TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP
As the end of 2020 is looming, many Travel Managers are faced with the task of putting plans into place for business travel in 2021. While nobody can predict what the world will look like this time next year, one thing is clear, business travel will remain vital to growing business.
But if 2020 has taught us anything, it is the security and expertise of booking through a travel company cannot be underestimated. So as the world starts to consider what travel will look like, there is no better way to begin re-evaluating or improving your programme than updating your travel policy. Instead of revamping everything, this may mean creating an addendum that considers Covid-19 requirements, updating supplier agreements or implementing a travel tracking tool.
Based on current trends, employee Health and safety now surpasses cost savings as a priority. Some suggestions to incorporate into your program include:
Pre-trip approval: To ensure that only essential travel is permissible before it takes place.
Covid-safe suppliers: A list of suppliers that provide Covid-related safety assurances.
Timely information: Introduce a travel APP to provide timely and relevant updates for travellers while on the road
Cost savings: Negotiate fares and rates to book that will allow travellers to cancel or alter bookings without incurring too many penalties.
TRAVEL TIPS:
Use technology to speed things up. Check-in online and print your boarding pass before heading to the airport. Apply for TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry to gain access to faster-moving security and customs around the world.
Pack smart. Remember that you must follow various security protocols dependent on where you are travelling to. Your liquids should be withing the size limit and electronics should be easily accessible.
AIR TRAVEL UPDATE
FlySafair – Emirates Airline and FlySafair have joined forces to offer connections to selected routes on FlySafair’s network in South Africa. Through the arrangement, Emirates and FlySafair enable single-ticket travel and through tagging of baggage for travellers transferring from Emirates’ three gateways – Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to FlySafair domestic points in South Africa, such as Port Elizabeth, East London and George.
Etihad – Etihad Airways is closing its office in South Africa and has confirmed that it will not operate to or from South Africa during the winter 2020/21 season.
Airlink – Airlink will operate flights between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi from 30 November 2020 and between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam from 01 December 2020. Flights will initially operate three times a week and will be ramped up to daily services over time and as demand grows.
Qantas – Qantas has temporarily stopped selling some international routes until the end of October 2021, due to market uncertainty. This includes flights to South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Affected passengers who are looking to change their bookings, can either change their bookings or convert them to travel credits.
