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Do You Know Your Flyer’s Rights?
Airport Security Update: European Body Scans
Airport Security Measures Increase
Avoid the Alarm: Dress and Pack Right for Security Checks
3-1-1 Rules
Avoiding the Swine Flu
How do you travel to meetings in Manhattan?
4th Quarter Business Travelers Will Continue to Watch Expenses
Plan a Safe Holiday Party
Traveling for Thanksgiving?
12 Tips for Hosting a Responsible Party
Do You Know Your Flyer’s Rights?
Many of Hoyt’s clients are frequent flyers and over the years we’ve heard numerous horror stories from them about delayed airline flights. And the worst stories involve being stuck on a grounded plane on the tarmac for hours on end without even basic necessities. This past December, the Department of Transportation announced new rules that are designed to be the first step in “The Airline Passenger’s Bill of Rights.”
Beginning this Spring, the DOT will give domestic flights three hours to take off or they must return to the gate. After two hours, airlines must provide passengers with food and water. The planes must have working bathrooms, and the airlines must also provide passengers with medical attention when necessary. Airlines that fail to comply will face steep fines of up to $27,500 per passenger. On a full flight, that could mean millions of dollars.
According to the DOT Press Release issued December 21, 2009, the new rule also:
- Prohibits airlines from scheduling chronically delayed flights, subjecting those who do to DOT enforcement action for unfair and deceptive practices;
- Requires airlines to designate an airline employee to monitor the effects of flight delays and cancellations, respond in a timely and substantive fashion to consumer complaints and provide information to consumers on where to file complaints;
- Requires airlines to display on their website flight delay information for each domestic flight they operate;
- Requires airlines to adopt customer service plans and audit their own compliance with their plans; and
- Prohibits airlines from retroactively applying material changes to their contracts of carriage that could have a negative impact on consumers who already have purchased tickets.
These rules will go into affect in April, and pertain to domestic flights only. According to a CBS News report, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the three-hour limit and other new regulations are meant to send an unequivocal message to airlines not to hold passengers hostage on stuck planes. If an airline doesn’t follow these regulations, they could face government action for using unfair or deceptive trade practices. LaHood said, "This is a way to say to passengers, we are going to avoid these long, long delays sitting on a runway."
The Department of Transportation is also working on additional regulations to further protect flyers. Under consideration are a requirement that airlines submit to the Department for review and approval their contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays; reporting of additional tarmac delay data; disclosure of baggage fees; and strengthening requirements that airline ads disclose the full fare consumers must pay for tickets.
The only exceptions to the three-hour-rule are for safety or security reasons, or if air traffic control advises the pilot that returning to the terminal would “disrupt airport operations.” This rule was adopted in response to a series of incidents in which passengers were stranded on the ground aboard aircraft for lengthy periods. Most notably was the overnight tarmac wait in Rochester MN last August, when the airline’s employees refused to open a gate to admit the 47 passengers into the closed terminal.
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Airport Security Update: European Body Scans
If you’ve traveled internationally this month, you may have seen—or in fact been scanned by—body scanners that have begun to be implemented as part of new security measures. This month, airports in England have begun using body scanners to screen passengers. Italy and the Netherlands have also implemented the use of scanners for US-bound flights. As “Hoyt’s Here” reported last month, they are part of over-all heightened security at major US airports and flights coming into the US after the attempted bombing by a Nigerian man on a Detroit-bound plane traveling from Amsterdam on Christmas Day.
However, Belgium and Spain, as well as other countries are waiting to decide based on an official position by European Union. Members of European Parliament are divided over airport scanners and will hold a debate on the issue this week. Some member countries of the European Parliament have raised concerns about passengers’ privacy and health. The European Commission will publish an impact evaluation in the coming weeks based on concerns over the devices’ efficiency, cost, health concerns and apprehension over privacy violations which will impact the EU’s decision. Their decision will affect travelers flying from Europe to the US.
