What you need to know about traveling abroad with medications

Most travelers plan to bring some sort of medication when they go abroad. Whether you need to take prescription medications or simply want to carry your vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter cold medication, it’s important to know the rules about taking these substances into the country you are visiting.

While Japan and the United Arab Emirates have some of the most restrictive regulations of any country around the world, many other nations still also ban or limit some medications including narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines and even some common over-the-counter remedies. For example, in Singapore sleeping pills, strong painkillers and anti-anxiety medication all require a license, while in Qatar many cough and cold remedies are considered controlled substances and must be accompanied by a prescription.  In Costa Rica you are only allowed to bring enough medication to cover your stay and you must have a doctor’s note confirming that the amount is indeed correct.

Travelers are thus advised to verify the rules of the country they are visiting and plan ahead in case substitutions or dosing adjustments need to be made.  Sources of information include the embassy of your destination country (the State Department website lists contact information for foreign embassies in the United States), travel medical insurance companies and travel clinics that specialize in immunizations for travel abroad, or even your physician or pharmacist.

Know the generic and chemical names along with the amounts of all active ingredients in each medication or supplement as it is the active ingredients that determine permissibility, not brand names.

Carry all medications, vitamins and supplements in their original, clearly marked container if possible. Keep copies of your original or reprinted prescriptions or even get a formal note from your physician on his or her official letterhead. If possible have this information translated into the language of the country you are visiting to ensure clarity.

Don’t forget about specialized equipment used to administer medications such as an EpiPen as some countries require documentation for those items as well.

Finally, be sure to check the Transportation Security Administration website for up-to-date rules on packing and carrying medications through U.S. airports. The standard rules for liquid carry-ons and the new regulations regarding powders don’t apply to medications, but you do need to inform the TSA screeners and have proper documentation when you pass through security so the items are not confiscated.

Companies Are Using Data to Improve the Corporate Travel Experience

As big data grows and companies can (responsibly) leverage it for their customers’ needs, habits, and preferences, corporate travel services are being greatly enhanced as a result. Whether it’s a simple airline booking to a 360-degree travel management app, data utilization is allowing companies to enhance the business travel customer experience like never before.

Shep Hyken, an author and customer service consultant for brands such as American Airlines, says that “the travel industry has so much information about customers, yet they’re probably the biggest data under-utilizer.” It has been reported that the average airline only has 40-55% of their customers in a database, causing the stakeholders behind travel companies to see a path for increased data utilization.

Using Travel Data to Fully Understand Customers

Travel management apps, hotel companies, airlines and many other travel-related organizations are racing to analyze big data in order to offer personalized services to their customers. Using sources such as social media, customer service calls, and online booking forms, travel companies are trying to paint a more vivid picture of each individual customer, tailoring services and offers to their personal needs. The ultimate goal? To provide the most custom, enjoyable, seamless experience, every time.

How Travel Data Enhances Customer Loyalty

As travel loyalty programs become less important to many customers, companies are looking to leverage data in order to enhance and personalize the customer experience. The idea here is that a significantly better customer experience will naturally cause people to turn in to loyal customers, as opposed to relying upon subpar rewards and incentives.

Hotel services tend to rely on loyalty programs as they only have access to limited personal data. The opposite can be said of airlines, who have access to a lot more information due to security checks and measures. This is causing hotel systems to be much more proactive about their data, looking to collect additional input from touchpoints such as customer call centers and the like. Building personalized loyalty programs, or simply enhancing the customer experience to a point where loyalty becomes guaranteed, is the most sensible way to achieve customer loyalty in the modern age.

Using Data to Support Artificial Intelligence and Bots

The creators of travel management apps and other similar services are continually using big data to improve services for their customers, even going as far as to automate much of the business travel booking process for them. Many platforms will “remember” a user’s preferences and habits and use this data to make suggestions for them when they use the system again in the future.

