ETC Travel News

U.S. Joins Rest of World in Grounding All Boeing 737 Max Jets

All Boeing 737 MAX Jets have been immediately grounded in the U.S. following an executive order by President Trump on Wednesday, the same day that Canada’s transportation minister grounded all of the MAX Jets in that country. The grounding comes three days after 157 people were killed when an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX aircraftRead More…

Link Delta Air Lines SkyMiles and Lyft Accounts

Link your SkyMiles and Lyft accounts to start earning miles on every U.S. ride. Earn 1 mile per $1 on every U.S. ride, for a limited time, earn 2 miles per $1 on airport rides and get up to $20 in ride credit as a new Lyft user. Link Now Share this post…

TSA Pre-Check Adds Nine Additional Airlines

The Transportation Security Administration announced the expansion of its TSA Pre-check expedited screening program to nine additional domestic and international carriers. The new partnering airlines are Air India, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Eastern Airlines, Elite Airways, EVA Airways, Japan Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and Volaris. Today’s announcement brings the number of airlines participating in TSARead More…

Japan Airlines (JAL) Nonstop from Seattle to Tokyo

Japan Airlines (JAL) will launch daily nonstop service between Seattle and Tokyo (Narita) starting March 31, 2019 with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The new Seattle service will connect us to JAL’s extensive Japan-domestic network as well as to destinations throughout Asia and Oceania. Flight 67 will depart Seattle at 2:15 p.m., arriving in Tokyo theRead More…

Cathay Pacific Nonstop from Seattle to Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific will commence new nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Hong Kong on April 1, 2019. The four-times-weekly service will be operated by the Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Flight 857 will depart Seattle on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 1:05 a.m., arriving in Hong Kong the following day at 5:25 a.m. ThisRead More…

Alaska Airlines now offers Saver Fares (Basic Economy)

How are Saver fares different? Saver fares include many restrictions on booking, refunds, changes, and seat selection and for these reasons all of ETC’s corporate accounts have requested that we restrict these airfares. ETC has blocked these airfares from displaying on our Concur travel booking tool, our full-service/travel agent assist will not offer basic economyRead More…

Marriott: 500 Million Starwood Guests Could Be Affected in Data Hack

About 500 million Starwood guests may have had their information stolen in a data breach, Marriott International announced Friday. The company said there was a data security incident involving the Starwood guest reservation database, affecting guest information with reservations at Starwood properties. The affected brands include: W Hotels, St. Regis, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, WestinRead More…

On Oct. 1, 2020, the REAL ID law goes into effect in Washington.

What are Washington residents saying about REAL ID? Share this post…

Alaska Airlines Tickets now on Sale for Paine Field flights.

The wait is over! And Alaska Airlines is ready to celebrate. The Seattle area’s hometown airline announced today tickets are now on sale for 18 daily nonstop flights between Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport in Everett, Washington, and eight West Coast cities. The first day of scheduled service is Feb. 11, 2019, subject to government approval.Read More…

Update on Alaska Airlines Preferred Seat Assignments via Concur and Deem

Alaska Airlines has informed us that with the addition of premium seats (rows 6-10), when MVP Gold and 75K travelers are booking in Concur or Deem, they can confirm preferred seat assignments (rows 11-17) but not premium seats (rows 6-10). Once the airline ticket is ticketed, and premium seats are available, Alaska Airlines will automaticallyRead More…

Alaska Airlines Preferred Seat Assignments via Concur and Deem

We are aware of an issue with Alaska Airlines MVP, MVP Gold and 75K travelers not being able to obtain preferred seat assignments via our online booking tools (Concur/Deem). Alaska Airlines has confirmed that this is a problem that is impacting all travel reservation systems across the world. Alaska Airlines has elevated this to theRead More…

Nearly 8,000 Marriott Workers Continue to Strike Across Eight Cities

Thousands of workers at Marriott-owned hotels took to the streets in eight major U.S. cities, calling for higher wages, safety measures, and job security. Nearly 8,000 housekeepers, bartenders, and other service workers walked off the job at 23 hotels in Detroit, Boston, San Diego, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Maui, and Oahu, according to theirRead More…

Alaska Airlines Raises Checked Bag Fee to $30, Matching Rivals

Alaska Airlines is the latest U.S. airline to jump on the fee-hike bandwagon. Effective Dec. 5, it will increase baggage fees to the now-standard $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second. The airline is thus falling in line with the U.S. airline industry, where, with the exception of Southwest, the price toRead More…

Alaska Airlines nonstop Seattle and Columbus

Alaska Airlines announced today it will begin daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio. The new service, which is scheduled to begin March 7, 2019, will be the only nonstop flight offered between the Pacific Northwest and Central Ohio. Effective Date   City Pair         Read More…

