Travel

E-Travel News

May 2019 - Volume 11, Issue 3

In This Issue

• Economy Fares Removed from E-Travel
• Managing Your Travel Profile
• Ravn Alaska Increases No-Show Charges
• Traveling in Rural Alaska

Economy Fares Removed from E-Travel

E-Travel Online displays economy fares, but due to the restrictive nature of these fares, the flight option is marked out of policy and the purchase is restricted. Since there is no way to filter economy fares out of the display, users must search through pages of flight options to find the desired flight at the regular coach fare.

Recent E-Travel survey feedback revealed an elevated level of user frustration with these fares mucking up the list of practical fare options to select from in E-Travel Online. We have listened to our users and on Tuesday May 28, 2019, economy fares (i.e. Alaska's Saver Fare and Delta's Basic Fare) were removed from the flight options displayed in E-Travel Online! This simplifies the process by narrowing the number of flights to choose from.

Economy fares can still be purchased through CTM directly, however the full agent fee will apply, and no changes can be made to the reservation. A lower fare found on a carrier’s website may have restrictions not suitable for State business travel. Please contact the E-Travel Management team if a fare comparison is needed.

The online user guide and video module will be updated to reflect this change in June.

Managing Your Travel Profile

Travel profiles have business and personal information. Most business information is updated automatically, but personal information, such as required TSA, emergency contacts, and frequent traveler numbers must be added manually.

All travelers and their associated travel planners can update profiles. Allowing travel planners access to profile updates allows them to ditch the excel spreadsheet or note cards with their travelers’ preferences and take advantage of travel profile security. Updated travel profiles make travel planners more efficient.

The data saved in the Personal Information section of the profile includes business data updated automatically as well as personal data that may need to be manually updated. For example, elite mileage status changes annually; however, the E-Travel profile is not linked to the airlines mileage system so the employee must update their elite status at the beginning of each calendar year. Also, Known Travel Numbers (KTN) must be renewed every 5 years so travelers must update this type of information periodically.

The Frequent Traveler section is were personal membership numbers for airlines, hotels, and car companies are stored. When information is saved in this section it will automatically be sent to the vendor at the time of the reservation and the traveler will accrue their travel points.

For security purposes, when an employee leaves state service or transfers departments, all profile data is deleted. If the employee is transferring departments and will continue to travel in their new position, a new profile must be setup and the employee will need to add their personal information.

Check out the Traveler Profile guide for a quick reference.

Ravn Air Increases No-Show Charges

Effective for Ravn Alaska and Pen Air, tickets purchased on or after April 15, 2019 the No-Show fee has increased from a flat $50.00 to $100.00 for Zone 1* travel and $200.00 for Zone 2** travel (see zones below). The fee does not apply on flights operated by Ravn Connect.

No-Show fees are applicable when notification is not given to Ravn Alaska Reservations or Ticket Counter Agents at least 4-hours prior to departure.

Ravn Alaska always recommends reconfirming your reservations and flight times 24 hours before travel. You may do this by calling Reservations at 800-866-8394.

*Zone 1 travel: Homer, Kenai, Kodiak, McGrath, Valdez, and Fairbanks. **Zone 2 travel: Aniak, Bethel, Cold Bay, Dillingham, Deadhorse, King Salmon, Kotzebue, Sand Point, St. Mary’s, and St. Paul.

Traveling in Rural Alaska

Individuals that have traveled to a rural Alaska community may be familiar with the unique rules, restrictions, and check-in requirements. However, the requirements may vary, by carrier, destination, and time of year, so even a seasoned traveler may be caught in a situation that may cost the state money or interrupt business plans. Some travelers have been forced to find overnight accommodations, which can be a challenge in rural areas.

It is extremely important that travelers reconfirm flights directly with the carrier’s regional hub at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Please share these helpful tips with your travelers.

Rural Travel Tips

• Upon arrival to a village, ask your pilot or a local person who the village agent will be. Stay in touch with the agent for the most up-to-date flight information.
• When departing a village or small community, check-in at least 3 hours prior to the flight time on the itinerary.
• Once checked-in, stay in the terminal and listen to announcements as flights may leave earlier than scheduled.
• Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Not all village destinations have sheltered airport facilities.
• Carry-on baggage is not usually allowed on board.
• Checked baggage is subject to load restrictions and may not transported on the same flight.

Rural Information

• Village agents are not responsible for providing airport transportation.
• Cellular service may be limited or unavailable.
• Many villages do not allow alcohol.
• Commercial lodging may not be available in some communities or villages.