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Vanguard Travel
Celebrating 40 Years - 1968 to 2008
Website: http://www.vanguard-travel.com for all of your travel needs.
Self-Registration for Cliqbook is here.
It is as simple as clicking on the link below and filling in the required information.
http://app2.outtask.com/registration/register_form.asp?regcode=ACTC
Cliqbook has released a new automated enhancement to help users who have forgotten
their password.
You will now notice a new link in red on Cliqbook's log-in page called "Forgot your password?".
By clicking on this link, the user will have two options. Option #1: Have Cliqbook send an
email with a password hint the user set up originally. Option #2: Have Cliqbook send an email
with a link for the user to reset their password. If you have any questions, please contact
Skip Trumble at (952) 392-3135.
Training Documents
Travel Arranger View Enhancements
Cliqbook - Clone and/or Share trip feature
Cliqbook Quick Reference Guide 2009
Travel Profiles
Please remember to review and update your personal travel profile with Vanguard Travel at least once a year. This ensures that we have the most up to date information on travel preferences, contact information, travel program numbers, etc. If you are using Cliqbook, you can review and update your profile at www.concursolutions.com
Vanguard Travel Unlimited, Inc.
8421 Wayzata Boulevard
Suite 100
Golden Valley, MN 55426
Main Business Line: (763) 746-8877
Main Fax Line: (763) 746-8876
Corporate Reservations: (763) 225-8730
Group Department: (763) 225-8763
Leisure Travel: (763) 225-8777
Contact Information
(Phone Numbers)
Vanguard Travel Updates and News
November 2009
Delta Offers to Match Continental’s Elite Status
Delta Air Lines has made an offer to match the current elite-level status of travelers in Continental’s OnePass program. It’s easy to enjoy Medallion status with Delta. Simply email, fax or phone your request by December 31, 2009, to receive matched status. Be sure to include your full name, SkyMiles number, Continental Elite status and Elite OnePass membership number to take advantage of this offer.
• Email: deltamatch.delta@delta.com
• FAX: 1 404 677 2547
• Phone: 1 800 323 2323
Your status will be matched within 3 business days of submitting the request and will be good through February 28, 2011.
United Offers Checked-Bag Subscriptions
Travelers have the option of paying $249 for an annual subscription that will cover a year’s worth of checked bags. The program, called Premier Baggage, allows the purchaser and up to eight companions traveling under the same confirmation number to check up to two standard bags each without fees. To receive the benefits, subscribers provide their frequent flyer number when making a reservation.
Continental Will Add Hawaii Service from Southern California
On March 7, 2010, Continental will launch service from Los Angeles to Maui and from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport to Honolulu. On the same date, Continental will add a second daily flight between Los Angeles and Honolulu.
Southwest to add St. Louis Service
Starting in May, Southwest will add six destinations and nine daily flights from St. Louis, MO. Southwest plans to launch two daily nonstops to both Nashville and Los Angeles, plus one each to San Diego, Seattle, New Orleans and Raleigh/Durham, N.C. Southwest is already slated to fly twice a day between Minneapolis/St. Paul and St. Louis, beginning Jan. 10; the airline will increase to thrice-daily service between the two cities in May.
Delta Skymiles profile update instructions:
By now most travelers have received their new Delta SkyMile Frequent Flyer account number. Each traveler may select from 1 of 3 options below to update your traveler profile with Vanguard Travel.
1. If you are a Concur Cliqbook (or) Biztrip traveler and prefer to change your Frequent Flyer memberships on your own:
www.Vanguard-Travel.com
Ø Travel Tools
Ø Online Booking & Profile – Cliqbook Users
Once you login to Cliqbook
Ø Profile
Ø Personal Information
Ø Travel Preferences
Ø + Add a Program
Enter Traveler’s Delta Frequent account #
(optional) Make default for all SkyTeam bookings (SkyTeam = Delta, Northwest, KLM, & several International Airlines)
Ø Save
Remove your previous Northwest Airlines WorldPerks account#
Remember, Continental is now a member of Star Alliance (United / Continental / US Air / Air Canada & several Int’l Airlines)
2. www.Vanguard-Travel.com
Ø Travel Tools
Ø Business Travel Profile
Ø I am a Cliqbook user No
Ø I want to update my profile
Ø Frequent Flyer Programs:
Ø Enter Delta’s SkyMile number & make any other profile updates:
Ø Submit
Vanguard will remove your old Northwest WorldPerk number from your profile when a new Delta # is submitted.
