Introduction to travel concepts and terminology



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Rule 240 is a term that describes the obligations that an individual airline has for late or stranded passengers, for delays caused by airlines. Individual airlines have filed conditions of carriage with the U.S. Department of Transportation stating their respective Rule 240 provisions. Rule 240 does not include flight delays or cancellations that result from bad weather or other factors that are outside of the airliner’s control.
Module Summary
In this module, we have covered the following:


  • Frequent Flyer Programs

  • Travel considerations for children and infants, pets, and special requirements

  • Security, check-in, and baggage policies

  • Passenger Type Codes (PTCs)

  • Types of tickets

  • Fares and Fare Basis Codes

  • Voids, exchanges, and refunds

  • LTA / PTA / MCO

  • Packages and schedule changes

International Travel Considerations

International Travel Considerations have come under strict observation following security threats in the recent past. It is always necessary to have all necessary documentation ready at the time of travel.

Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:


  • Identify the importance of travel documentation including health and travel insurance.

  • Define visa for travel purposes.

  • Define immunizations.

Travel Documentation


Passport Requirements
When traveling internationally, make two copies of your passport identification page. This will help speed up the replacement of your passport should it be lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or family and carry the other with you. Make sure the copy is not in the same place as the original passport. A passport is a document issued by an authorized official that is usually necessary for exit and reentry into a country, allows travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and requests protection for a citizen while abroad.
Make sure you have two forms of photo ID. Carry any medical information that might be required should you be injured or incapacitated.

Health Insurance
Getting medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive for travelers who get sick or injured during a trip. Before your trip, check with your health insurance regarding the medical services they cover overseas. If your policy does not provide this type of coverage, purchase a temporary health policy that provides short-term health and emergency coverage.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended. Some travel insurance plans will cover you for the cancellation or interruption of your trip, some form of emergency medical care while traveling, lost or stolen luggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Certain credit card may also provide additional travel insurance, provided you have used the card to purchase the ticket for your trip.

Visa
What is a visa?
A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by a foreign government that permits you to enter that country for a specified purpose ad a limited time – for example a 3-month tourist visa. It is advisable to obtain visas before you leave because you may not be able to obtain visas for some countries at your point of entry. You should apply directly to the embassy or nearest consulate of each country that you plan to visit.

Immunizations


Under international health regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require international certificates of vaccination against Yellow Fever and Cholera. Typhoid vaccinations are not required for international travel, but are recommended for areas where there is a risk of contagion. Smallpox vaccinations are no longer given. Check your health care records and make sure your Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus immunizations are up-to-date. Medication to deter malaria and other preventative measures are advisable for certain areas. No immunizations are needed to return to the United States. Some counties are now requiring visitor be tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) before they can enter that country.

Internet Reference Site
To know more about international travel considerations, please visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html.

Module Summary
In this module, we have covered the following:


  • Travel documentation including passport information and health and travel insurance

  • Visa

  • Immunizations

Cars

Passengers intending to spend some time in their destination cities require car services for commuting, sight seeing, and so on. There are several can rental services in each city that a passenger can choose from.


A car rental agency is a company that rents automobiles for specific period of time for a fee. Car rental companies have branches primarily located near airports or busy city areas. Some car rental agencies also rent moving vans or trucks in additional to regular commuter vehicles.

Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:


  • Identify basic car types and services.

  • Identify basic car policies.

Basic Car Types and Services


There are numerous car rental companies. Each company is noted by a specific code, which makes it possible to book these vehicles through various Global Distribution Systems (GDSs). Each code is the same for each GDS and is known throughout the industry.
There are about 10 car rental categories that most car rental agencies use. These include:


  1. Economy

  2. Compact

  3. Midsize

  4. Standard

  5. Full size

  6. Premium

  7. Luxury

  8. Minivan

  9. Convertible

  10. Sport utility

  11. Truck

These car groups vary by each rental company.


Some rental car companies break the term compact into two different car types: economy and compact. For example, an example of an economy car through Avis Rent-a-Car would be a Chevrolet Metro while a compact car would be a Chevrolet Cavalier. The difference is the model of the car.
Other car companies may consider a standard size vehicle as either a mid-size or full-size, while a classification of premium could be considered as either full-size or luxury. Again the only difference is the car model. This is why it is extremely important to check the car details page.

