Can We Improve the Plane Boarding Process?

We've all been there. Waiting outside the gate as one group after another is motioned to board the airplane. When your group is finally called, everyone rushes to the podium to hand over their ticket (or scan their smartphone) and get on the plane. But once on the jetway, there's another line, which continues on into the aisle of the plane. The reason for the delay is because multiple people are trying to get into the same row or are searching for overhead bin space, forcing people behind them to wait until they can get by and cause more people to wait as they get to their seat. It's been like this for years, and the process has only been made worse by the increase in carry-on luggage thanks to airlines boosting fees for checked bags.

I have seen the process hundreds of times, with airlines boarding first class or premier level fliers first, and then boarding the rest of the plane from the back to the front (standard). I've always known it is slow and somewhat inefficient, but until I read this article on Vox, I never realized how absurd it actually is. And as much as I'm not the biggest fan of Southwest's process, I'm beginning to warm to it a little more after reading this.

The thought process is that by boarding from the back to the front, you'll avoid a buildup of passengers waiting while everyone puts their bags up and finds their seats, because people will be moving from the back forward. But this only works if people actually board in order, from very last row and on. And even then, someone who is in the aisle seat might reach the row first, and then is forced to get up while someone in the window or middle seat gets in, thereby forcing people behind to wait and more congestion to build up.

The article discusses a few alternative options to the standard boarding process, and compares times for each one. Based solely on time, the clear winner is Southwest's procedure, followed closely by a method of boarding people from the outside-in, which means all window seats go first, followed by middle seats and then aisles. Apparently, some airlines have caught on to the efficiency of the latter, and have started to implement it. But if that's so, I clearly haven't experienced it yet. So everyone should just switch the Southwest way, right?

Not necessarily. While it may cut down on the boarding time, Southwest's process causes other problems, mostly with customer satisfaction. It isn't the most convenient system for people traveling in large groups, because they aren'y guaranteed a spot together on the plane. And a lot of people hate having to jump online the minute they are allowed to check in so they can get a good boarding number. If you're even five or ten minutes late, you could be in the last boarding group, inevitably leaving you with a middle seat in the back of the plane.

Of all the methods mentioned, the one that makes the most sense is a theoretical one that no airline currently uses dubbed the "Steffen method." It's similar to the outside-in process, but it is more choreographed in that the window seats from one side of the plane go first, followed by the window seats from the other side of the plane, and so on. In addition, the rows of passengers allowed to board are staggered, preventing multiple passengers from using the same aisle space, and therefore reducing congestion.

Even though better methods have been developed, airlines will most likely stick to the process they have right now, because it allows them to charge passengers for priority boarding. If they had a quick, efficient boarding process, they wouldn't be able to make a profit off people who want to skip the hassles of boarding.

So the answer to the question is, yes, we can improve plane boarding, but will it actually happen? It's not looking good.

What the New Year will Bring

Another year gone...and another January 1 celebrated with champagne toasts, confetti, noise makers and good friends. In that moment when the clock hits midnight, the only thought running through most people's minds is the pure joy and revelry that comes with a New Year and a fresh start. And then reality hits, and we must face all the challenges and changes that are inevitable in the year ahead.

For the travel industry, there are certainly a lot.

While the overall travel experience is always unpredictable, consumers can count on higher costs in 2013. The price of airline tickets have been gradually climbing the last couple years, and airlines managed to raise fares seven times in 2012. Airlines may also keep charging more fees and reducing flight capacity, which will only increase the price of tickets more. Even with the price hikes, demand has remained solid, which means airlines have the freedom to keep raising prices, until people stop paying.

Airlines will hopefully take that extra money and put it towards buying new aircrafts or updating current ones with better amenities. Airlines will try to make the travel experience better through small changes like in-flight entertainment and connectivity, like onboard Wi-Fi. (But you have to pay for all that, remember.) One problem that travelers can expect to see with aircraft changes is the addition of more seats, which means less legroom or arm space and much more uncomfortable trip. The only way to get adequate legroom is if you pay more for it, as many domestic airlines offer added space in the first few rows of their aircrafts.

I imagine there will also be changes to frequent flier programs, as airlines look to gain more revenue and offer fewer upgrades, mileage earnings and rewards. The elite members will still receive impeccable service, I'm sure, but anyone who doesn't have that status will have to work extra hard to get the earnings they need to reach it. United has already raised its annual membership fees for its United Club. General members will pay $500 a year, up from $475; Premium Silver members who fly 25,000 miles annually pay $475; Premier Gold members who fly at least 50,000 will pay $450; Premier Platinum who fly 75,000 will pay $425, and Premier 1K members, who fly at least 100,000 miles a year, will pay $400.

It is likely we will see yet another merger in the airline industry as American Airlines and US Airways continue talks. In fact, industry experts believe an announcement could be made in the first quarter of the new year. If a merger happens, who knows what other consolidations will take place.

Travelers have become accustomed to the various fees tacked on by airlines for things like checking bags, buying in-flight food and purchasing television or Wi-Fi. However, this a la carte style is slowly moving into other industries, like hotels and cruises, as these markets look to take advantage of more revenue possibilities. Some hotels have started charging extra for room safes, luggage storage and mini-bar restocking. I wonder if there will be an added fee for turn down service or the chocolate on your pillow?

