AmTrav Blog

Insights, tricks and tips to help you deliver a great business travel program & traveller experience for your organization.

NDC Bundling: Yea or Nea?

Something we hear more and more from airlines, from customers and from prospects: “NDC bundling.”...

Maximize Your Summer Travel Productivity with Amtrav 2023

As we eagerly look forward to the summer, we're reminded that this season brings with it unique...

Why the future of work is in corporate travel

The COVID-19 pandemic has indelibly marked our lives, and the ripples are felt distinctly in the...

Webinar Recording: Not Another NDC Webinar

AmTrav takes buyers' pressing NDC questions and shares our unique NDC experience on "Not Another...

What Will NDC Cost You?

We know what NDC-ready means, we know the benefits of NDC, and we know that not being NDC-ready...

What Does NDC-Ready Mean?

Because American Airlines removed 40% of their lowest fares from many corporate booking providers,...

American NDC Fares Analysis (Week 5): Webinar Next Week!

I know, I know. You've come to rely on the AmTrav Blog for one-of-a-kind insight into American...

American NDC Fares Analysis (Week 3): Premium Customers Pay More

When American's modern retailing strategy was announced in December, one common response from...

How to Choose the Right Corporate Travel Management Solution

Navigating the world of corporate travel can be complex and time-consuming, but having the right...

American NDC Fares Analysis (Week 2): Not All Routes Are Created Equal

It's been two weeks since American Airlines restricted the sale of their lowest fares to NDC...

How to Control Business Travel Expenses At Your Company

As the business landscape evolves and globalization increases, corporate travel has become an...

What Is Bleisure and How Does It Affect Your Travel Policy?

What Is “Bleisure”?

You might've heard of the term "bleisure" lately, which is a clever combination...

Top 5 Corporate Travel Policy Best Practices

Developing an effective corporate travel policy is essential for companies aiming to optimize their...

Webinar highlights: Hotel Payments present and future

One of the most significant challenges in managing hotel payments for business travel is the...

NDC In-Depth: the tech, the changes, the benefits

The travel industry has seen significant shifts in recent years, with an increasing demand for...

AmTrav's Enhanced Platform to Help Business Travelers Navigate American Airlines' New Flight Booking Changes

AmTrav, the one connected platform for business travel, today announced upgrades to its corporate...

3 Ways a Travel Management Solution Can Support Your In-House Travel Manager

In-house travel managers face the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities to ensure their...

One Year of Meetings & Guest Travel Made Easy with AmTrav Gather 🎉

Have you heard the news – it’s AmTrav Gather’s first birthday!Hooray! In Gather’s first year 120...

Supporting Business Travelers: How to Turn Your Travel Program Into an Employee Retention Tool

Corporate travel programs are becoming more streamlined and user-friendly as employers recognize...

A 3-Part Guide to Business Travel Expenses: How to Show ROI

As a travel manager, you’re responsible for planning business trips that are both efficient and...

Little Things that Drive Your Productivity

First off – this is a silly blog post, don’t read it if you’re not up for a silly blog post written...

Three Things we Learned from Soundings+AmTrav 2023 Meetings Outlook

Three Things we Learned from Soundings+AmTrav 2023 Meetings Outlook Webinar

Webinar Highlights 2023: NDC comes to america

In our webinar, NDC Comes to America, held January 31st, 2023, T2RL CEO and former Vice President...

AmTrav Manage pages updates

We’re continually updating AmTrav’s one connected platform, including implementing your...

Finding the Most Reliable Flights this Winter

The leaves have fallen off the trees, Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes have come and gone, it’s...

What’s the best way to plan group air?

The COVID pandemic is finally passing and you can gather face-to-face with your friends and...

Setting your 2023 Travel Budget

This week AmTrav met with dozens of travel administrators on our 2023 Travel Forecast webinar,...

Meeting Hotels Made Easy

Are you tired of wrangling room blocks? Last-minute checkin date changes, begging the hotel to...

Summer 2022 Travel: How bad was it?

Going by the headlines, summer 2022 travel was truly, uniquely awful.

