AIRLINE/AUTOMOBILE RENTAL/BAGGAGE REVIEWS
News
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NEWS
Air Canada Announced It's Super Summer Savings
Lufthansa holiday flights for summer 2013 now bookable & New summer destinations added to timetable
AIRLINES
AEROMEXICO
Aeromexico's Gran Plan presents it's new platform for reservations in US and offers an attractive promotions to all the passengers
Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, invites travelers to find spectacular promotions and book upcoming vacations using its brand new platform- Gran Plan http://us.granplan.com/packages. The Gran Plan is especially designed for Aeromexico's American passengers to encourage visits to some of Mexico's most attractive destinations by creating vacation packages that include packaged deals including airfare and hotel, to destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos.
For travelers seeking the warmth of the Mexican Caribbean, Gran Plan offers great deals to Cancun including discounts at the all-inclusive Cancun Palace Resort one of the most beautiful hotels along the Mexican Caribbean, flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon, the property is just a short stroll from Cancun's main attractions in the famous Hotel Zone.
In Puerto Vallarta, the hotel Barceló Puerto Vallarta is a stunning, AAA awarded 4 Diamonds Resort.
Aeromexico invites all travelers looking to get away from the cold winter weather to visit the beaches of Mexico with these promotions, available to all Aeromexico flyers who book their hotel stay through the Aeromexico Gran Plan website.
For more information, or to book your winter-weather escape, please visit www.aeromexico.com.
Aeromexico Increases Frequencies from Miami to Mexico City for Sprint
Aeromexico, Mexico’s global airline, has now increased flight frequencies between Miami and Mexico City. The airline has added two new seasonal flights to its already extensive list of options, for those travelers wishing to visit Mexico City from Miami.
Flight schedules can be checked by visiting web site www.aeromexico.com
AIGLE AZUR AIRLINES
Aigle Azur Airlines based in Paris, France has joined the EuropebyAir FlightPass program.
By combining the additional new routes of Aigle Azure Airlines with our other 21 participating airlines, the EuropebyAir FlightPass program provides a simple way for travelers to fly one-way, round trip, or hopscotch across the Continent to over 190 cities for only $99 one way, (taxes/fees not included)." Reservations can be made in advance or on the go. FlightPasses are valid for 120 days, are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
FlightPasses are valid for flights solely within Europe and are sold in countries outside of Europe to non-European residents only. Further information and a Route Map are available at www.EuropebyAir.com, via travel agents or direct-no-menu phone calls to 888-321-4737.
AIR CANADA
Summer is for saving!
CANADA (ONE-WAY FARES)
Portland (OR) - Calgary $217 Baltimore - Toronto $241 Washington - Montreal $333 Washington - Ottawa $334 San Francisco - Toronto $335
INTERNATIONAL (ROUND-TRIP FARES)
Newark - Sao Paulo $823 Los Angeles - Shanghai $859 New York - Lima $952 LaGuardia - Santiago $1007 LaGuardia/Newark - London $1007 LaGuardia/Newark - Buenos Aires $1181 Seattle - Tokyo $1233 Boston - Hong Kong $1335 Boston - Frankfurt $1454
Air Canada's Boston-Montreal service just got even better thanks to state-of-the-art Bombardier Q400 aircraft and lower all-inclusive fares starting at $233*!
Boston-Montreal
7:15 a.m. 8:28 a.m. Monday - Saturday DH4 9:50 a.m. 10:57 a.m.
Daily
CRJ 11:25 a.m. 12:38 p.m. DH4 1:15 p.m. 2:28 p.m. DH4 4:55 p.m. 6:08 p.m. DH4 6:05 p.m. 7:14 p.m. Monday-Friday, Sunday CRJ Montreal-Boston 6:15 a.m. 7:27 a.m. Monday - Saturday CRJ 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m.
Daily
DH4 11:20 a.m. 12:35 p.m. DH4 3:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m. DH4 6:05 p.m. 7:22 p.m. CRJ 8:00 p.m. 9:15 p.m. Monday-Friday, Sunday DH4
*14-day advance purchase required.