Delta Tries its Hand at Humor, and Fails

If you're a frequent flier--or even if you only travel occassionally--you are familiar with the mundane airline safety presentations. Most of us zone out the moment these come on the screen or the flight attendants start doing their choreagraphed dance at the front of the plane. I've heard the schpeel hundreds of times, so for me, it doesn't seem necessary to listen to it yet again; and I know I'm not alone in this. However, airlines continue to show them, well, because they have to. (It's mostly because of legal regulations, but there are always one or two passengers who are unfamiliar with the procedures.)

While airlines realize there are expert fliers on board who could quote the entire safety demonstration, they still want passengers to pay attention. Because, let's face it, if and when an emergency does happen, how many of us know-it-alls are actually going to remember where the life vest is or how to put on the oxygen mask or where the hell the exit is--oh crap, it might be behind you!

So, in an effort to make passengers pay attention, Delta Air Lines decided to take a humorous approach. It unveiled a funny safety video last month, which includes a robot that turns itself off before takeoff, a warning sign prohibiting playing squash onboard and a passenger in a neck brace who cannot turn around to see all the exits. Delta said it wanted to provide passengers with serious information, but wanted to connect with them and give them something a little more interesting to watch. The problem? The video isn't funny at all. It's a nice effort, really, but I don't think many people will find it humorous. In fact, I think this will turn people off from watching the safety demonstrations even more than before, because it's really just the same stuff with a few random images thrown in here and there. Maybe I'm being a little harsh, so take a look for yourself.



Clearly, Delta is trying to imitate the success of Air New Zealand, which created a number of crazy and quite funny safety videos with nude flight attendants, fitness celebrity Richard Simmons and "Lord of the Rings" characters. Now those were great videos. They got passengers' attention, and they held it the entire time, because the demonstrations were actually humorous, just because they were so ridiculous. Leave it to the Kiwis to be truly innovative.


So, which video would you pay attention to?

More Fees? Or Just Different Ones?

Source: LA Times

Airline fees have become commonplace in the world of travel, it is difficult to remember a time when they did not exist. Ever since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the air travel culture has dramatically changed. Now, we are so accustomed to long security lines, taking shoes off, and standing in an ominous revolving scanner, it is second nature to perform all these tasks. We are unphased by all the security protocols. But one area people still have trouble accepting is the growing number of a la carte fees that airlines serve up.

According to a recent article in The Los Angeles Times, the world's largest airlines are expected to make $36.1 billion from fees. This includes food, drinks, wireless internet, priority seating, more leg room and checked bags. Some airlines even charge for checking in online, carry-on bags and expedited service through security check points. But it does not end there. At the Airline Information conference in San Diego, representatives from various airlines discussed ways to maximize the fees they charge passengers.

There was some talk of different travel insurance offers or letting passengers pre-order on-board meals and snacks, a move to reduce uneccessary spending and waste from leftover meals. One of the biggest trends, though, is basing fees on data collected from past bookings. Basically, airlines will offer package deals based on a travelers preferences, such as bundling tickets with onboard food, drinks and entertainment, at a discount.

Mining and analyzing passenger data could be seen as a bit invasive, but the reward is a specialized deal that fits you. Plus, if you can nab a discount on fees and charges that you would have paid anyway, why not? So while this trend could result in some new and different fees, the good news is that there does not seem to be any plans to add more to the menu. In fact, it looks like airlines are finally starting to get smart about looking after customers and making them happy.

Personally, I never buy on-board snacks (I tend to bring my own)or entertainment (when else do I have time to read a book), so I would like to see some other changes. I was actually reminiscing with my dad about what air travel used to be like before 9/11, and it occurred to me that the thing I miss the most is the ability to meet people at the gate, to greet them right after they've had a long flight. I think I would keep the fees if I could get that back.

Thanksgiving Fares...Don't Wait to Buy!

If you're thinking that if you wait until the last minute to get flights home for Thanksgiving, fares will be cheaper, think again.

Industry experts are expecting air travel around the holidays to be much more expensive than last year, with airfare said to be around $375 for Thanksgiving. Not only will prices be higher, but seats will be limited. Airlines have cut capacity 11% this year, which means fewer flights to a certain destination or smaller planes used on routes. So the chances of snagging that preferred aisle seat for a reasonable price are pretty slim this year.

And Christmas isn't looking much better for travelers. Those fares could be anywhere from 6% to 12% higher than last year, so no matter what, you're going to be paying more, even if you buy them now or later. I recommend getting them sooner, because at least that way you will have more seating options to choose from.

I was lucky this year, snagging Thanksgiving flights for around $300 round-trip, and Christmas for about $250 round-trip. But I have a tendency to start looking at flights far in advance of a trip, especially one that will be taking place over  a holiday. When I ventured to Boston earlier in the year for Fourth of July, I booked those tickets in February. You better believe I got a much better price than those girls who booked last minute. Then again, many airlines will roll out airfare promotions and limited-time offers, so in those cases, I say don't hesitate and jump on them!

