uf travel business class

University of Florida

• Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management

The curriculum prepares students to gain competency in industry knowledge, develop intellectual abilities, and foster adaptive and technical leadership skills. In addition, the focus on the growth of individual and group dynamics through critical thinking is emphasized so that students will become leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs and create change in an ever-evolving industry. Graduates pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities including hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruise lines, casinos, clubs, restaurants, convention centers, tour operators, corporate, public, and private meetings and events, inclusive of the music, festivals, entertainment, fashion, attractions, and many other options.​ The curriculum is also designed to prepare students to pursue graduate studies in a similar field or business management.

About this Program

• College: Health and  Human Performance
• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
•      Specializations: Event Management | General | Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Credits for Degree: 120

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Department Information

The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management prepares students to gain competency in industry knowledge, develop intellectual abilities, and foster adaptive and technical leadership skills. Website

Email | 352.294.1661 (tel) | 352.846.6627 (fax)

P.O. Box 118208 THE FLORIDA GYMNASIUM GAINESVILLE FL 32611-8208 Map

 Curriculum

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management Certificate
• Combination Degrees
• Event Management Minor
• Event Management Minor UF Online
• Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management UF Online

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management courses must be completed successfully in General Education, the major, and related professional and specialized courses. All students take a common core of courses providing them with foundational knowledge within the discipline. Subsequently, students select one specialization.

An approved 13-week internship is required upon completion of all coursework or the successful completion of the Academic Option (for those who qualify). Both options are included in the 120 credits for the degree. Students that have current or past industry experience (supervisory or entry level but not seasonal employment) will be able to substitute the full-time internship engagement with a choice of five department course electives taken over the course of several semesters.

Students interested in the academic option will need to submit the following documents for approval beginning of their junior year:

• Notice of intent form
• Current resume
• Statement that outlines personal and professional goals
• An overview of how past industry experience has prepared them for a desired career position.

Specializations

Event management.

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to administer and manage commercial and entrepreneurial event service businesses. This program includes courses in conference and special event planning, promotion, sponsorship, financial and revenue management, and production.

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a wide array of sectors related to the tourism, hospitality, and event management. This provides an opportunity to select courses within the department to develop broad content knowledge.

Tourism and Hospitality Management

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to administer and manage destination management organizations, tour operations, and hospitality enterprises such as hotels, resorts, attractions, restaurants, and cruises.

The Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management curriculum prepares students to gain competency in industry knowledge, develop intellectual abilities, and foster adaptive and technical leadership skills. In addition, the focus on the growth of individual and group dynamics through critical thinking is emphasized so that students will become leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs and create change in an ever-evolving industry. Graduates pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities including hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruise lines, casinos, clubs, restaurants, convention centers, tour operators, corporate, public, and private meetings and events, inclusive of the music, festivals, entertainment, fashion, attractions, and many other options.​ The curriculum is also designed to prepare students to pursue graduate studies in a similar field or business management.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Demonstrate competence (minimum final grades of C) in the core courses LEI 3301 ,  LEI 4540 , HFT 4468 , and LEI 4880 ..
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major will Learn to

Student learning outcomes | slos.

• Identify major concepts, principles, and theories associated with tourism, hospitality, and event management.
• Apply management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the use of resources to accomplish performance goals in tourism, hospitality, and event management.
• Identify economic, sociological, psychological, political, legal, and environmental issues that influence the delivery of tourism, hospitality, and event services to residents and tourists.
• Interpret information technology and statistical techniques in assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of tourism, hospitality, and event management programs.
• Apply programming and marketing strategies aligned to the development of tourism, events, and hospitality services.
• Develop financial strategies and evaluate budgets and sources of revenues and expenses relevant to financial strategies to tourism, events, and hospitality services.

Critical Thinking

• Identify and apply diverse sources of information and data integrated with theoretical frameworks, models and trends to issues related to leadership, management and delivery of tourism, hospitality, and events management services.

Communication

• Communicate to consumer publics and professional cohorts through written text, oral messages and multimedia presentations.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

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All pages in 2023-2024 Academic Catalog.

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This Is The Cheapest Day of the Week To Fly Business Class

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Whether you’re flying for work or leisure, it’s always nice to score a good deal on airfare. This is especially true when you’re flying business class which, according to The Points Guy , can cost twice as much as premium economy — if not more.