REMINDER: AIR CANADA/BRITISH MIDLAND CODESHARE FLIGHTS
If you're holding a ticket with British Midland (BD) segments travelling to the following destinations, the ticket must be re-issued to reflect the applicable British Airways (BA) flight number within the ranges of BA8038-8049 or BA8050-8199:
Aberdeen (ABZ)
Dublin (DUB)
Agadir (AGA)
Edinburgh (EDI)
Amman (AMM)
Hannover (HAJ)
Basel (BSL)
Manchester (MAN)
Beirut (BEY)
Menara (RAK)
Belfast (BHD)
Nice(NCE)
Bergen (BGO)
Stavanger (SVG)
Casablanca (CAS)
Vienna (VIE)
Failure to re-issue may result in being denied boarding at check-in.
BOOKING EXECUTIVE FIRST® LOWEST TO ASIA
Good news! When booking the Executive First Lowest fare to Asia, if there is no availability in Z class on the transborder segment, you are now able to book up to D class at no extra charge!
NEW BOARDING PROCESS
Please be advised that Air Canada's Priority Boarding and pre-boarding are now done separately. Boarding will be conducted as follows:
1. Clients requiring assistance 2. Priority Boarding for Top Tier clients 3. Pre-boarding for clients with children 4. General Boarding
REMINDER: AIR CANADA'S INCREASED SUMMER 2012 EUROPE SERVICE
The following Summer 2012 service recently increased in frequency:
Toronto-Madrid Daily (from 5 weekly) July 1 Montreal-Rome 6 weekly (from 5 weekly) July 1
AIR CANADA’S OPERATION AT LAS VEGAS' MCCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NOW IN T3
Air Canada’s Las Vegas flights at McCarran International Airport now operate from Terminal 3 (gates E4 through E8) on the East side with all other international carriers.
INCREASED SERVICE TO COSTA RICA
Effective January 8, 2013, Air Canada will increase service to San Jose, Costa Rica, adding a 4th weekly flight on Tuesdays:
Toronto-San Jose
9:35 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4 weekly
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday
San Jose -Toronto
3:00 p.m.
9:25 p.m.
Air Canada also provides the following non-stop service to Liberia:
Toronto-Liberia
8:30 a.m.
11:40 a.m.
Weekly
Sunday
Liberia-Toronto
12:40 p.m.
7:55 p.m.
Weekly
Sunday
REMINDER: BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Baggage allowance is determined by ticketing issuance date, fare, destination, date of travel and frequent flyer status.
For more information, please visit aircanada.com/baggage.
ELECTRONIC TICKETING AGREEMENT WITH LUXAIR
Air Canada and Luxair (LG) implemented an Interline ET agreement that allows e-tickets to be issued on AC (014) ticket stock with itineraries containing AC/LG and vice versa on LG (149). The agreement applies to codeshare flights and/or flights operated by the individual carrier as well as both airlines' check-in kiosks.
Interline e-ticket functionality does not apply to open segments; however, it does include infants without seats.
AIR FRANCE
About Air France
Air France KLM group operates more than 2,470 daily flights out of Paris and Amsterdam to 242 destinations in 105 countries. Air France currently operates from 15 U.S. gateways and provides service from 125 U.S. cities through code-share agreements with SkyTeam partners Delta and Continental. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.airfrance.com/us, call Air France Reservations at 1-800-237-2747 or contact your travel professional.
Air France Announced New 'Premium Voyageur' Cabin on Long-Haul Flights
Air France is continuing to innovate by introducing a new, private cabin on its long-haul flights, located between the Business and Economy cabins, called Premium Voyageur,. This cabin is on Air France’s entire international long-haul network on flights operated by Boeing 777s, Airbus A340s and A330s.
Since April 1, 2009, Air France customers have been able to book and purchase their seats in the Premium Voyageur Class cabin when the first available destinationss were New York-JFK, Tokyo and Osaka. The range of fares is highly affordable and competitive and particularly well adapted to the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses. These fares easily enable customers to advance from the Economy Class cabin to an enhanced cabin and seat in Premium Voyageur that is characterized by:
· 40 percent additional space: on average, 22 Premium Voyageur seats will be available versus what would have been 40 seats previously in the Economy Class cabin;
· A completely new seat specially designed for Air France and equipped with a fixed shell which guarantees passengers’ space and privacy. The seat is 18.9 inches wide, with a 123° seat back recline, and thanks to the fixed-shell, it is not intrusive for the passengers sitting just behind. Wide leather arm rests (3.9”) enable passengers to rest their elbows without bothering their neighbors;
· A seat pitch of 38.2 inches and plenty of legroom;
· A 10.4 inch wide individual video screen enabling passengers to enjoy 500 hours of viewing on demand which Air France offers on all its long-haul flights;
· Amenities from the Affaires (Business) Class cabin such as the travel kit, a bottle of water, noise-reducing headphones, a feather pillow and a pure wool blanket.
