Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

The Reserve Bank of India (<keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword>) on Thursday proposed to enhance the cap under <keyword id="11912975" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-rupi" source="Orion">e-RUPI</keyword> prepaid digital vouchers. The present cap of Rs 10,000 will be increased to Rs 1 lakh per voucher and such vouchers will be allowed to be used more than once, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said while announcing the latest monetary policy meeting outcome. This enhancement is expected to further facilitate the delivery of various government schemes to the beneficiaries more efficiently, he said. The e-RUPI pre-paid digital voucher developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was launched in August 2021, Das added. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/icai-ca-final-exam-results-announced-heres-how-to-check/articleshow/89477021.cms">ICAI CA final exam results announced — Here’s how to check</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/two-indian-cities-are-in-global-top-10-of-the-most-congested-places-to-drive-through-take-a-guess/slidelist/89476030.cms">Two Indian cities are in global top 10 of the most congested places to drive through – Take a guess</a>

RBI proposes to raise limit on e-RUPI vouchers to ₹1 lakh

<ul><li>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a new digital payment solution called <keyword id="11766571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-RUPI">e-RUPI</keyword>.</li><li>Banks will issue electronic vouchers for customers to redeem welfare benefits without having to share bank account details.</li><li>The <keyword id="11772195" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-voucher">e-voucher</keyword> solution has the potential to eliminate fraud and corruption.</li></ul>The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi will be launching 'e-RUPI', an electronic voucher-based digital payment solution at 4:30 p.m IST on Monday. The person-specific, and purpose-specific, payment solution is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on its Unified Payment Interface (UPI) platform in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Health Authority. What is e-RUPI? According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, e-RUPI is a cashless and contactless digital payment e-voucher in the form of a QR code or SMS string delivered to the beneficiary's mobile phone. The e-voucher can be redeemed at the service provider without needing a card, digital payment app or internet banking service. The e-RUPI is a one-time payment mechanism that does not require any physical interface for transactions and is considered safe as it's prepaid in nature. It ensures that the payment to the service provider is made only after the transaction is completed without involving any intermediary. How is e-RUPI different from a virtual currency? e-RUPI can be used to make payments to a specific person, for a specific purpose, and is not transferable. On the other hand, a virtual or digital currency is just like normal currency but in digital form and can be used for any transaction. How are these vouchers issued? The vouchers will be issued by partner banks but the bank account details of the beneficiary are not needed. NPCI has built the e-RUPI system on its UPI platform and anyone who needs to issue the voucher would need to approach partner banks with issuing authority. Entities giving the e-RUPI voucher will have to submit the details of specific beneficiaries and the purpose of the payment to the banks. The beneficiary's identification will be based on their mobile number and name. What's the need for e-RUPI? The Indian government says that e-RUPI is expected to ensure a leak-proof delivery of welfare services and minimise fraud and corruption. Since it removes the middlemen and there's no direct cash involved, it eliminates the possibility of the fund being used for a purpose other than intended. It can be used for delivering services under government welfare schemes like drugs and nutritional support under Mother and Child welfare schemes, TB eradication programmes, drugs and diagnostics under schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, fertiliser subsidies etc. Not only government schemes but the voucher can also be used by the private sector for employee welfare and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. SEE ALSO - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/windlas-biotech-to-raise-395-402-crore-through-public-listing-price-band-fixed-at-448-460/articleshow/84854594.cms">Windlas Biotech to raise ₹395-402 crore through public listing, price band fixed at ₹448-460</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/googles-sundar-pichai-has-teased-the-whitechapel-chipset/articleshow/84853916.cms">Google teases Whitechapel chipset that may power Google Pixel 6 devices</a>

e-RUPI explained —  India’s new electronic voucher-based payment system to reduce leakage in welfare programmes

<ul><li>Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> introduced two schemes today to boost consumer spending in the Indian economy — the <keyword id="10092993" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="LTC-cash-voucher-scheme">LTC Cash Voucher Scheme</keyword> and the <keyword id="10092992" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="special-festival-advance-scheme">Special Festival Advance Scheme</keyword>. </li><li>The LTC Cash Voucher Scheme divides the LTC fare component into three flat-rate slabs.</li><li>The new scheme will let employees use their fare allowance to purchase goods with 12% GST or more.</li></ul>Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is introducing new proposals to ‘stimulate demand in the economy’. According to her, the government’s previous policies addressed the needs of the poor. This time, the proposals are divided into two categories — consumer spending and capital expenditure. “Supply constraints have somewhat eased, but consumer demand still needs to be given a bit of a boost,” she said. Within consumer spending, there are two components — Leave Travel Consession (LTC) Cash Voucher Scheme and the Special Festival Advance Scheme. The Special Festival Advance Scheme was a part and parcel of government employees pay package up until the 6th Pay Commission. It’s introduction this year is a one-time come back to boost spending. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Impact of LTC Cash Voucher scheme: </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Cost to central government </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹5,675 core </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Cost to PSBs and PSUs </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,900 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Expected demand infusion by central government employees </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹19,000 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Expected demand infusion by state government employees </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹9,000 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Total expected addition consumer demand generation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹28,000 </td></tr></tbody></table> "Our estimates are on the conservative side. We expect actual spend to be higher," said Economic Affairs Secretary Tarun Bajaj. LTC Cash Voucher Scheme The new LTC Cash Voucher Scheme divides the LTC fare component into three flat-rate slabs depending on the class on entitlement. Any fare payment will continue to be tax free. According to Sitharaman, savings have increased due to lockdown especially. “We would like to incentivise them to contribute to the revival of demand for the benefit of the less fortunate,” said Sitharaman. Employees can use their LTC money to buy goods and services worth three times the fare and one time leave encashment before 31 March 2021. However, the money must be spent on goods with GST of 12% or more from a registered vendor through digital mode — no cash transactions. Employees will be required to produce GST invoices. Special Festival Advance Scheme The revival of the Special Festival Advance Scheme will not be limited by rank or post, but be available to all central government employees. The amount has also been bumped up to ₹10,000 per person as compared to ₹4,500 in its last iteration. It will be distributed as a Rupay prepaid card and be available until 31 March 2021. Employees will be able to pay back the loan in 10 instalments. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/china-launches-earth-observation-satellite-amid-border-tensions-with-india/articleshow/78613147.cms">China launches Earth observation satellite amid border tensions with India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/massive-power-cut-reported-across-mumbai-discom-points-finger-at-tatas/articleshow/78613787.cms">Massive power cut across Mumbai due to grid failure —electricity restored in certain areas</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/sitharaman-offers-states-12000-crore-interest-free-for-the-next-50-years-if-they-can-spend-it-on-capital-projects-by-march-2021/articleshow/78616741.cms">Sitharaman offers states ₹12,000 crore interest-free for the next 50 years if they can spend it on capital projects by March 2021</a>