But how exactly can you save money while still enjoying the perks of flying business class? Unless you’re on a strict schedule, one option is to fly on days that, historically, cost less than others.

While your mileage may vary, these are the best and worst days to fly business class if you’re trying to keep costs reasonable — and how to get even better deals .

Midweek Is Usually the Cheapest

If your schedule allows, you’re likely to save the most money on airfare by flying during the middle of the week. This is especially the case when flying internationally.

“In my personal experience, I’ve noticed that mid-week business class fares tend to be lower, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,” said Stephanie Rytting, a travel expert, renowned travel author and the founder of France Adventurer .

Thursdays could also be cheaper since fewer people are traveling that day and airlines sometimes have lower prices to encourage more customers to buy airfare.

Saturdays Could Be Even Cheaper for Domestic Flights

If you’re flying domestically, you could find the lowest business class prices on Saturdays.

“Midweek seems to be the sweet spot, though there is one potential hidden gem — Saturdays on domestic routes within North America,” said Andy Medearis, a travel expert and founder of Deals Points . “Now, you’d think Saturday would be a weekend premium, but based on my analysis, it often slots in just behind Tuesday to Thursday in terms of average price. The airlines seem to have a separate categorization for ‘not quite weekend’ travel. Worth keeping in mind!”

Avoid Mondays and Fridays

Certain days of the week tend to be cheaper than others to fly, but the opposite also holds true. In particular, avoid flying business class at the start and end of the work week.

“I’ve noticed that Fridays are usually the most expensive days for business class,” said Rytting. “As the week ends, there is more competition for seats from people who want to start their weekends early or go on short trips. Because of this higher demand, airlines can raise prices every Friday.”

According to Rytting, airfare is often 10% to 20% higher on Fridays than it is for the same trip during the middle of the week. The price shift could be even higher than that, however.

“We all know the standard advice is to avoid Mondays and Fridays like the plague, as that’s when business travel peaks and airlines gouge prices accordingly,” said Medearis. “But it’s even worse than most folks realize — I’ve tracked over a dozen routes for months at a time and consistently found prices 30% or more higher at the start and end of the standard work week. Yikes!”

Sundays Also Tend To Be Expensive

If you’re flying back home on a Sunday, prepare to spend more on airfare. That’s because many other people have the same idea and are traveling on that day, too.

“Everyone wants to travel on their days off work, so demand skyrockets while availability plummets,” said Lucia Polla, a travel expert and the founder of Viva La Vita . “Fridays and Sundays, in particular, tend to have outrageous business-class prices. I once saw a Sunday flight that was nearly double the Tuesday fare for the same route!”

Ways To Save Money on Business Class Flights

Even if you’re flying on a day that’s usually more expensive, you could still save money and get a good flight. Here are some pro strategies.

• Use rewards programs. Many airlines have rewards programs that let you earn miles whenever you fly. If you’re a frequent flyer, take advantage of these programs to get cheaper or even free flights. “I’ve scored countless premium cabin upgrades and deep discounts by cashing in points at the right time,” said Polla. “Sign up, pick one airline and rack up those miles!”
• Be flexible and keep an eye on travel patterns. “You can find good times to book cheap business class by keeping an eye on normal travel patterns and times when demand drops,” said Rytting. “Making small changes to your schedule can often save you a lot of money while still meeting your work needs and giving you more freedom on the road.”
• Book early. Buying your plane tickets early — even months ahead of time — could help you score the lowest prices.
• Fly through a regional airport. “Most of the time, more people go through bigger commercial airports with more airlines and connections,” said Rytting. “But smaller regional airports that aren’t too far away can also have good flight and fare options because they serve the local area.”
• Set up price tracking. “The single best strategy I’ve developed is to set up automated price tracking on Google Flights for a wide range of travel periods when you have flexibility — say an entire month rather than just a week,” said Medearis. “Then, try to pounce within 24 hours if the rare lightning deal comes through — I’ve seen business fares 60% below usual price that way.”
• Fly during the shoulder season. “Aim for shoulder seasons when fewer leisure travelers are competing for seats,” said Polla. “Some of my best business-class deals have been snagged simply by dodging the peak crowds around major holidays.”