In this intermediary cabin product range, Air France is the first European airline to offer fixed-shell seats, and the first airline in the world to offer so much legroom in a premium economy class.
The meal service is the same as in Economy, with aperitifs, champagne, meals designed by Michel Nugues a member of “Toques du Ciel” with a choice of two hot meals, liqueurs, wines chosen by Olivier Poussier World’s Best Sommelier in 2000 and on flights over 12 hours long, mini-sandwiches and Häagen Dazs ice-cream (except on the Caribbean and Indian Ocean networks).
At the airport, for smoother, stress-free travel, the service is similar to Business Class, with priority check-in desks, increased baggage weight allowance, boarding at passengers’ convenience and priority baggage delivery.
Customers travelling in the Premium Voyageur cabin also benefit from all the advantages and services of the world’s leading airline group, such as the frequent flyer program, Flying Blue. A trip in the Premium Voyageur Class cabin enables passengers to earn miles more quickly: a full fare ticket in Premium Voyageur (modifiable, refundable etc.) will earn customers 25 percent more miles than with a full-fare Economy Class ticket.
Air France Offers Complimentary Chauffeur Services For First or Business Class Passengers Traveling to and From London
Air France passengers flying in l’Espace Première (First Class) or l’Espace Affaires (Business Class) receive complimentary chauffeur service in conjunction with Tristar World Chauffeur Services to and from New York-JFK, London-Heathrow or London-Gatwick, and from London-Heathrow arriving from Los Angeles-LAX. To be eligible, passengers must purchase an Air France ticket in First Class*** or Business Class*** for travel on nonstop flights between: Los Angeles-LAX to London-LHR*, or New York-JFK to London-LHR**, or New York-JFK to London-LGW.**
Complimentary chauffeur services are provided with a pick-up and drop-off range for passengers, depending upon the class of service. L’Espace Première passengers may be driven 70 miles to and from London-LHR, and l’Espace Affaires customers may be driven 50 miles to and from London-LHR, London-LGW and New York-JFK airports.
To take advantage of this complimentary offer with Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Services, one of the world’s leading chauffeur companies, call the Air France Chauffeur Service Desk at 1-800-268-0555 in the United States or + 44 (0) 1895 432170 in the United Kingdom. Ticketed passengers can modify or cancel their reservation by calling the Air France Chauffeur Service Desk.
* Complimentary chauffeur service available in London-LHR only
** Operated by Delta
***Terms & Conditions
Complimentary chauffeur service will be provided to First Class customers who purchase a ticket in P or F class and Business Class passengers who purchase a ticket in J, C, or D Class. Customers must originate travel and terminate travel from one of the above airports to qualify (cannot be connecting flights). Air France US fare code ZUP is not eligible. Loyalty frequent flyer, SME or similar programs benefits or awards are not eligible. Eligible passengers for the chauffeur service are not able to claim compensation for transport past date of travel. Reservations outside the complimentary mileage offering of the airport will be charged to the passenger at the time of booking. Offer void where prohibited by law. Offer subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
Air France' New Business Class Fare
Air France makes flying in Business Class even more affordable with the introduction, today, of a new, year-round Business Class Leisure fare. Amounting to about 50 percent off the normal price, this fare is available to passengers who book their travel 30 days in advance of their departure date.
Fares are available for purchase year-round. For more information about Air France’s Business Leisure Class fares, visit www.airfrance.com/us.
Terms & Conditions
*Fares shown are one-way based on round-trip purchase and require a 30-day advance purchase. Minimum 7 day stay; maximum 1 month stay. Travel must be on Air France operated or code share flights departing from the U.S. and connecting through Paris-CDG. Fuel surcharge is included in fares. Government-imposed fees and taxes of approximately $80 - $150 are additional, including the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per round-trip. Fares are non refundable. Changes are permitted for a $400 fee. Additional conditions may apply. Fares are subject to class of service availability and may be changed or withdrawn without notice.
