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With tens of millions of Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving this week despite spiking COVID-19 numbers nationwide, the U.S. Travel Association released an update to its guidance for healthy and safe travel—along with a plea for everyone to closely heed recommended best practices if traveling.
At the press conference detailing the revised guidelines, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow discussed the relatively new challenge of “pandemic fatigue”—which is reportedly causing many Americans to lower their guard against the coronavirus because they are tired after eight long months of evolving restrictions and lifestyle adjustments.
“It is extremely important to not become complacent about our health and safety practices,” Dow said. “If we do, the longer this pandemic will go on.”
U.S. Travel Association Health and Safety Guidance
The fatigue phenomenon is partially apparent in the fact that strong numbers of Americans are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday despite the persistence of coronavirus. AAA Travel projects that up to 50 million Americans will take to the roads and skies for the November holiday.
The newly updated “Travel in the New Normal” health and safety guidance was developed in May in a collaboration between health and medical authorities and a broad array of business voices and reflect the most up-to-date information about the virus—including its airborne nature. The goal: keep travelers focused on their own practices that contribute to a safe environment for all—and demonstrate the travel industry’s commitment to the same. Accordingly, the new guidance outlines practices that should be embraced by both travelers and travel businesses alike.
“Public health is a shared responsibility that requires a phased and layered approach, and if you’re choosing to travel, you have a major role to play,” said Dow. “First and foremost: wear a mask in public spaces. That needs to be universal at this point.”
Dow emphasized that the need to stay conscientious about health and safety applies to all travel environments—not just air travel. This is especially true because 95 percent of Thanksgiving trips are expected to be by car this year, according to AAA—an increase from 90 percent last year.
“The same best practices apply in every phase of travel,” said Dow. “If you’re in an airport, at a rest stop, or entering a restaurant, or if you’re staying in a hotel, please wear a mask in public spaces, without exception.”
Beyond the strong emphasis on mask-wearing, other practical advice for travelers in the updated guidance includes:
- Decide if you can travel safely. Do not travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
- Get an annual flu vaccine.
- Before travel, check information about your destination. Check health departments for local requirements and up-to-date travel information about your destination.
- Practice physical distancing. Stay six feet from those who do not live with you, both indoors and outdoors.
- Wash your hands frequently. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Click here to read the full updated travel health and safety guidance.
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[11.23.20]
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Charter bus reservation platform CharterUP announced it ranked 8th on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, and energy tech companies in North America.
CharterUp CEO Armir Harris
CharterUP CEO Armir Harris credits CharterUP’s growth on its continued investment in customer service and technology.
“We are honored to rank on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500. It’s humbling to see how much we’ve grown in such a short amount of time. We’ve processed hundreds of millions of dollars of trips on our platform and that number keeps increasing,” Harris said.
“No one has ever built a transparent motorcoach marketplace like CharterUP. We’re creating an ‘Expedia for buses.’ In one stop, customers can visit our platform, request quotes, and see all the bus options in their area right away. There was clearly a hunger in the market for the type of aggregation and booking service CharterUP provides,” Harris continued.
To be eligible for Deloitte’s Tech Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues.
While this marks CharterUp’s first appearance on the Deloitte Fast 500 list, it has seen consistent revenue growth every year since its inception.
“We created CharterUP as a way for bus operators to regain their market share online,” Harris said. “It’s exciting to see our technology embraced.”
Visit charterup.com for more information.
[11.19.20]
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Coffee With ILLBA Brews Insurance Discussions
Insurance was on the menu at the fourth Coffee With ILLBA event hosted by the Illinois Limousine and Bus Association (ILLBA). The association welcomed guest speakers Michael McDaniels of Shriver Insurance and Brian Ludlow of Alternative Claims Management (ACM) to discuss ways that operators can save (or find) money by shopping and researching their coverage options.
Michael McDaniels of Shriver Insurance
McDaniels was frank that insurance is a top expense for ground transportation operators, but pointed out that it’s also an area where you can save money. The broker advised that owners start shopping for rates between 90-100 days before your expiration date. For smaller companies, McDaniels said that well-trained chauffeurs between the age of 35 and 60 are the key to get the best rates. With so many companies with cars sitting in lots, there was concerns expressed by operators about rate increases for 2021. McDaniels advised the industry to budget for a 10-15 percent increase, but companies are still exploring COVID programs for reduced rates on vehicles not in use.
Brian Ludlow of Alternative Claims Management
Next, Ludlow provided an overview of how ACM can get operators loss-of-use and loss-of-revenue money from not-at-fault accidents, even ones in the past. According to Ludlow, past insurance claims are found money. His said company will work with operators to investigate past incidents, notably review their documentation, to see if they can recover any money due for loss of income. What’s more, ACM receives no money upfront, and only gets paid if your claim is paid out.
The meeting concluded with a City of Chicago update from ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks, and an overview of the CD/NLA Virtual from CD Editor Rob Smentek and ILLBA President Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus (who serves as co-chair for the CD/NLA Education Committee). Members were also advised that ILLBA is also holding board elections on November 18.
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
WFLA Anticipating the Big Game
On October 22, the West Florida Limousine Association (WFLA) held a short Zoom conference for the members to discuss the current state of the industry in their region. With operators still suffering due to Tampa tourism and corporate travel still down, the online meeting gave operators the opportunity to vent frustrations, share best practices, and just catch up as friends and colleagues.
Tom Halsnik of Walsh Chauffeured Transportation
However, there was some positive news to be had. WFLA Secretary Tom Halsnik of Walsh Chauffeured Transportation and Board Member David DiDomenico have been in direct contact with NFL transportation, the local Super Bowl host committee, and airport officials regarding the planning, preparation, and mechanics of the Super Bowl LV to be held at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on February 7, 2021. While much of the logistics are, of course, up in the air due to the pandemic, the big game will be held in some capacity, and transportation is a necessity.
“A lot of will hinge on the state of pandemic at the time of the game—from eventual attendance, events, and handling of the whole week,” says Halsnik. “Organizers have indicated more solid plans will be forthcoming about mid-December. We have tentatively scheduled a meeting with a rep from those agencies who will speak to us. It's a huge help to our local economy that has been denied NHL playoff games, World Series games, and various other events. We are very excited about the opportunity!”
Visit facebook.com/WestFloridaLimousineAssociation for more information.
WLA Facing Rising COVID Numbers
The increasing number of COVID cases in the Midwest was a major topic of discussion on the November 10 Wisconsin Limousine Association (WLA) conference call. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently signed a stay-at-home advisory action, which warns Wisconsinites to stay home and urges precautions to stay safe if they have to leave their homes.
WLA President Larry Epstein of Gallant Knight Limousine said that he and other area operators are managing day by day as they deal with the work turndown. Retail work continues to be the saving grace, although operators continue to deal with last-minute cancelations.
The association is also monitoring rising fuel costs in the region. Although prices are currently creeping up, there is concern that the winter months will bring a sharper increase.
WLA is holding their next call on December 9.
Visit wisconsinlimo.org for more information.
[11.17.20]