Low-cost airline easyJet has reported seeing growing confidence for domestic and international travel after experiencing a significant increase in demand for flights.
Following the news that UK-wide restrictions over the Christmas period would be eased, searches for flights and holidays increased by over 200% week-on-week.
The airline also saw a significant rise in demand for December flights, with domestic connections between London and Bristol to Belfast and London to Edinburgh proving amongst the most popular.
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet said:
Following the government announcement we have seen a 200% increase in searches for both flights and holidays, with domestic bookings significantly up week on week proving popular for those looking to visit friends and family over December. So we know underlying demand is there, which we see every time travel restrictions are lifted.
We continue to closely review our flying programme to ensure we are aligning our schedule with customer demand. We also launched our Black Friday Sale and the positive response in terms of bookings seems to show a growing confidence to make travel plans.
The safety and wellbeing of our customers remains our highest priority and during the pandemic this is more important than ever so we continue to have a number of safety measures in place onboard in line with guidance from the relevant authorities. This includes daily enhanced cabin disinfection effective in protecting against coronavirus for at least 24 hours and mandatory mask wearing for customers and crew. All of our aircraft are already fitted with HEPA filters, similar to those used in hospitals, which filter 99.97% of airborne contaminants in the cabin, including viruses and bacteria.
easyJet’s Black Friday offer runs until 2nd December.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/easyJet-confidence.png4821200Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-11-30 14:00:082020-11-30 14:00:11easyJet sees growing confidence for travel
You can pick up a piece of British Airways memorabilia as the airline is selling off surplus inflight crockery, glassware and blankets, and even trolleys.
For the first time in its history, British Airways has decided to unlock the doors to its warehouse this Christmas to give customers and aviation fans the unique opportunity to get their hands on items from British Airways aircraft which have circled the globe hundreds of times.
Customers and collectors can order bespoke British Airways inflight dining items such as William Edwards plates, soup bowls, cups, saucers and even a butter dish for reasonable prices, allowing them to create an authentic First Class flying experience at home over the festive period.
Bread baskets, hot towels, hot towel plates, champagne flutes, coasters and even the Club World casserole dish can be picked up. And customers can relax in slippers and a day blanket which are also on sale.
For a limited time there is the opportunity to purchase a piece of history with items such as aircraft trolleys and canisters taken from the Boeing 747, which British Airways has now fully retired.
Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said,
This is an incredible one-off opportunity for people to bring the magic of flying with British Airways in to their own homes. We know that these special items will fly and we are delighted to be able to offer them in time for Christmas to give people the opportunity to make it memorable during a difficult year.
British Airways William Edwards Medium Dinner Plate (24cm) (Set of 6)
British Airways Full Meal/Equipment box
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Client-benefits.png4821200Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-11-26 13:02:182020-11-26 13:06:00Serve up your own slice of British Airways history
Global Travel Management clients can benefit from a range of products and services sourced and made available on their behalf by the team at GTM. Many of these come with exclusive discounts.
Whether you are looking for pre-flight testing and negative Covid-19 certificates, flight-specific personal PPE products or a secure means of tracking, tracing and relocating lost baggage, there is a range of products and services available with exclusive discounts for GTM clients.
This page is updated with new products and services on a regular basis, so please bookmark and check back regularly.
The Gate 8 Multi-trip Hygiene Kit comprises a washbag, facemasks, hand sanitiser, medical gloves and disinfecting wipes.
The Gate 8 Multi-trip Hygiene Kit comes in a TSA-approved washbag and includes face coverings and masks, hand sanitiser, gloves and wipes.
Washbag – TSA approved
Washable face covering – double layer
5 disposable face masks – non-woven, with latex-free elasticated loops
30ml hand sanitiser – alcohol content 70%
2 pairs of gloves – vinyl, en455.1.2.3 certified
Disinfecting wipes – 75% alcohol
GTM clients benefit from a 20% discount on the Multi-trip Hygiene Pack.
For more information, and to purchase packs, please click hereand use discount code GTM.
For the Gate 8 Multi-Trip Hygiene Kit, use discount code “GTM”
There is a growing list of countries which require passengers to present a certificate confirming a negative Covid-19 test prior to arrival.
GTM has relationships with two suppliers, DiamondAir and Confirm Testing. Both organisations can test passengers pre-flight and provide negative test certificates by email, paving the way for unhindered progress through the airport and on to their destination country.