Finance Minister introduces LTC Cash Voucher Scheme and Special Festival Advance Scheme makes a one-time comeback

<ul class="summary-list"><li>This story was delivered to Business Insider Intelligence Payments &amp; Commerce Briefing subscribers earlier this morning.</li><li><a href="https://store.businessinsider.com/products/payments-commerce-pro-membership?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=content_marketing&amp;itm_campaign=briefing_post&amp;itm_content=top_text&amp;itm_term=bundle_subscription_text_link-chinese-government-and-firms-try-reinvigorating-consumer-spending-2020-3">To get this story plus others to your inbox each day, hours before they're published on Business Insider, click here.</a></li></ul>China's central government is pushing local governments to find ways to encourage consumer spending in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic as the country starts to <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud3NqLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlcy9jaGluYXMtaHViZWktcHJvdmluY2UtdG8tZWFzZS1yZXN0cmljdGlvbnMtMTE1ODUwMjk0NDA/5d233c18f730436f2414784fB0a13eac4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lessen</a> its lockdown, per the <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2NtcC5jb20vZWNvbm9teS9jaGluYS1lY29ub215L2FydGljbGUvMzA3NTkyOS9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1jaGluYS1sb2NhbC1nb3Zlcm5tZW50cy10cnktYm9vc3Qtc3BlbmRpbmc/5d233c18f730436f2414784fB942b6aa2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South China Morning Post</a>.Local governments are using tactics like prepaid vouchers and <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnRlbGxpZ2VuY2UuYnVzaW5lc3NpbnNpZGVyLmNvbS9wb3N0L2dvdmVybm1lbnRzLWFyZS1wdXNoaW5nLWNvbnN1bWVycy10b3dhcmQtbm9uY2FzaC1wYXltZW50cy1kdXJpbmctdGhlLXBhbmRlbWljLXN1bXVwLXByb21vdGVzLW1vYmlsZS1wYXltZW50cy1ieS1yZW1vdmluZy1mZWVzLXdlY2hhdC1zZW5kaW5nLWNoaW5lc2UtY29uc3VtZXJzLWdvdmVybm1lbnQtdm91Y2hlcnMtMjAyMC0zI0lURU0lMjAz/5d233c18f730436f2414784fB014e8bbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coupons</a> that can be put toward purchases from certain product categories, while the central government does not currently plan to directly send funds to citizens. And Chinese firms including Alipay and JD.com are introducing their own discounts and coupons as well to boost spending on their platforms.Revitalizing consumer spending is an important task for China and markets around the world, but it remains to be seen what tactics will be the most effective at doing so.<ul><li>China has seen its retail sales plummet in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and other countries will likely face similar circumstances. The country's retail sales dropped 20.5% in January and February, according to <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2NtcC5jb20vZWNvbm9teS9jaGluYS1lY29ub215L2FydGljbGUvMzA3NTMxNC9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1jYXVzZWQtZHJhbWF0aWMtY29sbGFwc2UtY2hpbmFzLWVjb25vbXktd2FybmluZw/5d233c18f730436f2414784fB57e31f46" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Post</a>, which surely damaged the performance of the country's economy, commerce platforms, and merchants. Now that China is easing its restrictions, the government and merchants have the chance to encourage consumers to visit stores and other physical merchants and make more purchases - but consumers may be slow to do so if they struggled <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud3NqLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlcy9jaGluYXMtd29ya2Vycy1zdWZmZXItbGF5b2Zmcy1zbGFzaGVkLXBheS1hbmQtc2h1dGRvd25zLWFzLWNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWJhdHRlcnMtYnVzaW5lc3Nlcy0xMTU4MzMxNDI1Nw/5d233c18f730436f2414784fB2c84eb38" target="_blank" rel="noopener">financially</a> because of the quarantine and if they're still <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmV1dGVycy5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZS91cy1oZWFsdGgtY29yb25hdmlydXMtY2hpbmEtcmV0YWlsL2FzLWNoaW5hcy1jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1vdXRicmVhay1lYXNlcy1hLXdhcnktcmV0dXJuLXRvLXNob3BzLWZvci1jb25zdW1lcnMtaWRVU0tCTjIxNDQ3Vw/5d233c18f730436f2414784fBfbc37607" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerned</a> about getting sick. When other countries start to alleviate their own restrictions, they'll probably have to deal with these same inhibitors of consumer spending, since financial <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZm9yYmVzLmNvbS9zaXRlcy9saXNldHRldm95dGtvLzIwMjAvMDMvMjUvY29yb25hdmlydXMtbGF5b2Zmcy1jb21wYXNzLWVuZGVhdm9yLWxhdGVzdC10by1kaXNtaXNzLXdvcmtlcnMtYW1pZC1wYW5kZW1pYy8jNWI3ZTI4ZDA1ZDVk/5d233c18f730436f2414784fB27eb785f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">losses</a> and <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaGVhbGlvLmNvbS9wc3ljaGlhdHJ5L2FueGlldHkvbmV3cy9vbmxpbmUvJTdCNmQ0ODFjMjctNzlkZS00OTY0LTllOGQtZjQwMmIwNGQ0Y2U5JTdEL2FwYS1wb2xsLXNob3dzLWhpZ2gtYW54aWV0eS1hbW9uZy1hbWVyaWNhbnMtZHVyaW5nLWNvdmlkLTE5LXBhbmRlbWlj/5d233c18f730436f2414784fB301c8a2f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxieties</a> about the pandemic could be a global problem.