3. Email or call any Vanguard Agent to update your profile on your behalf.
Agents@Vanguard-travel.com
763-225-8730 (800) 783-6028
October 2009
Continental Joins Star Alliance
Continental expects to begin participation in the Star Alliance on October 27, 2009. They will also begin to cooperate closely with United Airlines by linking their networks and services worldwide to deliver new benefits to their customers. Continental will end its participation in SkyTeam after their last scheduled flight on October 24, 2009.
Continental's OnePass members do not need to make any changes to their OnePass accounts and will continue to utilize their mileage as normal. Mileage balances will not be affected by the transition.
Through Oct. 24, 2009, OnePass members can continue to earn and redeem miles and make reward reservations on SkyTeam partners.
When the transition to Star Alliance occurs on Oct. 27, 2009, OnePass members will begin earning base miles and Elite Qualification Miles/Points and be able to redeem miles on Star Alliance airlines.
For frequently asked questions, please visit: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/news/alliancefaq.aspx
United Announces New Fee for Bundled Options
United has bundled several services, including two checked bags, in a product called Premier Travel. In addition to the two checked bags, it includes a seat in Economy Plus, early boarding, priority check–in, priority security line access at available airports and a 25% mileage bonus. The cost of Premier Travel varies according to itinerary and ranges from $47 – $167 each way. Customers can buy Premier Travel at United.com or at an airport self–service kiosk. Premier Travel is a nonrefundable product unless Economy Plus seating isn’t available. In that case, the customer can request a refund at United.com, but only for the Economy Plus portion of the package.
US Airways Introduces Lie-Flat Seats for Atlantic Flights
The US Airways Group Inc. is redesigning planes for trans-Atlantic flights so business class seats can be reclined flat. The new Envoy Suite service will have an on-demand in-flight entertainment system. The Envoy Suite will debut in December with all other 15 planned aircraft installations complete by summer 2012, for a total of 24 aircraft.
Continental Offers to Match Delta/Northwest’s Elite Status
Continental offers to match your current Delta and Northwest elite level in their Continental OnePass program. You must call Continental directly at 888-352-SWAP (888-352-7927) by December 31, 2009 with your Delta and Northwest membership number along with your name and Continental OnePass account number. Your matched status will be valid through February 28, 2011. You do not need to inform Vanguard Travel if your status is matched. All future booked reservations will reflect your updated Continental OnePass status.
Companies Cut Profits when Cutting Travel
The research firm, Oxford Economics, claims to have established the first clear link between business travel and business growth. The findings of the study indicated that every dollar invested in business travel produced twelve–fold gains in revenue and an average of $3.80 in new profits. The Managing Director at Oxford says, "This study shows that not all spending cuts are smart cuts. When companies reduce their travel budgets, there are negative consequences that we can now quantify, in terms of lost revenue and profit growth, and in terms of giving competitors a distinct advantage." The study went on to estimate that a business that eliminated all of its business travel would suffer a first–year average loss of 17% of its profits and it would take more than three years for the profits to recover.
September 2009
Vanguard Travel Enhances E-Invoice/Itineraries
Travelers can now click a link on the Vanguard Travel E-Invoices Itinerary to be directed to the airline’s website for updated luggage fees and requirements. Please share this information with your travelers.
An example of the link:
Click here for checked Baggage fees and Information: Northwest
Delta Brings Back Meeting Network
Delta has revived the Delta Meeting Network program which offers discounts off published fares. Also, Delta Meeting Network enables meetings planners to earn one free ticket for every 40 tickets flown. To qualify for discounts and other perks, a minimum of 10 travelers is required, and individuals must depart from at least two U.S. cities. Vanguard’s group department is ready to assist you with your upcoming meetings. Please email all inquiries to groups@vanguard-travel.com.
AirTran Airways to End Flights at Newark Airport
AirTran Airways plans to cease operations effective October 25 at Newark Liberty International Airport. AirTran will give its takeoff and landing slots there to Continental Airlines in exchange for Continental slots at Washington Reagan National Airport and New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Thinking About Your Next Vacation?