DiamondAir
The customer is tested in person, choosing to be tested either at Heathrow Airport or at one of Diamond Air’s London facilities in Mayfair or Enfield. The result of the PCR swab test is provided within 4-24 hours.
Customers can choose from several levels of service, including:
Test – this is a straightforward test, with results emailed to the customer
Test and rest – this comprises a test and overnight hotel accommodation
Test and destress – a test, plus departure/arrival meet and assist service including car transfer to/from the test clinic/airport
For more details about DiamondAir testing, how the process works and to access the exclusive rates available to GTM clients, contact your GTM Account Manager.
Confirm Testing
The customer orders a test to be sent to their home address at least five days prior to departure by Royal Mail Tracked 24 hour delivery. The test can be stored at home until it is required. The customer follows the test instructions, takes the test sample and returns it using the Royal Mail Tracked 24 hour label and packaging, putting them into a designated priority post box.
The test sample is analysed and results provided to the customer in time for the flight.
For more information about the Confirm Testing service, click here. And for the FAQs, click here.
For the Confirm Testing PCR tests and negative test certificates, use the discount code GTMCT10.
At Global Travel Management, we take care of business trips. That doesn’t just mean taking care of your travel bookings. We can also help you look after your possessions.
HomingPINs can be attached to luggage and valuable possessions, so that owners can quickly retrieve them if the items are lost.
That’s why we’re recommending HomingPIN luggage tags and asset labels from HomingPIN.com, the world’s first global lost property recovery system. HomingPIN is integrated into 2,800 airports, and it also works on airlines, trains, taxis, ships, buses everywhere.
Simply purchase a pack of HomingPINs, activate them, then attach the activated loops to bags (or with optional keyring to keys) and asset labels to your mobile phones, cameras, laptops, wallets, passports, bikes etc. and you will travel knowing that your important possessions are traceable through the HomingPIN service.
To use HomingPIN, first set up your account, here and use the discount code GTM20 when purchasing HomingPIN luggage tags and stickers for valuable items.
Global Travel Management has announced the roll-out of two Covid-19 testing services for customers planning international travel.
GTM has relationships with two suppliers, Confirm Testing and DiamondAir. Both organisations can test passengers pre-flight and provide negative test certificates by email, paving the way for unhindered progress through the airport and on to their destination country.
Scott Pawley, managing director of GTM said
There is a growing list of business destinations that require a negative test certificate from UK-based travellers. So we are pleased to have put together testing programmes from two industry leaders, so that our customers can get tested and can receive certificates prior to travel.
Any customer can now choose the most convenient method, suiting their requirements. Tests can be carried out at home, at Heathrow Airport, or in specific locations in London.
We can even arrange a hotel stay prior to departure, so customers can receive take the test a day prior to their fight, relax in the hotel overnight before receiving their negative certificate the following day and transfer quickly and easily to the airport.
GTM customers will have a choice of supplier to administer and carry out their testing. The two programmes work as follows:
Confirm Testing
The customer orders a test to be sent to their home address at least five days prior to departure by Royal Mail Tracked 24 hour delivery. The test can be stored at home until it is required. The customer follows the test instructions, takes the test sample and returns it using the Royal Mail Tracked 24 hour label and packaging, putting them into a designated priority post box.
The test sample is analysed and results provided to the customer in time for the flight.
DiamondAir
The customer is tested in person, choosing to be tested either at Heathrow Airport or at one of Diamond Air’s London facilities in Mayfair or Enfield. The result of the PCR swab test is provided within 4-24 hours.
Customers can choose from several levels of service, including:
Test – this is a straightforward test, with results emailed to the customer
Test and rest – this comprises a test and overnight hotel accommodation
Test and destress – a test, plus departure/arrival meet and assist service including car transfer to/from the test clinic/airport
Paul Baker explained the service further
Testing for Covid-19 is mandatory for a growing number of countries. So we have negotiated a discount for GTM customers with these providers, meaning that, not only will they get a fully professional, secure testing process, they will get it at a discounted rate.
Some countries demand that the test certificate is produced within a short time-frame of their planned arrival in the country. So our teams of travel consultants can help passengers decide which testing service best meets their needs.
If you are planning to travel on business to a country that requires a negative test, contact your GTM Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Testing.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-11-12 15:59:492020-11-12 15:59:52GTM rolls out Testing for Travellers
United Airlines has announced it will be returning service to New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport next year.
The airline will resume flights from JFK, after a gap of five years, on 1 February, 2021 with a non-stop service to the west coast. The new service will operate out of Terminal 7.
