GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter

20/09/2023

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I can't help but daydream about all the incredible experiences ahead! 🤩 Are you joining us? Our upcoming event is an absolute stunner, featuring travel packages near and far, luxurious baskets, unforgettable experiences, and epic parties. 🌍🎉

Get ready to make memories and support a great cause as we come together to raise funds, hang out, and bring out the glamour! ✨

Don't miss out! Check out the amazing items up for auction on our website and secure your tickets here: https://one.bidpal.net/gbtagala202

A BIG shoutout to our fantastic sponsors, Concur|SAP, Alaska air, Enterprise, and Wally Park! Your generosity truly makes this event even better! 🙏❤️

02/03/2023

It's Time to Register for the GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter March Meeting.

Topic:
Modernize the booking and content strategy for your corporate travel program

Description:
Much has been in the press lately about GDS content, NDC, direct booking, fees for certain bookings and content only available through specific channels. Some say the expanded content availability is the best thing for the industry and others say it’s the worst thing that can happen. It’s enough to make your head spin on what is the right booking and content strategy for your company and the corporate travel program. With this session we will work to make sense of all this noise by taking the emotions out of the discussion and presenting facts. Facts that you can use to make the right decision for your company.

Speaker:
Hear from Greeley Koch who has been knee deep in this topic through his work at 490 Consulting. He will go over what the airlines are doing and why, what is the difference between GDS NDC content and airline NDC content and how corporations are responding and updating their corporate travel programs. Greeley will present clear facts on what has been implemented, the benefits to the company and how it can improve the traveler’s experience. Come and get the facts!

When:
March 22, 2023
11:00 AM PDT - 1:00 PM PDT

Where:
Grand Hyatt Seattle
721 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101

Register Here:
https://psbta.org/meet-reg1.php?mi=228461&id=183

16/02/2023

The February 19th avoid the late fee deadline to register for the GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter meeting on February 23rd is fast approaching. You don't want to miss this meeting because of the great takeaway information and the stats are priceless.

Register Here Today:

08/02/2023

Have you Registered for the February 23rd GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter Meeting?
This was one of our most popular PSBTA sessions the past couple years and you do not want to miss out on the important information, stats and feedback that Visit Seattle have to share.

Register today to save your seat.
Register Here: https://psbta.org/meet-reg1.php?id=182

01/02/2023

It's Time to Register for the GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter's February 23rd Meeting. Register early you do not want to miss this one. Join us as we take a look at the highlights, success, opportunities, growth, and outlook of Visit Seattle in 2023 and beyond.

This was one of our most popular PSBTA session the past couple years and you do not want to miss out on the important information, stats and feedback that Kelly Saling, Senior Vice President / Chief Sales Officer and Peter Anderson, Senior Director, Convention Strategy have to share.

When: February 23, 2023
11:00 AM PST - 1:00 PM PST

Where: Seattle Convention Center - Summit Building
900 Pine Street, Seattle, WA

Register Here: https://psbta.org/meet-reg1.php?mi=225947&id=182

20/01/2023

Who Doesn’t Love Free WiFi?

18/01/2023

The moment we've all been waiting for, all American and Alaska elites now eligible for reciprocal complimentary upgrades.

MVP and MVP Gold members will enjoy upgrades as early as 48 and 72 hours before departure; first-class reciprocal upgrade benefits are expanded on American and Alaska.

13/01/2023

There's Still Time to Register for Next Wednesday's General Meeting!

12/01/2023

U.S. Extends Covid Restrictions for International Visitors

The current requirement, which requires international visitors to the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against the virus, had been due to end on Jan. 8, 2023 but now has been extended to April 10, by the Transportation Security Administration.

The U.S. government has extended its existing Covid-19 entry requirements for another three months to mid-April. The current requirement, which requires international visitors to the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against the virus, had been due to end on Jan. 8.  

11/01/2023

The FAA has officially lifted its ground stop and operations are resuming nationwide after about a four-hour period.

More than 4,000 flights are already impacted.   

11/01/2023

Do you need to apply for your U.S. passport? Keep in mind it takes 6-9 weeks for routine processing, and 3-5 weeks for expedited processing ($60 extra fee). Plan ahead to avoid last minute stress! http://ow.ly/tSMP50MlEPj

10/01/2023

Register for January's GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter Meeting before Sunday, Jan 15, 2023 to avoid late fees.

Register Here:
https://psbta.org/meet-reg1.php?mi=224043&id=181

When: January 18, 2023
11:00 AM PST - 1:00 PM PST

Where: Archer Hotel
7200 164th Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052

06/01/2023

Delta Air Lines Will Offer Free Wi-Fi on Most of its Domestic Flights Starting on Feb. 1. The only requirement will be that passengers are logged in through their SkyMiles account.

The only requirement will be that passengers are logged in through their SkyMiles account.

03/01/2023

It's Time to Register for January's General Meeting on January 18, 2023 at the Archer Hotel in Redmond. We look forward to seeing you there.
Register Here:
https://psbta.org/meet-reg1.php?mi=224043&id=181

03/01/2023

US, and Canada Require COVID-19 Tests for China Travelers
The US and Canada will require incoming travelers from China to present negative COVID-19 tests starting Jan. 5. Other countries have also adopted similar policies, citing limited data and transparency about recent outbreaks in China.