</li><li>While China is focusing on promotions, some markets are sending funds directly to consumers to potentially drive consumer spending. The US Senate <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud3NqLmNvbS9hcnRpY2xlcy90cnVtcC1hZG1pbmlzdHJhdGlvbi1zZW5hdGUtZGVtb2NyYXRzLXNhaWQtdG8tcmVhY2gtc3RpbXVsdXMtYmlsbC1kZWFsLTExNTg1MTEzMzcx/5d233c18f730436f2414784fBe6a80bf8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed</a> a bill that would give many consumers access to additional funds, and Hong Kong is <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25iYy5jb20vMjAyMC8wMi8yOC9jYXNoLWhhbmRvdXQtY291bGQtYm9vc3QtaG9uZy1rb25nLWVjb25vbXktYnktMXBlcmNlbnQtZmluYW5jaWFsLXNlY3JldGFyeS5odG1s/5d233c18f730436f2414784fBdddf590a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking</a> similar action. Access to funds could lead consumers to spend more, but it's possible they'll choose to save any money that doesn't go <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly90b2RheS55b3Vnb3YuY29tL3RvcGljcy9oZWFsdGgvc3VydmV5LXJlc3VsdHMvZGFpbHkvMjAyMC8wMy8yNC8zNWExYy8x/5d233c18f730436f2414784fBc18ea3b8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">toward</a> paying bills or buying essentials. In comparison, China's promotions push consumers to directly make purchases. It's unclear if these initiatives, or others like <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnl0aW1lcy5jb20vMjAyMC8wMy8yMy93b3JsZC9ldXJvcGUvY29yb25hdmlydXMtZWNvbm9taWMtcmVsaWVmLXdhZ2VzLmh0bWw/5d233c18f730436f2414784fBdc270dff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">covering</a> a percentage of employee salaries if businesses don't lay them off, will successfully drive consumer spending in the future, but it's paramount that governments and businesses examine which options prove most effective in order to quickly bolster retail sales and spending when the pandemic subsides.</li></ul>Payments companies have the chance to help facilitate the distribution of funds and vouchers to consumers, which could boost their volume, too. The US Senate's bill would lead to <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDIwLzAzLzI1L3BvbGl0aWNzL3NlbmF0ZS1kZWFsLXN0aW11bHVzLWNoZWNrcy1jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy9pbmRleC5odG1s/5d233c18f730436f2414784fBa15ed69b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">direct payments</a>, but some local governments in China are <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19844686.4/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnRlbGxpZ2VuY2UuYnVzaW5lc3NpbnNpZGVyLmNvbS9wb3N0L2dvdmVybm1lbnRzLWFyZS1wdXNoaW5nLWNvbnN1bWVycy10b3dhcmQtbm9uY2FzaC1wYXltZW50cy1kdXJpbmctdGhlLXBhbmRlbWljLXN1bXVwLXByb21vdGVzLW1vYmlsZS1wYXltZW50cy1ieS1yZW1vdmluZy1mZWVzLXdlY2hhdC1zZW5kaW5nLWNoaW5lc2UtY29uc3VtZXJzLWdvdmVybm1lbnQtdm91Y2hlcnMtMjAyMC0zI0lURU0lMjAz/5d233c18f730436f2414784fC014e8bbd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sending</a> citizens vouchers through WeChat Wallet, illustrating the role payments firms can play.Payments companies that successfully partner with governments can be a part of getting funds and vouchers to consumers, and because those offerings may be held in their digital wallets, prepaid cards, or other payment instruments, the payments firms may be able to garner greater payment volume in the process.Business Insider Intelligence is working hard to provide you with the latest data and our most up-to-date thinking on how the coronavirus pandemic will impact your industry, as well as what you can do to stay ahead. <a href="https://e.businessinsider.com/click/19774010.2441/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnRlbGxpZ2VuY2UuYnVzaW5lc3NpbnNpZGVyLmNvbS9wb3N0L2hlcmVzLWFsbC1vZi1vdXItY29yb25hdmlydXMtY292ZXJhZ2UtdG8taGVscC15b3Utc3RheS1haGVhZC0yMDIwLTM/5af0b5dd95a7a126817e289cBf863e1a5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read all of our coronavirus coverage on Business Insider Intelligence &gt;&gt;</a> (Enterprise subscription required)Want to read more stories like this one? Here's how to get access:<ol><li>Business Insider Intelligence analyzes the payments and commerce industry and provides in-depth analyst reports, proprietary forecasts, customizable charts, and more. &gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/corporate-check?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=content_marketing&amp;itm_campaign=briefing_post&amp;itm_content=learn_more_text&amp;itm_term=enterprise_text_link-chinese-government-and-firms-try-reinvigorating-consumer-spending-2020-3">Check if your company has BII Enterprise membership access.</a></li><li>Sign up for the Payments &amp; Commerce Pro, Business Insider Intelligence's expert email newsletter keeping you up-to-date on the people, technologies, trends, and companies shaping the future of consumerism, delivered to your inbox 6x a week. &gt;&gt; <a href="https://store.businessinsider.com/products/payments-commerce-pro-membership?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=content_marketing&amp;itm_campaign=briefing_post&amp;itm_content=top_text&amp;itm_term=bundle_subscription_text_link-chinese-government-and-firms-try-reinvigorating-consumer-spending-2020-3">Get Started</a></li><li>Explore related topics in more depth. &gt;&gt; <a href="https://store.businessinsider.com/collections/payments-commerce?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=content_marketing&amp;itm_campaign=briefing_post&amp;itm_content=learn_more_text&amp;itm_term=enterprise_text_link-chinese-government-and-firms-try-reinvigorating-consumer-spending-2020-3">Visit Our Report Store</a></li><li>Current subscribers can log in to read the briefing <a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/post/chinese-government-firms-try-to-reinvigorate-consumer-spending-what-the-senates-2t-stimulus-bill-could-mean-for-payments-and-commerce-target-slows-initiatives-due-to-the-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-3">here.</a></li></ol><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/10-up-and-coming-fintechs-2019?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_leadgen&amp;itm_content=finance&amp;itm_campaign=10-up-and-coming-fintechs-2019-2"></a>