From February, United will serve both JFK to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and JFK to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with two round-trips for each city.
The flights will utilise the reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the routes offering customers an extended premium cabin featuring 16 additional United Business class seats – providing all-aisle-access seating – bringing the total premium cabin seat count to 46.
Scott Kirby: “United Airlines is back at JFK”
The aircraft will also feature 22 United Premium Plus seats, 47 Economy Plus seats and 52 Economy seats.
United claims to offer the most premium seats between the New York City area and Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. Tickets are now available for purchase on United.com.
Scott Kirby, United Airlines’ CEO said,
I have been waiting a long time to say this – United Airlines is back at JFK.
Come early next year, we will be serving all three major New York City area airports with a best-in-class product to provide our customers unmatched transcontinental service from New York City and the west coast.
United’s premium cabin will feature flat-bed seats on all flights similar to the current Newark-Los Angeles and Newark-San Francisco offerings, providing a consistent and comprehensive NYC-west coast product.
Additionally, United’s wide-body service can participate in the robust cargo market between JFK and the west coast.
If you need to fly out of JFK, contact your GTM Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/United-loves-JFK.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-11-11 17:58:072020-11-11 18:00:06United is Back at JFK
Airports Council International has released a survey showing nearly half of respondents intend to travel again within the next three months.
The findings of the Airports Council International (ACI) World ASQ Global Traveller Survey can be attributed to a strong level of confidence in the environment safety provided by airports and airlines.
The survey found that 48% of travellers considered themselves likely to travel within the next three months but, despite this eagerness to travel, the recovery is dependent on a multitude of factors.
Passengers expect that new measures are put in place to address health risks, including mandatory masks for passengers and staff, Covid-19 testing prior to the trip, hand sanitising stations and the development of a more contactless airport experience.
The survey found an overall slight decrease in travel frequency is expected. This will have an impact on the proportion of traffic type with domestic traffic helping recovery in the short term.
Completion of the report was supported by KONE Corporation, Munich Airport International, Plaza Premium Group, and POTLOC.
ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said,
One of the keys to recovery will be the aviation industry’s understanding of the changing needs of passengers and ACI’s new survey provides insight into how Covid-19 is affecting passenger expectations and future travel plans.
It is reassuring that travellers are eager to travel again and our survey will help airports make the right decisions in providing the best and safest customer experience. Airports, airlines and their partners need to continue to increase the level of confidence in the entire passenger journey and provide and communicate the measures they are introducing to keep passenger healthy and safe.
ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation programme provides airports with not only a tool to assess their health measures against globally-recognized standards but also a way to communicate to passengers about these measures.
Dr. Sascha Brozek, Senior Vice President, Major Projects, KONE Corporation said,
As air travel and the industry navigates changes in order to gradually return, there’s no doubt the way passengers move through airports has been changed permanently. In this respect, safe and efficient people flow management is vital. At KONE, we believe that technology and smart solutions will help us reconfigure environments like airport terminals, keeping safety and health as a top priority.
Dr. Ralf Gaffal, Managing Director at Munich Airport International said,
Covid-19 has a never-seen impact on our aviation industry – not only did it cause traffic movements to hit rock bottom, it also changed the overall behaviour and expectations of our passengers and requires the implementation of new processes and systems. As a global world-class airport operator, it is essential for us to understand all changes and requirements to quickly adapt processes, facilities and information flow. The results of this ASQ Global Traveller Survey will provide guidance to define our strategy and actions in order to maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Bora Isbulan, Chief Commercial Officer of Plaza Premium Group said,
It is a pleasure for us to support ACI World, global trade representative of world airports on their global passenger survey. It is important for the airport community to work together for the revival of travel, especially during these unprecedented times. As a leader in airport hospitality, it is fundamental for us to understand the behaviour of global passengers and how it will continue to evolve through the importance of wellbeing, digital advancements and loyalty programmes in the new age of travel.
Rodolphe Barrere Co-Founder & CEO at POTLOC said,
Covid-19 has forced the travel industry to completely rethink the status quo and the way it operates. Airports that have answers from consumers will have more chances of overcoming a post-COVID world. With this study, at Potloc we wanted to help them understand consumer perceptions facing this new reality. We were able to reach far and wide, by extracting travellers’ insights via social networks, to get a clearer picture of where we stand now, and what the future holds for airports in their eyes.