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8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy

W ith flight delays, cancellations, and rising prices, flying has become more stressful than ever. But if you can upgrade your experience from economy to business class, you may enjoy your time in the air a little bit more.

I’m a Travel Agent: 7 Costliest Mistakes People Make When Planning Vacations

Also: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

Fortunately, there are ways to find cheap airline tickets – and you don’t necessarily have to fly the cheapest airlines to get them. Here are eight ways to find cheap flight tickets without spending hours booking travel or settling for economy class seats.

Sponsored: Double The Power of Your Dollar: Stretch Your Money With These Perks

1. Use Google Flights (Or Another Service) To Track Prices Automatically

Google Flights recently announced new features that make it easier to find cheap airline tickets, including business class flights, GOBankingRates recently reported . To use this service, you’ll need to be logged in to your Google account.

Once you set up the flights you want to track, you’ll get an email if the price drops dramatically. You’ll also get an email if it looks like the price may rise soon.

Other services, including Going, Expedia Flights Deals and Skyscanner, offer similar features. These services can also help you spot fare mistakes that can lead to substantial savings. ViaTravelers.com reported that some readers of their site recently found business class tickets for “just a few hundred dollars,” when they normally sell for $16,000 each.

If you receive a notification of a deal like this, don’t hesitate to make a purchase. Business class seats are normally refundable if your travel plans change.

2. Be Flexible About When You Fly

Having some flexibility in your travel dates can often lead to significant savings. Google Flights uses historical data to discover the cheapest dates and times to book a flight as well as the cheapest times to fly. Set up alerts for flexible travel dates to improve your odds of snagging cheap business class tickets.

3. Ask for An Upgrade at the Gate

Airlines don’t issue upgrades as frequently as they used to, but it never hurts to ask. Do everything you can to improve your odds by being nice and friendly to the agent. If there is a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday celebration, it doesn’t hurt to mention it.

Also, understand that the bigger the airplane, the more likely you might get an upgrade. Research the plane in advance so you understand the odds. A flight with more empty seats, obviously, offers a better chance of an upgrade so flying during off-peak times may help your chances, too.

Check in as early as possible, too, so your name will be first on the list for potential upgrades. And let the airline know you’re willing to pay for a better seat.

Sometimes, you may be able to get a business class upgrade for a small fee on the day of your flight. But other times, the airline will grant this perk free.

4. Be Willing To Wait for a Later Flight

If you are on an overbooked flight and you volunteer to give up your seat, you may earn an upgrade to business class along with a travel credit for a future flight, as well as cash. The amount of compensation you receive depends on how desperate the airline is to free up space without mandating people to give up their seats, how overbooked the flight is, and how many other passengers are willing to give up seats.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Email for Upgrades

If your flight still has business class seats available a few days before your flight, they might email passengers offering an upgrade at a substantial discount.

Sometimes, customers will have to bid for the upgraded seat. You will enter the price you’re willing to pay and will find out shortly before your flight if your offer was accepted. Other times, you can pay whatever rate the airline is asking to guarantee a business class seat.

Of course, this tip involves booking an economy class fare and hoping you get lucky; if you have a long-distance international flight where roomier seats are imperative for you, try other methods to get a cheap business class flight.

6. Leverage Credit Card Points or Frequent Flyer Miles To Pay for the Ticket

If you have a sign-up bonus from a top-tier travel rewards credit card or have accrued points for several months, you may qualify for a business class ticket for free. You might also be able to upgrade a cheap airline ticket in economy class using your miles or points.

Using the same card for all your purchases and booking with the same airlines frequently (with a carrier that also allows you to transfer your credit card points) can help you earn the points you need for free or cheap business class fares.

7. Earn Complimentary Upgrades as a Frequent Flyer

If you earn enough miles on your airline of choice, you might qualify for free upgrades without having to cash in extra points. United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and others offer many of their top-tier rewards members free upgrades on many flights. Read the fine print on your agreement or speak to a representative to see what’s possible.

8. Use a Travel Agent To Help You Find Cheap Airline Tickets

While you can track flight prices, call for upgrades, or keep an eye out for upgrade emails, it requires an investment of time and legwork for the extra leg room. Travel agents specialize in making sure their clients get the lowest priced fares and plenty of perks.