Extra Fees Will Deter Traveling on Some Airlines

I read an article about Spirit Airlines adding new luggage fees, which increased the amount passengers had to pay for checked and carry-on baggage. That's right, carry-on bags, too. Spirit is the first airline to implement such fees on luggage that people stow in the overhead bins, and I am hoping it is the only one that does it. The airline already has set fees it charges for checking bags, but the new regulations are bumping that number up slightly. Under the new fees, passengers who wait to pay for their bags within 24 hours of flying will be charged an extra $5 to pay online and $10 over the phone. Those who pay at least 24 hours in advance receive the "Early Bird Discount," which means they have to pay the original fee--not much of a special if you ask me.

When I read these stories about airlines hiking fees for the smallest things, I cannot help but wonder if any sane person would continue to fly with them. I have never flown on Spirit Airlines, and I can tell you confidently, I never will. I mean, it is bad enough that every other airline--except Southwest--is charging for checking bags, but to have the audacity to charge a fee for carry-ons is beyond absurd. To play devil's advocate--which I hate to do--the additional fee may prevent people from carrying on large pieces of baggage and taking up all the room in the overhead bins. If they are charged a fee no matter what, they may just opt to check the bag, leaving more space. Still, I fail to see how charging this fee is going to help, because even though that extra money may help to compensate rising gas and commodity costs, it could force people to look elsewhere for flights.

It's move like this one that make me angry with the travel industry, because it has already suffered so much and it pains me to see it continue to struggle. I long for the days when traveling was fun, exciting and almost carefree. You arrived at the airport, checked in your luggage, breezed through quick security lines without taking off your shoes, arrived at your gate, boarded the plane knowing you would have room to store all your personal items, sat down in a roomy seat and waited for your complimentary drink and bag of pretzels. Now, check-ins are bombarded with angry fliers trying to check as few bags as possible or lighten the ones that are too heavy, security lines are epically long and frustrating, boarding is a rat race to get to your seat first and snag precious overhead bin space, seats are cramped, and while that drink option is still there, the pretzels are long gone.

It's a sad world we live in when airlines are so scrapped for money that they have to take away the free pretzels.

Airline Wine? I'll Pass

When the airplane reaches 30,000 feet and the captain has turned off the fasten seat belt sign, it is time for the drink cart to come down the aisle and serve up beverages for all the passengers. But if you want something with a little more kick, you have to pay for it, unless you fly first or business class. I am not one to spend money on an alcoholic drink on flights, but if I ever decided I absolutely needed a glass of wine, I want to know it is worth $5.

Unfortunately, most airlines do not have the best wine selection. According to wine experts, most U.S. airlines are pretty cheap with their wine and have been for over 40 years. Basically, if it is passable, they will serve it. There are two reasons for this, according to sommeliers and wine lovers alike, the first is that airlines tend to serve wine from quarter size bottles that could sit around for months at a time, and removing oxygen from planes is difficult, leading to wine spoiling much quicker. The second reason is that wineries will save their least desirable batches for those small bottles, meaning that airlines can purchase them at a very low cost, and then charge you an arm and a leg for low quality wine. Now, if you happen to be sitting in business or first class, the wine selection is a lot better. But the majority of people fly coach, so they get the cheap stuff to sip on.

Business Traveller magazine recently held its annual Cellars in the Sky competition--which analyzes wine served in business and first class on airlines around the world. American Airlines was the only U.S. carrier to receive an award: First place in the "Business Class White" category. All other top honors went to non-U.S. airlines, with Quantas and Air New Zealand leading the way. (I guess they know how wine is done down under.) Wine experts say that European, Australian and Asian airlines understand about quality, and consider it a point of pride.

Some airlines are making an effort to improve the wine selection on flights. Like JetBlue. It does not have a business- or first-class cabin, so everyone flies coach. In an effort to keep its customers happy, it serve one white and one red at a time, switching brands every six months or so. The wines are purchased from a wide variety of locations, which is something many airlines avoid, and JetBlue likes to keep things fresh and new for travelers.

For many travelers, having a glass of wine on a flight is not a necessity, and many just choose one of the free options, like water, tea, coffee or soda. However, there are some who would enjoy a drink while soaring thousands of miles in the air--it certainly helps to calm the nerves a bit, or provide a nice buzz after a stressful business trip. It seems only right that those select few should be able to drink something a little more palatable than the remaining 4-ounces of liquid from the bottom of the barrel. I think it is definitely an area of customer service that should be improved on by the U.S. airlines.

So, for now, maybe you should forgo that alcoholic beverage for something free and tasty. If nothing else, just order a beer, you know that is usually a safe bet.

Airline Lounges: How to Get in When You Are Not a Member

Airport lounges have always elicited an aura of exclusivity, with only a select few being allowed to walk the red carpet and pass through the gold-trimmed doors. But the days of member only access are long gone, and now anyone can get into these so-called VIP lounges, if they are willing to pay.