ACI claim the ASQ Global Traveller Survey has been created to help airports plan for future demand – in the short, medium and long term – and to adapt customer experience accordingly, to help them implement the right measures expected by travellers, improve the most stressful touchpoints throughout the journey, and understand passengers’ needs and expectations.
“We are grateful to our sponsors in supporting this important project which will help inform airports and promote public confidence in the recovery of air travel,” Luis Felipe de Oliveira.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ACI-survey-1.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-11-09 08:00:122020-11-06 16:34:31Half of travellers intend to travel again within months: survey
Finnish airline Finnair has announced it is offering complimentary Covid-19 insurance cover for customers departing from Finland.
Finnair Corona Cover provides extra protection and security for customers for all existing and new bookings, for travel departures between 3 November, 2020 and 31 March, 2021.
The insurance cover comes complimentary with all Finnair tickets booked through Finnair sales channels – including Finnair.com, the Finnair mobile app or via the airline’s customer service – for international travel originating from Finland.
It means any customer who falls ill with coronavirus in their destination can claim for any coronavirus-related medical and quarantine expenses incurred in their destination. The cover supplements travellers’ own travel insurance.
Tiina Tissari, Finnair Vice President, Customer Experience and Products, said:
It is important that Finnair customers feel they can travel safely as we recognise that travelling during the pandemic comes with new kinds of concerns and challenges.
To meet the needs of our customers during the COVID-19 outbreak, Finnair has introduced its complimentary Finnair Corona Cover.
Now Finnair customers can enjoy the peace of mind and additional security which comes from Finnair Corona Cover, including cover for medical and quarantine expenses should those insured with us become sick with coronavirus while travelling.”
Finnair Corona Cover includes the following expenses for customers in their destination:
Covid-19 related medical expenses and medical repatriation up to €50,000, e.g. for a hospital stay or doctor visits
The price of a coronavirus test, if the result is positive
Additional quarantine costs, resulting from falling ill with coronavirus, up to €100 for a maximum of 14 days, which could cover additional overnight accommodation
A new return flight back to Finland, if the original flight is missed due to illness related to coronavirus.
The cover is valid in all foreign destinations, with no excess fees.
As well as including Finnair Corona Cover with all Finnair tickets booked from Finland, the cover is included also in Aurinkomatkat package trips and Finnair Holidays bookings, when the destination is outside Finland.
Customers are advised always to contact Finnair’s insurance partner for a consultation and approval for any medical or other expenses, before using local services. Expenses will be settled directly with local service providers, provided each customer first contacts and is given approval from the insurance partner. This prevents customers from having to pay for the services themselves or carry any risk for the costs.
The service is provided to Finnair customers, 24/7, with English-speaking customer service agents on hand to provide assistance.
For more information and advice on Covid-19 insurance contact your GTM Account Manager. T
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Finnair-Covid-19-cover.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-11-05 15:24:302020-11-05 15:24:32Finnair is offering free Covid-19 insurance cover
British Airways has released a video highlighting the measures introduced at the airport and onboard to keep customers safe during the pandemic.
In the video Head of Global Sales Mark Muren interviews Dr Mike Harrigan, British Airways’ medical lead, on the measures in place including:
Asking customers to check-in online, download their boarding pass and where possible self-scan their boarding passes at the departure gate
Requiring customers to wear a facemask at all times and bringing enough to replace them every four hours for longer flights
Social distancing markers and hand sanitiser stations placed throughout airports
New ordering system in lounges to reduce contact
Cabin crew wearing PPE and a new food service, which reduces the number of interactions required with customers
Providing customers with a personal protection pack including a sealable disposal bag, hand sanitising gel and an antibacterial wipe.
Enhanced cleaning measures and HEPA filters
They also discuss the latest research from IATA which showed that since the start of 2020 there have been just 44 cases of COVID-19 reported in which transmission is thought to have been associated with a flight (that includes confirmed, probable and potential cases). Over the same period some 1.2 billion passengers have travelled, which is just one case for every 27 million travellers.
If you have any questions about Covid-19 safety at airports or on board, or if you simply want to discuss your plans for your next British Airways flight, please contact your GTM Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Copy-of-What-to-expect-when-you-fly-on-United-from-Heathrow.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-10-30 13:01:002020-10-30 13:01:06British Airways demonstrates Covid-19 safety at the airport and on board
This week, Global Travel Management took a close look at the work currently being undertaken by United Airlines, to combat the pandemic and to ensure all passengers and staff are kept as safe as possible from infection.
