Since it appears the merger between Northwest and Delta Airlines is just around the corner we have provided a list of items to prepare you for an uncertain time. By the way, "experts" are saying that United and Continental may not be far behind.

In our opinion, consolidation is not good for any traveler or corporation. There will be a reduction in available seats and flights which will clearly result in higher fares. Aside from increased costs, there will be many questions about unused ticket policies and of course frequent flier programs - yes, that's right frequent flier programs. Here are a few tips to prepare for the potential mergers:

• Unused ticket policies may change. Have a complete accounting of all of the available unused tickets and use them as quickly as possible.
• Frequent Flier programs may change as well. Again, without know the intentions of the merging airlines make sure to use as many point as possible.
• Know your airline alternatives. Be aware of competing carrier's especially low cost carriers in a hub market.
• If your company has a corporate contract currently in place, make sure to stay in close contact with your airline and Safe Harbors account managers. Make sure to be prepared with consolidated data on your air spend with the merging airlines. This will help speed the process when negotiating.

Traditionally, such mergers have resulted in tremendous confusion and uncertainly. We will make sure to keep you abreast of all of the changes as they happen.

On Tuesday, February 19th, Amtrak announced that it will upgrade security with the new Mobile Security Team. Amtrak police, bomb sniffing dogs and counterterrorism special agents will patrol trains and platforms. The Team will also randomly search passenger bags. Passengers have the right to refuse inspections, but will not be able to board the train and will receive a refund.

Sheraton Hotels announced that all guest rooms and public areas of their hotels will be smoke-free by the end of the year. Guests who smoke will be able to do so in designated outdoor areas. The over 8,000 guest rooms will be deep cleaned – including all walls and carpets, to ensure all allergens have been removed. Air filters will be replaced and all air conditioning units will also be replaced.

Sheraton is just one of many hotel brands that have made the decision to go smoke free. Have smoke-free hotels impacted your choice of where to stay when you travel?

On Monday (February 4, 2008) United Airlines announced a change to their check baggage policy. Individuals travelling with tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008, for travel on or after May 5, 2008 may check one bag for free and additional bags for $25. Only flights within the US and to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Canada are affected by this new rule. Individuals traveling with refundable fares, in business or first class or frequent fliers are also excluded. This new baggage policy is expected to generate $100 million a year in combined cost savings and revenue.

Complete exceptions are outlined in the chart below from United.com.

What do you think?
What are your thoughts on the new United baggage policy? Do you expect it to affect your decision to fly on United?