AmTrav and Marriott make virtual payments work better for customers

Virtual cards provided by CSI and Conferma allow corporate customers to securely centralize payment...

Finding the Most Reliable Flights this Fall

It’s fall: the weather is a little cooler, kids are back in school, pumpkin spice lattes are back...

Happy Hotel RFP Season

It’s still warm outside and the leaves haven’t started turning, but the kids are headed back to...

Corporate Meetings Return to 2019 Levels

There's a lot of good news for people who like meeting peers face-to-face, who enjoy an...

Finding the Most Reliable Flights this Summer

Summer travel always means dodging thunderstorms, but in summer 2022 you’re dodging airline, hotel...

Three Things we Learned at the BTN Tech Talk Chicago

AmTrav was proud to sponsor the BTN’s Travel Tech Talk in Chicago this week, it was great event...

How Can You Use AmTrav Gather?

AmTrav clients have used AmTrav Gather to quickly, easily plan travel for thousands of travelers,...

How to Expand Your Role as a Travel Manager

Want to expand your role as a travel manager – take on more responsibilities, do cool new work, and...

AmTrav Gather Makes Meetings Travel Planning Easy

AmTrav exists to bring people together face-to-face and make business work better — because it's...

Coming Next Week: AmTrav Makes Planning Meetings Travel Easy

As the COVID pandemic slowly recedes we’ve seen a return to meetings and events — and we couldn’t...

Maximize Your Travel Program Savings in 2022

What are the biggest opportunities to save your travel program money in 2022?

The Latest Unused Tickets News

Quick: what’s the easiest way to save your travel program money in 2022?Answer: use your unused...

Three things we learned at the BTN Travel Program & Policy Workshop

AmTrav was proud to sponsor the Business Travel News “Structuring a Managed Travel Program &...

What to Expect from AmTrav in 2022

We’re about two months into 2022 which means it’s the perfect time to tell you what we’re doing...

When Should I Book My Business Trip to Europe?

If you’re planning a business trip to Europe this summer, this one’s for you.

Announcing Gather: The Guest Travel Planning Solution That Makes BOTH Arrangers and Guests Happy

AmTrav, the one connected platform for business travel, announces Gather, the travel planning...

Coming Next Week: AmTrav Makes Guest Travel Easy

For too long guest travel has been a pain to plan – even with AmTrav – but enough is enough!Next...

Here's What Inflight Service You Can Expect From Major Airlines Right Now

If you’re getting back in the travel groove for the first time since the pandemic started, you...

The UK is Ending COVID Testing For Fully Vaccinated Travelers

In a little bit of good news for business travelers, England and Scotland will no longer require...

What Happened to Alitalia?

In October of 2021, the Italian airline Alitalia quietly ceased to exist, leaving many travelers...

What is Turo and Is It a Good Alternative to Traditional Rental Cars?

With COVID sticking around and the supply chain mess still in full swing, traveling right now has...

Here’s What’s Happening With 5G and Airlines

Update - 1/19/21

5G is officially live. Despite airline lobby group Airlines for America's letter...

While Travelers Continue to Face Hundreds of Airline Cancellations, AmTrav Can Help

As the new year begins, so does business travel. Well, at least it’s supposed to. If you were...

Happy Holidays From AmTrav

As another rollercoaster year comes to a close, we are grateful for partners like you. So much so,...

New COVID Travel Restrictions: Here’s What You Need to Know

Update 12/13:

After closing their borders on November 25 due to Omicron variant concerns, Israel is...

Clients Recover $500K in United Airlines Unused Ticket Value

Redeeming unused ticket credits with one click in AmTrav is a great way to save money on business...

American Introduces Major Updates to AAdvantage Loyalty Program

American Airlines just revamped their AAdvantage loyalty program, simplifying the way travelers can...

Uber is Rolling Out New Airport Services: Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s no secret that ridesharing has had a bumpy year. Travelers have seen long wait times,...

U.S. Set to Open Land and International Borders to Fully Vaccinated Travelers on Nov. 8

The return of international travel to the United States officially has a start date. On November...

UK Loosens Entry Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Travelers

The UK has loosened up their entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers. As of October 4th,...

