World Travel Inc.

Travel Management Companies Race To Meet AA’s NDC Targets, Sort Out Client Fees

[UPDATE, April 23, 2024: American Airlines delayed new restrictions on how travelers can earn loyalty program points, to July 11 from May 1. The rules will affect some bookings through agencies AA does not qualify as “preferred.” According to a spokesperson, “This extension gives an opportunity for those agencies to complete the transition. We’ll continue…

World Travel Inc. Gets Productivity Boost From New AI Firm Acai Travel

Starting with automating email routing and responses, World Travel Inc. is using artificial intelligence from startup Acai Travel to restructure its customer support operation. Reduced average handling time means faster service for clients. The travel management company estimated a 4 percent increase in productivity “off the bat,” said new WTI president Erika Moore. Acai Travel…

American Airlines Continues Fallback From Corporate Market

American Airlines is retreating from the managed corporate travel market and erasing its tracks.  According to a World Travel Inc. newsletter, the airline from April 1 will stop providing discounts to companies with less than $1.5 million in annual AA spending. Also as of that date, AA’s corporate accounts “will be provided with points for…

Buyers Fret (Privately) About Airline Ticket Tour Codes

On airline tickets using corporate negotiated airfares, travel agents and booking tools typically include tour codes to identify bookings as coming from a particular travel agency, corporate TMC or airline corporate client. When these codes are wrong or missing, there may be financial ramifications or an impact on traveler benefits. Corporate travel buyers speaking during…

Reporter’s Notebook: GBTA Convention Spotlights Efforts To Digitize And Centralize Payment

“The pandemic has had a huge impact across the payments space,” according to Visa Business Solutions senior director Ryan Grabau. “People want to be more digital, for sustainability or because everyone is working remotely. They want to pay contactless. Organizations want more control in managing expenditures and cash flow.” Grabau spoke here last month during…

As Off-Channel Capture Solutions Evolve, Demand For Policy Compliance Grows

The latest research shows that as an outcome of the pandemic, more companies will expect employees to make reservations with their designated travel management companies. This makes sense for duty of care, spend management and carbon tracking. Meanwhile, providers of third-party solutions that help capture most of what isn’t booked in-channel continue to add capabilities….

Concerned About Cross-Border Fiascos, Travel Management Professionals Preach Flexibility, Patience And Preparation

Corporate travel professionals are concerned that the apparatus of international travel won’t be ready for an expected uptick in businesspeople wanting to cross borders in the coming months. Processes for documenting inoculation and negative tests remain works in progress, while international transit rules are tremendously complicated and often change with little notice. Corporate travel buyers…

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