It’s not too early to start planning your next vacation, especially if you’re traveling over the Spring break holiday. Vanguard’s leisure department can assist you with your travel needs. They have access to countless suppliers and are able to make recommendations based on your preferences. Our leisure department can put the right package together for you for an unforgettable vacation. Please email all inquiries to leisure@vanguard-travel.com.
August 2009
Delta Air Lines Announces 2010 SkyMiles Medallion Program
Over the next nine months, Delta will roll-out their new SkyMiles Medallion program which will retain popular benefits and add new features. New features include:
· Diamond Medallion Status: A fourth Medallion level for flyers who earn 125,000 MQMs or fly 140 segments per calendar year will offer the richest benefits of any airline, including a complimentary Delta Sky Club™ membership, 125 percent mileage bonus for purchases, Award booking and baggage fee waivers and other exclusive rewards.
· Rollover MQMs: Delta is the first airline to allow customers to retain any MQMs earned above a Medallion threshold at the end of the year, supplementing the ability to earn status the following year. For example, should a member accrue 40,000 MQMs in one calendar year, the 15,000 MQMs that exceed the 25,000 MQM Silver Medallion threshold will be rolled over to the following year. There is no limit to the number of miles rolled over, and the benefit takes effect immediately.
· Choice Benefits: Diamond and Platinum Medallion members will choose from a menu of benefits, including bonus miles, the ability to gift Medallion status, Delta Sky Club day passes, and new system wide confirmed upgrade certificates now redeemable on the day of departure.
May 2009
New TSA requirement for air travelers
A new TSA security screening procedure will soon require that all passengers provide additional personal information at the time airline reservations are booked. Please click here to read details.
Important Announcement Regarding Unused Tickets on File for Delta and Northwest
In an effort to streamline operating processes, Delta and Northwest have announced that wholly unused tickets on file with either carrier may now be applied to the purchase of a ticket on the other carrier. Example: if you have a wholly unused ticket on file from Delta as a result from a canceled trip, you may now apply it toward the purchase of a new ticket where the flights are operated by Northwest. The penalty fee and any additional airfare would be collected at the time of reissue. The reissue is subject to the rules of the fare. Vanguard’s travel counselors will identify at the time of booking if any unused tickets are on file and if the reissue rules allow for an exchange. Tickets are still non-transferable and my only be applied towards the traveler on the ticket.
AirTran Starts Service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Milwaukee
On May 5th, AirTran began a daily nonstop flight between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Milwaukee. By the end of the month AirTran will increase their service to three nonstop flights each day in an effort to expand in Milwaukee.
Midwest Airlines to Change Terminals
Beginning June 1st, Midwest will move from its current location at the Humphrey Terminal to the Lindbergh Terminal at MSP. Midwest Airlines said the move will mean that customers will experience quicker and more convenient connections and additional flight options with Delta Air Lines.
New Passport Rules for Entering the U.S by Land or Sea
Beginning on June 1st, most U.S. citizens entering the United States at land or sea ports of entry will be required to have a passport, passport card or other Department of Homeland Security-approved travel document. This also applies to all Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by land or sea ports. For a list of acceptable travel documents, visit DHS.gov. Due to the new rules and the approaching summer travel season, delays in passport issuance are to be expected. We advise travelers to double-check the expiration date of their passports, to apply for new passports early and to make certain that they have all the documents they will need in order to re-enter the United States.
April 2009
Southwest Airlines to Add Daily Flights to Denver from Minneapolis/St. Paul
Starting May 26, Southwest will offer three daily nonstop round-trip flights from the Humphrey terminal to Denver. From Denver, travelers can fly nonstop to 32 cities. The one-way fare will begin around $89, not including taxes and fees.
Southwest Airlines to Begin Service from New York’s LaGuardia Airport
Southwest will begin service from New York’s LaGuardia airport on June 28. The airline will operate five daily flights to the Chicago Midway airport and three daily flights to the Baltimore-Washington International airport. From Chicago and Baltimore, Southwest will connect to dozens of other destinations.
Hertz Acquires Advantage Rent A Car
Hertz completed a $33 million acquisition of Advantage Rent A Car. Hertz advised that it plans to operate 20 Advantage locations, including Orlando, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, Maui and Honolulu. The acquisition will increase Hertz’s presence in leisure markets and will also give the company another brand to sell to corporate accounts.