Coming Soon: TSA to Accept Digital Driver’s Licenses

Business travelers with an iPhone (or Apple Watch) will soon be able to experience a more...

The U.S. to Relax Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated Foreign Travelers

In a bit of great news for business travel, the U.S. is poised to ease up on pandemic travel...

Ready to Help in Teams and Slack

“So you can communicate with us from wherever you want.”

Is Uber Failing Customers? Why More Business Travelers are Pivoting Back to Rental Cars

For years, Uber posed a serious challenge to rental car companies. The convenience and comparative...

EU Recommends Restrictions for US Travelers: Here’s What You Need to Know

The summer of ever-changing travel restrictions continues. Two months after opening up for...

What to Do If Your Flight Changes or Gets Cancelled

If air travel seems a bit more complicated to you these days, you’re not alone: the current travel...

Mask Mandate Extended Through January 2022

It’s a good thing most of us are used to packing our masks before hitting the road. The TSA...

Delta Makes Standby Free for Same-Day Trip Changes

Last week Delta made it easier for all travelers to adjust their itineraries on the fly. You might...

England Reopens Borders to Fully Vaccinated Visitors From U.S., Europe

Starting on August 2, travelers from both the U.S. and EU who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19...

We All Need a Little Support

I recently read the Autobiography of Jane Russell, a Golden Age era actress perhaps best known as...

Canada Will Welcome Back Fully Vaccinated Americans in August

Current as of 9/17/21

Canada is officially welcoming back American travelers. Starting on August...

Passport Services Are Delayed: What You Need to Know

As the world continues to open back up, international travel is beginning to make a comeback. But...

Hilton Hotels Makes Daily Housekeeping Optional

Hilton is no longer offering daily housekeeping services. Starting last week, Hilton made their...

The Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines Fares for Business Travel

As a business traveler you need flexibility and reliability when flying. Nearly 20% of business...

All About UATP

This page is under construction 👷👷👷! Check back soon for more soon.

All About United Airlines Propel

United Airlines' Propel program is a corporate discount program that offers set discounts on United...

All About United Airlines PassPlus

United PassPlus is a prepaid discount program that gives small and midsize corporate or individual...

All About United Airlines PerksPlus

United PerksPlus is a corporate rewards program that earns companies PerksPlus credits that can pay...

All About American Airlines Business Extra

American Airlines Business Extra is a corporate rewards program that earns companies Business Extra...

How Do I Sign Up for SWABIZ?

Enrolling your company in SWABIZ is free, quick and easy. Follow these steps below to sign up for...

All About Southwest Airlines SWABIZ

This page is under construction 👷👷👷! Check back soon for more soon.

All About Delta Airlines SkyBonus

This page is under construction 👷👷👷! Check back soon for more soon.

Hotel Rates Are Rising, How Can Your Company Save Money?

My my, how things change in a few short months in the corporate travel industry.

How We Use Your Feedback to Improve AmTrav

Have you ever responded to an AmTrav post-trip survey and wondered what happens with your feedback?

AmTrav and Emburse Make Expenses Easy

Why are these expenses so hard? It’s 2021, shouldn’t we have figured this out by now?

Happy Birthday Southwest Airlines!

Happy 50th birthday, Southwest Airlines!

AmTrav Makes it Easy to Make CO2-Smart Choices and Track Your Impact

This week AmTrav launched two new tools that help you track your company’s carbon dioxide emissions...

Things You Should Know Before Booking Your Next Hotel Stay

At the risk of boring you to death, I am going to talk a little about what happens “under the hood”...

As Travel Demand Increases, So Do TSA Security Lines

Travel is on the upswing, and as many travelers get back on the road they find themselves running...

Seven EU Countries Begin Using Digital COVID Certificates

After weeks of discussions and considerations, seven countries in the European Union have...

Planning a Business Trip? You'll Still Need to Pack Your Mask

Updated on 5/20/21

Last week the CDC announced an exciting new guideline: fully vaccinated people...

CDC Now Allowing At-Home COVID Tests for International Travel

Returning home from international travel just got a little bit easier. On Friday, the CDC updated...

