Executive Group Travel Blog

The Group Flight Block and What It Means

[fa icon="clock-o"] Jun 26, 2015 10:48:00 AM [fa icon="user"] Marci McCormack [fa icon="folder-open'] Incentive Travel


Group Incentive Travel:

Flight Blocks are a perfect solution for group travel especially when a majority of attendees are flying the same route.

Make sure you let the airline know that the flight block is for an incentive trip as this increases flexibility in the rules.  Most travel agencies will help layout the different policies and help you decide what is the right route and airline for your company.

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Preview of Group Incentive Travel Blocks:

Airlines that make it easy;

  1. JetBlue – 10% attrition allowed, 10% cancellation allowed and unlimited name changes up to 48 hours before. First Checked Bag Free also can save your company money on checked bags.
  2. Southwest Airlines – only allows one name change but allows complete attrition down to the minimum flight block of 10.
  3. Alaska Airlines – Unlimited name changes up to 3 days before departure. Most importantly, an extended travel window allowing travel 3 days before and 3 days after the incentive event. Discounted fares and an easy booking process!

Airlines with a good policy but ugly process;

  1. USAirways – Advance seat assignments is a bonus, also allow name changes. (still confusion with AA shared flights).
  2. American Airlines – One free name change up to 48 hours before departure. Can book group travel all the way up to 11 months before the trip.

The Other Guys

  1. Virgin America – vague policy, but usually $100 deposit per traveler and names due 30 days before trip.
  2. Delta – name changes allowed with associated fee.
  3. United – priority check-in and group coordinator at airport.


Tips:

It is important for a flight block to allow name changes up to 72-48 hours before. This allows complete flexibility in ensuring each ticket purchased ends up being used. Keep in mind the more seats you book on a flight, the more expensive the seats are going to become as inventory becomes less. For many of the major airlines they allow one way flight blocks also which is great for providing flexibility on one side of the organized incentive trip.



 

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