Air France lounges
Air France offers its passengers access to 47 private lounges worldwide and over 400 together with SkyTeam partner airlines. On June 26, Air France inaugurated its largest Business lounge in the new boarding satellite of Paris-Charles de Gaulle. This lounge covering 2,600 sq. m is equipped with a massage area and showers and can seat over 700 customers. Two types of lighting are featured: Noé Duchaufour Lawrance for Baccarat and Noé Duchaufour Lawrance for Kundalini. The seats and tables are designed by Cassina, and specially created by Noé Duchaufour Lawrance.
AIR JAMAICA
About Air Jamaica:
Air Jamaica provides more non-stop flights to Jamaica than any other carrier with more than 300 flights per week from Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK), Orlando, and Philadelphia in the United States; Toronto in Canada; Air Jamaica also offers daily non-stop service between New York (JFK) and Barbados and the only nonstop service between JFK and Grenada. Air Jamaica also offers intra-regional service with flights between Jamaica and the Bahamas, Barbados, Curacao, Grand Cayman and Grenada.
AIR NEW ZEALAND and QANTAS AIRWAYS
For information on the Air New Zealand Group, visit web site www.airnewzealand.com
ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska Airlines Offers Non-Stop Service to Loreto, Mexico from Los Angeles
Alaska Airlines has increased scheduled service from Los Angeles to Loreto, Mexico, the eco-friendly resort destination in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Loreto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western shore of the Sea of Cortez and home to The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, the first of the California missions and the 300-year-old jewel of Loreto. Visitors to Loreto can enjoy whale watching, turtle watching, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, exploring cave paintings, watching local artisans at work, and enjoying plenty of sunshine. Accommodations are available in a variety of full-service hotels, charming inns, and privately-owned one- and two-bedroom condominium residences. For more information go to www.gotoloreto.com
Alaska Airlines has started its year-round service between Seattle and Kahului, Maui
Flights from Seattle depart daily at 8:20 a.m., arriving at 11:35 a.m. Return flights will depart at 1:05 p.m., arriving at 9:45 p.m. All flights to Hawai‘i will offer Hawaiian-themed beverages and meal service. Main cabin customers receive complimentary Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts and a Mai Tai or passion orange guava juice, a Hawaiian-themed meal service can also be purchased for $5. First class patrons will enjoy exotic meals such as Macadamia Nut-Encrusted Mahi Mahi, and a personal entertainment system with a variety of movies and television shows. For more information, visit AlaskaAir.com.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
American Airlines Increases Service to St. Kitts
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has announced that American Airlines will be increasing service to St. Kitts from Miami to daily flights.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination‚s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island's stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island‚s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts‚ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island‚s sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts.
For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn or visit web site www.stkittstourism.kn.
AMERICAN EAGLE
American Eagle Offers Second Flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Dominica
American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, offers a second non-stop flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Dominica (pronounced "Dom-in-eek-a"). The flight operates three days per week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, complimenting the existing daily flight schedule currently in place.
Using a 64-seat Super ATR 72 airplane, the added American Eagle flight #5112 departs
San Juan on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 1:00 p.m. arriving into Dominica at 2:51 p.m. The added return flight #5113 will depart Dominica at 3:18 p.m. arriving into San Juan at 5:05 p.m.
American Eagle currently offers one daily round-trip flight between its San Juan hub and the Island. Flight #5062 departs San Juan at 12:45 p.m. arriving into Dominica at 2:35 p.m., and flight #5063 departs Dominica at 3:45 p.m. arriving into San Juan at 5:30 p.m. Effective November 4, 2007 at the end of Daylight Savings Time, the flight will depart San Juan at 1:30 p.m. arriving into Dominica at 3:15 p.m. Please note that all flight times are subject to change.
Known as 'The Nature Island' and located between the French West Indies islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced "dom-in-eek-a") is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls, boiling lakes and pristine coral reefs, Dominica‚s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of the Indigenous People of the Caribbean Carib Indians. Where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers, nature lovers, and responsible tourists alike will revel in the Island‚s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.
