January, 2008

Booking Change

When booking the university’s preferred rate of $145 offered by the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, you must search in Orbitz for Business by selecting “all hotel properties” instead of specifying the “Omni” chain.

Orbitz for Business Conducts Air Fare Searches

Orbitz for Business conducts air fare searches with the applicable university contract discount automatically calculated in the fare display. Because these contracts apply exclusively to the respective airline under contract, they do not allow combining the discounts with other airlines. Therefore, if you are attempting to build an itinerary with an outbound flight on carrier A and the return on carrier B, your search may not always display the flights you are seeking. The recommended solution when this happens is to call an Orbitz for Business agent who can assist in you booking the desired flights. Alternatively, you could book two 1-way tickets in the tool in order to find the specific flights in the display when multiple airlines are being requested.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts

Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Sheraton and Westin) offer Yale travelers a program called Starwood Preferred Business that affords late check-outs, room upgrades, and extra membership points. Membership is complimentary. Please advise Travel Services if you are interested in joining by sending an email to travel@yale.edu. If you already hold a SPG membership, please remember to add Yale’s unique ID number (330555) to your existing membership profile.

DOT implements new rules for lithium batteries

Effective January 1, 2008, lithium batteries will not be permitted in checked baggage unless they are installed in their electronic devices. A limited number of spare lithium batteries is permitted in carry-on bags, but only if each battery is in a separate, resealable plastic bag, or it’s original packaging, to prevent them from coming in contact with metal objects or other batteries.

Lithium batteries, which power cameras, cell phones, and lap tops, are considered hazardous because they can over heat and ignite under certain conditions.

Further details are available at http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html

Coming Soon!

Travel Services, in conjunction with Orbitz for Business, will be conducting informative “webinars” on new enhancements and “tips and tricks” on using the tool. These will be valuable sessions and we encourage all arrangers and/or travelers to participate. Look for more details, including agenda items, in upcoming announcements.