets, it pays to travel

Travel Mole USA Newswire

A new survey of business leaders finds that while corporate travel budgets are often the first target of cost-cutting measures, a majority believe that companies that increase travel budgets during an economic downturn will be better positioned to build competitive advantage.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of businesses surveyed say that increasing travel while others are cutting back creates an opportunity to build market share and new customer relationships. Half (53%) also believe that companies that reduce their business travel will give an advantage to competitors who maintain their travel commitment.

The findings illustrate the conflict within businesses that are under pressure to quickly identify cost reductions in the economic downturn. When making these reductions businesses may sacrifice longer-term strategic and competitive advantage.

"It's a classic trade off between short term cost-reductions and long term value," said Kellogg Business School Professor Daniel Diermeier, a Distinguished Professor of Regulation and Competitive Practice. "During times like these, many companies will go too far, and actually cut back on the activities that would best position them to compete in the future."

The survey of business executives at companies with more than $50 million in annual sales found that: 82 percent of companies surveyed believe that business travel is important to achieving their business results;

81 percent believe that more client contact is necessary in a slow economy; A strong majority (59 percent) strongly agree that in-person contact grows their business; and 72 percent of businesses believe that increasing travel while others are cutting back creates an opportunity to build market share and new customer relationships.

"Travel plays an important role in business growth in a down economy, by helping businesses connect with their customers," said Dr. Suzanne Cook, U.S. Travel's Senior Vice President of Research. "It's also clear from our survey results that the old maxim remains true; if you don't take care of your customers, someone else will."

How Many Liquids Can I Carry On a Plane?

Gone are the days when your carry-on bag could serve as a mini-bathroom or fridge, with unlimited amounts of gels, liquids, and drinks. Today, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has strict rules about the amount and type of liquids you can pack in your carry-on luggage.

From makeup and shampoo to toothpaste, eye drops and medications, you can carry virtually any liquid or gel from your bathroom in your carry-on - provided it can all fit in one quart-sized bag. In general, the 3-1-1 rule for liquids should be followed, with exceptions for the following (which must be declared at screening checkpoint for additional security checks):

Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for travelling infants/toddlers in amounts larger than 3oz.
All prescription and over-the-counter medications that are medically necessary and unable to fit in quart-sized ziploc
Other essential aerosols, liquids and gels

For a complete list of permitted (and prohibited) items, visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website (here's the link http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.shtml)

Definition: Breakdown of the 3-1-1 rule:

3 - only 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids or gels (by volume) permitted
1 - 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold liquid containers
1 - 1 bag per passenger

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS FOR INFLIGHT PURCHASES

On March 23rd, searching for the exact change will be a thing of the past, as customers will be able to use credit and debit cards for onboard purchases.

After a brief transition period through the spring break holidays, United will phase out cash and only accept credit and debit cards on flights within the United States (including Hawaii) and on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. United will continue to accept cash in addition to credit and debit cards on flights to and from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America.

The change does not apply to United Express flights, where cash will continue to be the accepted form of payment.

United’s Easy Purchase accepts the following major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club and debit cards bearing the Visa or MasterCard logos.

Zuca Pro Carry-On Bag Meets Planners’ Needs

From its construction and design to its materials, the Zuca Pro carry-on bag addresses a number of key issues that conventional carry-on bags have overlooked. By David Pye

For road warriors who have endured the wear and tear of airport marathons, the new Züca Pro carry-on travel bag is a godsend. Designed by travellers, for travellers, the Züca Pro addresses several issues that conventional carry-on bags have overlooked. Indeed, the design of the lightweight bag is focused equally on easy hauling and efficient organization and features innovative materials.

For instance, its construction incorporates materials derived from the aerospace industry itself. Züca Pro’s inventive lightweight aluminum-alloy frame makes hauling and storing a breeze. The external frame is secured with chrome-plated screws and nylon aircraft lock nuts and features a 42-inch retractable handle made of durable aircraft aluminum. But while Züca Pro’s sturdy frame is keeping your belongings safe, it also serves as a rolling seat designed to support 300-plus pounds, allowing travellers to take a load off while waiting in line.

With its external frame design, the Züca Pro provides more storage space than conventional carry-ons. Other enticing features include a water-resistant insert bag, a ballistic nylon travel cover and five spacious packing pouches that slide in and out like a set of drawers. Züca Pro’s removable pouches – which are machine washable – also include a Canadian Air Transport Security Authority-compliant bag for liquids and toiletries. Moreover, the Züca Pro conforms to all Federal Aviation Agency standards and fits into the overhead compartments of most commercial aircraft.

Available in both black/silver and dusty rose/silver, the bag can be customized to display corporate logos. The standard Züca Pro retails for about $280 and comes with a one-year warranty on material flaws and manufacturing defects. Available at 35 locations across Canada. www.zuca.com

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