The federal government has announced it will require a negative COVID-19 test for air travellers arriving from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau.

31/12/2022

Happy New Year GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter
We look forward to an incredible 2023!

30/12/2022

Delta Air Lines was the Timeliest Large Airline in North America in 2022.

Delta's 84.1% on-time ranking bested runner-up Alaska Airlines, which arrived on time at an 81.4% clip. United was the third most timely airline at 81.26%, followed by American (78.77%), and Southwest (74.68%).

According to Cirium data, Delta's 84.1% on-time ranking bested runner-up Alaska Airlines (81.4%).

28/12/2022

Southwest Airlines canceled every single flight between now and December 31 out of all airports the carrier is servicing in Southern California, including LAX, Burbank, Ontario, John Wayne Airport, and San Diego.

Flying home after Christmas, flying for New Years is becoming a disaster in the United States thanks to Southwest Airlines collapsing.

24/12/2022

Wishing our Members and Families a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Holiday Season. We've really enjoyed collaborating with you in 2022, and look forward to continuing our Travel Journey in the New Year. Happy Holidays from the GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter.

16/12/2022

Families come to the Ronald McDonald House to receive lifesaving treatments and this month the GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter has partnered with Ronald McDonald House to help ensure families can be together near the hospital and their child's medical team. Thank you for your donation consideration.

RMHC of Western Washington & Alaska provides support to families with seriously ill children. When you donate, you help ensure these families can be together near the hospital and their child’s medical team during this difficult journey.

16/12/2022

A few more pictures from yesterday's Holiday Meeting.

15/12/2022

We are having a great time at the GBTA Puget Sound Chapter holiday meeting. Happy Holidays Everyone!

15/12/2022

The Fairmont Olympic Food & Beverage Never Disappoints

15/12/2022

The GBTA Puget Sound Chapter meeting is at the beautiful and festive Fairmont Olympic Hotel today. This is going to be a GREAT meeting!

14/12/2022

Strike action to affect travelers entering the UK. Travelers who are planning to enter the UK during the proposed strike period may face longer wait times at border control. Check the Border Force Strike proposed dates and locations here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/strike-action-to-affect-travellers-entering-the-uk

The Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union has announced Civil Service industrial action that will impact Border Force services.

14/12/2022

This season the airport released a new social video series “Things I Love at SEA” to help you get the most out of your time at the airport.

Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport shared a post on Instagram: "🎶 SEAse are a few of our favorite things ➡️ Eats 🍴 Seats 🪑 and Beats 🎵 ▪ The Central Terminal is re-opened! Salty’s at the SEA offers sit-down dining and features shucked to order oysters at its chilled seafood bar. BrewTo...

11/12/2022

DHS Delays REAL ID Deadline Another Two Years

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it was extending the deadline by roughly two years for air passengers to use a REAL ID when traveling. The agency announced on Monday it will beg…

02/12/2022

Tis the Season for Giving and GBTA Puget Sound Chapter has Partnered with Ronald McDonald House this Holiday Season. Take a look at the links below for ways to help contribute.

In Kind Cash Donations: http://bit.ly/3XKr8W1
Seattle House Supplies: http://bit.ly/3UqqI3Z
Craft Room: http://bit.ly/3Vr2lV4
Toys: http://bit.ly/3EYEDJ7
Amazon List for Family Resource Center: http://bit.ly/3OTE4og

Ronald McDonald House, will also be joining us at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel on December 15th.
Meeting Registration: https://bit.ly/3XKtzaX

01/12/2022

It's Time to Register for the December 15th GBTA - Puget Sound Chapter General Meeting at the Fairmont Hotel.

As the year comes to a close we invite you to join us at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel. This is an event not to be missed. It's a great time of connection, reflection, fun and lots of Bingo prizes - including tickets from our sponsor Fiji Airways. It has been a great year for business travel and it is time to celebrate!

GBTA Puget Sound Chapter's charity partner, Ronald McDonald House, will be joining us and giving us an update on their programs and how we can continue to work together and the opportunities for the season of giving.

When:
December 15, 2022
11:00 AM PST - 1:00 PM PST

Where:
Fairmont Hotel
411 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101

Register before Sunday, Dec 11, 2022 to avoid late fees.

Register Here: http://bit.ly/3XKtzaX

29/11/2022

A Message From Our President

Greetings & Happy Holidays!

Reflecting on the Thanksgiving holiday - my leftovers this year include extra gratitude for the return of business travel and events!

A reminder - don't forget to save the date for our Holiday Luncheon at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel - Seattle on Thursday, December 15. In the spirit of our continued partnership with the Ronald McDonald House, we will be collecting donations at the luncheon. Donation information can be found on the luncheon registration page http://bit.ly/3VABwxp. We have lots of Bingo prizes - including airline tickets on Fiji Airways and Alaska Airlines!

GBTA is increasing their membership dues effective January 1st. If you have not renewed your membership, now is the time! After the New Year, the GBTA membership pricing will be increasing - the amount varies based on the type of membership you will be selecting.

Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Looking forward to seeing you on December 15!

Happy Holidays!

Michelle Amos
GBTA Puget Sound Chapter President