ATA AIRLINES
Ata Airlines Has Increased Flights to Hawaii
ATA Airlines has increased its flight capacity to Hawai‘i, adding a number of daily flights between Oakland and the cities of Honolulu, Kona and Lïhu‘e and between Las Vegas and Maui. This schedule allows ATA to serve more Hawai‘i destinations non-stop from the mainland than any other airline. For more information, check web site www.ATA.com.
AUSTRIAN AIRLINES
About Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines operates the only non-stop flights to Vienna from New York, Washington, DC and Toronto. Austrian is a member of the Star Alliance and flies to 120 destinations worldwide. Austrian Airlines passengers can earn miles on Austrian's Miles & More, United Airlines Mileage Plus and US Airways Dividend Miles programs.
To know more, visit www.austrian.com or call 1-800-843-0002.
First Austrian Airlines Boeing 767 Fitted With Winglets
Austrian Airlines has become the first European airline to introduce "winglets"--upturned ends on the tips of passenger aircraft wings that improve aerodynamics--to several aircraft in its fleet of Boeing B767s.The conversion to winglets will lead to significantly lower fuel consumption and accordingly a reduction in costs, as well as improved environment protection. Austrian Airlines is the first European airline to convert four aircraft from its Boeing B767 fleet to use the new technology, placing it in a pioneering position. Three more Austrian aircraft will be converted as early as May 2009.
To know more, visit www.austrian.com or call 1-800-843-0002.
DELTA AIR LINES
Tears were flowing in Katlehong, South Africa, at the dedication ceremonies of four houses that were built. Team members from Habitat for Humanity and Delta Air Lines were emotional in their delivery of heartfelt thoughts and words of good luck for the inhabitants of the newly built houses. “I thought I was coming here to South Africa to give you something, but instead, you gave me something much more valuable - you taught me to appreciate everything I have,” said Delta employee, Tonette Eaves.
Delta Air Lines’ inaugural flight to South Africa arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International) on Tuesday, Dec 5th, making them the first US airline with direct service to the country in 22 years. “As the first major US airline to operate a scheduled service between the United States and South Africa, it is a great pleasure to welcome Delta Air Lines to South Africa,” stated Moeketsi Mosola, Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Delta’s maiden flight.
With the start of the new service between Johannesburg and Atlanta, the airline announced a new initiative that relates to Delta’s commitment to charitable causes in South Africa and the global communities within which Delta customers and employees live and work. The program, entitled Delta’s “Force for Global Good”, will focus on uniting Delta employees and customers in support of charitable causes throughout the world. The first partner for this program was Habitat for Humanity International, and Delta employees volunteered to build 4 houses in 3 days in Katlehong, a township community just outside Johannesburg.
Habitat for Humanity has been responsible for the construction of 17 houses in the Katlehong area in Gauteng, South Africa, this year. “But this is only the start”, says Peter Francis, Habitat for Humanity South Africa. The community gets involved too. There is a program called Sweat Equity, where members of the community must “put their sweat into the upliftment of the community before the community will put their sweat into uplifting you.” Several community members, still waiting for their own new houses, were involved in the building process this week. Chris Clarke, Senior Vice President, Communications, Habitat for Humanity said “As long as there are volunteers, and funds, and people living in dire need, Habitat for Humanity will be there to help them.”
South African Tourism is the organization mandated with the international tourism marketing activities of the country. For travel and tourism information on this world-class destination, the ideal place for both business and leisure, contact South African Tourism at 500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2040, New York, NY 10110; 212-730-2929; email newyork@southafrica.net or check web site www.southafrica.net.
EL AL AIRLINES
About EL AL
EL AL, Israel's national airline, offers the most nonstop flights between New York (JFK/Newark) and Israel and the only nonstop service from Miami and Los Angeles. EL AL is the only airline with First Class service on nonstop flights between the U.S.A and Israel. EL AL flies to more than 40 destinations worldwide from Israel. Your Israel experience begins the moment you board EL AL.
For updated daily departure and arrival flight information, travelers can call (800) EL AL-747, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For reservations, call EL AL at (800) 223-6700 or any travel agent or visit www.elal.com, where travelers now also have the option of convenient, time saving online check-in for flights departing EL AL gateway cities in North America.
EUROFLY
Eurofly -- Italy’s leading carrier in the leisure flight market, offers direct flights to more cities within Italy than any other airline.
