|
January, 2010
Devastation in Haiti
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti. The images that are indelibly burned in our mind serve as nightmare reminders of how life can go from bad to worse. There are countless organizations that are assisting in the relief efforts. As you pray about your involvement, consider the organization you're working with and evaluate how much of what you donate will actually go to the people of Haiti.
Ministry Travel is investigating the possibility of having 2 charters to Haiti this year. The first will be in July, and the second in October. The trips will be approximately 7 days in length. This opportunity is in the infantile stage right now, but if you are interested in helping to fill the plane with a volunteer team, please click here. We need to evaluate the interest level before finalizing the details.
Celebrating together...
January 2010 marks Ministry Travel's 10 year anniversary. When I started the company in 2000, I asked God to give me a key verse, one I could build the company on. He gave me two. Matthew 9:37, from which we chose our original name of "Harvest International Travel." "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the workers are few...ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field." He also gave me a customer service verse in Philippians 2:3 "Let each esteem others better than themselves."
A lot has changed in the travel industry in the last decade. Fuel surcharges. Security regulations. Baggage allowances. Baggage fees. Carry on regulations. Ticket rules. Group guidelines. Airlines come. Airlines go. Even our name has officially changed to "Ministry Travel." The list of what HASN'T changed very well might be shorter than the list of what has in this industry. However, the two things that have remained constant in the last 10 years is Ministry Travel's commitment to the Great Commission and to you, our clients. Thank you for allowing us to do this. Thank you for choosing us. In a time when travel agencies are going out of business at an alarming rate, we know how blessed we are to work with people like you.
Happy Anniversary, Ministry Travel! The best is yet to come!
Sincerely
Beth Banfill, President
Referral of the Month!
Each month, we will continue to recognize you for referring people to us. If you refer someone, and they end up purchasing a ticket from us, you will be entered into a monthly drawing to receive a $25 gift card to a nearby restaurant. Ministry Travel wants to recognize Danny J, recipient of a $25 Chili's gift card for referring Matt H. to us last month. Congratulations, Danny! Thank you for believing in us enough to tell others about us...keep the referrals coming!
Travel News
TSA Requirements Update...
Please be sure to send us your name exactly as it reads on the passport when requesting reservations. The TSA's Secure Flight Act now also requires that your date of birth, passport number and passport expiration date be entered into your reservation prior to travel commencing. We will be happy to enter all the required information into your reservation. Just send it our way.
Checked and Carry-On Baggage Restrictions...
Travelers received a surprise message last week when traveling from Canada to the USA. They were not permitted to take ANY carry-on luggage on board with them. This industry is rapidly changing, due to the threat of terrorism. Be sure to double check your luggage allowances along with any carry-on restrictions. A prepared passenger is a happy passenger.
Northwest and Delta merge reservation systems...
Delta has been diligently working on migrating Northwest's reservation system into their own. This has not been without some alarm for our customers. If you are checking in with Delta and experience comments such as, "Your ticket has been voided. You have no ticket. I can't find your reservation." ...or anything along those lines, do not fear. It is more than likely a problem with the two reservation systems communicating with each other. Remain calm. Ask them to check with Northwest's reservation system. Call your Ministry Travel specialist if you cannot get a resolution. It's few and far between, but a number of our clients have experienced the same problems when checking in. We give you the e-ticket information and the reservation number at the bottom of your receipt, near the pricing information. The e-ticket number and reservation number can help the agent track down the problem. Be sure to take it to the airport with you.
Reminder...arrive early!
With increased security comes increased wait times. Don't cut your arrivals too close at the airport. If your flight is to depart at 3 PM, get there a minimum of 3 hours ahead of time. If it normally takes you an hour to get to the airport, allow yourself two. Ticket counters close check-in exactly on time, and they don't make allowances for bad weather or traffic. Plan ahead. Be prepared. It's a lot less stressful!
Thank you!
We are always interested in what you think about our newsletter and would appreciate your feedback. Please click here to view our survey!
As always, we thank you very much for your business!
Sincerely,
Ministry Travel
Client Services
|
