BASIC ECONOMY FARES

Basic Economy Fares GoGo In-Flight Internet FAQs Frequent Flyer Partners Parking Coupons Bag Allowance Canada Travel Alert Flight Delay Rules Pack Safe Tipping!

Basic Economy Fares

Delta, United, and American Basic Economy Fare Restrictions

Several major airlines now offer basic economy airfares in select routes. Basic economy airfares have restrictions like no access to the overhead bins, no advance seat assignments and, no flight changes. If a flight change is necessary, we are forced to purchase a new airline ticket and the original ticket goes to waste. This could be very costly. For this reason, many of our accounts have elected not to utilize these types of airfares.

Some basic economy restrictions:

One item that fits under seat (no access to overhead bins)
Seats assigned at check-in
Fees to choose a specific seat
Not eligible for upgrades
No flight changes or refunds
Board in last group

To learn more about basic economy airfares and to view a complete list of restrictions:

Traveler Profile Form Traveler Request Form

GoGO In-Flight Internet

GoGo In-Flight Internet All-Day Passes offered at a discounted rate by Executive Travel Consultants

By purchasing a Gogo All-Day Pass, the user is purchasing a limited license to access the Gogo on-board network. It can be used on any Gogo-equipped flight (single airline) and expires 1 year after purchase. The user can sign out and back in at any time without buying another pass.
Purchase Day Pass.
For all Gogo passes:

The passes purchased through ETC may be activated on any participating airline partner's domestic Gogo-equipped flight.
The purchase and sale of this limited license is completed when the pass is placed in the user's Gogo account.
This license has no cash value and cannot be refunded, transferred, or assigned.
After the limited license term has expired, the pass representing this license will terminate and will no longer appear in the user's account.

For more information on Gogo and their offerings, including purchasing monthly or yearly passes, please visit the GoGo website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – What rights do I have if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
A – When you purchase a ticket from an airline you enter into an agreement with them called the Contract of Carriage, or Rule 240 that spells out your rights. More details and links to several airlines’ Contract of Carriage policies can be found here.

Q – Do you offer an online booking tool?
A – Yes, we offer online booking tools, Traversa and Rearden. To learn more, Please visit our online booking.

Q - When I book a reservation via ETC’s online booking tool, how do I make a change to the reservation?
A – If you are changing/adding a hotel and/or a car reservation, you can change it online or directly with an ETC Consultant…your choice. When changing your airline reservation, in order to save you money, ETC recommends that you call/email one of our full-service Travel Consultants .

Q – How many years has ETC been in business?
A – Over 27 years.

Q – How many employees does ETC have?
A – 14, Learn more about ETC's staff.

Q – Does ETC offer a Corporate Newsletter?
A – ETC’s corporate newsletter is called, “What’s New.” You can view our “What’s New” newsletter here. If you would like to subscribe to the "What's New" newsletter please submit your request at the bottom of this page.

Q – How do I start receiving email notification of ETC’s Vacation Specials?
A – Our Seasonal Vacation Specials are located here. If you would like to receive an email notification when the “Seasonal Specials” are updated, please submit your request at the bottom of this page.

Q – How do I get travel assistance if I have problems with my reservation while traveling abroad?
A – Call Executive Travel Consultants (425) 453-8200 or 1-. If you reach our office outside of our normal business hours, you will be prompted to press "3" to be automatically transferred to our after-hours services at 1-866-382-4584. Or, our after-hours emergency 800 number for each individual country is printed on the bottom of every ETC international itinerary.

Q – What sort of Travel Management Reports does ETC offer and where can I go to view sample reports?
A – ETC offers an array of Travel Management Reporting. To view a sampling of what we offer, go to our Travel Managers page and click on the reporting tab.

Frequent Flyer Partners

August 2015 — Frequent-flyer partners change often. Check your airline's web site for the most current information.