Virgin Atlantic Lounge at Heathrow

Airport lounges may be pricey, but at times they are definitely worth the money. Lounges have comfortable chairs and workstations, free beverages and snacks, and airline representatives. Annual admissions fees, however, can range between $450 and $500, which might be too much for people who are not frequent fliers. For those who are sporadic travelers, there are options. Day passes for American Admiral's Club, Continental's Presidents Club, Delta's Sky Club and United's Red Carpet Club can be bought for $50 per person. Delta offers discounted prices for people who have Gold or Platinum airline American Express card, and also has a 30-day membership for $90 as a trial offer.United lets you print off $35 dollar day passes from home to be used at a United Red Carpet Club or Continental Presidents Club.

Annual memberships can be bought using money or frequent flier miles. Delta, US Airways and Alaska sell them for $450, Continental and United offer them at $475, and American has them for $500. Several of these memberships offer reciprocal admission to other airline lounges, meaning you may have a Delta membership but you have access to Alaska Board Rooms.

United Airlines Lounge

Amenities in each lounge will vary, including an open bar, snacks, free wireless, comfortable seating and the ability to bring in two guests. Clubs also have airline representatives available to help you deal with flight cancellations or delays, and the lines are much shorter in the lounge than at the customer service desk.

There are also non-airline airport club programs. Priority Pass gives you entry to 600 lounges worldwide. Memberships cost $99 annually, plus $27 a visit or $399 annually with unlimited visits. This is one of the best options because it gives you a broad range of choices, rather than limiting you to one airline lounge--plus you can check out all of them if you want and gauge which one has the best amenities. American Express Platinum Card airport club program and Diners Club cards give you access to a number of different lounges as well, but come with a few more limitations and less choices than the Priority Pass.

No matter what option you choose, you'll get a pretty decent deal out of it, especially if you find yourself at the airport on a regular basis. I know that once I start traveling more, I am definitely getting a membership to the lounges, because the few experiences I have had with them have been heavenly.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

When it comes to travel, customer service is essential for success in air transportation, hospitality and facilities. So who will guarantee you a satisfactory travel experience?

Credit: J.D.Power & Associates

According to J.D. Power & Associates' 40 "Customer Service Champions" list, the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are two of the top customer service hotel chains in the United States. Enterprise Rent-A-Car was also a top company. As far as airlines are concerned, go with Southwest, JetBlue and Canada's WestJet to receive exceptional care and attention. A somewhat surprising member of the list is Indianapolis International Airport, which recently underwent a major redesign and reopened as a state-of-the-art facility in 2008.

J.D. Power based the awards off consumer surveys conducted over the past year. They use the five P method to measure how people feel about each company: people, presentation, price, product and process.

Of the selected travel companies, I only have experience with Enterprise.I am sad to say I have never stayed at the Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons, or flown with Southwest or JetBlue or WestJet, or visited Indianapolis Airport. But I am excited to experience the customer service with these institutions, and I will definitely report back and let you know whether or not J.D. Power knows what its talking about.

Travel Trends and Top Destinations in 2011

2010 is officially over, and the new year holds pros and cons for the travel industry, as well as some exciting destinations for all of us.

Last year was turbulent in travel, to say the least. According to statistics, more people flew in 2010, but less flights were available to accommodate this 3% increase from the year before. This meant packed flights and barely any overhead baggage space. This trend will most likely continue into 2011 as airlines are still minimizing their flights to cut costs. Plus, airlines are benefiting from baggage and flight change fees, and they need to make a profit wherever they can. On top of that, travelers can expect to pay higher prices for tickets since oil prices have increased.

When it comes to purchasing tickets, it may be even more difficult to reserve through online travel agencies with all the disputes with the airlines that want to cut out the middle man. Southwest only posts their ticket prices on their website, forcing fliers to go there in order to buy seats. American Airlines just pulled its flight listings from Orbitz and Expedia due to the high fees to have them on the sites.

As many of you may have noticed, more flights were canceled in 2010 than in previous years, due mostly to airlines attempting to avoid fees for long tarmac waits, but also because of severe weather conditions and unforeseen natural disasters--a certain volcano comes to mind. It's safe to assume that there will be just as many, if not more, canceled flights in 2011, unless the weather chooses to cooperate--which it never does. The good news is that the same amount of flights arrived on time in 2010 as in 2009, so hopefully this consistency will hold strong. Also, there were far less delays reported last year, a good sign for future travel convenience.

Social Media will continue to play a large part in travel and tourism. For my loyal readers, you may recall a post I did last year talking about travel apps for smart phones, as well as growing websites designed to aid travelers with a number of different needs. Well, more of those will be popping up all over the place. This year, more people will be using Facebook and Twitter to find information on destination, travel deals, cheap airfare and hotel reviews. As far as airlines, hotels and travel companies go, social media outlets will be used to promote exclusive deals and incentives that can only be accessed through networking sites. 

Now for the really fun stuff...the hot spots to visit in 2011!

2011 marks the anniversary of...well...a lot. And industry experts say that's a draw for many travelers. Peru, while always a popular tourist location, will draw even more crowds this year as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the rediscovery of Machu  Picchu, an Inca landmark dating back to the 15th century. The organization managing the upkeep of this historic site will be holding events and celebrations all year long to commemorate the gorgeous mountain-top ruins.

