FLY MARCH ’22 | A MONTHLY CHECK-IN FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS
We are just around the corner that marks two years since the start of the pandemic. But with a new spring season in sight and great news to share, the upcoming months are officially looking brighter! This week marks the end of all Covid travel measures, and the travel industry is once again focusing on the future of business travel, from prioritizing the needs of women to finding smarter approaches to reducing carbon emissions. If you feel optimistic about returning to your business travel lifestyle, keep me in mind. My industry connections, traveller advocacy and negotiation leverage will go a long way during the anticipated influx of travel this spring and summer!
TESTING NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR TRAVELLERS ENTERING THE UK | ALL COVID TRAVEL MEASURES TO END ON FRIDAY 18TH MARCH
With just a few days of winter left, the UK will become one of the first major economies to end all COVID-19 international travel rules. No one entering the UK will need to take tests or complete a passenger locator form, and the government will no longer manage hotel quarantine capacity. There will be contingency plans put in place out of concern for any future variants—but as it stands, business travellers can freely visit the UK once again!
UK INDUSTRY BRACES FOR IMPACT OF SCA INTRODUCTION | TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION MANDATORY FOR ONLINE SALES
The UK has introduced Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) for online payments. The “two-factor” authentication requires consumers to verify their identity with a unique one-time passcode, alongside their card details. Concern is being raised over the potential complications of corporate travel transactions being declined when made on behalf of the traveller(s) within managed travel programmes.
TRAVEL PROGRAMMES “INCREASINGLY PRIORITISING THE NEEDS OF WOMEN” | 42% OF TRAVEL MANAGERS INCLUDE SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WOMEN
Since last fall, polls show there has been an 11 per cent increase of travel managers who are now prioritising the needs of lone women business travellers. In addition to accommodating the societal changes in work-life balance for mothers, support could include travel considerations such as more secure hotels rooms, access to business lounge dining versus hotel bars, and pre-booked chauffeur cars versus on-street taxis.
GOING GREEN: HOW WE CAN REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS | A SMARTER APPROACH TO BUSINESS TRAVEL MAY BE THE SOLUTION
A new report published by NGO Transportation and Environment says that the travel industry needs to act urgently to prevent a rapid increase in aviation emissions post-pandemic. If aviation is to succeed in cutting carbon emissions, they recommend an end to airport expansion in Europe and a reduction in corporate travel. A balance to this may mean an increase of more meaningful, high-quality trips and train travel, with a decrease in quick flights between European cities.
For a tailored business travel experience, plan your upcoming trip with us today. With over 25 years of experience in luxury travel, we offer our clients insights and personally curated itineraries that take the stress out of travel, allowing more time to decompress, discover and explore your chosen destination while you’re on the road.