It's been a tough year for business travelers, what with rising airfares, fees, fees, fees and fuel prices that reached upwards of $4.00 a gallon. And then, just as gas prices were coming down, the stock market tanked. But the business traveler does have a few things for which she can be thankful. So, as we enter the holiday season, let's count our travel blessings.
- The end of the biggest turkey of all--the fuel surcharge
Now that gasoline is hovering below $2.00 a gallon, reflecting a sharp drop in per barrel of oil prices, airlines have quietly cut out fuel surcharges. That said, they are wrapping some of said fees into standard ticket prices. Still, one less additional fee is good news. Now, if only someone would get US Airways to stop charging for non-alcoholic beverages, yam it. - The cornucopia of freebies at hotels
It's funny that as airlines enter the age of unbundling, where travelers pay extra for everything from checked luggage to blankets, hotels are going the opposite direction. Especially in the economy and mid-range sectors, hotels keep piling on the amenities at no charge. Free breakfast--check. Free local and long distance phone calls--check. Free Internet access--check. Free blankets--check. - The sage introduction of green practices
The green revolution has reached a tipping point in the hotel industry this year. We are seeing hotels hire directors of sustainability. We are seeing more efforts in terms of recycling, particularly in back of the house. More hotel restaurants are using locally-sourced products. One hotel company...that would be Wyndham Worldwide...has even set up a special website devoted to the cause. WyndhamGreen (www.wyndhamgreen.com) has all sorts of information on energy saving and even allows visitors to measure their carbon footprints. To paraphrase Gordon Gekko, green is good. So kudos for the hotel industry for getting on the bandwagon. - Stuffing the business trips
A side effect of the declining economy is that most companies are cutting back on travel. Business trips are being shortened or cancelled. While that's not good news for the travel industry, it may be good news for you, dear reader. More time at home means more time for you, your family and your friends. And that's certainly something for which to be thankful.