British Airways Customer Data Theft

British Airways is investigating, as a matter of urgency, the theft of customer data between 22:58 BST August 21 2018 until 21:45 BST September 5 2018 from their website, ba.com, and their mobile app. The stolen data included personal and financial details of customers making bookings and changes on ba.com and the airline’s app. TheRead More…

Signs You Need a Corporate Travel Manager

Travel Management by Executive Travel Consultants Corporate travel is one of the biggest expenditures a business can have. Yet many companies still don’t take corporate travel all that seriously. The truth is that if you rely on staff to visit a different part of the country, or even a different country altogether, to carry out business,Read More…

New Seattle Hotels Under Construction

Moxy (Marriott) South Lake Union Guest Rooms: 146 Proposed Open Date:February 2018 Embassy Suites Pioneer Square Guest Rooms: 282 Proposed Open Date: February 2018 Hotel @ The Mark Financial District Guest Rooms: 184 Proposed Open Date: Q2 2018 EVEN Hotel South Lake Union Guest Rooms: 123 Proposed Open Date: April 2018 Staybridge Suites South LakeRead More…

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines Partnership Changes

Alaska has grown a lot recently, by acquiring Virgin America, expanding to 118 cities, and growing our global partner network. With growth comes change, and starting January 1, 2018, Alaska and American Airlines will be making important updates to our partnership, though a lot will remain the same. What’s not changing: You’ll still earn milesRead More…

TripIt to Now Include Traffic Data and TSA Wait Times

TripIt, a travel app owned by SAP Concur, said Wednesday that it plans to input the Iinside data from airports in Austin, Texas, Orlando, Florida, Denver and Phoenix. Users will receive an alert three hours before a flight with current wait times, as well as real-time updates. Airport maps in the app will also show the nearestRead More…

United Airlines Premium Plus

United Airlines’ long-awaited premium economy addition appears to be on its way and it will be called United Premium Plus. “Later this year, we’ll begin to introduce United’s Premium Plus. Available on select international flights, United Premium Plus will give you more space, comfort and amenities,” according to a memo, which was published on BoardingArea.Read More…

Alaska Airlines Flights out of Paine Field

Alaska Airlines will offer 13 non-stop flights out or Paine Field in Everett every day. New cities include Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orange County, California; Phoenix; Portland; San Diego; San Francisco; and San Jose, California. Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive said he welcomed the announcement: “As Paine Field becomes a connection to the world, ourRead More…

Virgin America/Alaska Airlines Mileage Conversion

We can no longer utilize Virgin America mileage numbers and when one is present in your ETC traveler profile, Concur and Deem will return an error.  If you have a Virgin America mileage number in your ETC Concur or Deem profile, please remove the number and replace it with your Alaska Airlines number.  According toRead More…

National Rated Number for the Third Year in a Row

National Car Rental and sister brand Enterprise earned the highest marks from travel buyers in BTN’s annual Car Rental Survey, as they have since the survey launched in 2015. Avis Car Rental and Hertz ranked third and fourth, respectively, as they have since the survey’s inception, as well. Though scores decreased for all brands inRead More…

Delta and WestJet Agree to Form Joint Venture

Delta Air Lines and WestJet have agreed to deepen their existing partnership by entering into a comprehensive transborder joint venture that will increase travel choices between the U.S. and Canada. The airlines have entered into a preliminary memorandum of understanding regarding their intention to deepen their existing partnership to form a commercial joint venture arrangement,Read More…

Air France and Alaska Airlines to End Partnership in April

Effective April 30th, 2018, the partnership between Air France/KLM and Alaska Airlines will end. Alaska still continues to serve it’s international customers through partnerships with British Airways, Icelandair, Condor, and Finnair. For mileage redemption information between now and then, please visit the Alaska Airlines website and view the redemption chart. Share this post…

Smart Bag Policy Changes on American Airlines and Alaska

Smart bags contain lithium battery power banks, which can pose a possible risk if stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Alaska Airlines: Beginning in early 2018, Alaska airlines will only accept smart bags equipped with lithium ion battery power banks as carry-on baggage. American Airlines: Beginning January 15, American will require that theRead More…

Global Entry vs. TSA Pre-Check

What does each one actually do? TSA PreCheck is a government-sponsored program that began in October 2011 and grants approved passengers on domestic—and some international—flights expedited screening. PreCheck passengers don’t need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, which means less time in line—and more in the lounge. It helps you when you’re leavingRead More…

ETC Custom Luggage Tags

Send us your business card and we will turn it into a custom luggage tag! On the reverse side, important information from Executive Travel including our main phone number and our 24 hour after-hours number in one convenient place, perfect for those last minute changes and questions. These tags have also proven invaluable to some of ourRead More…

New TSA Screening Rules for U.S. Inbound Passengers Begin Today

Passengers on inbound flights to the U.S. will be subject to new security screening procedures, that will see both citizens and non-citizens questioned about their trip and their luggage. The new rules, which will impact all of the 2,000-plus international flights to the U.S. each day, comes at the 120-day window for enforced regulations after the TrumpRead More…