Sales Director Paul Baker and Kelly Packington, Director of Operations, spent a day with the United team at London Heathrow and found out what the airline does to ensure Covid safety at every stage of a trip.
Kelly Packington (left) and Paul Baker spent a day at Heathrow discovering how United Airlines maintains Covid safety for all passengers flying from the airport
Terminal 2 at Heathrow has been, and continues to be, extensively cleaned. For example, touch points are cleaned and disinfected and tests are undertaken on a weekly basis to ensure the disinfectant maintains its effectiveness.
Before flying, United email passengers to remind them of the requirement to wear a face mask at the airport and onboard.
United require passengers to complete a “Ready to fly” checklist at check-in. This is done via an app on the passenger’s phone, so can be completed without being face-to-face with check-in staff.
United staff have temperature checks before starting work. And, social distancing is facilitated by floor decals and screens at check-in.
United passengers can check-in online or on their mobile app which generates a QR code. The code is then used to complete the check-in process in the terminal at a self-service check-in machine.
The check-in machine prints out a baggage tag (which the passenger attaches to their own bags). In this way, passengers require no human physical contact is required when checking-in, even when the passenger checks bags.
Security through the airport remains broadly the same as in pre-pandemic times. So, for example, passengers are still required to remove shoes and belts. But the entire area is thoroughly and completely disinfected and cleaned, to reduce further the chances of coming into contact with the virus.
Although Paul and Kelly didn’t experience the “normal” gate procedure, some more changes could be seen at the gate, including:
Disinfecting high-touch areas such as charging stations, counters and seats
Hand sanitizer stations
Passengers self-scan boarding passes
Fewer passengers are boarded at a time, allowing continued social distance up to the aircraft door
Boarding from the back of the plane, so passengers don’t have to pass already seated passengers
Onboard the plane – in this case, a Boeing 787-8, the “Dreamliner” – it’s clear the aircraft is cleaned, immaculately, throughout.
Paul Baker’s reaction to the experience is straightforward:
The Dreamliner is super, super clean; aircraft have never been so clean.
The cleanliness of the aircraft now takes precedence over everything else, for example the loading of catering and new blankets and amenity kits. All cabins and the toilets are afforded the same levels of cleaning disinfectant killing 99.97% of all germs.
Passengers are provided with hand sanitizer wipes. Masks are mandatory for passengers and cabin crew. Pillows and blankets are provided “on request”. And, on arrival, the aircraft is “de-planed” in groups of five rows at a time, to prevent unnecessary crowding.
If you have any questions about flying on United, or through Heathrow, please let your GTM Account Manager know.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/What-to-expect-when-you-fly-on-United-from-Heathrow.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-10-29 13:54:082020-10-29 13:54:12United demonstrates its commitment to cleanliness
Global Travel Management is supporting British Travel Month – a campaign designed to help employees in the UK travel sector.
Global Travel Management backs British Travel Month, running throughout November 2020
The travel industry is under pressure in the UK right now. Every week there are reports that travel suppliers are in financial difficulty and jobs are at risk.
ABTA recently reported that up to 90,000 UK jobs have been lost or are at risk across the travel supply chain since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
So Global Travel Management is supporting the British Travel Month campaign, throughout November 2020.
The campaign requires any travel itinerary produced on behalf of a client to include – where possible – at least some travel suppliers who hire staff in the UK. This means, whenever a client requests travel options, Global Travel Management will ensure they have an option that includes air, car or hotel suppliers with UK-based staff.
Scott Pawley, Managing Director of Global Travel Management said
Whenever our teams put together an itinerary, we make sure we’re offering the best advice, the best fares and prices and the most efficient trip that meets the clients’ criteria.
But now we are going to do something extra: we are going to ensure that when clients buy travel, they have the option to support British-based businesses and British staff.
We will offer a British jobs-based itinerary whenever we possibly can. We see it as “paying it forward”.
How does it work?
Paul Baker, Global Travel Management’s Sales Director said
Some clients are already starting to re-build the UK’s economy. They’re doing this by travelling more, by planning future travel and by finding out where and when they can travel.
And we expect more clients to follow suit in the weeks ahead.
By backing British Travel Month, we are helping the travel industry recover in the UK. We offer itineraries that are based on what the client needs, but we offer options that help protect and grow jobs in the UK.
If you would like to know how British Travel Month can work to help the industry while delivering you the best travel options, contact your GTM Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Backing-British-Travel.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-10-28 17:53:442020-10-29 11:47:54We are backing British Travel Month