Major Airlines Are Reopening Airport Lounges: Here’s What You Need to Know

As summer quickly approaches and vaccine distribution continues, major airlines are beginning to...

REAL ID Deadline Pushed Back to 2023

The REAL ID deadline has been pushed back once again. Last month we dove into the REAL ID Act and...

Saving Money with Unused Tickets and Name Changes

Unless you're new to the AmTrav blog (in which case, welcome!) you know that we love unused tickets...

Two Steps to Prepare for Your Hotel Stay During the Pandemic

You’re preparing to get back on the road for business -- what should you expect?

Heads Up: Be Prepared For Uber and Lyft Shortages Right Now

Today Business Travel News reported on a driver shortage causing a shortage of Uber and Lyft ride...

Looking Ahead to Summer Business Travel with American Airlines’ President

American Airlines’ President Robert Isom sat down with business travel publication The Company Dime...

Vaccine Passports: Know Your Options

As COVID-19 vaccine eligibility opens up across the country, discussions about vaccine passports...

Fully Vaccinated Business Travelers May Now Travel Without Tests or Quarantines

In some good news for companies who are ready to begin traveling again, the CDC said late last week...

Where You Can Travel If You're Vaccinated

With the vaccine rollout well underway, countries are starting to make announcements about waiving...

What We Learned From Nearly One Billion Airfares (And How It Can Help Your Business Travel Budget)

AmTrav recently studied a large number of airfares ‒ over 917 million of them ‒ to understand how...

Are You REAL ID-Compliant? Here’s What You Need to Know

We’ve talked about this before here on the AmTrav Blog (if you’re new here, welcome!), so you may...

United Airlines Relaunches Service at JFK Airport

After a long five year hiatus, United Airlines is officially coming back to New York’s JFK Airport....

What Are Work-From-Hotel Programs? Here’s What You Need to Know

Thanks to a steady rise in vaccinations (and spring breakers everywhere), the TSA saw its busiest...

Are State Travel Requirements About to Disappear?

After a long and cold December, January and February, the AmTrav COVID Resource Center state travel...

There’s an Answer for That: Introducing the AmTrav Knowledge Base

We’ve all been there: trying to remember how something works and feeling frustrated because we...

What You Need to Know About the Potential Rental Car Shortage

With the vaccine rollout well underway, there’s hope that travel will start to pick up this summer....

One Stop Shop: New American Airlines Fares Available to AmTrav Customers

As our CEO Jeff explained in December, his goal for AmTrav’s booking tool is to “show you all the...

Hyatt & Marriott Now Offer Complimentary Covid Tests at Select Resorts

Hyatt and Marriott now offer complimentary on-site COVID-19 tests at select properties for any...

What It's Like to Get a COVID Test at IAD

Dulles International Airport (IAD) has partnered with XpresCheck to offer on-site COVID-19 testing....

What It's Like to Get a COVID Test at DCA

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) has partnered with XpresCheck to offer on site...

Vaccinated? Two States Are Waiving Their Travel Restrictions for You

Last month we wrote about Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Green's suggestion that travelers fully...

The Boeing 737 MAX is Back

After an almost two year grounding following two fatal crashes a couple of years ago, the Boeing...

Do I Need a Negative COVID Test to Fly in the United States?

Update Feb.15: The U.S. CDC and Biden Administration stated that they do not plan to require...

What It's Like to Get a COVID Test at San Diego Airport

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the latest airport to offer in-airport Covid-19 testing on...

The Latest on Digital Health Passports for Business Travel

Current as of 3/4/21

A few weeks ago we explored the idea of digital vaccine - or health -...

The Easiest Way to See the Value of Your Business Travel

Last week AmTrav introduced a new Trip Success Report to help you evaluate the success of your...

Can Vaccinated Travelers Skip Hawaii's Quarantine and Testing Requirements?

Normally the esteemed AmTrav blog doesn’t cover the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, but when the...

Did President Biden Really Implement a 14 Day Quarantine for Returning International Travelers?

Last week President Biden issued an Executive Order that, at a glance, seems to complicate the...

