The economic predictions for 2009 are not encouraging and the news outlets make it very difficult to keep a positive outlook. Most businesses have been impacted in some way or another and the travel industry is usually at the top of the list.

We know you are under tremendous pressure to reduce costs, so we have developed cost savings programs to help you through these tough times. Please take a moment to download and review our Top 10 Ways to Weather an Economic Downturn. Following these tips have resulted in tremendous savings for many of our clients without altering their travel patterns or damaging relations with their customers. We hope these tips will help you get the most from your travel dollars!

To tap into additional travel discounts, you might consider Ministry Travel, a company that Safe Harbors acquired, which specializes in discounted contracted international airfares. An additional division, Humanitarian Travel, enables us to bring similar discounts to organizations that engage in humanitarian work around the world.

Safe Harbors has been in business for 24 years and we have certainly seen our share of ups and downs, but as crazy as it sounds I still feel optimistic about 2009. Naturally, we are always looking to improve our services and automation. We are currently in the process of upgrading our reservation systems, databases and methods of delivering our products.

However, our systems and programs mean nothing unless we are providing the most important services required. We realize the importance of being there when you need us. When you contact us, you expect immediate response. When we give you a quote, you expect the best price possible. It is our number one goal to make sure you are receiving the best pricing and getting quick response times 100% of the time. Lastly, we are grateful for your business and I encourage you to share your challenges with us when purchasing travel. Let Safe Harbors be your solution when managing your travel program.

Happy New Year and thank you for allowing us to service your travel needs.

Jay Ellenby
President & CEO

Attention All International Travelers

The US Government will be requiring all Air Carriers to provide a more detailed list of those passengers on board each flight entering the US, beginning some time this year. Yes, you are correct, they currently do this to some degree; but, the details are the key:

• Traveler’s Name – must be exactly as it appears on the identification being used.

• If the ID has the middle name spelled out so must the ticket.

• Everyone occupying a seat needs an ID.

• If there is not an exact match a boarding pass will not print. The traveler will be required to check-in with the carrier and will experience additional security screening.

• Carriers will now need to include the traveler’s date-of-birth and gender.

What can you do to prepare? You do not need to do anything at this point, because the Air Carriers are still working to construct the formatting for the required information. Once the structure and reporting details are worked out we will provide instructions on how to update your individual profiles.

Stay Tuned!

Delta Air Lines has announced it will begin charging $15 to passengers for their first checked bag and $25 for a second checked bag on domestic flights.
This new fee is in effect for new bookings for travel Dec. 5 or later. People with advance bookings made prior to Wednesday will not have to pay the first-bag fee, regardless of dates of travel. Previously, Delta had no fee for a first checked bag, but did charge $50 for a second checked bag. When Delta added a fee for checking a second bag, it cited rising fuel costs. However, following the recent drop in oil prices, Delta this time cited a competitive motivation.