Looking to wow your seat mate with your insider knowledge of the world of travel? Here are ten interesting tidbits that would make Cliff Clavin proud.

#1.  In which airport do travelers have the deepest pockets? Los Angeles. Travelers left a total of $89,375 at the TSA check point within three years. Chattanooga travelers travel much lighter leaving only $1.20 behind at the TSA Check Point during the same period.

#2.  How many flights were cancelled as a result of the erupting Eyjafjallajokull volcano, in Iceland, from 14 – 21 April 2010? 100,000! This event holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest climatic disruption to air travel.

#3. Which is safer - flying or driving?  Flying by a long shot. Airplane accidents are 1 in 11 million, while car accidents are 1 in five thousand.

#4.  An airplane takes off or lands every 37 seconds at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. That's almost 100 planes per hour.

#5. An airplane's "black box" is actually orange.

#6. For every dollar invested in business travel, businesses experience an average of $12.50 in increased revenue and $3.80 in new profits.

#7. A loaded beverage cart weighs 180 pounds as anyone whose elbow has been bumped with one can attest.

#8. Delaware is the only US state with no primary airports.

#9. Bermuda is one of the few places in the world that bans car rentals.

#10. What are the two items most confiscated by the TSA at security checkpoints? Lighters and knives.  In 2006 alone, the TSA intercepted 13,709,211 prohibited items at security checkpoints. Of these, 11,616,249 were lighters and 1,607,100 were knives

Have another tip to share? Leave a comment.

Posted by Cate at 7:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Due to some unforeseen circumstances I have been to SeaTac International airport six times in the last five weeks.  SIX TIMES!  Now, I know that isn’t significant to many of you, but I’m not your typical road warrior.  In 2010, I only traveled for business twice.  It was then that I learned some very important lessons when it’s comes to travel, and I think they have served me well.  I’ve gathered advice from magazines, articles, and experts such as this former road warrior and this 5-page article from Webmd.com.  But after all is said and done, my advice is Three-Fold.  Exercise, Eat and Electronics.

• Exercise
• As tempting as it is bond over brews with fellow biz travelers at the hotel bar, or to change into your pajamas and order room service - DON’T.  Pick a restaurant about 10 blocks away and get some exercise.  You’ll feel better after you eat AND you’ll sleep better that night.  Plus you might even find a cute store in the neighborhood where you can pick up a souvenir for the family back home who misses you.
  
  
• Eat
• My theory might not work for everyone, but it is “Eat on Land and Eat all Meals.”  I have no scientific evidence of this, but I swear by carbs at night and protein in the morning.  I also avoid eating meals on the plane unless I absolutely have to.  Not because the food is necessarily bad, but because the experience is so anti-climactic.  Being served your meal while sitting in-between two total strangers, munching in silence while watching a Rom-Com on a tiny TV screen hardly counts as “dinner”.  Do yourself a favor - hold off until you are on dry ground and eat a true meal.  Spaghetti is my recommendation.
  
  
• Electronics
• Electronics can be your best friend while traveling. MP3 players for music to drown out the noise, eReaders to distract your mind, and the ever important SmartPhone to check email, text friends and family, play games, and fight Jet Lag!  Yes, it’s true “There’s an app for that”!  Virgin Airlines has created the Jet Lag Fighter app which gives you advice based on your profile and trip details.  Available from iTunes for only $1.99!
  
  I have to expand a little bit on my love affair with my eReader.  It’s wonderfully convenient to have hundreds of books to choose from at your fingertips!  This which means no more 30 lb carry-on bags stuffed with everything from Self-Help books (which are embarrassing to read in public anyways) to the latest Business phenomenon book (which you are only reading in public because you hope you end up sitting next to an HR recruiter or CEO who is impressed).  Evening flights can be a killer, so use your eReader to keep yourself awake until a reasonable hour.   And yes, 8pm is reasonable.
  

Without these three tips I don’t think I would know what day it is or what meal I should be eating next.  Oh, and p.s. you’ll want to make sure your electronics are charged.  In fact, go ahead and purchase an extra charger and leave it in your luggage.  You’ll thank me later.

Posted by Courtney at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

We've listened to your feedback and are excited to announce two new features to make your business travel with Egencia smoother. We couldn't do anything about the cramped legroom or long lines at security but we think you'll enjoy these new tools nonetheless.

1. Change a Ticket Online For Your Trip In Progress
Being able to change your ticket online from the road allows you to easily adjust to the changing nature of business travel. Let's say you are in San Francisco meeting with a client and realize that you need to spend an extra day. You can quickly go online with Egencia and push out your flight home by one day. You saved time and your company saved on agent assisted fees. It's a win win for everyone.

You can change your ticket online up to two hours before departure time. We integrated with all airline carriers that allow this option. Check out the full list of supported carriers and step by step instructions in this one page overview on en route online exchanges.

2. Find the Right Flight Faster with Handy Filters
When travelers were requesting flight search filters that were already in place we knew that we needed a new flight search results interface to help you find them more easily. We've revamped your flight search results layout to help you quickly identify:

• the number of seats left on a nearly full flight (this one is new)
• an overview of airline carriers and available prices
• the cheapest time of day to fly
• if an alternate airport makes sense

Catch a sneak peek at the new look in this one page overview.

We are planning to push these new tools live on Thursday night, September 29th.

Posted by Cate at 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)