NON-STOP flights to: Rome, Naples, Palermo and Bologna
DIRECT flights to: Pescara (Abruzzo) and Lamezia Terme (Calabria)
EUROFLY also offers vacation packages to Italy's Desirable Destinations including Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Abruzzo and Rome, Roman Countryside, Bologna and Tuscany.
For booking and package details, and to view terms and conditions, visit www.euroflyusa.com or contact Eurofly’s Customer care at 800-459-0581.
EUROFLY Announces The Continuation of its NY-ROME flights.
Flights between New York and Rome will operate on Tuesdays and Sundays year-round. Visiting the Eternal City has never been so easy nor affordable!
Eurofly offers direct flights to more cities within Italy than any other airline:
For booking and package details, and to view terms and conditions, visit www.euroflyusa.com or contact Eurofly’s Customer care at 800-459-0581.
EXPRESSJET
ExpressJet Launches Non-Stop Service from Monterey to San Diego and LA/Ontario
ExpressJet Airlines introduced non-stop service between Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) and San Diego (SAN) and Los Angeles/Ontario (ONT) airports, bringing the number of nonstop destinations serviced by Monterey to nine. The airline added a total of four daily nonstop flights out of Monterey on its 50-seat Embraer aircraft. ExpressJet flights feature upgraded in-flight entertainment with more than 100 channels of free XM(R) Satellite Radio, complimentary name-brand snacks with full-service meal options on longer flights, redesigned memory foam leather seating, and valet carry-on bag service.
For more information contact ExpressJet (888- 958-XJET (9538), www.xjet.com.
Lufthansa is starting the holiday season on a jolly note with special fares on A380 flights from New York‚s JFK Airport to Munich during Germany's famous Christmas Market season.
About Lufthansa's A380
Onboard the Airbus A380, Lufthansa‚s new flagship aircraft, passengers will experience an impressively spacious Economy Class cabin located on the aircraft‚s main deck. Each of its 420 seats features an in-seat video screen, an optimized ergonomic design and a slimmer seat back that adds two inches of personal space per passenger.
Located on the upper deck, Lufthansa's new First Class cabin is the quietest in commercial aviation and boasts an air humidification system -- the first of its kind to be installed on a commercial aircraft-- that improves air humidity to help fight off jet lag. Two large, luxurious bathrooms with separate changing and lavatory areas offer enhanced personal space and storage. The cabin's eight generously proportioned, ergonomic seats measure 6‚9‰ feet in length and 2‚7‰ feet in width and provide the ultimate in comfort and innovation for an exceptional travel experience. The upper deck is also home to Lufthansa‚s award-winning Business Class cabin, which includes 98 seats featuring improved functionality, including more storage and a power supply that works with all worldwide connections.
The A380 is the world's most fuel-efficient aircraft, burning about 12 percent less fuel than other wide-body jets, and is approximately 30 percent quieter than the current generation of wide-body aircraft.
For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.
GO! AIRLINES and MOKULELE AIRLINES
Both airlines have announced plans to establish a codeshare agreement offering travelers incrased options to fly into Hawai'i's smaller airports. Mokulele, currently a charter operation, will operate a new fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan 208B aircraft under the name go!Express, flying from Honolulu to Kapalua, Maui; Lana'i, and Moloka'i. go!Express flights are expected to begin early 2007, complementing existing flights by go! to Lihu'e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo.
For more information, check web site wwwIFlygo.com.
HAWAIIAN AIR
Hawaiian Begins New Era of In-Flight Dining with Executive Chef Chai Chaowasaree
As Hawaiian Airlines prepares to launch a new era of service with flights to Asia,
the company has announced that Chef Chai Chaowasaree has been appointed as executive chef and will design its inflight meal program for First Class and Coach Class passengers. Chef Chai will initially design the menus for Hawaiian’s new daily, nonstop flights between Honolulu and Tokyo, Japan.“I’m honored to serve as Hawaiian’s executive chef and excited about the challenge of offering customers a new selection of menus that will make the flying experience to and from Hawaii even more enjoyable,” said Chef Chai. “Hawaiian has become established as one of the world’s premier airlines and I’m very proud to now be part of the team that is bringing such high-quality service to its customers.” Miyasato added that Hawaiian is complementing Chef Chai’s inflight meals with wine pairings
selected by Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya. A recognized expert at pairing wines with Pacific Rim cuisine, Furuya became the first person in Hawaii and the tenth person in the United States overall to earn the title of Master Sommelier in 1988.
