SUMMER Issue

>> IN THIS ISSUE  
 

+ Registered Travelers

 

+ Visit MEDEX at these Upcoming Trade Shows

 

+ MEDEX Case Study

 

+ Traveling in the Caribbean this Summer?

 

+ MEDEX Welcomes…

 

+ Reader Response


Registered Travelers
Speeding Up Security Lines for Frequent Fliers

planeFrequent travelers looking for relief from lengthy airport security lines may soon get their wish — that is, if they’re willing to submit to background checks in exchange for an expedited screening process.

The Transportation Security Administration, a federal agency created after the September 11th attacks, is testing a "Registered Traveler" program in selected airports, starting with Minneapolis-St. Paul International. The program’s test phase will end in November.

Fliers who travel at least once a week can volunteer to participate, but must provide their name, birth date, and "biometric identifier," including a fingerprint and iris scan. This information will be matched against law enforcement and intelligence databases and terror watch lists. Participants will not be charged a fee during the pilot program.

Registered travelers must still pass through metal detectors and have their carry-on bags screened, but will use a special lane at airport checkpoints and avoid more intensive screening.

Airports in the Pilot Program

Minneapolis-St. Paul International — Begins in late June in coordination with Northwest Airlines.

Los Angeles International — Begins in late July with United Airlines.

George Bush Intercontinental in Houston — Begins in late August with Continental Airlines.

Logan International Airport in Boston — Begins in late August with American Airlines.

Regan Washington National Airport — Begins in late August with American Airlines.

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Visit MEDEX at these Upcoming Trade Shows
Receive a complementary membership!

MEDEX will be exhibiting at the following trade shows in August and September 2004. Stop by our booth and mention this newsletter offer to receive a complementary MEDEX VIP membership through the end of the year. Your VIP Access plan provides emergency services through our 24-hour travel assistance call center.

National Business Travel Association (NBTA)
August 1-4, 2004
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
www.nbta.org/meetings/convention.cfm
MEDEX exhibit in booth #2239

Benefits Management Forum & Expo (BMF&E)
September 19-22
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee
www.tmconferences.com/conferences/BMFE04
MEDEX exhibit in booth #215


MEDEX Case Study:
Salvaging a Mother-Daughter Vacation

A woman and her daughter were enjoying a vacation in Spain, with plans to visit New York for a performance at the Metropolitan Opera before continuing home to Florida. Then an unfortunate incident occurred that almost ruined their trip.

The mother and daughter were mugged while traveling through a small Spanish town. In a struggle with the thieves, the daughter’s purse was stolen and the mother was knocked violently to the ground. After the thieves fled, the mother began to feel immense pain in her knee and found she could barely walk. The two women rushed to a hospital in Madrid, where x-rays revealed a fracture in the mother’s knee. The physician set the leg with a plaster cast from ankle to hip. The patient was discharged from the hospital but advised to return home as soon as possible for surgery.

The mother called MEDEX to assist with her return flight to the states. MEDEX coordinators immediately contacted the treating physician, who explained the patient’s condition and recommended a first class seat with ample leg room. MEDEX quickly booked a first class flight for both women back to Florida.

But what about the opera performance, which the women were still eager to attend? Would it be medically possible, they wondered, to stop in New York before returning home? MEDEX again contacted the doctor in Madrid to discuss the patient’s condition. They both agreed: The trip to New York would not hurt the leg so long as the patient had plenty of leg room on planes and taxis. The treating doctor prescribed a painkiller to be taken daily until the patient was home. MEDEX made the appropriate travel arrangements.

Later, during a follow-up courtesy call from MEDEX, the patient said she was delighted with MEDEX’s response. Her flight arrangements and treatment were excellent, she would never consider using another assistance company other than MEDEX — and they loved the opera!


Traveling in the Caribbean this Summer?
A Few Safety Tips

In Bermuda … Bikes and Mopeds are the Way to Go

Despite the extensive network of roads on the main island, foreign visitors are not permitted to drive automobiles in Bermuda. Instead, tourists opt for rented mopeds or motorcycles. But remember to drive on the left and be cautious at turns and intersections. Roads are narrow and winding, with many blind curves. Also, you will be required to purchase third-party insurance and use a helmet. Non-motorized bicycles and lightweight motor-assisted bicycles, called "livery cycles," are also available for rent. The Department of Tourism provides a comprehensive listing of prices and supplies.

In Nassau … Use Caution to Protect Against Crime

Enjoy your Nassau vacation, but be sure to use caution and secure all personal belongings. Violent and petty crimes involving travelers are becoming more common in that city.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) reports an increase in armed assault, sexual assault, rape and theft. Be sure to avoid the impoverished neighborhoods of south Nassau’s "Over the Hill" section, where most violent crime occurs. Armed robberies of 24-hour stores and restaurants are common. Most petty crime incidents occur on the beach and in shopping areas, such as the Straw Market and Bay Street.

It’s also unwise to visit beaches or isolated areas after dark. Rather than traveling alone, women should stay in groups of three or more and stay in well-lit and populated tourist areas. Most tourist areas are safe during the day.

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In Aruba … Drive Defensively, or Call a Cab

Driving conditions can be dangerous in Aruba. Speeding, reckless drivers and poorly marked roads all contribute to the problem. So if you must drive there, drive defensively. Right turns on red are prohibited and seatbelts are required for drivers and passengers. Motorcyclists must wear helmets. Children under five should be in a child safety seat; older children should ride in the back.

A better alternative may be to use taxis. Though expensive, taxis are safe, well-regulated and readily available. Look for taxis in front of hotels, restaurants and stores as well as tourist sites (do not hail them off the street). If you have difficulty finding a vacant taxi, phone for one: 822-116 or 921-604. The dispatch office is located at Post Abou z/n behind the Eagle Bowling Palace on the Sasaki road.

Taxis should have a fixed schedule for most destinations on the island. Verify the fare before entering the taxi. U.S. dollars are readily accepted and often preferred over the local currency. Tipping 10% is customary.

And Don’t Forget the Hurricanes!

Hurricanes and tropical storms can occur from June to November. Peak times are in early to mid-September. Tropical storms are tracked by the National Hurricane Center, and travelers and locals are kept well informed of potential problems. Keep up with weather-related information from The Weather Channel through cable television or radio. Also, if you travel during hurricane season, it’s a good idea to investigate trip-cancellation insurance.

MEDEX Welcomes …
New Director of Marketing Jay Rausenberger

MEDEX is pleased to announce the hiring of Jay Rausenberger as our new Marketing Director. Jay brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, product development and business development.

"His expertise will be essential in realizing impending new products and web development, and in planning for the future," said Bruce Kirby, President and CEO. Jay will be spearheading upcoming marketing and product development initiatives across all targeted markets. Most recently, Jay was the Director of Marketing and Business Development for PERFORMAX.


READER RESPONSE
We’d Like Your Feedback

Business Travelers

Does your company/organization provide you with information on your destination prior to travel?

Yes, enough provided

Yes, but I would like more

No, no information provided

Are you aware of any 24-hour assistance available during your trip, in the case of an emergency?

Yes

No

Click here for more information about group travel assistance programs.

Individual Travelers

Before I travel, I look for information on:

Entry/Exit

Security

Health

Transportation

Communications/Technology

Financial

Environment

Culture

Language

Legal

Other

Click here for more information about MEDEX Destination Reports, covering all of the topics listed above.

 

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