Alaska Airlines Will Fly Daily, Round-Trip, Non-Stop Flights to Pittsburgh from Seattle

“We’re pleased to add Pittsburgh to our growing list of destinations from our hometown of Seattle,” John Kirby, VP of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines, says in a statement. “With the addition of Pittsburgh, Alaska flies nonstop to 90 destinations, which is more than twice as many as any other airline.” The new non-stop route toRead More…

Trump Administration Issues Revised, Expanded Travel Ban

The Trump Administration on Sunday announced new, permanent restrictions on travel by foreigners from eight countries, as part of its updated version of the travel ban that was signed earlier this year. The new version of the ban will include five countries from the previous list—Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia—along with three new countries—Chad,Read More…

More Important Than Ever to Cancel Flight Before Departure

Beginning October 2nd, 2017, Alaska Airlines is updating their no-show refund policy. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to cancel your unneeded flights prior to departure. Currently, when our travelers no-show flights, the ticket is suspended and ETC is able to reinstate the ticket credit for future travel. Beginning October 2nd, if you no-show a flight,Read More…

Singapore and Alaska Airline to Launch Codeshare Agreement

Singapore Airlines has signed an agreement to codeshare on flights operated by Alaska Airlines, as jointly announced by the two airlines earlier this week. The agreement aims to expand Singapore Airlines’ footprint in the North American market, and will take effect on September 27. Once the agreement takes place, Singapore Airlines will add its ‘SQ’Read More…

Proposed Increase in Air Travel Fees

Have you heard about the proposed airline tax hike working its way through the senate? The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a fiscal 2018 spending bill that would raise the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) from $4.50 per flight segment to $8.50. The proposed increase would go to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s airports, however thoseRead More…

Changing Hotel Cancellation Policies

Some of the largest hotel chains are revamping their hotel cancellation policies. They are increasing the time required before check in to cancel to 24 or even 48 hours. They are saying this will provide better accommodation for people seeking last minute hotels while reducing the number of unsold rooms per night. Here is theRead More…

New Hotel Openings in the Seattle/Bellevue Area

With the massive expansion happening in Seattle lately, new hotels were sure to follow. Here are a few opening that every corporate travel manager should be aware of: W Hotel Bellevue This high end hotel is the true meaning of modern luxury. With beautifully designed rooms, the fantastic Lakehouse restaurant, and a pillow menu youRead More…

Port of Seattle welcomes new nonstop service to Mexico City on Aeromexico

Nonstop service to North America’s largest city to start November 2017 SEATTLE – The Port of Seattle welcomes the announcement that Aeromexico will begin service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Mexico City beginning November 1, 2017. The daily nonstop flight will be on a 160-seat Boeing 737-800 airplane and will feature Clase Premier, AM Plus,Read More…

Alaska Airlines, Finnair Begin New Partnership

Alaska Airlines announced a new frequent flyer partnership with Finnair. Under the new agreement, members of the Finnair Plus loyalty program can earn and redeem miles and points on Alaska Airlines flights. Meanwhile, members of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan program can earn miles and points on Finnair flights, and will be able to redeem themRead More…

Can Online Passport Renewal Be On The Way?

Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to go to the passport office to get your passport renewed? It just may happen. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is considering online passport renewals, according to a story in Federal News Radio. Speaking on a panel at a symposium in Washington last week, community relations officerRead More…

Deem Makes Best of Breed Travel Booking and Expense Reporting a Seamless End-to-End Process

New APIs Enable Integration of Deem Booking Software with Leading Expense Tools San Francisco, Calif., May 4, 2017 – Deem, a leading mobile and cloud technology provider for the business travel industry, launched Deem Open Expense today, an API framework that integrates Deem’s Work Fource business travel platform with the industry’s leading expense reporting tools.Read More…

State Department Issues Travel Alert For Europe, Travel Agents React

Recent incidents in France, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom demonstrate that terrorist organizations like ISIS “have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe,” says the caution, released yesterday. “While local governments continue counterterrorism operations, the Department nevertheless remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens should always beRead More…

Parking Rates at the Sea-Tac Airport Garage are About to Increase

The Port of Seattle plans to raise the parking rates at the Sea-Tac Airport garage beginning April 14. This is the first increase in airport parking fees since 2010. This rate adjustment is due to a recent local commercial parking tax increase, and will help fund investment in the garage for customer service, technology andRead More…

ETC Travel is on Facebook!