China is also celebrating a milestone this year with the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Republican Revolution, also called the Xinhai Revolution. This moment was a significant event for the Chinese culture in the 20th century, and numerous events are planned in its honor. It's unknown what kind of celebrations will be held, but expect there to be many parades and impressive firework displays.

Fifty years ago, the Berlin Wall fell, and travelers are heading to Germany to celebrate this historic event. The city is expected to finish a long-term project this year that marks the wall's old path through Berlin.

2011 is also a sad reminder of the horrible attacks that occurred ten years ago on September 11. Millions of Americans and foreign travelers will gather around ground zero to view the impressive National September 11 Memorial, consisting of two pools appropriately named "Reflecting Absence." These are a representation of the footprints left by the towers, as well as those who perished. An underground museum will also be featured as part of the memorial. The collection includes artifacts, photographs, memorabilia and recorded testimonies of the event. The main exhibitions are located at bedrock, the heart of the World Trade Center. Visitors will be able to view the Vesey Street Stair remains, also known as the "Survivor's Stairs," as they were used by hundreds to escape the destruction. Guests can see the foundations of the towers and the "Last Column." In the Memorial Plaza, visitors can gaze at the 3,000+ names engraved around the pools honoring all those who died.

There are many popular locations that are not celebrating an anniversary but are just as noteworthy. After hosting the World Cup last year, South Africa has exploded as a top vacation spot. The great thing about this year is there will not be as many people, so tourists can take full advantage of the renovated facilities left over from the tournament. A number of travel packages are being offered that tour the countries beautiful landscapes and diverse cities, particularly Cape Town and Johannesburg--the two largest cities in South Africa. If you decide to go, look into booking a safari in Kruger National Park, which features 145 different mammals.

Another country with strong ties to soccer is Brazil. With the World Cup coming in 2014, and the Olympics in 2016, Brazil is using their newly found publicity to promote it's beautiful beach resorts and exotic culture. It still has a few years to boost its infrastructure, but all the sporting attention is sure to draw a crowd.

With the royal wedding months away, London is certainly getting a lot of attention. The Prince's marriage to long-time sweetheart, Kate Middleton, is causing not only locals to get excited, but tourists as well. Everyone wants to get in on the action. While London may be incredibly busy come April, the wedding is boosting tourism interest for the summer months, too, as more and more people sign-up for tours of the royal buildings and historic sites--not to mention a tour of all the notable locations around the city that are significant to William and Kate's long courtship.

Other locations of note to visit this year are Stockholm, Sweden--thanks to the overwhelming popularity of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" book series--and Greece--which is celebrating the 2,500th anniversary of the original marathon. For even more exciting places to visit in 2011, check out Bing's Top Destinations Slide Show.

So here's to a new year of exciting travel adventures! Happy trails everyone!

Watching Your Waistline During Holiday Travel

It's bad enough that the high sugar and carb holiday treats can reek havoc on our diets, but throw in the stress of traveling this time of year with nearly zero healthy food options in airports and on flights, and we might as well give up now. (That's what New Year's resolutions are for, right?) There is some good news for those eager to stay on track with their weight this year. An Airline Food Survey from DietDetective.com rated 8 of the top airlines on their food and snack selections. This year, United came out on top with a rating of four stars for their healthy snack options, including the Tapas snack box which offers almonds, olives, hummus and bruschetta. JetBlue came in second with their inflight options of nuts, animal crackers and a meal box appropriately called Shape Up. Delta and U.S. Airways did not perform particularly well, and Continental fell from its first place position to third.

Even with these airlines offering some decent food options, it is important for travelers to still be conscious of what they're consuming. Also, just because it's food and it's healthy does not mean that you have to eat it. In fact, the biggest problem that JetBlue has is that their snacks are unlimited, so passengers can easily over do it on the nuts.

The bottom line is that the holiday season paired with hectic travel schedules is going to cause many to falter, so it is good to know that airlines are making an effort to provide healthy alternatives to the cookies, candies and salty snacks that many of us are used to eating while on in the air. I don't intend on getting any airline snacks this holiday season, mostly because I refuse to pay, but it is good to know I have some healthy options waiting for me if I change my mind. In all honesty though, I like being a little naughty with my food choices this time of year, so...bring on the cookies!

Have A Little Faith

Technorati Tags: travel,airlines,communications,hospitality,hotel points,hotels,loyalty programs

When it comes to hotel brand loyalty, the 2011 forecast does not look good. According to an annual survey by TripAdvisor, there was a severe drop in hotel brand loyalty this last year, the amount of people saying they are loyal to one hotel name dipping from 59 percent to 39 percent. Travel experts and analysts speculate that the economy could be the main reason for the decline, the recession causing more people to question prices even on quality products. Another reason people are changing their tendencies is due to more access to other options. With all the social media and review-based websites out there, people have a wealth of information available to them, which makes it easier to make frugal and savvy decisions.