Data can allow companies to boost their customer service and loyalty even further than ever before.

States, cities, airlines, hoteliers and more join the campaign to reduce plastics

As public awareness campaigns continue to highlight the significant damage caused by the large amounts of plastics ending up in our oceans and landfills, more cities, states and corporations are beginning to react.

Seattle became the first big U.S. city to ban the use of plastic straws as of July 1, 2018. California, Hawaii and specific areas in Florida and New Jersey are also looking at banning items such as plastic straws. Corporations including American and Alaska Airlines, Hyatt, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and SeaWorld Entertainment have all announced plans or recently implemented programs aimed at reducing or eliminating the use of unnecessary plastic items such as plastic straws and drink picks or even plastic shopping bags as applicable in the United States. Internationally companies including Ryanair, Fiji Airways, Thai Airways and Marriott International also have plans to reduce or eliminate these types of plastics on their flights or from their hotels.  Most companies will be offering non-plastic replacements, though some may only be available upon request.

IHG finalizes acquisition of Regent Hotels & Resorts; launches new upscale brand

Intercontinental Hotel Group has officially expanded its presence in the luxury market as its acquisition of Regent Hotels & Resorts has been finalized. IHG officials say things are business as usual for now, but customers should watch for future announcements as IHG fully integrates Regent into its family of hotel brands.

IHG also announced the launch of a new upscale brand called Voco. Properties under the Voco brand will “combine the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand.” Voco hotels will feature locally influenced upscale amenities. IHG expects to grow the brand to more than 200 hotels over the next several years particularly in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.  

Uber gets probationary approval to operate in London

After months of legal-limbo, Uber received probationary approval to continue operations in London. Government officials say that under the 15-month license Uber will still be subject to regular monitoring to ensure it is meeting all requirements. Uber’s original request for a five-year license was rejected last year, but the provider was allowed to operate during the appeals process.

Delta Air Lines

The newly renovated Delta Sky Club lounge at Reagan Washington National Airport is officially open. The refurbished facility features an additional 1,800 square feet with enriched amenities and elevated furnishings. Members will also enjoy the enhanced rotating menu and expanded bar. A new Sky Club is also slated to open in Phoenix later this year and in Austin next year.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Officials at KLM released details of the new Economy Class service concept aboard its intercontinental flights. There will be a welcome service that includes a bottle of water, refreshing towel and earphones. Snacks and meal offerings will be improved and will include ice cream selections and a new large, well-filled salad.  The carrier is also implementing new meal trays and trolleys so that passengers can be served more quickly. The new service is being phased in on a few select flights now, with all flights being covered with the start of KLM’s winter schedule on Oct. 28, 2018.

United Airlines

Six new automated security lanes are now available for United’s international passengers connecting through Bush Intercontinental Airport. With the new system, three travelers per lane can prepare their items for screening simultaneously, thus speeding up the process. After screening the empty bins are automatically returned to the front, thereby freeing up TSA officers to perform the actual checks rather than moving bins.

Spend your next Valentines’ Day on the open seas with the Texas Tenors

Summer is in full swing, but now is the time to start thinking about your next great winter getaway. Adelman Vacations is offering our customers a unique and exclusive opportunity to celebrate your next Valentines’ day on a special Royal Caribbean Cruise with the popular Texas Tenors.

The Texas Tenors first gained popularity after their appearance on America’s Got Talent in 2009 where they won 4^th Place overall. Adelman’s Sarah Van Elsen has been a big fan of The Texas Tenors ever since. Over the years, as an official member of the Tennorette Fan Club, Sarah has been involved in organizing an annual fan event for The Texas Tenors, which now includes a special Royal Caribbean Cruise February 9-16, 2019.

Guests will experience all the wonderful amenities offered on a Royal Caribbean cruise and popular ports of call including Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Costa Maya. In addition, as part of The Texas Tenors cruise package guests are invited to several exclusive events including a private concert, Meet & Greet and photo session along with a Q&A session. “The fans really look forward to the VIP access they have to the Tenors at these special events,” Sarah notes.

