Though travel has slowed during the pandemic, UC Travel has remained active and committed to understanding your travel needs and preferences, especially during these challenging times.
Part of this activity included a year-end survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the UC Travel community and identify travelers’ comfort and safety levels. We also explored if travelers have or would consider alternatives to air travel, like car or rail, and their overall thoughts on what travel might look like post-pandemic.
Preliminary survey results reported to the Travel Council include:
- Prior to travel shut down, 81% of the travelers were on the road more than occasionally (at least 2+ trips a year); only 37% anticipated that their travel patterns would go down after COVID-19.
- Only 6% felt very safe traveling during the pandemic.
- 46% would consider alternate forms of travel to air travel.
- For accommodations, 80% consider major chains (Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham) safer right now.
- Popular and desired measures for safer travel in the future included: temperature checks for both employees and travelers; easy availability of hand sanitizers and wipes; certified/intensive cleaning of all areas; and the continued commitment to leave middle seats open on airplanes.
Additional UC Travel programs on the horizon include:
- A Spring calendar of travel education webinars with popular sessions, such as: Managing Unused Airline Credits, and new informational sessions with suppliers, like Marriott’s Commitment to Safety and Sanitation and Car Rentals & UC Insurance.
- An opportunity to join small focus groups to discuss travel concerns, such as federal funds and unused airline credits or traveling with heavy/expensive equipment.
- Upcoming surveys to continue getting your input and identify trends and issues requiring more attention during these unusual times.
Our calendar of events will be updated as new events are confirmed and we encourage you check our travel webinar page regularly and register for as many as needed.
Coming soon! United Airlines will offer UC a direct booking option with UC and personal discounts for family and friends.