Onsite Car Agencies



On-site car companies have their rental cars located on the airport property, usually in the airport garage.


This provides a great convenience for customers since they can walk directly to their car without waiting in line for a shuttle bus.


Offsite Car Agencies
Some airports, such as McCarran International airport in Las Vegas, do not have on-site car rentals. Customers still check-in with the car company at the airport – car rental company counters are usually located near the baggage claim and / or ground transportation area.
After the paperwork of the customer is complete, he / she proceeds to the shuttle bus pick-up area, which will take the passenger to the parking lot where the rental cars are kept. Most major companies provide shuttles for free but some smaller car companies may charge a nominal fee. Again, the customer needs to check the rules and restrictions.

Arriving at the Desk
Regardless of whether the company is on-site or off-site, the customer will need to check in at the car rental desk. Most car rental companies accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash as an acceptable form of payment, but a credit card is required upon check in.
When a customer rents a car from the agency, the agency will hold an amount on the credit card until the car is returned. This amount varies with each company but the average is $250.
If customers want to use a debit card, they will not be allowed to use it upon arrival. After the rental is brought back, the car rental agency can place the whole charge onto the debit card.
With the travel industry vehicle types are classified by a set 4 alphabetic codes. The table below explains the codes.


 Car Type

 # of Doors

 Transmission

Air Conditioning

 

L = Luxury

V = Van

M = Midsize

E = Economy 


 

C = 2 or 4

D = 4


 

A = Automatic 

M = Manual


 

R = Air Conditioning

N = No Air Conditioning

For example, the vehicle code FCAR would be a full size car, with 2 doors, with automatic transmission, with air conditioning.


Basic Car Policies


Rates
Car rental agencies have different sets of rates, which can include hourly, daily, weekly, weekend rate, and one-way rental rates. Weekend rates typically start on Friday and end on Sunday. Car agencies will charge a customer a penalty if they are late returning their rental. All rental rates are based on a 24-hour rental.
Things to remember about car rental rates and fees:


  • Based on the rate quoted, cars must be returned on time to avoid any extra penalties or fees.

  • Weekend rates typically start on Friday or Saturday

  • Car rental companies will charge a late fee if a vehicle is returned after the designated time.

  • For one-way rentals, customers will usually incur a penalty known as a drop fee.

  • Mileage fees. Vehicles are rented either with a certain amount of mileage allowed or unlimited miles driven. If a car is rented allowing 500 miles driven and that mileage is exceeded, a mileage fee per mile may be charged.

  • It is a standard policy to return the vehicle with the same amount of gas as you received it, usually a full tank. If you do not, a high premium fee is charged. Most companies now allow a Fuel Option to be purchased at the time of rental. This will allow the renter to return the vehicle with any amount of gas, but a full tank must be purchased in advance.

  • Taxes and surcharges vary from state to state, airport to airport and can increase a rental rate substantially. Various taxes, fees and surcharges can include the following:



Rental Requirements
In addition to having a valid driver’s license and method of payment, many car companies have minimum rental requirements that must be met in order to rent a vehicle. Renters have to:


  • Meet the minimum age requirements. A standard industry rule is that one must be 25 years or older to rent. This is not true for all rental companies.

  • Present a valid driver’s license at the time of rental.

  • Present a valid credit card in the driver’s name. A deposit is usually held against the credit card.

  • Have a good driving record.



Taxes and Fares
Low quoted prices may grow into larger charges for the customer. There are fees and taxes that are charged to a customer once they rent a car. They can be charged state, county, city, and airport taxes. Additionally, some companies may charge fees such as registration, customer facility, and concession recoupment, which is a charge to pay for the land the rental agency leases at the airport.
Some companies may also add refueling charges for bringing the car back without a full tank of gas, additional driver fees, and possibly an age requirement fee.


Special Requests
In addition to renting a car, customers can also request that special equipment be included in their rental.
However, special equipment is a request and is not guaranteed. Additional charges will most likely apply, with prices ranging from $7 per day for a car seat to as much as $25 per day for a luggage rack. Customers should also check the rules and restrictions for making special requests.