Alaska Mileage Plan
AAdvantage Program
Delta Sky Miles
United Mileage Plan
British Executive Club
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Lufthansa Miles and More

Alaska Airlines

Mileage Plan | 800.654.5669

Tie-In Airlines

Elite Qualifying Partners

Aeromexico
Air France
American Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Emirates
Fiji Airways
FinnAir
Hainan Airlines
KLM
Korean Air
LATAM
Quantas
Condor
Japan Airlines
Iceland Air
Virgin America and FinnAir

Regional Partners (does not count towards Elite Status Qualification)

Pen Air
Ravn Alaska

Tie-In Hotels

Best Western
Choice Hotels
Coast Hotels
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Hilton HHonors
IHG Rewards Club
La Quinta Inns and Suites
Preferred Hotel Group
Rocketmiles
Starwood Preferred Guest
Westmark Hotels
Marriott

Tie-In Cars

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Hertz
National
Thrifty

American Airlines

AAdvantage Program | 800.882.8880

Tie-In Airlines

Oneworld Airline Partners

Airberlin
American Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Finnair
Iberia
Japan Airlines
LAN Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Quantas Airways
Qatar Airways
Royal Jordanian Airlines
S7 Airlines
SriLankan Airlines
TAM Airlines

Additional Airline Partners

Air Tahiti Nui
Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air
Cape Air
EL AL
Etihad Airways
Fiji Airways
Gulf Air
Hawaiian Airlines
Interjet
Jet Airways
Seaborne Airlines
WestJet

Tie-In Hotels

Fratured Hotel Brands

Additional Hotel Partners

Best Western
Country Inns and Suites By Carlson
Farimont Hotels adn Resorts
Fiesta Americana Hotels and Resorts
Hotel JAL City
Hyatt
Langham Hospitality Group
La Quinta Inns and Suites
Melia Hotels International
Millennium Hotels and Resorts
New Otani Hotels
Nikko Hotels International
Okura Hotels & Resorts
Park Inn
Park Plaza
PointsHound
Preferred Hotel Group
Quorvus Collection
Radisson
Radisson Blu
Raffles Hotels and Resorts
Rocketmiles
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Swissotel Hotels and Resorts
WORLDHOTELS

Tie-In Cars

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Carmel
Dollar
Europcar
Payless
GroundLink
Hertz
National
Sixt
SuperShuttle
Thrifty

Delta

Delta Sky Miles | 800.322.2323

Tie-In Airlines

Aeroflot
Aerolineas Argentinas
Aeromexico
Air Europa
Air France
Alitalia
China Airlines
China Eastern
China Southern
Czech
Garuda Indonesia
GOL
Great Lakes Airlines
Hawaiian
Kenya Airways
KLM
Korean Air
Middle East Airlines
Saudia
Tarom
Vietnam
Virgin Australian
WestJet
Xiamen Airlines
Jet Airways
Virgin Atlantic

Tie-In Hotels

Hotel Rewards Groups
Click here to view individual hotels within these groups.

CrossOver Rewards
Hilton
Hilton HHonors
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide
Marriott International
Intercontinental Hotel Group
Carlson Rezidor
Accor Hotels
Hotel Jal City
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
Langham Hospitality
Maritim Hotels
Millennium Hotels and Resorts
New Otani Hotels
Nikko Hotels International
Okura Hotels and Resorts
Prince Hotels and Resorts
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces
WorldHotels
AirBNB

Tie-In Cars

Hertz
Alamo
Carmel Car and Limousine Services
Enterprise
Europcar
Execucar
National
Sixt
Supershuttle
Lyft

United

United Mileage Plus | 800.421.4655

Tie-In Airlines

Star Alliance Member Airlines

Adria Airways
Aegean Airlines
Air Canada
Air China
Air India
Air New Zealand
ANA
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Avianca
Brussels Airlines
Copa Airlines
Croatia Airlines
Egyptair
Ethiopian Airlines
EVA Air
Juneyao Air
Lufthansa
Polish Airways LOT
Scandinavian Airlines
Shenzhen Airlines
Singapore Airlines
South African Airways
Swiss International Airlines
TAP Portugal
Thai
Turkish

Other Worldwide Partners

Aer Lingus
Aeromar
Air Dolomiti
Azul
Cape Air
Edelweiss Air
Eurowings
Germanwings
Great Lakes Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Island Air
Jet Airways
Silver Airways

Tie-In Hotels

Rewards Programs

Marriott Rewards
Hilton HHonors
Starwood Preferred Guest
IHG Rewards Club
Hyatt Gold Passport
Club Carlson
Wyndham Rewards
Choice Privileges
Golden Circle