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Airport Security Measures Increase
In lieu of the recent Christmas Day terror threat, there are additional security measures at the airport that every traveler should be aware of when preparing for a trip, especially if traveling outside of the country. Planning on getting to the airport earlier than usual (follow your airline’s instructions) and knowing what you should expect when you to get there will make your check-in easier. As of January 4, the following changes apply mostly to flights coming into the U.S. and some domestic flights. Here are some of the changes you can expect now.
Targeting travelers holding passports from (or through) countries that are “state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest,” the TSA has required that every person flying into the U.S. is required to go through enhanced screening. But if you are a citizen of the U.S., your carry-on baggage will also be severely restricted. You’re also affected because during the last hour of the flight you won’t be allowed to leave your seat or use any electronic instruments.
In a step that has caused much controversy, the TSA will employ the use of full body scanners. Although not widely available throughout U.S. airports now, more are coming. These scanners will allow agents to check over your body to make sure you’re not concealing a weapon. These machines are a concern to privacy advocates however, and at this point if you object, you have the choice to get a “pat-down” by security instead.
These steps are not restricted to citizens of targeted countries, and you may randomly be chosen for a body scan or pat-down regardless of your citizenship, especially if you’re wearing loose fitting or bulky clothing—including headwear. The new heightened air travel safety measures are meant to protect all travelers, but can seriously inconvenience you. These steps are in addition to the other security measures that have been continually imposed since 9/11. For a brush up on the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule already in place, click here.
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Avoid the Alarm: Dress and Pack Right for Security Checks
With longer wait times predicted because of the new, heightened security measures, here is a list of items to avoid wearing through metal detectors. Just like shoes, many items should be put in the bins to go through the conveyer belt before you walk through the detector. The information below is directly from the TSA. These items may set off the alarm, possibly leading you to a pat-down, body scan, or having the item confiscated.
- Keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)
- Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
- Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
- Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
- Belt buckles
- Under-wire bras
Additional items that can set off alarms include:
- Body Piercings. Certain metal body piercings may cause you to set off the alarm at the metal detector, which will result in you getting additional screening. If additional screening is required, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
- Head Coverings. You are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. You may be directed to additional screening if your headwear or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items.
- Shoes. Travelers are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection. This allows officers to see if the shoes have been tampered with in any way.
When in doubt, put these rather innocuous items in the bin to pass through the conveyer belt. But watch your valuables. For up-to-date information on airport security requirements and measures, visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website at tsa.gov.
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Traveling for Thanksgiving?
Let Hoyt make it a pleasant trip for the whole family. Whether you’re departing from the airport to visit out-of-state or just visiting relatives a few hours away, trust Hoyt to get you there and back, and make it a fun, stress-free Thanksgiving. When you’re not driving, you can start your holiday early.
Here are some tips to make your travel-time fun for the whole family, including you:
- Play the “I’m Thankful for…” game in which each person takes turns mentioning what they’re thankful for in their lives and why.
- Reminisce, bring to mind the passed generations that came before your children, and tell stories of your favorite Thanksgivings when you were a child.
- Tell your children the story of the first Thanksgiving in America and why we celebrate it still today.
- Pack a bag for each child and include books, crayons and coloring books, small toys, snacks, a stuffed animal, game boys, and music. Pack a few little fun gifts for “surprise times” that they can each unwrap as your trip progresses (great for incentivizing good behavior).
- Bring along a DVD player with a favorite holiday movie that you can enjoy watching together
- Take a nap – everyone can relax, including you when you’re not driving!
By eliminating the hassle of dealing with the traffic and delays, parking the car, and lugging the luggage, you’ll start your Thanksgiving holiday early, and end it right with fun-filled round-trips. In fact, a Hoyt service to and from the airport can often be less expensive than the cost of parking, depending on how many days you’re away, and you won’t have to worry if your car is secure. Call us today for our special Holiday Rates and to book your service at (203) 966-5466.