Be sure to like ETC Travel on Facebook for up to the minute news, vacation specials and updates on the ETC Travel Team! Share this post…

Marriott Rewards to Offer United Airlines Elite Status to Its Top Members

Marriott International and United Airlines announced a new partnership under which the hotel chain’s top-level loyalty program members will be able to obtain complimentary elite status with the airline. Members of Marriott Rewards, the hotelier’s guest loyalty program, with Platinum Premier Elite status will be eligible for United MileagePlus Premier Gold benefits, while Platinum EliteRead More…

Lufthansa: Cooking for a Cause Seattle

Thank you Tina for volunteering to feed homeless teens at the Lufthansa Airlines “Cooking for a Cause” event!   Travel News by Executive Travel Consultants, LTD travelnewsetctravel.com Share this post…

New Hotels Coming to the Seattle Area

SLS Hotel – Seattle Financial District 148 rooms Opening: Summer 2017 Embassy Suites – Pioneer Square 282 rooms Opening: Q4 2017 Moxy (Marriott) – South Lake Union 147 rooms Opening: Summer 2017 Residence Seattle – Denny Triangle 309 rooms Opening: December 2017 Curio – The Charter (Hilton) – Pike Place Market 230 rooms Opening: MidRead More…

American Airlines Introduces Basic Economy Fares

With Basic Economy, travelers get the lowest Main Cabin fare with the same great on board experience including free snacks, soft drinks and entertainment. Plus, earn Advantage award miles and elite qualifying credits at a reduced rate. Some restrictions will apply: One item that fits under seat (no access to overhead bins) Seats assigned atRead More…

15% OFF AT HOTEL 1000, EXCLUSIVLY OFFERED THROUGH ETC TRAVEL

ETC is very excited to announce that we now offer a 15% discount off of the lowest room rate at Hotel 1000! This upscale and edgy property in the heart of Seattle offers a unique experience in addition to an unbeatable location. About Hotel 1000 A Luxurious, Personalized Downtown Seattle Hotel Experience In the heartRead More…

USE YOUR ALASKA MILES FOR PRECHECK FEES

Members of the Alaska Airlines loyalty program can now redeem miles for the application fee to the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program. “TSA PreCheck is a game-changer for those of us who travel frequently for work or pleasure,” said Sangita Woerner, vice president of marketing for Alaska. The offer, which runs through April, requires 10,000Read More…

SOUTHWEST INCREASES FEE FOR EARLYBIRD CHECK-IN

Next time you opt-in for Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In, you will notice a slight increase in fee. The increase from $12.50 to $15.00 aims to decrease the number of people using EarlyBird which in turn will add to the benefits for those who do. As a reminder, here is what comes with EarlyBird: Automatic Check-In 12 hours before generalRead More…

ALASKA AIRLINES HAS PURCHASED VIRGIN AMERICAN

Resulting from a hard fought bidding war between Alaska Air and JetBlue, Alaska Air has acquired California based Virgin American for $2.6 billion. With both airlines known for their customer oriented experiences and west coast pride, this is a perfect match. With this new alliance, Alaska Air is in position to be the biggest carrierRead More…

NEW STUDY FINDS TRAVEL AGENTS SAVE CONSUMERS AN AVERAGE OF $452 PER TRIP

Press Release: The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Alexandria, VA, May 2, 2016 – New research from The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) proves that travel agents save consumers time and money. Consumers report that travel agents save them an average $452 per trip, and four hours in travel planning. Perhaps most importantly,Read More…

WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT? ISN’T IT OBVIOUS?

There you have it, right from Craig Sechler of the HBO series Veep. Share this post…

IRIS AND FINGERPRINT SCANNING COMING TO SEA-TAC AIRPORT SECURITY AS NEW OPTION THIS WEEK

Biometrics company Clear anticipates launching its screening terminals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport sometime this week. There will be two terminals at each of the airport’s three security checkpoints. Construction delays pushed back the launch, and Clear was hesitant to give a definitive opening day as a result. The technology provides an alternative to the partRead More…

ATLANTIS RESORT TO BE BUILT ON THE HAWAIIAN ISLAND OF OAHU

The resort will be similar to Atlantis Dubai, with planned amenities including a Dolphin Bay and shark habitat, among others. Designed to attract millennials from all over the world, the resort will also boast hotel rooms with views looking into a giant aquarium. “This aquarium will look as the ocean looks. It’ll look as theRead More…

ALERT: TRAVELERS TO CANADA WITH CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS MAY BE DENIED ENTRANCE

Canada has an enforced law that may deny you entrance if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense. The list of applicable convictions include: 1) a minor offense (including shoplifting, theft, assault, possession of an illegal substance, etc.); 2) an “indictable” criminal offense (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter; etc.), or 3)Read More…

CONSIDER AN EASIER RIDE TO THE AIRPORT

Sound Transit’s Link light rail runs right to the airport from as far as the University District with multiple stops along the way. Once you are at the airport, you can walk from the station right up to the ticket counter under cover and out of the elements.   Travel News by Executive Travel Consultants,Read More…