Frequent Renter Program
Some companies, such as Hertz, have programs where frequent customers get perks such as covered parking and express check-in. Other companies have partnerships with airlines so that you can receive airline miles with each car rental.

Insurance Coverage
In addition to taxes, customers may elect to be covered by a variety of insurance. The following are insurance policies that are offered from rental car agencies:


  • Lost damage waiver (LDW) – LDW provides the renter relief of all financial responsibility for loss or damage to the car as long as they comply with the terms of the rental agreement.

  • Personal accident insurance (PAI) – PAI provides accidental death and medical expense benefits to the renter and all passengers.

  • Personal effects protection (PEP) – PEP insures the personal belongings of the renter and the immediate family members who are traveling with the renter.

  • Supplemental liability insurance (SLI) – SLI provides primary protection for liability claims against the renter and authorized drivers for injury / death or property damage.

  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection (UMI) – UMI provides protection to the renter for any uninsured motorist that might hit the vehicle.

Some states have additional insurances that the customer can purchase depending on the state laws.



Module Summary
In this module, we have covered the following:


  • Basic car types and services

  • Basic car policies


Hotels

Passengers traveling between cities and intending to spend the night in a destination city require hotel services to avail from. Each city has a variety of hotels to choose from. Rates of stay differ from hotel to hotel. Passengers can select from luxury to budget hotels according to their convenience.



Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:


  • Identify basic hotel types and services.

  • Identify basic hotel policies.

Basic Hotel Types and Services


Special Rate Hotels
Hotels offer travel companies blocks of rooms to sell every night at a reduced or net rate. The travel companies sell the rooms on their various points of sale.


The travel companies specially negotiate these hotels and charge the customer for payment in full at the time of purchase. The travel companies are merchants of record in such cases. In other words, when customers look at their credit cards, they will see a charge from the travel company for the cost of their room.





GDS Hotels
GDS hotels are made available to travel companies through their GDS systems. These hotels are offered at the same price that is available to any other travel agency.
GDS hotels are not charged in full at the time of booking because the travel company through which they are sold is not the merchant for this transaction. The customer’s credit card is charged in full by the hotel at the time of check-in. When customers receive their credit card bills, they will see the hotel name listed and not the travel company name. A customer’s credit card may be charged at time of booking if a deposit is made on a GDS hotel.

Basic Hotel Policies
Net Rates
Net rate is the actual amount the travel company is charged by the hotel for each room. This rate is the cost of the room. The travel company takes this net rate, adds a mark-up, and lists the final price.
Net rates are part of the travel company’s contract with the hotel, which means that the net rate price is never available to the customer. For this reason, neither the travel company nor the hotel reveals net rates to the customer.

Hotel Restrictions
There may be restrictions stated by the hotel minimum night stay requirements as well as which day of the week will allow check in and check out. For example, you will very rarely find a Las Vegas hotel that allows a one-night stay on a weekend or a checkout date of Saturday. Other destinations have similar restrictions depending on the time of year and any special events. For example, a hotel in the city hosting the Super Bowl will usually have a 3-night minimum for that weekend.

Advance Notice and Same Day
In some situations, a hotel partner cannot honor a reservation and sends it back to the travel company. Some types of such a decision are Advance Notice and Same Day. In the case of Advance Notice, a hotel contacts the travel company sometimes weeks in advance and lets it know that their property has been oversold for a given weekend.
In case of Same Day, customers arrive at the hotel only to find that there are no rooms available. This happens most often on Fridays, since that is the day of the week when most leisure travelers are checking in for weekend stays.

Checking In and Checking Out
When customers book a hotel, the reservation is made and reserved in their names. When the customers arrive at the hotel, they will check-in at the front desk and will need to present identification, such as a driver’s license, as well as a credit card to cover incidental charges such as room service or the room’s mini-bar. In many cases, customers will also need to give a credit card in order to have long-distance phone service turned on in their room.
When customers are ready to check out of a hotel, they will receive a billing statement for any additional charges they incurred, such as phone bills and room service. They will not, however, see a room rate on their bill since the room rate is listed on the confirmation they receive from the travel company. When a customer checks out of a GDS hotel, all charges, including the room rate will be assessed.

Module Summary
In this module, we have covered the following:


  • Basic hotel types and services

  • Basic hotel policies






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