Chinese governments and firms are trying to boost consumer spending with vouchers and coupons

<ul><li>Kaushik Banerjee, Co-founder and CEO, MeVero Inc writes why brands should engage with its current customers and prospective one, to help them tide over this crisis.</li><li>He further shares how every situation, however bad, presents an opportunity for brands. and their marketing strategy now depends on the consumer problem the product is trying to solve.</li></ul>This time of the year is always a time of festivity in many parts of the world. What that means is a lot of shopping for discretionary items. Total spending in the USA last year during this time is estimated at $18 billion+. The top purchases categories included food, clothing, gifts and premium handmade products. With increasing number of people moving to online shopping, almost all digital companies – be it a start-up or a relatively established player, plan for a surge in marketing spends around this time of the year. Online shoppers have increasingly spent more than those going to stores. As a result, mobile payments have seen around a 10% rise during these times, year on year. Be it digital payments, <keyword id="124571" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-media">digital media</keyword>, e-commerce or logistics, every start-up in these domains plan for an upswing in consumer spending propensity. But the times are different this year. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption of normal life across the world. A lot of industries have come to a halt, like retail, automobiles, travel and tourism, F&amp;B etc. People are also postponing their discretionary spends in view of the uncertain economic outlook. This has resulted in contraction of marketing spend for start-ups in general. All major campaigns have been postponed. This is evident from the fact that the advertising on Google and Facebook has become less expensive, meaning that there are fewer advertisers. The CPMs for Facebook, Instagram have fallen by average 15% in March 2020 compared to February 2020. The marketing strategy now depends on the consumer problem the product is trying to solve. If the product is in digital healthcare, digital learning, media, hyperlocal delivery, or anything that can help people sustain and engage gainfully while staying at home due to lockdown, it is the right time to engage with the customer, both current and prospective, through meaningful communication. Social media can be used effectively to promote health and hygiene while carefully weaving the brand story into it. If the product falls under the discretionary category, or caters to it, it is best to postpone any marketing activity. Rather resources should be used to improve the product. Every situation, however bad, presents an opportunity for brands. People now need to spend time productively, maintain health &amp; hygiene, take care of family, manage finances wisely and work from home. Brands should engage with its current customers and prospective one, through low cost media to help them tide over this crisis. In this Covid – 19 outbreak digital platforms are witnessing a surge in subscription and user base as consumers are utilising their more time on such platforms during the lockdown period. As people spend more time indoors and in remote working, these digital players have seen an unprecedented growth across the world. Today’s hyper connected world makes it easier for digital companies across the globe to acquire users by advertising and marketing themselves on the digital platform solely, without much of a mass media outreach. Social media, Google Adwords, Youtube etc. offer a huge opportunity for digital players to reach a global audience and acquire users in this period of Covid-19. Therefore, it is no wonder that you see a slew of digital companies reaching out to new users across the world in a push for global footprint. In a matter of a few weeks they increased their user base to over hundreds of million users globally, simply by leveraging the power of <keyword id="618493" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-marketing">Digital marketing</keyword>. And with a fewer number of advertisers now hawking their products, the cost of acquisition has also dropped dramatically for most digital companies. So it is becoming cheaper and faster for digital-only players to acquire global users and ramp up their offering. The only hitch that remains are two fold- Government regulations and Payment systems. To go global, most digital companies have to take cognisance of local Government laws and this might prove cumbersome to a lot of players. The other problem is to enable payments by users on a digital platform to suit local behaviours. For instance, in developing countries, Debit/Credit Card payments may not work. You will need to look at other innovative payment mechanisms to cater to users in these countries. So, you will see a tremendous growth in FinTech players who offer the digital companies the flexibility to accept payments from innovative methods like Wallets, Mobile payments, Voucher systems and prepaid tokens.