-more-
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian is the nation’s highest-ranked carrier for service quality and performance in 2009 in the 20th annual Airline Quality Rating study, having earned that distinction in three of the past four years. Hawaiian has also led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past six years (2004-2009) and has been an industry leader in fewest misplaced bags during that same period (#1 from 2005-2007, #2 in 2008 and 2009) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Zagat have allranked Hawaiian the top domestic airline offering flights to Hawaii. Now in its 81st year of continuous service for Hawaii, Hawaiian is the state’s biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the largest provider of passenger air service to Hawaii from the state’s primary visitor markets on the U.S. mainland. Hawaiian offers nonstop service to Hawaii from more U.S. gateway cities (10) than any other airline, as well as service to the Philippines, Australia, American Samoa, Tahiti, and, in the coming months, Japan and South Korea. Hawaiian also provides more than 150 daily jet flights between the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA).
Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. -
HORIZON AIR
Direct Air Service to Sonoma Wine Country Begins on Horizon Air
California’s famed Sonoma Wine Country began regularly scheduled direct air service from Los Angeles and Seattle on Horizon Air.
The 90-minute flights from Los Angeles, America’s second largest city and a major hub for international flights, are scheduled to arrive twice daily in Santa Rosa at Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS). Arrival times are 10:10 am and 8:30 pm. Introductory fares are as low as $69 one-way with a 14-day advance purchase.
The two-hour and 15-minute flight from Seattle, also a major international air hub, arrives at 3:50 pm, leaving travelers time to enjoy wine tasting and world-famous Sonoma Wine Country cuisine on their first day of arrival. Introductory fares are as low as $109 one-way with a 14-day advance purchase.
Horizon Air has announced an exemption on the checked-baggage limit for visitors flying out of Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport.
Horizon serves wines and microbrews at no extra charge as part of its regular inflight service to passengers 21 years or older on all of its flights systemwide.
More information about flights to and from Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS) can be found at www.flywinecountry.com.
Sonoma County, located 30 miles from San Francisco, is America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination, featuring more than 250 wineries and 76 miles of stunning Pacific coast.
For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call 800-576-6662.
ISLAND AIR
Island Air has introduced new routes with direct service between Maui, Kaua'i and Hawai'i's Big Island. The airline, which offers 103 flights daily, has also created a new booking engine on its web site making ticket purchases more convenient.
For more information, check web site www.IslandAir.com.
JETBLUE
JetBlue Airways Unveils the JetPaws(TM) Pet Program, Featuring Travel Pettiquette(TM) for Four-Legged Jetters and Extra TrueBlue Points for Pets
Pet fur-iendly JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today unveils JetPaws(TM), an exclusive new in-cabin program designed to provide pet owners with helpful Travel Pettiquette guidelines, which outline the social graces of jetting with small dogs and cats. As part of the new program, customers will also receive two bonus award points for each flight through JetBlue's TrueBlue customer loyalty program, helping two-legged customers earn free travel faster when traveling with Fido or Fluffy.
In addition, JetBlue also announces the creation of a unique, custom-made pet carrier and separate travel kit co-designed by Cindy Adams, celebrated New York Post columnist, ASPCA board member and founder of Jazzy Park Avenue Dog products. The carrier is now available for purchase online at ShopBlue for $45. The kit, which includes a pet blanket, rubber bone and travel dish, is also available online. More information about the new program and how to purchase the new pet carrier and kit can be found at www.jetblue.com/jetpaws.
Other JetPaws program elements include a special welcome email for pet owners within one week of their booking and complimentary access to a downloadable e-booklet highlighting pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks and animal hospitals in some of JetBlue's top cities, including: Boston; Fort Lauderdale; Las Vegas; Long Beach/L.A.; New York; Orlando; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C.
JetBlue accepts up to four small cats or dogs in the cabin of the aircraft on both domestic and international flights. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds. Only one pet is allowed per customer and the pet carrier does count as one personal carry-on item. For the safety and comfort of all customers, pets must remain in a closed carrier at the airport and in-flight for the entire duration of the trip. To book a pet, customers must call our reservations team at 1-800-JETBLUE.
New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue introduced complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft "BetaBlue," a first among U.S. domestic airlines. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details.