U.S. to Require Negative COVID-19 Test for Travelers on Incoming International Flights

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced yesterday that beginning on January...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at LAX

Current as of January 13, 2021

A Struggle To Put 2020 Accomplishments In Context

It wasn’t a typical New Year’s Eve, but 2020 is finally behind us. In a few days we’ll get back to...

Why I'm So Excited About AmTrav's New Flight Shopping Tool

In the summer of 2019, back when conferences were still a thing, I was invited to speak at an...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at ORD

Chicago’s O’Hare Airport (ORD) is the latest airport to offer in-airport Covid-19 testing on site....

Seasons Greetings From AmTrav

In the spirit of making business travel personal and keeping  it fun, here's AmTrav's very own...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at DEN

Current as of December 18, 2020.

AmTrav 2020 Product Recap (VIDEO)

2020 didn't go as planned, but just like you, we adjusted. We continued building AmTrav's one...

COVID Vaccine Passports for Business Travel

Last week in our 2021 business travel predictions we mentioned that we expect to see COVID testing...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at MCO

Current as of December 10, 2020.

COVID Cases, Vaccines and Travel: What We Expect Business Travel to Look Like in 2021

You've probably seen the news: COVID cases are continuing  to climb in the U.S., triple summer case...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at PHX

Current as of November 23, 2020.

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at CHS

Current as of November, 22 2020.

Track Your Travelers in Real Time With AmTrav and Journera

If you use the AmTrav Traveler Locator Report regularly, you know it gives you an accurate view of...

Three Steps to Save Money With Former Employees’ Unused Tickets

The only thing trickier than unused tickets are unused tickets that were issued to former...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at SEA

Current as of November 6, 2020.

It's About You

We're really excited to share with you the two new case studies we published this week telling the...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at LGA

Current as of October 29, 2020

Business Travel Is Down but Highly Productive According to AmTrav Traveler Data

Business travel is down in 2020 for reasons we all know well. Many businesses aren’t traveling at...

Hawaii Launches Pre-Testing Program For Travelers

Hawaii has started to open its borders, and if you travel there on business we have some advice to...

What You Need to Know About Airlines’ Preflight Covid-19 Testing

One of the biggest hurdles in getting back to business is the mandatory 14-day quarantines that...

Celebrating One Year of the Best Southwest Shopping & Booking Technology

Our friends at Southwest Airlines reminded us that it’s officially been one year since we upgraded...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at EWR

Current as of October 14, 2020

Getting the hotel room and rate you need with AmTrav

Along with social distancing, face coverings, and meetings switching from in-person to virtual,...

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at JFK

Current as of October 14, 2020

What It's Like to Get a Rapid Covid Test at TPA

Current as of October 14, 2020

What to Expect at Your Hotel: Three Questions to Ask Before You Arrive

Many aspects of travel have changed with COVID, including the hotel experience. While hotels strive...

Why We Decided to Build Our Own Chat Platform

Like the proverbial tree that falls in the woods with no one around to hear it, what if we made a...

Room Blocks Are for Weddings, Not Business

Hotel room blocks work really well for weddings. Room blocks offer a lot of flexibility, giving...

Introducing AmTrav’s New Post-Trip Surveys

One of the hardest tasks for a travel administrator or budget owner is to determine which trips...

To Quarantine or Not to Quarantine? Navigating State COVID Travel Restrictions

If you or your coworkers are traveling during the COVID pandemic, you need to remember to bring...

Tired of Unused Tickets? No? Me Neither!

A colleague shared some data with me today. It inspired me to share a story with you.

Saying Goodbye to (Most) Airline Change Fees

This week a number of major airlines, including American, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines,...

The Little Marketing Initiative That Could: Reflecting on Six Months of Communications in 2020

Coming into 2020 we thought it was a good time to put an emphasis on communicating regularly with...

"Ask Me Anything" Part 3: Here's What You Missed

Delta Airlines, Hilton Hotels, and Hertz joined us yesterday for Part 3 of our Ask Me Anything...