March 2009
Vanguard Travel and the Westin Minneapolis Hotel
Vanguard Travel is excited to announce a partnership with the Westin Minneapolis hotel. This luxury hotel is located in the heart of downtown. Our partnership allows us to offer a discounted rate of $209 for their Traditional room category (the regular rack rate for this room category is $259). Rates are based on availability and must be booked by Vanguard Travel. To make your reservation and secure this special rate, please contact an agent at Vanguard Travel. If you are a Cliqbook user, the rate is accessible via Cliqbook.
For information on the Westin Minneapolis hotel, please visit: Westin Minneapolis.
Vanguard Travel Announces Park ‘N Fly Discounted Rates
Vanguard Travel has partnered with Park ‘N Fly to offer discounted rates at 14 of Park ‘N Fly’s facilities. These discounted rates can be booked on our website under Travel Tools/Reserved Parking. If you’re a Cliqbook user, Park ‘N Fly can be booked on Cliqbook at the end of your booking process when reserving flights.
Sun Country Announces New Destinations
Beginning May 1, 2009, Sun Country will offer non-stop service from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Boston, MA, with daily flights, Sunday through Friday, through September. Additionally, beginning May 11, 2009, Sun Country will fly non-stop from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Branson, MO. The flights will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
US Airways Brings Back Free Drinks
On March 1st, US Airways reverted to its former policy of offering free drinks (sodas, juices, coffee, tea, and water) to their coach class passengers all US Airways and US Airways Express flights.
United Airlines Goes Cashless for Onboard Purchases
Beginning March 23, 2009, United Airlines will accept credit and debit cards for onboard purchases. United will no longer accept cash for onboard purchases on flights within the U.S. and on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean after the spring break season. United will accept cash and credit on flights around the rest of the world. The airline will continue to be cash-only on its United Express regional flights.
February 2009
Delta Introduces Account-Linking and Mileage-Transfer
Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks members can now link their frequent flyer accounts and transfer miles between both accounts at no charge. Members who have SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts can visit delta.com or nwa.com to link their accounts and transfer any amount of miles into either account on an unlimited basis. Both accounts will remain open and functioning until late 2009 when Delta plans to merge the two programs in 2010. Those who link their accounts by March 15, 2009 will earn 500 bonus miles.
New Passenger Data Requirements
The Department of Homeland Security developed a new program called Secure Flight. Through the Secure Flight program, the TSA will assume from the airlines the responsibility for conducting prescreening of passenger information against federal government watch lists. The required data that Vanguard Travel will collect from each traveler is: passenger’s full name (including middle name) as it appears on the ID used to pass through airport security, date of birth, and gender. The Secure Flight program will start sometime early this year and additional details will be communicated as they are received.
Southwest Service in Minneapolis/St. Paul
Starting March 8, 2009, Southwest Airlines will offer daily departures between Minneapolis/St. Paul’s Humphrey Terminal and Chicago Midway. From Chicago Midway, Southwest Airlines flies nonstop to 47 cities.
Starwood Preferred Guest Program
Starwood introduces a new promotion where travelers can earn bonus points for stays at participating Starwood properties now through April 30, 2009. You must register for the program and registration must take place by March 31, 2009. Visit www.spg.com/nights to register and to learn more about the promotion.
Change of Entry Requirements to the USA
British travellers planning to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must now provide details online 72 hours prior to travel on an Electronic Travel System known as ESTA. An ESTA, once obtained, will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of the traveller’s passport (whichever is shorter). To register, visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
January 2009
Delta Announces 2009 SkyMiles and WorldPerks Benefits
Delta has announced Elite and reward changes to both Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks programs to better align member benefits. Beginning in 2009, members can reach Elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments or a designated number of miles on either Delta or Northwest operated flights. To view complete details of the program, please visit www.delta.com.
