Southwest to increase early boarding fee on some flights

EarlyBird Check-In, which gives travelers a better boarding position in Southwest Airline’s unique open seating system, will go from a flat $15 per person each way to $15, $20 or $25 depending on the length of the flight and the popularity of EarlyBird Check-In on the route. The switch to variable pricing, was unveiled to employees last Friday and due to be formally announced Monday, begins Aug. 29.

This article was originally published by USA Today. Click here to read more. 

OHC offers pre-travel consultations

The Occupational Health Clinic (OHC) offers pre-travel consultations for all Vanderbilt faculty and staff who will be conducting business which requires international travel, so that you can maintain your health and prevent illness and injury during the trip . OHC is able to provide counseling with a customized healthcare plan that is destination specific and includes recommendations for vaccinations, prescription medications, a medical travel kit, and travel health and safety advice. OHC offers vaccinations for many travel related illnesses, including, but not limited to: hepatitis A, typhoid, pertussis, and meningitis. Vaccinations administered for work-related travel are offered at no charge to employees. If employees will be providing medical care during their trip, the need for post-exposure prophylaxis can be discussed, and medication can be prescribed, if appropriate.

As vaccinations require time to provide protective immunity, OHC suggests scheduling your appointment at least 4 weeks prior to departure, if possible. The Yellow Fever vaccine, if required, must be given more than 10 days prior to departure, and requires a separate appointment in the VUMC Travel Clinic for administration (which Occupational Health can arrange after your visit). If you would like to schedule a pre-travel visit with Occupational Health, please visit the OHC website and complete the online Travel Consultation Request. An Occupational Health staff member will then reach out to you to schedule your appointment. First-time travelers are advised to schedule a pre-travel visit in the clinic, while more seasoned travelers may request a visit via telemedicine, if desired. Safe Travels!

Questions? Click here to learn more

BNA Traffic & Parking Advisory: Changes to Long Term A, Short Term parking & rental car facility

Nashville International Airport (BNA) is advising travelers of changes to the Long Term A parking lot, Short Term Parking Garage and the Consolidated Rental Car facility (CONRAC) put in effect on July 24:

• Travelers will use the current entrance point for Long Term A and Short Term Parking, but they will now have separate ticket dispensers and toll plazas. Signs will direct visitors to the entry and exit points for Long Term A and Short Term Parking.
• Long Term A will exit to Terminal Drive through a new intersection. The Short Term Parking exit point to Terminal Drive will not change.
• Rental cars will exit CONRAC, the airport’s Consolidated Rental Car facility, via new exit ramps and the new intersection with Terminal Drive.
• The pedestrian path from Long Term A to the terminal will change. Please refer to the map.

Courtesy shuttles will still provide transit to/from Long Term A and the terminal. These changes do not affect Long Term B, Economy, Valet or BNA Express Park.

Need more info? Travelers may call 615-275-1045 for more information about parking changes and the expansion plan, which are part of BNA Vision.

Hotel Spotlight: Extended Stay America

The newly renovated Extended Stay America Nashville Vanderbilt offers guest travelers amenities they need at an affordable price for short or long term stays, free grab and go breakfast and fresh new design features:

• new lobby concept with open & inviting social space

• bright & spacious rooms designed for comfort & efficient living
• fresh contemporary interior designs
• Sleep and Stow beds that merge the comfort of Serta mattresses with elevated platform frames for convenient storage & larger items
• contemporary fully equipped kitchens with quartz counter tops, loft style cabinets, full-size fridges & range cooktops, microwave and coffee maker
• enhanced wi-fi speeds; 43″ inch HD televisions with premium cable
• On site guest laundry facilities

Extended Stay America Nashville Vanderbilt is located at 3311 West End. For booking or to setup a site visit, please contact Autumn Shaw at 517-881-1207.

BNA wi-fi among nation’s most secure

Wi-Fi networks at Chicago Midway, Raleigh-Durham, and Nashville are among the most secure in the U.S. Wi-fi networks at San Diego International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport are among the least secure in the U.S., according to research from cloud security supplier Coronet. Coronet analyzed five months of data from more than 250,000 people traveling through the nation’s 45 busiest airports, looking for risks with the networks and vulnerabilities of the devices using the networks.

Least Secure Airports Among U.S.’s 45 Busiest

1. San Diego International
2. John Wayne (Orange County, Calif.)
3. Houston Hobby
4. Southwest Florida International (Fort Myers, Fla.)
5. Newark Liberty International

Most Secure Airports Among U.S.’s 45 Busiest

1. Chicago Midway International
2. Raleigh-Durham International
3. Nashville International
4. Washington Dulles International
5. San Antonio International

This article was originally published by Business Travel News. To learn more, click here.