The state of digital in the time of corona

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jack Ieronimo was one of the people <a href="https://www.insider.com/united-airlines-passengers-trapped-plane-no-water-food-travel-chaos-2023-8">stuck on board a United Airlines flight</a> for seven hours in July.</li><li>He later found out that his mother was filmed in a TikTok post about the incident. </li></ul>Jack Ieronimo was one of the people on a United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Rome that made headlines after passengers said they were <a href="https://www.insider.com/united-airlines-passengers-trapped-plane-no-water-food-travel-chaos-2023-8">stuck on board for seven hours</a> without taking off. Two weeks after the ordeal, Ieronimo returned home from his family trip to find that his mother, Christine, was filmed in a TikTok <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dragoneb/video/7256692648893812011?q=united%20dragone&amp;t=1692881981636" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> from the day of the canceled flight, which was going viral. In the clip, she can be seen at the head of a crowd at an airport gate voicing her concerns about the way the airline handled the situation. She says in the video that elderly people, babies, and pregnant women were among those on board and that passengers were "treated like animals."Insider previously reported that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/passenger-stuck-united-flight-7-hours-said-it-was-torture-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">passengers on the flight from Newark</a> said they were stuck without food or water as temperatures soared to 80 degrees Fahrenheit because of a problem with the air conditioning. In a statement to Insider, United Airlines said passengers were offered the opportunity to get off the plane and were later offered snacks and beverages. Ieronimo, 26, who makes a cameo in the TikTok video while standing in the crowd, told Insider he thought the video of his mother played a "key part" in the incident receiving public attention. He added that if it weren't for the clip, the situation "would have been swept under the rug." The US Department of Transportation said in a <a href="https://www.cbs7.com/2023/08/04/passengers-were-stuck-plane-7-hours-with-no-air-conditioning-no-food-or-water-provided-woman-says/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement to CBS7</a> that it would investigate the matter.He's now spoken out with his own <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@simple_juck/video/7269928639167302955" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> on TikTok that further explains his family's experience, with the goal of holding the airline to account.<h2>Ieronimo called out United Airlines in a TikTok video that has gone hugely viral </h2>Ieronimo, based in Rhode Island, told Insider that when he came across the TikTok post of his mother, he noticed that many people were responding to it with positivity. Many commenters under the clip, which was posted on July 17 by Ieronimo's fellow passenger Bianca Dragone, applauded his mother for the way she spoke up on behalf of others and said they were shocked to hear her explain the details of what happened. "It was cool because her feelings were validated," Ieronimo told Insider. On August 22, Ieronimo posted his own TikTok <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@simple_juck/video/7269928639167302955" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>, acknowledging how viral Dragone's post had gotten and adding information about the experience. In it, he reiterates that he also hadn't seen any food or water being offered by the cabin crew and accuses United Airlines of trying to downplay the incident.A spokesperson for United Airlines declined to comment in response to Ieronimo's video. The TikTok became even more viral than the video of Ieronimo's mom, receiving 19.2 million views and helping him bring the incident to wider attention."I just wanted to be the person that could try and hold United accountable for their actions because it didn't seem like they were going to be held accountable based on what had come out already," Ieronimo told Insider. "It seemed like they were going to just sweep it under the rug and try and have everybody forget about the situation."In his post, Ieronimo says he never wants to fly with United again and urges the airline to "make it right." "The ball is in your court, Scott Kirby," he says at the end of the clip, referencing the CEO of United Airlines. Ieronimo's mother told Insider <a href="https://www.insider.com/united-airlines-viral-passenger-stuck-plane-7-hours-interview-2023-9">the family was refunded the cost of the flight</a> and given a $400 voucher as compensation. An email seen by Insider showed the airline offered the family another check for $550.03 as further compensation for out-of-pocket hotel costs but said reimbursement of the family's prepaid hotel expenses and flights to Rome with a different airline, which they booked after deciding they did not want to fly with United again, could not be covered within its policies. Ieronimo, who said the family's tickets with an alternative airline cost over $4,000, said he was "extremely disappointed" with the airline's response in a written statement to Insider.It's not clear what costs other passengers incurred, but Ieronimo said he thought they all deserved to be compensated for their additional expenses, saying: "It should not take a viral video getting 19 million views to get any sort of attention from United when they should have fully reimbursed us from the beginning." United Airlines declined to comment.<a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.</a>

A United Airlines passenger's mom went viral complaining about their travel chaos. Now he's using his platform to demand more accountability.

<ul><li><a href="https://uhi.abdm.gov.in/">UHI </a>is a network that can enable interoperability in health services.</li><li>Through <keyword id="1766345" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="uhi" source="Orion">UHI</keyword> enabled applications, patients can discover, book, conduct and pay for services via an application of their choice. </li><li>e-RUPI is a new fintech initiative for instant payment to healthcare service providers in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.</li></ul>Just like <keyword id="6358921" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="upi" source="Orion">UPI</keyword> revolutionized payment transactions in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>, Unified Health Interface or UHI will revolutionize digital health service delivery, said Dr R S <keyword id="445" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sharma" source="Orion">Sharma</keyword>, CEO, <keyword id="7183605" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="national-health-authority" source="Orion">National Health Authority</keyword>, <keyword id="191419" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ministry-of-health-and-family-welfare" source="Orion">Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</keyword> at IFTA 2022 held in Mumbai. A foundational layer of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) stack, <a href="https://uhi.abdm.gov.in/">UHI </a>is a network of open protocols that can enable interoperability in health services. Through UHI enabled applications, patients can discover, book, conduct and pay for services offered by a variety of participating providers via an app of their choice. “UHI facilitates the ease of doing business for health care service providers by granting them access to a large number of users, through the medium of a common platform. This paradigm shift in healthcare delivery also gives rise to a sea of opportunities for the emerging HealthTech ecosystem” said Dr Sharma. Some of the services that will be included in UHI are teleconsultation, lab booking and ambulance services. The healthcare system is also working on enabling payments via e-RUPI, as part of a fintech initiative for instant payment to healthcare service providers - under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a government funded health insurance scheme. e-RUPI is a person and purpose specific digital instrument based on the architecture of UPI. It’s a one-time, cashless, contactless prepaid digital voucher which can be availed through an SMS or QR Code. It can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access. “e-RUPI will have myriad use cases: to start with, health, nutrition, education and agriculture are just a few areas that are going to benefit from it. A number of states have already started using e-RUPI for various benefit delivery programmes in their states,” Dr Sharma added. It was launched by <keyword id="12394777" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="national-payments-corporation-of" source="Orion">National Payments Corporation of</keyword> India (NPCI) in August <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1743056">2021</a>. Dr Sharma believes that it is time that we innovate new products in the fintech industry which could be combined with healthtech for an affordable, scalable and accessible digital healthcare ecosystem. IFTA 2022 is a fintech event hosted by <keyword id="8249528" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india-fintech-forum" source="Orion">India FinTech Forum</keyword>, an advocacy group. More than 2,750 fintech companies and over 30,000 individuals are members of this forum. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/urban-company-grants-shares-worth-rs-5-2-cr-to-497-gig-workers/articleshow/95828715.cms">Urban Company grants shares worth Rs 5.2 cr to 497 gig workers</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/indonesia-relaunches-multiple-entry-visa-that-was-deactivated-during-the-pandemic/articleshow/95828509.cms">Indonesia relaunches multiple entry visa that was deactivated during the pandemic</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/tips-to-make-whatsapp-more-private-and-secure/articleshow/95825054.cms">Tips to make Whatsapp more private and secure</a>