Sometimes, a travel agent’s industry relationships and leverage are enough to secure free upgrades to business class.

Bottom Line

You can find business class tickets for the price of economy – or even less. You just have to understand how airline bookings work and be privy to a few frequent flyer secrets to get those cheap flight tickets .

• The average price for a round-trip, business class ticket on an international flight is $1,911 in the first two weeks of September 2023, according to data from Kayak.
• You can upgrade from economy to business class in many ways. If you are willing to pay for an upgrade, you should be able to change your ticket as long as business class seats are available. You can also trade in frequent flyer points for an upgrade. You can sacrifice your seat for a later flight. Airlines often offer cash, plus business class upgrades, to travelers willing to give up their seat on an overbooked flight.
• You can find the lowest business class fare by booking through a travel agent or setting up price alerts with a service like Google Flights.
• As travelers seek that premium experience of business class, tickets have skyrocketed. A non-stop flight from New York to Paris on Sept. 22, 2023 returning one week later went for $980 in economy on Delta Airlines, while business class seats exceeded $5,000 for the same flight.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy

Recommended

Live updates, airlines predict record summer travel — with surging demand for first-class seats.

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Multiple airlines are reportedly anticipating carrying a record number of travelers this summer, including an increased demand in first class tickets.

United Airlines said Wednesday after reporting that it suffered $200 million in losses in the first quarter that it’s expecting a turnaround this summer.

“As an airline and as an industry,” United expects to “set another record for passenger numbers come June, July and August — the peak travel months for the season — the carrier’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella told investors.

To achieve this, more than 273 million Americans would have to take vacations this year, according to Investopedia , citing data from Transportation Security Administration checkpoints between May 31, 2023, and Sept. 17, 2023.

The record-setting figure for 2023 means that nearly one-third, or 32.8% of all US households passed through TSA checkpoints last year in what was dubbed a “revenge” travel season.

In another positive sign for the future of travel, customers appear willing to pay up for first class and other cabins above standard coach, executives said, according to CNBC .

Nocella said on the earnings call Wednesday that as a result, United is mulling further segmentation at the front of its planes, as it did when it implemented “preferred seating” options and perks for its MileagePlus members.

“You have many teams of people working on how to further innovate and provide more and more choice and to monetize that choice on our behalf, obviously, in the future,” Nocella said.

Alaska Airlines is similarly predicting a strong peak this summer — despite recent setbacks stemming from its infamous mid-air door blowout at 16,000 feet in January, CNBC earlier reported.

The Seattle-based carrier has prepped for the coming months by expanding its capacity roughly 3.5% over the past 12 months — which positioned it to forecast second-quarter and full-year earnings well ahead of estimates on Thursday.

Though Alaska Airlines reported earlier this month that it lost “approximately $160 million” in its first quarter in pretax profit in the wake of the fuselage blowout, Boeing — which built the 737 MAX 9 that malfunctioned on that fateful Flight 1282 from Portland, Ore. — repaid the sum.

Boeing said that it would give Alaska Airlines the $160 million it lost as part of an “initial payment” for “financial damages” resulting from the near-disastrous flight on Jan. 5 that ultimately led to a three-week grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX 9 planes.

United also blamed that nearly month-long period on its own $200 million losses in the latest quarter, though Boeing hasn’t said that it would repay the Chicago-based airline — which was forced to cancel hundreds of flights and pause pilot hiring.

As Boeing faces a May 28 deadline from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a comprehensive plan to address quality-control issues, the government agency is also probing United after several incidents this year, including a tire that fell from one of its older Boeing 777s , CNBC reported.

However, the setbacks didn’t seem to sway COO Nocella’s belief that it’s going to be a busy summer for United.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian also said on his company’s earnings call last week, “Demand continues to be strong, and we see a record spring and summer travel season with our 11 highest sales days in our history all occurring this calendar year,” CNBC earlier reported.

Delta’s second-quarter forecasts also outpaced Wall Street estimates.

And in another display of travelers’ willingness to splash out on travel perks, Delta revealed plans to debut “premium” airport lounges back in February , touting that the high-end spaces will feature full-service brasseries, markets and dedicated wellness areas.

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are both set to report their latest earnings results on April 25.

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