Booking Services

Rocketmiles

Hotel Partners

Aloft
Curio by Hilton
Andaz
Ascend Hotel Collection
Baymont Inn and Suites
Best Western
Cambria Suites
Candlewood Suites
Canopy by Hilton
Clarion
Comfort Inn
Comfort Suites
Conrad Hotels
Country Inns and Suites by Carlson
Cortyard by Marriott
Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts
Days Inn
Doubletree by Hilton
Eaton Hotels International
Econo Lodge
Elements by Westin
Embassy Suites Hotels
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Fiesta Americana
Four Points by Sheraton
Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn and Suites
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Grand Vacations
Hilton Hotels, Suites, and Resorts
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts
Home2 Suites
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Hotel Indigo
Howard Johnson
Hyatt
Hyatt Place
Hyatt Summerfield Suites
InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts
Knights Inn
La Quinta Inns and Suites
The Langham Hotels and Resorts
Le Meridien
The Luxury Collection
MainStay Suites
Marriott Hotels and Resorts
Marriott Vacation Club
Microtel Inns and Suites
Millennium
New Otani Hotels
Park Hyatt Hotels
Park Inn
Park Plaza
Preferred Hotel Group
Quality
Radisson Blu
Radisson Hotels and Resorts
Raffles Hotels and Resorts
Ramada Worldwide
Renaissance Hotels and Resorts
Residence Inn by Marriott
Rodeway Inn
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
Sleep Inn
SpringHill Suites by Mariott
St. Regis Hotels and Resorts
Staybridge Suites
Suburban Extended Stay
Super 8
Swissotel Hotels and Resorts
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Traders Hotels
Travelodge
TRYP by Wyndham
W Hotels
Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts
Westin Hotels and Resorts
Wingate by Wyndham
Worldhotels
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Tie-In Cars

Exclusive Car Rental Partners

Hertz
Dollar
Thrifty

Ground Transportation

GroundLink
Super Shuttle
ExecuCar
Carmel
Bandwagon

British Airways

Executive Club | 1.800.452.1201

Tie-In Airlines

OneWorld Alliance Partners

Airberlin
American Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Finnair
Iberia
Japan Airlines
LAN
Malaysia Airlines
Quantas
Qatar
Royal Jordanian
S7 Airlines
SriLankan Airlines
TAM Airlines

Other Airline Partners

Air Lingus
Alaska Airlines
Meridiana

Tie-In Hotels

Tie-In Cars

Exclusive to Avis

Southwest Airlines

Rapid Rewards | 1.800.445.5764

Tie-In Hotels

Best Western
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Choice Hotels
Hyatt
La Quinta Inn and Suites
Marriott Rewards
MLife
Rocketmiles
SPG: Starwood Preferred Guest
MGM Resorts

Tie-In Cars

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Hertz
National
Payless
Thrifty

Other Ground Transportation

Super Shuttle
Lyft

Lufthansa

Miles and More | 1.800.581.6400

Tie-In Airlines

Adria Airways
Aegean Airlines
Air Astana
Air Canada
Air China
Air Dolomiti
Air India
Air Malta
Air New Zealand
All Nippon Airways
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Avianca
Avianca Brasil
Brussels Airlines
Condor
Copa Airlines
Croatia Airlines
EqyptAir
Ethiopian Airlines
Eurowings
EVA Air
Jet Airways
LOT Polish Airlines
Luxair
SAS
Shenzhen Airlines
Singapore Airlines
South African Airways
Swiss International Air Lines
TAM
TAP Portugal
THAI Airways
Turkish Airlines
United

Tie-In Hotels

Accor Hotels
AC Hotels by Marriott
Adagio
Aloft
Althoff Hotel Collection
AMERON Hotle Collection
Andaz
Best Western Hotels
Candlewood Suites
Conrad Hotels and Resorts
Cortyard by Marriott
Crowne Plaza
Days Inn
Double Tree
Eaton Hotels
Element by Westin
Embassy Suites Hotels
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Falkensteiner Hotels and Residences
Four Points by Sheraton
Grand Hyatt
Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts
H+ Hotels
H2 Hotels
H4 Hotels
Hampton Hotels and Suites
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Grand Vacations
Hilton HHonors
Hilton Hotels and Resorts
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts
Home2 Suites
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Hotel Indigo
Howard Johnson
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
Hyatt Place
Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Summerfield Suites
Hyperion Hotels
Ibis
Ibis Styles
INNSIDE by Melia
InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts
JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts
Kempinski Hotels
Kerry Hotels
Langham Hospitality Group
Langham Hotels and Resorts
Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts
Leonardo Hotels
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marriott Hotels and Resorts
Marriott International
Marriott Vacation Club International
ME by Melia
Melia Hotels and Resorts
Melia Hotels International
Mercure
MGallery
Miles and More
Movenpick Hotels and Resorts
Moxy Hotels
Novotel
Orbis Hotel Group
Paradisus Resorts
Park Hyatt
Park Inn by Radisson
Park Plaza Hotels and Resorts
Pullman Hotels and Resorts
Radisson Blu Hotels and Resorts
Radisson Hotels and Resorts
Raffles Hotels and Resorts
Ramada Worldwide
Renaissance Hotels
Residance Inn by Marriott
Shangri-Hotels and Resorts
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
Sofitel Luxury Hotels
Sol Hotels
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
St. Regis Hotels and Resorts
Starwood Hotels and Resorts
Staybridge Suites
Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts
Suite Novotel
Super 8 - Destination Super
Swissotel Hotels and Resorts
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palacaes
Thalassa Sea and Spa
The Luxury Collection
The Ritz-Carlton
The Waldorf Astoria Collection
Towne Place Suites by Marriott
Traders Hotelss
TRYP by Wyndham
Vienna House
Vivanta by Taj
Westin Hotels and Resorts
W-Hotels
Worldhotels
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Tie-In Cars