‘United Health Interface will do to service delivery what UPI did to payments’

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In July, Christine Ieronimo was stuck on a sweltering United Airlines plane for seven hours. </li><li>She later discovered she was filmed in a viral TikTok showing her speaking up about what happened.</li></ul>A passenger who was stuck on a sweltering plane before her flight was canceled told the airline staff she was unhappy with how she'd been treated. She had no idea a fellow passenger was filming her, and that it would eventually go viral.On July 3, Christine Ieronimo, a critical care nurse and children's author based in Connecticut, was intending on traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Rome, Italy, for a vacation with her family when they all ended up sitting on an unmoving United Airlines plane for seven hours.<a href="https://www.insider.com/united-airlines-passengers-trapped-plane-no-water-food-travel-chaos-2023-8">Passengers aboard the plane said they were left without food or water</a> as temperatures soared to 80 degrees Fahrenheit due to a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/passenger-stuck-united-flight-7-hours-said-it-was-torture-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">problem with the air conditioning</a>. A spokesperson for United Airlines previously told Insider in a statement that the flight returned to the gate to "address a temperature issue" and was later canceled because the "crew eventually exceeded their legally permitted duty hours." After the flight was canceled, passengers returned to the airport, where Ieronimo complained to airline staff about how passengers were treated, oblivious to the fact that she was being filmed, she told Insider.After the family arrived home from their trip two weeks later, Ieronimo went back to work, where a colleague informed her that she had been captured in a viral <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dragoneb/video/7256692648893812011?q=united%20dragone&amp;t=1692881981636" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> on TikTok about the situation which went on to spark online outrage. <h2>Ieronimo said going viral unexpectedly brought feelings of fear, but that it has helped shine a light on the incident </h2>The TikTok, posted on July 17, was filmed by a passenger named Christina Dragone and shows a crowd of travelers standing opposite a United Airlines staff member in the airport after the flight was canceled. Ieronomo was at the head of the group, expressing concerns about the way the situation was handled. The clip blew up, receiving 2.5 million views, and Insider previously reported that <a href="https://www.insider.com/united-airlines-passengers-trapped-plane-no-water-food-travel-chaos-2023-8">the incident didn't reach the public eye until after posts were made about it on social media,</a> passengers spoke to news outlets, and the US Department of Transportation said it would investigate the matter. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/passenger-stuck-united-flight-7-hours-said-it-was-torture-2023-8">United Airlines has now also said it will investigate</a>. Ieronomo told Insider she did not have a TikTok account prior to going viral, and was initially worried that being filmed could lead to backlash against her, depending on how the clip was received by viewers. "I was afraid I was going to get vilified," she said. Although it is relatively common for TikTokers to film others in public spaces where there is little expectation of privacy, Ieronimo said that being at the center of a viral TikTok put her in an unexpected situation. "I'm not looking to be a TikTok star. I didn't ask to be videotaped. I wasn't asked to have it placed on TikTok, so it's been incredibly overwhelming, the attention that it has gotten," she said. Dragone did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Despite Ieronomo's concerns about backlash, comments on the TikTok have been largely supportive and viewers have applauded her for the way she advocated for other passengers. Ieronimo told Insider that the virality has brought some positives in being able to shed light on what happened. "It's like a double-edged sword, quite frankly. Do I want to be in the spotlight, do I want to be out there for people to comment and see me and my family? No. But do I want attention brought to the incident? Yes, I absolutely do," she said. <div type="image" title="Christine Ieronimo and her daugher sitting on some outdoor stairs holding ice cream." height="839" width="1119" msid="103293592" hostid="261" sizebytes="111056"></div><h2>Ieronimo sought greater compensation from the airline, but said she was disappointed with the results </h2>Ieronimo told Insider she witnessed several people stripping their shirts off due to the heat while a team was trying to fix the air conditioning on the tarmac. At one point during the hours-long incident, she said people were offered the chance to disembark, but most passengers chose not to since they were told the flight would be leaving soon.Ieronimo told Insider that United Airlines refunded the cost of the family's original flight and also gave them a $400 voucher for future flights with the airline.According to an email seen by Insider, the airline has now offered Ieronimo a check for a further $550.03 as reimbursement towards out-of-pocket hotel expenses the family incurred but said that it cannot reimburse the cost of the family's alternative flights with a different airline or prepaid hotel expenses under its policies. In a statement to Insider via email, Ieronimo said she is disappointed with the outcome. She said rebooking flights cost the family more than $4,000 as they decided to go with a different airline. She also said she believes other passengers who incurred additional expenses deserve reimbursement, although it is unclear what expenses others might have incurred or whether they have been compensated by the airline.Though the United has released a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/passenger-stuck-united-flight-7-hours-said-it-was-torture-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">statement</a> about the incident, Ieronimo added, "I still feel United owes its passengers acknowledgment of the horrible experience and a public apology."United Airlines declined to respond to Insider's request for further comment. <a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.</a>