So what is keeping people faithful to their brands? Rewards programs. A huge factor in maintaining client loyalty, hotel reward programs provide quality benefits, upgrades and services that make for a more intimate experience. But no matter what a hotel gives to a client, it all comes down to how the brand interacts with the guest. All the upgrades in the world cannot replace a friendly customer service experience, and guests appreciate personal attention that can make them feel like the only people in the hotel.

One of the biggest mistakes airlines have made is their lack of effort to reach out to travelers and make them loyal customers. Unless someone is a frequent flier on an airline, he or she will probably not receive the kind of treatment that will make them feel appreciated as a client. In fact, the main reason people say they are not loyal to airlines is because the company has not done anything to deserve the loyalty.

A hotel brand taking the necessary steps to show its appreciation for its customers is Preferred Hotel Group. Their I Prefer program lets travelers sign up for free and take advantage of special services right away. Where other reward programs require customers to build up points or stay a certain number of nights before cashing in on upgrades, I Prefer gives them automatic benefits at no fee. Who wouldn’t want to get extra amenities or priority check-in or exclusive offers just for becoming a member? The program also offers online booking rewards, like complimentary breakfasts and rounds of golf. There are a number of exclusive hotel deals and partner companies offers that members can take advantage of, all for no cost.

With loyalty rates dropping by 20 percentage points this year, hotel brands need to find ways to make their customers feel special; that their business is greatly appreciated. Every guest is looking for a memorable vacation, and hotels need to go out of their way to provide that. Some people are happy with a few extended amenities, such as 24-hour access to hotel facilities, free coffee in the rooms and the lobby, free wi-fi and complimentary food. Others are looking for better customer service and a welcoming atmosphere. Still others feel that competitive prices and discounts are essential to win their loyalty. When it comes down to it, though, every guest is looking to be amazed with their hotel experience, and even if the smallest gesture can win them over, it’s worth doing.

Holiday Travel....

...Have you booked your flight yet?

Every year when November first hits and the Christmas music comes on the radio, the initial thought in my head is...where am I going to be for Christmas? I'm usually at home for Christmas, back with the family in good 'ol Denver, Colorado. While I never had to travel home for the holidays before, now I live far enough away that I have to plan my trip well in advance in order to get my vacation days approved and my flights booked. Many people have to go through the same process as me, while others can simply drive or take trains home and still others avoid home all together and opt for a holiday vacation.

Holiday travel can be hectic, and this time of year spurs some of the largest airport crowds ever. It can be tough to find decently priced airfare, or even good dates to fly. Blackout dates plague those trying to use mileage and horrible weather can ground planes for hours, making it impossible to get home on time. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who have spent a Christmas Eve or Day stranded at an airport. For all those who find themselves traveling during the holidays, airlines are providing a little relief from the stress. Many major airlines announced reduced holiday prices this week, dropping some costs down by 35%. So if you still haven't purchased your tickets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, check out travelzoo to find out the cheapest days to fly, and get some helpful tips from some travel experts.

As far as those people who do not have to fly, train travel is certainly an untapped resource for many travelers. This year, Amtrak reported it's on track for a record number of passengers for the fiscal year, which makes sense since train fares are significantly cheaper than airline tickets. Prices for train tickets are relatively consistent, with the possibility of slight peaks during high travel periods, but even with that spike, it's a much more economical choice. The only set back to the train is the length of travel time. Planes, obviously, get you to your destination quicker. So if you have a long distance to go, stick with planes. If you are not traveling across the country, but rather somewhere close, like the next state over, a train might be your best option. It's cheap, convenient, with plenty of space for your bags, and you get to enjoy some lovely scenery along the way.

If you choose to drive to your holiday destination, be sure to check road conditions and traffic. While airports can be packed, so can highways, so it might take you longer than expected to get home. Another important thing to keep in mind is gas prices. Now that the Federal Reserve is trying to stimulate the economy by buying bonds, gas prices will inevitably rise. The good news for drivers is that with rising gas prices, airfares will increase. Cars are still the cheaper alternative.

Whether going by train, plane or automobile, the holidays will always be a crazy time to travel. Just remember what is waiting for you when you finally arrive...

Jump on JetBlue for Last Minute Travel Deals

If you are looking for a last-minute travel deal this weekend, then head right on over to Jetblue.com for their Cheeps: flights for $10 to and from certain cities. This deal is going on for one day only, or until seats run out, so you have to hurry.

You can choose from a variety of different flights, like Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas, or D.C. to Boston. However, there is a catch. You must depart from the predetermined city on Saturday, November 13 and return on either Monday, November 15 or Tuesday, November 16. You also have to book by 6 p.m. Eastern Time today, November 9. There are only 25 seats available on each flight, and they are going fast.

Obviously, not everyone can take full advantage of this travel deal. JetBlue has hubs in New York, Boston and Lonf Beach, so many of the flights depart from those locations, or other airports nearby. For those who do not live close to these locations, it will be difficult to schedule the trip, since getting another flight is necessary.

For those in the general vicinity of the cities selected for this deal--and who have the flex time to dedicate to a last minute trip--should make a bid for these cheap seats. It's not often that an airline is so generous with their fare prices, especially this close to the holidays. Of all the discount airlines, JetBlue certainly has some great offers, such as the month-long travel pass they sold earlier this year that let people purchase one pass for a set price that allowed them to book any flight on JetBlue. This was the second year that the airline featured the pass, and it was definitely a success. These $10 cheap seats are yet another attempt from JetBlue to get people to see the worth of their service. By offering lower fares, more people will fly their airline and get to see what sets JetBlue apart. It's certainly a smart marketing strategy, and I for one am becoming more and more interested in booking a flight with them.

Unfortunately, the Cheeps are not a convenient deal for me, but I encourage others to check it out and book a flight. Because one of the best things about spontaneous travel is that it can catch you by surprise.

A Helping Hand

As most of you know, in the aftershock of a devastating earthquake, Haiti needs help more than ever. Many are probably asking "what can I do?" While most of us do not have extensive funds--like George Clooney or Madonna--to send to the country or to organizations, we still have options.

Even just a small donation--as much as you can afford to give--will help. You can donate to the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, CARE, or Yele Haiti.

To all the travelers out there, I know you're busy jetting from one place to the next. I would be out there with you if I could. If money is not something you want to give, how about some of those frequent flier miles you've been racking up, or those hotel points that might be gathering dust. If you are a United Airlines flier, you can donate miles to the Red Cross or Airline Ambassadors or Operation USA. Hilton, Marriot, Starwood, Choice Hotels, and many others are asking members to donate their points and they in turn will make cash donations to various organizations aiding in the Haiti relief effort.

If you are a frequent flier of American Airlines or Spirit Airlines, you will not only be giving, but receiving as well. If you donate a certain cash amount, these airlines will reward you miles. Giving just $5 could buy you a free flight! Of course, none of you need incentive to contribute to a good cause.

So use your travel for good. And if you have the time--and the miles--why not book a flight down to Haiti and lend a hand.

Delivering a Smile (and a Treat)

"A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand."

If there is one thing in this world I love more than traveling, it's chocolate. So anyone who combines those two is a winner in my book. Obviously most hotels place that glorious piece of chocolate on your pillow when the turn-down service comes to the room, creating an ever-so-delightful surge of joy when you return after a long day. But other than that, what is there?

I'll tell you what...the sweet, delicious aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through an airplace cabin at 30,000 feet. That's right, you guessed it. The famous Midwest Airlines cookies! Since the mid 80s these moist, chocolatey morsels have become a staple of the airline. They are a symbol of the service Midwest wants to deliver to its flyers. And while every other airline is charging an inflated amount of money for sweets and snacks during a flight, Midwest is sticking with the complimentary cookie. It's a way to say thank you and give flyers a mid-air boost. Also, the cookies have set Midwest apart from other airlines. They are known as the airline that gives you cookies. And if something as little as a cookie can draw customers, why not do it?

Doubletree hotels also join Midwest on the cookie bandwagon. They have been giving fresh chocolate chip cookies to hotel guests as they check in since the early 80s. They make sure that cookies are available 24 hours a day. It is unclear how the cookies really affect the happiness of the customer, but most people seem to appreciate the generous favor. Doubletree wants to emphasize that their hotels and services are warm, personal, and inviting--just like a cookie.

I have not taken a Midwest flight since I was in college, but my experience was definitely improved by those two warm chocolate chip cookies melting in my mouth. The flight was made even better when the flight attendant--clearly seeing my elation as I devoured the delectable sweets--offered me another two because someone else had not wanted theirs. How could I say no?

It's the little things, like complimentary cookies, that make the stresses and annoyances of travel fade--even if it's just for a tasty, chocolatey moment.

Flying Innovations

I'm not really sure how we got on the subject, but my boyfriend and I were talking last night about flying: how expensive flights are, and how much time it takes to fly places. I was telling him that if I had the time and money to spend on flights, I would travel everywhere, and all the time. Unfortunately for both of us, money is the biggest issue and there is no way we could afford all those flights, with fees, taxes, etc. But then he said something interesting about how if the airlines could figure out ways to cut costs or create planes that were more fuel efficient, pricing could be improved.

This intrigued me, and today I actually found an article from Budget Travel that discussed the many innovations that airlines and airports are introducing. It was my luck that fuel efficiency was not mentioned anywhere, but there were plenty of other innovations that seemed interesting.

1. Cathay Pacific Airways, based in Hong Kong, has reinvented the coach seat. When a passenger reclines, the seat bottom slides forward rather than the back moving. This prevents the person behind from having the seat right in their face. My concern: would this cut down on leg room?

2. In cabin mood lighting. Not that kind of mood lighting. Rather softer light on long trips to help people adjust to time change. Apparently the harsh cabin lights can have negative effects on the brain as it is trying to fight jete lag. But better lighting could help travelers.

3. Worried about losing that boarding pass among your many bags and coats? Well, if you're anything like me, this next innovation will be most helpful. Mobile phone check-in. My dad mentioned this to me a while ago, but he said it did not work very well. But after some improvements, it seems like it could work well. When checking it, one enters their cell phone number and their boarding pass is automatically sent via email or text with a scanable bar code. The people at security and the gate simply scan the screen, and you're good to go. Now just don't misplace your phone.

4. Don't you hate it when you're working on an important document on your computer during a long flight and then your computer dies? In flight power sockets to the rescue! Virgin America was smart by providing Wi Fi on all flights, but to go along with it, there are individual power plugs at every seat. Needless to say, this will be helpful to those workaholic business types.

5. Upgraded radar is the newest innovation, but it is still in the early stages. Basically, radar is outdated, and it can take an airport up to 30 seconds to locate a flight--which I guess is pretty slow considering most planes travel at over 500mph. The FAA is rolling out NextGen, a GPS based air traffic control system, that gives real time plane locations to pilots and air traffic controllers. With this technology, planes will no longer have to fly those crazy zig zag routes, and flights will travel more efficiently.

Obviously, there are more innovations people would like implemented. (A few I read included sleeping compartments rather than seats for long flights, heated massaging seats, bigger windows, and letting passengers who didn't place luggage in the overhead bins leave the plane first.) Some are pretty out there, and others are just plain crazy. But isn't it nice to see that some things are changing?

Now if only we could discuss this free flight thing...

Last Minute Travel on Halloween...

...make sure you read the fine print.

When I heard from Travelzoo that JetBlue was offering all nonstop U.S. routes on Halloween for $31 each way, I thought it was too good to be true. So I clicked the link to see what the deal was.

Turns out, there are a couple technicalities:
1. You have to book the flight TODAY! That's right, the deal only lasts until 11:59 p.m. tonight, Oct. 20.How can anyone in one day figure out where they want to go--on Halloween of all days--and get it booked in time?
2. The price is only valid on flights that depart after noon on Oct. 31--so if you wanted to leave in the morning so you could get to your destination earlier and have more time to spend there, it's not an option.
3. It claims that the cost is $31 each way, but according to the website, the price is applied to a one-way ticket. How are you suppose to get back? And since the price only applies to the day of Halloween and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the 31st, you have to pay for a full price ticket for the return flight--unless you want to fly there and back in one day, but who wants to do that?

Personally, I'd rather save myself the money and the hassle and just stay home for Halloween. I appreciate a good travel deal as much as the next person, but this doesn't sound like much of one to me.

The Travel Snobs...They May be on to Something

As I came up to the Fullerton El stop, I grabbed a RedEye, as always. The cover story? "Five-Star Flying." Basically, there are travelers out there who actively avoid certain airlines due to lack of service or certain airports because of their bad on-time flight percentage. People will pay extra for a seating option that gurantees they won't be sitting in that middle seat or for flights with no layovers. Bottom line, depite the recession and airlines' offers for cheaper tickets, people are still picky about how they travel.

For the ones who can afford it, being choosey about travel can be an advantage. While some would say they are snobbish, others would claim they are geniuses. The article talks about veteran travelers who know what kind of planes are used at specific times for specific destinations, and therefore opt for the ones that use a larger plane. It mentions people who avoid certain discount airlines because their options are a la carte and they don't want to pay a fee for a coke. Some people will buy two seats on a cheap airline like JetBlue rather than a first class ticket on another because there is 3 more inches of leg room and a personal tv at every seat. What people will do for comfort.

Some travelers--and I personally think this is really smart--avoid connecting flights through cold cities during winter months so as to avoid any weather delays. While it may cost more, or force a longer flight, at least the person is on the way to their destination rather than sitting on the floor in a crowded airport munching on trail mix and getting bored with their trashy travel novel.

I honestly cannot afford to spend extra to avoid those small inconveniences. But as a student I have learned to deal with sitting in the middle seat, or having my stomach grumble for three hours because I didn't want to spend $3 for a bag of pretzels, or long layovers. But I can totally understand those people who prefer to travel with a little bit more comfort; feet propped, drink in hand, gold rolex indicating an on-time arrival, all from the comfort of their prearranged aisle seat.

Oh...It's On

As people pass by one another on the street, casually they state, "it's on." Phoning friends, workers, colleagues, just to say those two words. Scene after scene, people are challenging...something. But what? What exactly is "on?"

The fight for better travel fares, that's what.

Southwest is presenting their summer deals with new commercials promoting new low fares to certain cities around the U.S. With airlines reporting a decrease in ticket sales of about 9% this summer, they are looking for anyway to get people traveling again. What better way than cheap plane tickets?

Some of their summer deals include: Chicago to Boston $89 (one way); Chicago to Cleveland $49 (one way); Denver to LA $79 (one way); Tampa Bay to New York City $114 (one way), the list goes on and on. You have to admit, some of these prices are pretty appealing, and maybe worth jumping on. Summer is the best time for deals, because more and more people are inclined to take time off and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Southwest, however, has always been known for their low fares. But I'm sure there are plenty of other airlines providing discounts and cheaper flights. You just have to search for them.

As for me, I'm seriously considering taking on the economy with a cheap flight somewhere. One of the cities on my list of places to visit is Boston, where one of my best friends happens to live. For $89, I could visit a city I've never seen and spend time with a good friend...talk about killing two birds with one stone.