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Plan a Safe Holiday Party
Now is the time when the planning of company holiday events is in full swing. These parties are a wonderful gesture on behalf of management and a way to thank employees for all of their hard work in the past year. They provide some out-of-office levity, and help build morale, too.
Although these parties are traditionally a company’s “event of the season,” they can also be a worry, and in some cases a liability to management. Holiday events are known for open bars and flowing cocktails, (and in many cases, funny stories for years to come), however, concerned organizations also know they can lead to tragedy if employees get behind their wheels afterwards, endangering not only themselves, but others on the road.
Hoyt Livery’s “Night Out” service allows everyone to still have a ball without worrying about drunk driving and getting home safely. This precaution gives an organization the assurance that drunk driving need not be an option—and sends a message to the employees that their management is concerned for their welfare.
Hiring a car service also limits a company’s liability if an employee is injured or harms another coming from your company-sponsored event. Organizations throughout the Tri-State area turn to Hoyt Livery as a responsible measure to keep employees safe from the dangers of drinking and driving. Contact us today for our special “Night Out Packages”—or forward this information to your company’s event planner.
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12 Tips for Hosting a Responsible Party
Whether you’re holding a corporate holiday event or a private party for your own friends and family this season, help keep your guests, and others on the road, safe and sound afterwards. Here are some tips from M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to help you plan your festivities in a responsible way and help you have a happy holiday party.
- Don’t rely on coffee to sober up your guests. Only time can make someone sober.
- Beer and wine are just as intoxicating as hard liquor. A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler and an ounce and a half of liquor contain the same amount of alcohol.
- If it’s a corporate event, arrange for discounted or complimentary rooms when a party is held at or near a hotel so employees won’t drive home impaired. If your party is at home, have sheets and towels ready in case your guest(s) need to stay over the night.
- Hire a shuttle or limousine service to provide transportation for those that have been drinking. Keep a service number on hand so you won’t have to hunt for it at the last minute.
- If you provide an open bar, be sure the bartender has had server training to prevent over-serving and serving guests under the legal drinking age.
- Hold a contest before hand for guests to create non-alcoholic drink recipes.
- Plan activities like party games, door prize drawings or amateur fortune-telling for less active consumption of alcohol.
- Promote the designated driver concept in party invitations. As guests RSVP, confirm that at least one person in each group is prepared to be the non-drinking designated driver.
- Do not push drinks!
- Provide plenty of food to keep your guests from drinking on an empty stomach, but avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails for designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol.
- If preparing an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base, like fruit juice. Although fruit juice and other sweet mixers mask the taste of alcohol and may cause people to drink more, alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream faster with a carbonated base. Mixers won’t help dilute alcohol.
Read more tips here.
Are you or is someone in your company planning your holiday party? Be responsible and offer them a safe ride home. Contact Hoyt Livery or call (203) 966-LIMO and ask about our “Night Out” packages for more information.
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4th Quarter Business Travelers Will Continue to Watch Expenses
As company executives watch for indications that the economy is recovering, one thing is clear, business travelers are still watching their expenses. Industry reports that business travel is picking up have come out this month, signifying that businesses can no longer afford to hunker down and wait. But at the same time, business travelers are required to continue to look for savings on their expenses.
According to an article this month from Reuters the latest statistics from the International Air Transport Association stated “airlines are at last beginning to fill vacant business-class seats in a sign that a slump in cross-border trade is easing.” It explains that improvements in international trade is “boosting business travel but demand is still very weak compared to the recent past." The article also explains that the seats that these business travelers are filling are the economy seats – leaving a gap in the business and first class sections.
A Business Travel News article, published September 7th entitled Business Travel Cuts Bottoming, states “most corporate travel buyers expect their company's travel spending to increase or stay the same next year compared with 2009, according to the Topaz International survey. Of the respondents, 49 percent said their companies would spend more on business travel in 2010, while 41 percent expect spending next year to be about the same as in 2009.”