In addition to the formal events with the Tenors, there are other special events and activities during the cruise such as the game night and casino night with the Tenors. According to Sarah, “I know fans also look forward to decorating their stateroom doors. They always go all out in decorating with anything and everything TTT,” Sarah explains. “The Tenors then go around to each door and judge them to find the best one. It’s always fun!”

Sarah speaks very highly of The Texas Tenors as trip hosts. “They’re some of the sweetest, most genuine guys you could ever hope to meet, and they demonstrate how much they care about their fans when they participate in these events. It’s so fun to be able to see the Tenors around the ship, talk with them a bit, and get to know them. It’s an opportunity that most people wouldn’t have a chance to do otherwise since they don’t have this kind of access anywhere else.”

If you would like more information on this special winter Caribbean cruise with the Texas Tenors, please click on the Adelman Discoveries tab on our Adelman Vacations site at www.Adelmanvacations.com or click here (http://adelmanvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Texas-Tenors-Flyer-2019-Ver5-FINAL2.pdf). You can also give Sarah or any one of our Adelman Vacations consultants a call at 800-749-7116.

The Time New York

Located in the heart of the Theatre District, and just steps away from Times Square and New York’s corporate corridor, The Time New York is truly at the center of everything. In a fast-paced world, time is the ultimate luxury. The goal of Time Hotels is to both suspend time, as a boutique oasis from the daily hustle and bustle, as well as save time, with its thoughtful, tech-savvy design and bespoke hospitality. The Time Hotel’s hospitality combines the warmth and thoughtfulness of old-school service with the technological efficiency that the modern consumer has come to enjoy.

Adelman customers are eligible to receive special rates that include continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. For more information on the Time Hotel New York please contact your Adelman travel consultant.

Earn extra miles through American’s AAdvantage 5K Challenge

AAdvantage members can now earn up to 5,000 extra miles through certain actions under American’s AAdvantage 5K Challenge. In addition to flying on American flights, other eligible activities include booking a hotel or car on the airline’s branded partner sites, shopping on the AAdvantage portal or using AAdvantage dining.

Executive Platinum AAdvantage members now have more reward choices as American introduced new options for those who reach 300,000 miles in a year. The new options include being able to gift Executive Platinum status to a friend, getting two additional systemwide upgrades or 40,000 bonus miles. Executive Platinum members who reach 150,000 and 200,000 elite qualifying miles receive two extra systemwide upgrades at each milestone.

American is also launching a new user interface for the AAdvantage website. A new tab will not only alert members to promotions that they are eligible for but will also track the member’s progress.

Corporate Travel Trends You Need to Know

As a corporate travel service, it is our job to stay on top of the latest trends when it comes to business travel. Fortunately, recent innovations in technology and customer service are finally starting to penetrate this market, which are making the lives of travel managers and road warriors alike much easier. Here’s what the next six months of 2018 will look like.

Increased Flexibility for Corporate Travelers

In Asia, 69% of business travelers are given the freedom and autonomy to book their own flights and hotels, allowing them to make arrangements to their liking. This can be done with the help of a corporate travel service, a travel manager, or by the employee. Additionally, mobile booking is on the rise for business travelers, and many of them want to book without having to use their own credit card.

Although hotels were the traditional accommodation of choice for business travelers, it is now becoming increasingly common for them to stay in economy sharing spaces as well. As you may have guessed, the new generation of business travelers is demanding a lot of convenience and flexibility, and travel managers are inevitably required to keep up.

Corporate Travel’s Rise in Artificial Intelligence

At the mention of artificial intelligence (AI), it may seem like there is no human interaction when it comes to booking flights, but that isn’t quite the case. AI, created by humans, is frequently being implemented into mobile travel apps. Travel managers and passengers harness the power of an AI-backed travel app, which offers personalized help (as it learns what you like). This technology can predict the best times to buy certain flights, saving the business money and making the booker’s life easier.