A United Airlines passenger was furious at being stuck on a plane for 7 hours before her flight was canceled. She never expected to go viral.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Americans have been taking to the skies this summer more than any season since the start of the pandemic. </li><li><keyword id="44023" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="airlines">Airlines</keyword> and <keyword id="43661" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="airports">airports</keyword> are still adjusting to increased passenger levels, causing long lines and delays. </li><li>These <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> tips will help flyers avoid lines and move through the airport easier. </li></ul>The summer of vaccinated travel has arrived in the US, and it's wreaking havoc on some of the nation's airlines and airports. AAA estimates that 47.7 million Americans will travel over <keyword id="1069878" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Fourth-of-July">Fourth of July</keyword> weekend and <keyword id="6354691" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Air-travel">air travel</keyword> will likely see a large share of that number. Every day since June 22 has seen more than 1.8 million travelers depart from US airports and four days in that period have seen more than two million. Read More: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airline-workers-covid-rates-is-flying-safe-2020-9">Airline workers have lower rates of COVID-19 than the general population - and airline CEOs say it's proof that flying is safe</a>Long lines will be the norm as travelers descend upon airports and airlines are still struggling to adjust to increased passenger volume following months of slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The onus, this summer, will be on travelers to help themselves instead of relying on the airlines to get them to where they need to be. I volunteer at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and see the most common ways travelers make the airport experience harder than it has to be. Here's how to have a smoother travel experience this summer. <h2>Check-in online for a flight 24 hours in advance</h2><div type="image" title="Online check-in airline" height="921" width="1228" msid="84038603" hostid="261"></div>Online check-in takes no more than a few minutes but can save travelers hours of waiting in line. Flyers can review flight details, change seats, pay for baggage allowance, print boarding passes, and even have boarding passes sent to a phone.Flyers that get a boarding pass by checking in online can head straight to the security checkpoint when arriving at the airport if they don't have a bag to check. The check-in rule will also help Southwest Airlines flyers get a better seat as boarding groups are assigned based on check-in time.Airlines will also use check-in time when determining which flyers to take off a flight in the event that it's oversold. Those checking a bag should pay the baggage fee online to save time at the airport. Some carriers like JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines have bag drop systems where flyers use a kiosk to print their bag tag and then drop it on a conveyor belt. <h2>Download and update all airline mobile applications</h2><div type="image" title="alaska air app" height="1337" width="1782" msid="84038608" hostid="261"></div>Nearly every major US airline has a mobile app that, much like online check-in, can often be used to avoid long check-in lines altogether. Travelers that only plan to bring carry-on bags can go straight to the security screening checkpoint with only a mobile boarding pass. Airline apps will also have phone numbers and contact options in the event of a delay or cancellation. Flyers can change or cancel their flights on most airline apps, as well. <h2>Arrive extra early for domestic flights and super early for international flights</h2><div type="image" title="Trapped in Airport Terminal" height="1875" width="2500" msid="84038611" hostid="261"></div>Even the most experienced travelers can be trapped in a long line and miss their flight. Airlines are short-staffed after reducing headcounts during the pandemic and holiday travel weekends will only compound pressure on staff.Travelers checking bags should arrive extra early to hedge against long lines. Most airlines advise arriving at least two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours for international flights but flyers should be more cautious and allow extra time. And even carry-on passengers should arrive early in case of long lines at the security screening checkpoint or if something goes wrong. International flights often require additional protocols at check-in where an airline employee will have to verify travel documents and COVID-19 tests. Lines are often longer for international departures since flyers often bring checked baggage and now the added burden of verifying COVID-19 documents means flyers should allow for extra time. <h2>Use apps like Verifly for international flights</h2><div type="image" title="Trapped in Airport Terminal" height="450" width="600" msid="84038614" hostid="261"></div>Some airlines are using third parties to verify COVID-19 documentation and are letting customers that use the free services cut the line at airports. American Airlines partners with Verifly, a company that offers mobile health passport services, to speed along the check-in process for international flyers. Travelers upload a profile to the Verifly app, as well as their COVID-19 test results, and have their documentation digitally reviewed long before they arrive at the airport. American has dedicated check-in lines for Verifly users that have shorter wait times than normal lines. The process can take a few days, however, so flyers should upload the info as early as possible. <h2>Be aware of COVID-19 requirements and print out tests</h2><div type="image" title="A medical assistant administers a COVID-19 test in Fridley, Minnesota." height="680" width="907" msid="84038615" hostid="261"></div>Many international destinations require negative COVID-19 tests as a prerequisite to entry, and each destination has its own rules on the recency and type of tests required.Airlines will direct travelers to check-in desks so an employee can review COVID-19 tests. In that case, passengers should arrive extra early in case lines are long. Having COVID-19 tests printed out can also speed along the process at check-in and arrival in a foreign country. Travelers without proper tests will often be denied boarding. Some airports do have testing sites but privately-owned sites can charge upwards of $100 for a test. Some countries also require applying for visas or approvals to enter the country that wasn't once mandated, and flyers should check the entry requirements of their destination country with their airline and the US embassy in that country. <h2>Use TSA PreCheck and Clear at security checkpoints</h2><div type="image" title="tsa" height="2128" width="2838" msid="84038617" hostid="261"></div>Flyers may spend a long period of time at check-in only to face another line at the security checkpoint. First class flyers and elite status holders can often use dedicated priority lanes but another method to skip the line is by enrolling in the <keyword id="34991" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="transportation">Transportation</keyword> Security Administration's PreCheck program.PreCheck lines are often shorter and travelers in the program save time by leaving