Alamo
Avis
Avis Prestige
Avis Van
Blacklane
Budget
Enterprise
Europcar
Hertz
Hertz Trucks
Miles and More
MyDriver
National
Sixt
Sixt Limousine Service
Sixt Luxury Cars
Sixt Nuewagen

Baggage Allowance

Airline Baggage Allowance And Fees

Canada Travel Alert

Alert: Travelers to Canada with Criminal Convictions May Be Denied Entrance

Canada has an enforced law that may deny you entrance if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense. The list of applicable convictions include: 1) a minor offense (including shoplifting, theft, assault, possession of an illegal substance, etc.); 2) an "indictable" criminal offense (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter; etc.), or 3) Driving While Impaired (DWI).

According to Canada's website, it is possible to have some offenses cleared in advance of travel by submitting an application for a Minister's Approval of Rehabilitation. Click here for details.

Rule 240: Flight Delay - Cancellation Rules

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Federal Aviation Administration Rule 240 mandated that an airline with a delayed or canceled flight had to transfer passengers to another carrier if the second carrier could get passengers to the destination more quickly than the original airline.

The original rule, referring to a federal requirement before airline deregulation in 1978, is long-obsolete; however, the major US airlines have filed "conditions of carriage" with the U.S. Department of Transportation guaranteeing their similar provisions. These provisions vary from airline to airline, and generally apply only to delays that are absolutely the airline's fault, such as mechanical delays, and not to "force majeure" events such as weather, strikes, or "acts of God ".

When your flights are delayed or canceled, know your rights. For guidance on regulations and carriers’ policies, below are links to major airlines’ “Contracts of Carriage”:

Air Canada

AirTran

Alaska

American

Delta

Frontier

Hawaiian

Passenger Protection

U.S. Department of Transportation's Expanded Airline Passenger Protections Took Effect August 23, 2011.

This new consumer protections for airline passengers make flying more convenient and hassel-free for air travelers nationwide. The New consumer protections include requirements that airlines refund baggage fees if bags are lost, increase compensation provided to passengers bumped from oversold flights, and provide passengers greater protections from lengthy tarmac delays.

Airline Passenger Protections - Read More.

Pack Safe

ADVICE TO PASSENGERS

TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft, in your luggage, or on your person. A violation can result in five years imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 USD or more(49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials.

FORBIDDEN DANGEROUS ITEMS

Forbidden Dangerous Items Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radiopharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 oz total) of medicinal and toiletry articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person.

Note: Spare batteries and fuel cells are not permitted in checked or hold baggage. If your carry-on bag contains these items and is gate checked, spare batteries and fuel cells must be removed and carried in the cabin.

For an up-to-date lists on Hazardous Material, Visit FAA Web Site.

Tipping Recomendations

Business travelers are aware that bellhops, skycaps and parking attendants all rely on tips for a good portion of their income. With all of these services that travel entails, it is necessary to determine who should receive a tip and how much is appropriate. In addition to knowing when and who to tip, tipping rules and rates also vary internationally.

Here are some standard guidelines to follow. Remember, these are just general suggestions and keep in mind that quality and regularity of service matter when deciding on a tip amount.

Tipping Internationally

Tipping in the United States

Airports:

Skycaps – $1-$2 per bag.
Wheelchair service – $3-$5.
Electric cart transport – $1-$2.
Parking attendant – $1; $5 is customary if luggage assistance is included.