TradeShow Week reported this week of little optimism for any significant upturn for the conference and trade show industry in the final months of 2009. In its article UFI Report: It's Tough All Over, according to The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s third quarterly Global Economic Crisis Barometer survey, trade show organizers in the Middle East, Asia, North and South America were the most optimistic of a turn around by the first half of 2010. The least optimistic towards a recovery coming soon were European organizers who feel there will not be an upturn until 2011.
These reports indicate a slower than hoped-for recovery. As corporations continue to seek cost-cutting and savings measures, business travelers must be diligent with their expenses. Hoyt Livery has recently introduced a plan to help our clients with the Marquis Rewards Program. This program offers a free airport trip for every ten completed. Corporate clients are realizing tremendous savings from this program.
Hoyt’s corporate clients are also saving by using Hoyt for group travel. For example, a number of colleagues traveling to same airport destination for a trade show or meeting can share a ride for the same cost as an individual, with door to door service for each on departure and return. Depending on the number of colleagues, group service from Hoyt can be much less expensive than even the lower-cost bus services or airport daily parking fees.
Call us at 1-203-966-LIMO – or Toll Free at 1-800-342-0343 for more information on how Hoyt can help you save on your travel expenses.
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How do you travel to meetings in Manhattan?
Do you take the train and taxi to each appointment, or do you drive your own car — or rent one — and then park? As businesses are tightening their belts and looking for more efficient practices, employee productivity is becoming more and more important, especially for executives whose time is a company’s major expense. Although these ways of getting into and out of the city may seem initially less expensive than a chauffeured ride, there are the hidden costs of lost time: executives late to meetings, and the inability to fit more than just a few meetings into a day out of the office.
At the same time, many corporations are realizing the importance of face-to-face time, especially with clients and prospects. They’re realizing that video- and audio-conferencing just don’t provide the same return. Lost time out of the office is the main reason why many suburban corporations are turning to limousine companies as a resourceful way to get their employees to face-to-face meetings. Secondary reasons are the safety and security that chauffeured transportation provide
In an article in the June 2009 issue of Business Travel News, two prominent CEO’s of transportation companies offered their reasoning: "It's about productivity and safety. No organization can afford to have their executives late, lost or at loose ends," said Larry Moulter of BostonCoach.
Scott Solombrino, of the Dav El Chauffeured Transportation Network added, "A taxicab can't give you the safety and security that you should get in corporate transportation. A rental car completely changes your efficiency as to how much you can do in a city — you might be able to go to two or three meetings in a day, but you have to park the car, you have to know where you're going. With chauffeured, you can get to eight to 10 meetings."
If productivity is a key need for your city travel, Hoyt Livery offers the safety, and time-efficiency that corporate travelers need to make the most of their time. Plus our VIP Service offers discreet security to make sure you and your executives are protected. Contact us for our special Manhattan meeting rates.
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Avoiding the Swine Flu
The Port Authority recently posted this reminder to NY airport travelers to take precautions to avoid Swine Flu contamination: “We urge travelers who use our airports and other facilities to take common-sense, health-care precautions to protect themselves and others." U.S. health officials are recommending individuals who have entered the country with flu-like symptoms (or been exposed to someone with flu-like symptoms) after having traveled to an affected area immediately contact their health-care provider. Individuals traveling from the U.S. to a nation that has been affected by Swine Flu should be aware of the risks and take precautions. Health officials recommend the following ways to help limit exposure to the illness:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel, especially after being in public places.
- Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing and properly dispose of tissues.
- Avoid contact with ill persons and stay home or in your hotel room if you are ill.
- Avoid touching surfaces in public areas where possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to help limit the spread of germs.
- Seek medical treatment as necessary.
- Practice good health habits.
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3-1-1 Rules
The 3-1-1 Rule for carry-on luggage states: 3.4 ounce bottles or less; placed in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; placed in 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure.
The TSA gives travelers some additional packing tips for traveling with liquids and getting through security without any hassle:
- Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
- Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
- 3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
- Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
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