GSA SmartPay3 Release in November

All Civilian (non-military) government-issued GSA SmartPay2 program travel cards are changing in November of 2018. GSA SmartPay is the largest credit card management program in the world. It enables Federal agencies/organizations and other authorized users to obtain purchase, travel, fleet and integrated charge card products and services through GSA Master Contracts.

The current program is known as GSA SmartPay2 (SP2), and the new program effective November 30th is GSA SmartPay3 (SP3). Travelers with a GSA SmartPay2 charge card should receive a new GSA SP3 charge card within the coming months. Important dates to remember are as follows:

NOVEMBER 29, 2018: 

At 11:59pm EST, GSA SP2 cards will expire. 

NOVEMBER 30, 2018: 

GSA SP3 program begins through US Bank or CitiBank, depending on your agency. 

If you have an existing hotel reservation for a check-in date of November 30, 2018 or later using your government issued charge card, we suggest that you contact the hotel directly and provide the hotel with your new GSA SmartPay3 charge card number.

Upon receiving your new GSA SmartPay3 card, please activate the card immediately, and then call the hotel directly to update the card number in the reservation. This will ensure that you are not left without a hotel booking due to a deactivated GSA SmartPay2 card. It is also important to update the credit card information in your online travel tool and modify your profile with your travel agency to avoid potential problems with reservations.

Please also update your FedRooms.com account with your new GSA SmartPay3 charge card to ensure a smooth, issue-free transition for your current and future hotel reservations.

Per Diem Rate Updates

As reported by Government Executive on August 14, 2018, federal employees can expect to see a small increase in their travel reimbursements starting October 1st. The per diem rates for federal employees on business trips in standard CONUS locations will be $94 for lodging, a $1 increase from the current $93, and $55 for meals and incidental expenses, a $4 increase from the current $51. 

There are, however, 325 non-standard areas that have higher rates. GSA sets the per diem rates using data from the lodging industry.

Read on for more details and a search for rates by location.

Keeping Your Data Safe: Book Through Authorized Channels

In a world where travelers are faced with multiple booking options, booking a reservation directly through a hotel or a third-party site may seem like the easiest option on the surface. Unfortunately, it is not always the safest and most secure option. There have been a number of recent instances where traveler’s personal and financial details have been stolen due to hacks and phishing scams.

Between August 21 and September 5, 2018, a hack of British Airways resulted in 380,000 compromised payments. A number of hotels and guest homes featured on Booking.com were also targeted in June of 2018 by phishing emails, resulting in travelers being sent emails instructing them to provide payment details including additional personal information. Orbitz, a subsidiary of Expedia, also revealed earlier this year that hackers may have accessed personal information from about 880,000 payment cards between January 1, 2016 and December 22, 2017.

Travelers who book through non-authorized sites potentially face the risk of having their personal information stolen or misused. The best way to keep your data safe while traveling on official travel is to book through your authorized booking channel such as ETS2 or DTS, Travel Management Company (TMC) or FedRooms.com when allowed by your agency.

FedRooms Travelers Save at Crowne Plaza

FedRooms travelers can enjoy $15 off food and beverage purchases during their stay at Crowne Plaza. Make sure to take advantage of this incentive before its expiration on December 31, 2018. Click here for more information.

Going Green: More Hotels Banning Single Use Plastics

Hyatt is one of the latest hotel groups to ban straws and other single use plastics in its facilities. Hyatt began its mission with the 2020 Environmental Sustainability Vision, outlined in 2014. The hotel group’s goals included reduction of energy consumption, water and emissions as well as a drastic cut of waste that goes to landfills.

“Eliminating plastic straws and drink picks builds on the environmental sustainability programs we have in place and further drives our global efforts to reduce environmental impact,” Frank Lavey, senior vice president of global operations for Hyatt, said in a statement.

This reflects a growing trend in the travel industry, with brands like American Airlines, Hilton Worldwide and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts taking steps toward sustainable practices, mostly through the ban of plastic straws. Plastic straws do not make up the largest form of waste in our oceans, but the industry-wide movement could spur great change. Other initiatives include replacement of single use toiletries in hotel bathrooms and more sustainable seafood in hotel restaurants.

Lots of Loyalty Love: Hilton and IHG

Hilton Hotels 

Conrad Hilton opened his first hotel in 1919, setting a standard for innovative approaches to hospitality, amenities and services. Whether it’s a new restaurant concept or new technology, Hilton is always at the forefront of the industry. Hilton now has more than 570 locations across 6 continents making its loyalty program, Hilton Honors, one of the most valuable. With up to 15% off per night, free WI-FI and dozens of potential perks, Hilton Honors is a globally recognized program with unbeatable incentives. See here for more information and to become a Hilton Honors member today!

IHG

The InterContinental Hotels Group prides itself on offering guests the best service around. With brands like Kimpton, Crowne Plaza, HUALUXE and Hotel Indigo, IHG offers style and luxury at every price point. With the IHG Rewards Club, you can experience IHG properties around the globe at a highly customized level. Earn rewards on every stay, enjoy free WI-FI and dining or spa credits, and select personal hotel stay preferences for the ultimate experience. See here for more information and to join the IHG Rewards Club!