Hotels:

Housekeeping – $5 per night, if stay is over a week then $7-$9 per night.
Room service – 15% of bill
Bellhop – $10 for bringing your bags to the room, $5 more for opening and showing you the room.
Concierge – $5-$10; more for special favors.

Transportation:

Taxi – 15%, no less than $0.25. $1-$2 per bag if they load your bags.
Limousine – 20%
Courtesy shuttle – $2 per traveler or $1 per bag they help with.

Restaurants/Bars:

Bartender – 10-15% of bar bill.
Coat check attendant – $1 for one or two coats.
Restroom attendant –$0.50 - $1.
Parking attendant – $1.
Buffet-style – 5 percent -10 percent of bill.
Separate checks – Consider leaving an 18 percent gratuity tip on each check for the extra work.
Lounge musicians – $1-$5.
Table-to-table musicians – $2-$3 for special requests.
Takeout – Generally $1-$2.

Cruises:

Cabin steward/stewardess – $3 per day, per person.
Server – $3 per day, per person.
Bus boy – $1.50 per day.
Bar/wine steward – 15 percent added automatically.

Miscellaneous:

Tour guides – 10 percent - 15 percent of bill. Usually $1-$2 for half-day tours and $3-$4 for full-day tours.
Hair stylist – 10 percent - 20 percent.
Spa package – 10 percent - 20 percent of bill, if not included.

For the most up-to-date information on domestic tipping customs, please refer to The Original Tipping Page.

Intenational Travel

As most business travelers know, tipping customs and rates vary internationally. Here are some suggestions:

Canada
Restaurants: 15-20%
Concierges: $10 to $20 per favor
Porters: $1 to $2 per bag
Housekeeper: $5 left daily.
Guides and Drivers: $10 to $15 per day or 10-15% per ride.
Egypt
Restaurants: Tip is included in the bill, but leave 5-10% on top of that
Concierges: $10 to $20 at he beginning of your stay
Porters: $1 per bag
Housekeeper: $1 or $2 left daily.
Cabdrivers: 10-15%
Guides: $20 per person, per day. They are usually highly trained Egyptologists.
France
Restaurants: Tip is included when the words "service compris" are included on your bill. However, locals usually leave up to 10% on top of that.
Concierges: 10-15 euros per reservation
Porters: Two euros per bag
Housekeeper: One or two euros per day
Cabdrivers: 10-20 euros for private airport transfers depending the quality of the car and wait time. 10-15% to taxi drivers.
Guides: 25 euros per person per day and up to 50 euros for nationally certified.
Indonesia
Restaurants: 10% tip is included, however locals also throw in loose change.
Porters and Housekeepers: Appreciated but not required.
Cabdrivers: About 10%
Guides: $25-$40 per couple and drivers get about half that.
Italy
Restaurants: As close to 10% as possible
Porters: Five euros
Housekeeper: One or two euros per day
Malaysia
Restaurants: 10% tip is included, then round up the bill and leave the change.
Porters: $1 per bag
Housekeeper: $1 per day
Drivers and Guides: $5-$10 per person per day
Mexico
Restaurants: 10-15% in cash
Concierges: Minimum 100 pesos
Porters: 10-20 pesos per bag
Housekeeper: 20-50 pesos per night
Drivers: 100-200 pesos per full day per person.
Guides: 200-300 pesos per day for combined driver-guide.
Philippines
Restaurants: 10% is usual, sometimes it is included on the bill.
Concierges: $4-$5 per time they go out of their way.
Porters: $1 per bag
Housekeeper: Only if you see them.
Cabdrivers: 10% per ride
Guides: $20-$50 per day and drivers get about $4-$5 per day.
Saudi Arabia
Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill
Concierges: $20-$25 so that they remember you.
Porters: $1-$2 per bag
Housekeeper: $2 per day
Drivers: $5 per person per day
Guides: $10 per person per day
United Kingdom
Restaurants: Sometimes included, if not 10-15%.
Porters: 1-2 pounds per bag
Housekeeper: 1-2 pounds per day
Cabdrivers: Whatever small change you happen to have.
Guides: 20 pounds per day and 10 pounds per day for the driver.

Tipping recommendations for international travel can be found here.

These tipping suggestions are meant to assist business travelers with deciding when and how much to tip the much appreciated travel service providers.