AI is also being used to enhance the user experience (UX) of business travel, making the travelers happy, as opposed to just meeting the travel demands imposed by their superiors. This means that customer service and UX are becoming more of a focus for AI, which focuses on the end-user’s happiness.

CFOs Want Travel Data

Corporate travel often suffers from a lack of financial visibility, which can be a headache for CFOs. Unless you’re using a comprehensive corporate travel service which keeps detailed records, then the receipts of travel-related expenses are scattered across different platforms and companies. CFOs know that travel expenses are the second-highest expense a business incurs after salaries, so companies are increasingly being expected to supply CFOs with in-depth and comprehensive financial data. You can expect more data to become readily available as the year progresses, and for it to be delivered in an easy-to-consume fashion.

New guidelines regarding powders in carry-on luggage go into effect June 30

As a reminder, enhanced screening of powder-like substances for all international flights to the United States is set to begin on June 30. Airport security screeners have been advised to begin conducting secondary checks on powders in quantities greater than what would fit in a standard soda can (12 fluid ounces or 350 milliliters). If the substance cannot be cleared by airport screeners it will be prohibited from the passenger cabin of the aircraft.

Powder-like substances are described as fine dry particles produced by crushing, grinding or disintegration of a solid substance (i.e. ground coffee, spices, powdered milk or drink mixes and cosmetics.) Some powders are exempt including baby formula, medically necessary powders and human remains.

To reduce the chance that aviation security authorities might disallow the transport of any powder-like substances in carry-on luggage, travelers are advised to place these items in their checked bags. Travelers who prefer to try to bring powders into the aircraft cabin will need to remove the items from their carry-on luggage and place them into a screening bin.

For more information please visit www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening

Orlando Airport to use face scans for all international travelers

Orlando International Airport will become the first U.S. airport to screen all passengers arriving and departing from international destinations using facial recognition tools.  The new procedures are part of a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) trial program and have already been successfully tested on a limited basis at 13 airports.

During the verification process a camera will scan the traveler’s face. The system will then compare the picture to Department of Homeland Security databases.  According to CBP officials, the process takes less than two seconds and yields a 99 percent match rate. U.S. citizens can opt out and instead go through traditional screening.

Alaska Airlines new location at San Diego

Starting June 30, Alaska Airlines’ international flights will arrive into Gates 48-51 at Terminal 2W. Because this new gate location is further away from Alaska’s domestic gates in Terminal 1W, travelers will need more time to transit between the two areas.  As a result, the carrier is recommending that passengers now allow 90 minutes between flights.   

American Airlines adds service

American will launch new service to the Caribbean. From Charlotte, American will add a daily nonstop flight to St. Maarten on Nov. 4 and to Barbados on Dec. 19, 2018. From Miami, American will add a second frequency to St. Maarten and a third frequency to Barbados, both commencing on Dec. 19, 2018.

Delta revises animal travel policy

Delta Air Lines has again tightened its policies regarding the transport of animals in the passenger cabin of its aircraft. Starting July 10, only one qualified emotional support animal will be allowed per passenger. Delta is also no longer accepting “pit bull-type dogs” as either emotional support or service dogs. For more information on Delta’s policies please visit https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/special-travel-needs/service-animals.html.

New Polaris Lounge to open in Houston

After a soft opening, United will officially open a new Polaris Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday.  This is the fourth Polaris Lounge location for United. The new lounge, which is only available to Polaris-ticketed customers, is located in Terminal E near Gate E12. Airline officials say besides all the typical premium amenities, the Houston location’s décor and menu is designed to be a “reflection of the city,” with artwork done by two Houston artists and unique food and beverage options such as a Texas breakfast skillet and a Caliente on the Rocks specialty cocktail.