YOU'RE INVITED: PART 3,  KEEPING YOUR TRAVELERS SAFE "ASK ME ANYTHING"

Like many travel managers out there, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of...

"Ask Me Anything" Part 2: Here’s What You Missed

Southwest Airlines and Wyndham Hotels joined us this past Tuesday for Part 2 of our Ask Me Anything...

Your Guide to Getting Back to Travel

While your team begins to travel again and you’re faced with the task of creating a travel policy...

What to Do If an Employee Gets COVID-19 On the Road

As part of your duty of care to employees, you should have an action plan that outlines the...

AmTrav’s Keeping Your Travelers Safe “Ask Me Anything” Series

As a travel manager, you are likely facing tough questions, rapid change, and concerns about...

You're Invited: Part 2,  Keeping Your Travelers Safe "Ask Me Anything"

Like many travel managers out there, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of...

Safe on the Road - Why Social Distancing is Way More Than Half the Battle

There are a lot of lists out there about how to stay safe during COVID times and, specifically, how...

"Ask Me Anything" Part 1: Here’s What You Missed

American Airlines, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Omni Hotels and Resorts joined us last Thursday for...

Hotels vs. Private Home Rentals - Which is Better During COVID?

There is a debate among those crafting COVID-era travel policies about what type of accommodation...

How Amtrav Can Help, Even When You Book on Other Sites

When your company books travel through an AmTrav channel (e.g. a2b, chat, calling one of our travel...

Are Car Rentals Safer than Rideshares Right Now?

For a while now, the trend among business travelers has been more rideshare and less car rentals,...

Your First Trip in the COVID-Era? Here's What's Different

If it’s been a while since you’ve traveled, the next time you get back on the road you’ll likely...

You're Invited: Keeping Your Travelers Safe, "Ask Me Anything"

Like many travel managers out there, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility of...

What Are "COVID Clean" Hotels and How Can You Find Them?

As you or your team members begin to travel again, our team wants to help make sure you’re booking...

With no change fees, is Basic Economy now worth it?

Ever since they were introduced, Basic Economy air fares have been an anathema to business...

Earn Double Miles With American Airlines This Summer

As we head into summer and companies begin to feel more comfortable traveling, American Airlines...

New & Improved: Printer-Friendly Trip Confirmations

In late February we released a new trip confirmation email format. We lamented that our previous...

From Our CEO: Sad Times, Green Shoots, and Trying Not to Waste a Crisis

Although it seems like a lifetime ago, last weekend I watched the SpaceX ship blast off and...

Traveler Safety Enhancements at AmTrav

We know how hard it is to keep up with the constantly-changing risks and restrictions facing your...

AmTrav Travelers on COVID-Era Travel: “Pack Your Patience"

It’s hard to know what to expect when traveling right now in the COVID era. In order to find out...

WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP MYSELF SAFE WHEN FLYING?

As we settle into the “new normal,” we’re all taking small, cautious steps to get back to our...

What to Pack for Travel During COVID

With stores and restaurants keeping odd hours, and a lot more to worry about from a safety...

PERSONAL SERVICE FOR PERSONAL TRAVEL

This is a story from our colleague Elliott McNamee, who recently used AmTrav to book his personal...

Major Airlines Now Requiring Masks For Passengers

With many Americans eager to get back to “normal” as soon as it is safe to do so, the airlines are...

TO INHIBIT OR ENABLE TRAVELERS? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

I wrote this article a few months back for a trade magazine called The Beat, but I realized I never...

Drowning in Unused Airline Tickets? We Can Help

Among the thousands of challenges that we’re all facing right now is the staggering amount of...

THIS IS NO TIME FOR TRAVEL: A NOTE FROM OUR CEO

Today all of us are grappling with uncertainty and confusion and our hearts bleed for those who...

Measuring What Matters With NDC

“New Distribution Capability” (NDC) is an airline initiative to modernize the way airline tickets...

YOUR ITINERARIES - MORE INFO, MORE EASILY

At AmTrav, we fancy ourselves a pretty forward thinking company and we’re proud to have...

5 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR FLY TIME

Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or an occasional business traveler, you know the nagging...