Level 2009 Qualification Requirements
Silver 25,000 Elite Qualifying Miles or 30 Qualification Segments
Gold 50,000 Elite Qualifying Miles or 60 Qualification Segments
Platinum 75,000 Elite Qualifying Miles or 100 Qualification Segments
Sign-Up for Travel Alerts on NWA.com
Vanguard Travel encourages all travelers to sign up online for automated Travel Alerts offered by Northwest Airlines. Vanguard will also notify you directly either by phone or email, depending on the advance notice provided. With the airline Travel Alert notification feature acceptance you will be notified electronically if your flight has a last minute schedule change or is canceled. This is very helpful for those flights that are changed or canceled last minute or over a weekend and holiday. To subscribe go to www.nwa.com and under My NWA Info enter your WorldPerks Number, Last Name, and Pin. Select My Travel Alert Preferences from the drop down box and select the alerts you would like to receive and update the information by entering in your email address and/or phone number.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Offers Paperless Boarding Passes
Passengers flying on non-stop Delta or Northwest flights out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport can now download boarding passes to their cell phones or PDA’s. Passengers must check in at nwa.com or delta.com (the check-in link can also be found on your Vanguard Travel E-invoice). The electronic boarding passes contain a two-dimensional barcode encrypted with specific passenger and flight information. At security checkpoints, TSA workers will scan the barcode on the cell phone or PDA screen using a handheld device.
Starwood Hotels to offer Clear Access to their Loyalty Program Members
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide completed a deal to offer their preferred guest Platinum members a free annual membership and their Gold members a complimentary three-month trial to the Clear Registered Traveler program. Clear and Starwood will begin to send out the offer to the preferred guests this month and registration must take place by February 28, 2009.
United is Selling Access to Priority Lines
United is offering coach passengers access to the priority lines at select U.S. airports. The new product, called Premier Line, is available for a $25 fee each-way and lets travelers skip to priority lines at check-in, security, and boarding. Premier Line can be purchased at www.united.com during online check-in. It is available at the following airports: Boston Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York LaGuardia, Newark, Orange County, Portland (Oregon), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, Washington Dulles, and Washington Reagan National.
Advantage Rent-a-Car Closes Locations and Files for Bankruptcy
Advantage Rent-a-Car has filed for bankruptcy protection and closed about 40% of its retail locations in the U.S. The company is currently considering strategic alternatives and will continue to run its remaining locations until further notice.
December 2008
Delta Expands International Destinations in 2009
Delta is adding 15 new international routes to Europe, Asia, and Africa for summer 2009, which includes service to 12 destinations not flown by any other U.S. carrier. For a complete list of the destinations, visit www.delta.com.
Hertz Brings Low-Cost Option to More Airports
Hertz has introduced their low-cost product called Simply Wheelz. Simply Wheelz has been at the Orlando airport since 2007, and after a successful year, the Simply Wheelz brand has been expanded to the Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Las Vegas airports. Car rentalreservations for the Simply Wheelz brand can be made directly with your Vanguard Travel Counselor. At time of pick-up, renters will use the self-service kiosk at the airport to print out the rental agreement before proceeding to the vehicle.
Avis Budget Increases Rental Rates
On December 1, 2008, Avis Budget Group implemented increased rates for airport and some off-airport locations. The rate increased by $3 per day and $20 per week. The increase excludes customers covered by corporate account agreements or other special arrangements.
November 2008
Hertz Announces On-Line Check-In
Hertz’ new service is for customers who are not already Hertz Gold Service members. When the rental reservation is confirmed, go to www.hertz.com and select "Reservations" and then "On-Line check-in”. The page will request your confirmation number and last name. You can print off your confirmation and take it with you when renting at the Self Service Kiosk. Once you are at the rental location, slide your credit card at the Self Service Kiosk and a rental agreement with the stall number will be printed on the form and you can go directly to the car. There will be no need to sign a rental agreement or show a credit card.
Budget Introduces E-Receipts
Fastbreak members with Budget will now receive their rental receipt via email within 24 hours after returning the vehicle. All travelers need to do is ensure their email address is included in their Fastbreak profile.
ng lanes to A-List loyalty program members and holders of Business Select tickets. The front-of-the-line access will be available at Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Denver International, San Francisco International, Los Angeles
Visiting Canada
The Canadian Government has advised that there are some instances where people are unable to enter Canada. Please be aware that entry to Canada may be denied to persons who have committed any act that is considered to be an offense under Canadian laws, such as driving while under the influence of alcohol. If a traveler has a record of any criminal convictions, we recommendhe/she goes to the following website to determine his/her admissibility to Canada. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp.
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