their shoes on, laptops in bags, and jackets on, among other perks. Travelers that don't currently have TSA PreCheck can get a five-year membership for $85.Another method of skipping the line is enrolling in a membership with Clear, a private company that brings members to the front of security lines. Clear isn't available in every terminal but can save time where available. Travelers can have both a TSA PreCheck membership and Clear membership for double effectiveness, with the latter costing $179 per year. Free trials for Clear are often available and some airlines give their frequent flyers discounts on memberships. <h2>Make the most of airport lounges</h2><div type="image" title="Amex Centurion Lounge JFK Airport" height="1666" width="2223" msid="84038620" hostid="261"></div><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/chase-sapphire-reserve-credit-card-review">Chase Sapphire Reserve</a> and American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders have complimentary access to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/priority-pass-select-airport-lounge-pass-review-2020-2">Priority Pass lounges around the world</a>. Lounges typically feature plush seating along with free WiFi and complimentary food and beverages. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/american-express-platinum-credit-card-review">American Express Platinum</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/benefits-of-the-amex-centurion-black-card">Centurion</a> cardholders also have access to exclusive <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-express-opens-new-centurion-lounge-at-laguardia-airport-tour-2021-6">Centurion Lounges, known for exquisite food and drinks</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-sky-club-jfk-lounge-visit-tour-photos-details-2020-10">Delta Sky Clubs</a> when <keyword id="52392" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Flying">flying</keyword> Delta Air Lines. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/delta-reserve-review">Delta Air Lines American Express Reserve</a> cardholders can also access Centurion Lounges and Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders enrolled in Priority Pass can also dine at some airport restaurants for nearly free, as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/using-priority-pass-restaurant-perk-with-chase-sapphire-reserve-card-2021-6">Insider found on a recent layover in Washington, DC</a>. <h2>Be prepared for a delay or cancellation </h2><div type="image" title="An airport departures board showing canceled flights." height="1666" width="2223" msid="84039542" hostid="261"></div>Busy travel times are when delays and cancellations are likely to happen, especially as airlines adjust to flying more people. Travelers need to be proactive and have a plan of action ready. As soon as a delay or cancellation strikes, travelers should be searching for backup options and have a plan to execute them. An hour-long flight delay might very well turn into four hours or even a cancellation, as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stranded-in-bogota-colombia-airport-terminal-2021-6">Insider found on a recent trip to South America</a>. Long hold times are common but flyers should at least call and get themselves on the callback queue, if an airline has one, in case they need to talk to a reservation agent down the line. Messaging an airline through their apps or using Twitter to direct message an airline as soon as a delay strikes can also help, just so a dialogue is opened as soon as possible. Flyers should also know where the nearest customer service center is in as agents there can also help flyers. <h2>Use credit card perks like travel insurance</h2><div type="image" title="A Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card - Priority Pass Restaurant" height="1422" width="1896" msid="84038627" hostid="261"></div>Travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum have built-in travel insurance that can be used if delays strike, if the travel was paid for by that card. Each card has different requirements and spending allowances but it can help mitigate the inconvenience of a delay or cancellation. "If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 6 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for Unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket," Chase's website reads. If bad weather or sickness strikes, some trip insurance will also cover any prepaid costs like airfare or pre-arranged tours. Baggage delay insurance will also cover expenses if a checked bag is lost by the airline. <h2>Know your rights as a passenger</h2><div type="image" title="delayed flight" height="3051" width="4069" msid="84038631" hostid="261"></div>In the event of an airline-initiated delay or cancellation for an issue other than weather, passengers are often entitled to amenities that help make the delay easier to bear. Meal vouchers are often distributed in the event of a lengthy delay and airlines will give hotel vouchers if an overnight stay is required away from the traveler's home city. If a flight is delayed or canceled and another is available at a nearby airport, airlines will often provide transportation to the alternate airport. After the trip is complete, flyers can request delay compensation from an airline to make up for the lost time. <h2>Use your elite status or first class perks</h2><div type="image" title="Delta Elite Status Day Trip" height="1309" width="1745" msid="84038633" hostid="261"></div>Airlines often have dedicated check-in lines for their most frequent flyers with elite status or first class flyers. If checking in with an airline employee is a must, elite status holders or premium cabin flyers can take advantage of the shorter wait times on those lines.<h2>Bring extra masks</h2><div type="image" title="Breeze Airways Inaugural Flight" height="1595" width="2126" msid="84038635" hostid="261"></div>Wearing a face mask while in an airport or on an airplane is still required by federal law in the US, and mandatory by most airlines around the world. Airlines will also have masks to offer passengers in case they forget a mask, need a replacement mask, or simply need an extra one.

I volunteer at a major airport and deal with hundreds of unprepared travelers. Here are 12 ways to avoid lines and have a stress-free summer travel experience

You Searched For "prepaid digital voucher" and got 9 results

RBI proposes to raise limit on e-RUPI vouchers to ₹1 lakh

IANS

e-RUPI explained — India’s new electronic voucher-based payment system to reduce leakage in welfare programmes

Sudhanshu Singh

Finance Minister introduces LTC Cash Voucher Scheme and Special Festival Advance Scheme makes a one-time comeback

Prabhjote Gill

Chinese governments and firms are trying to boost consumer spending with vouchers and coupons

Daniel Keyes

The state of digital in the time of corona

Guest Author

A United Airlines passenger's mom went viral complaining about their travel chaos. Now he's using his platform to demand more accountability.

Charissa Cheong

‘United Health Interface will do to service delivery what UPI did to payments’

Eetika Kapoor

A United Airlines passenger was furious at being stuck on a plane for 7 hours before her flight was canceled. She never expected to go viral.

Charissa Cheong

I volunteer at a major airport and deal with hundreds of unprepared travelers. Here are 12 ways to avoid lines and have a stress-free summer travel experience

Thomas Pallini

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides