Business Travel Tips

Alaska Airlines is offering a 30% bonus on miles transferred from one Mileage Plan account to another account between September 13 and October 31, 2010.

So, when you transfer miles from your Mileage Plan account, the recipient of your miles will receive an additional 30% miles.

A 1,000-mile minimum transfer is required and the maximum amount you may transfer per transaction is 30,000 miles.
The maximum miles you can transfer in to or out of an account per calendar year is 100,000 miles. Miles cost $10.00 per 1,000 miles plus a $25 processing fee per transaction. (source)

US Airways is offering 100% bonus on purchased or gifted miles between September 16 and November 15. The maximum number of Buy and/or Gift Bonus miles that can be received by one member for this offer is 50,000 bonus miles.

Formerly, from mid-August through mid-September, the100% bonus was only available on larger mileage purchases. Now, simply buy or gift miles between September 16 and November 15, 2010, and you’ll automatically get or give twice the miles for free.

The offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Only purchases made online are eligible for the bonus.

Dividend Miles accounts less than 12 days old are not permitted to Buy, Share or Gift miles.
(Find out offer details here)

American Express has announced that it will discontinue some Cardmember benefits associated with Continental Airlines on September 30, 2011.

Currently, Cardmembers enrolled in American Express’ Membership Rewards program can redeem points for frequent flyer miles in the Continental OnePass frequent flyer program. Platinum Card and Centurion members also receive complimentary access to Continental Airlines President’s Club lounges when traveling on Continental Airlines.
Both of those benefits will end on September 30, 2011.

Cardmembers have a year to convert any of their points to the OnePass program.

Also American Express says other Cardmember benefits relating to Continental Airlines will continue. Even after the airline scales back its offerings, enrolled Cardmembers can redeem points for travel on Continental through the Membership Rewards® Pay with Points (www.membershiprewards.com/pwp) program. (source)

A research produced by American Express Business Travel in collaboration with the Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM) explores the use of technology for Business Travel and its influence in the corporate environment..

The study reveals that companies use communication tools such as video-conferencing and telepresence to reduce the need for some corporate travel and the costs associated with it — however they are not replacing business travel to the extent that many predicted.

At the same time companies use communication tools such as mobile devices to connect people on the road more effectively.

That means companies are making a dual use of of technology for business travel: alternative to travel and enabler of travel.
Interestingly, the research also shows that new adoption is not age specific.

Among the barriers to implementing technology-based travel options, the study shows that travel managers in many cases do not have purchasing power to provide options that improve efficiency and productivity of employee connections.
The research found that only 13% of buyers are responsible for mobile/technology procurement related to business travel, 22% have some influence and 64% have none at all.

American Express Business Travel created an informational website to assist travel professionals. It offers guidance for building a business case by walking through key scenarios demonstrating the benefits – cost savings, productivity savings and others.
The site provides advice and tips and features a variety of content including articles, demos and case studies. It is available at http://virtualtravel.americanexpress.com/ .

American Airlines announced it will relocate its operations to San Francisco International Airport’s new Terminal 2 in spring 2011 from its current location in Terminal 3.

In a press release American Airlines says that in conjunction with the terminal move, it will construct a brand-new Admirals Club lounge.

The airline says that its terminal 2 operation will feature 14 ticket counter positions and 20 self-service machines and will boast six security screening lanes, free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, more comfortable lounge areas with ample electrical outlets, plus 12 restaurants and nine retail stores, including a gourmet market with a wine bar and spa.