JetBlue serves 51 cities with 600 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit www.jetblue.com.
JetBlue Airways Enhances Customer Payment Options With Bill Me Later
JetBlue Airways Corporation (Nasdaq:JBLU) announced a partnership with Bill Me Later(r), a non-credit card form of payment for customers purchasing JetBlue travel. The payment method allows customers to safely and conveniently make JetBlue travel reservations at www.jetblue.com using the innovative payment system of I4 Commerce.
Bill Me Later is a secure payment method that allows customers to get credit approval for their travel purchase within seconds using basic information. In addition, JetBlue customers using Bill Me Later can take advantage of a special launch offer in which no payments are required for 90 days.
About I4 Commerce:
I4 Commerce is a technology company helping to connect leading merchants with high value customers by improving the purchase experience. I4 Commerce's payment and marketing technology solutions help establish and maintain trusted relationships between hundreds of top tier retailers and high value customers at the point-of-sale. The solutions are the first new payment methods since credit cards to be so broadly available within the United States. For more information, visit www.I4commerce.com.
L’AVION
About L’AVION
L’AVION’s additional airplane, a Boeing 757-200 equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines, will have an identical configuration to L’AVION’s first airplane with 90 business class seats.
The company’s load factor exceeded 78%. Highlights of the Company’s performance during its first 6 months of operations include:
-- More than 90% on-time performance
-- 100% on flight schedule reliability
-- 14,764 passengers flown over the past 6 months
For more information check web site www.lavion.com or call 1 (866)-692-6759.
LUFTHANSA AIRLINES
Lufthansa holiday flights for summer 2013 now bookable & New summer destinations added to timetable
Lufthansa has opened bookings for its selection of flights for the coming 2013 summer season, and has added four new, attractive holiday destinations to its route network. Whether it is a beach holiday, a journey of discovery or a city break, passengers who are taking off for the 'best time of the year' will benefit from the full array of service that Lufthansa offers. In addition to Economy Class, Lufthansa also offers its passengers a Business Class service on all its European flights. Leisure travelers can therefore enjoy selected meals, take more free baggage with them on holiday and 'thanks to Priority Boarding' also board their flight before all the other passengers.
In 2013, in addition to flights to popular resorts and major cities in Europe that are served all year round, holiday makers will have a choice of numerous connections to virtually all the holiday regions around the Mediterranean (see table below). At times next summer, Lufthansa's route network will embrace as many as 25 new destinations. During the school holidays, when demand for flights is high, some of them will even be served several times daily.
The following four seasonal destinations will be added to the network:
· Lufthansa is opening a new route for holidaymakers to the Balearic island of Menorca, the small neighboring island of Mallorca. Non-stop flights from Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Berlin will take passengers to Mahón, the capital of Menorca, in just two hours.
· Another popular Spanish holiday region that Lufthansa passengers will be able to easily reach is the Costa de la Luz. Next summer, Lufthansa will operate flights to the Andalusian city of Jerez de la Frontera from Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. This historic city, which is the birthplace of sherry, is an ideal starting point for trips to many popular resorts on the southern coast of Spain.
· The Bulgarian Black Sea resort of Varna is another new, sun-blessed destination served by Germany‚s flag carrier. The historic seaport and the surrounding beaches are already popular among holidaymakers. Beginning next summer, passengers can fly non-stop from Dusseldorf to this famous tourist center.
· Another new destination is Cardiff, the capital of Wales, which will be included in Lufthansa‚s timetable for the first time beginning next summer. Passengers can fly direct from Dusseldorf to the south Wales coast. Wales, a mountainous country on the western edge of Great Britain, is renowned for its impressive scenery, its national parks and its numerous castles.
Lufthansa is also launching new routes to existing destinations. Next year, Antalya on the southern coast of Turkey will also be served from Frankfurt and Berlin. Throughout the summer, flights to Funchal on the Portuguese holiday island of Madeira and to Marrakech in Morocco will for the first time be offered from Dusseldorf and Berlin. Lufthansa will operate a non-stop flight from Berlin to Faro in the Algarve region on the southern coast of Portugal. And finally, the Balearic island of Ibiza will have a direct link to the Frankfurt hub.
All the summer 2013 flights are now open for booking. Visit www.lufthansa.com/>www.lufthansa.com to book your flight.
All Lufthansa's holiday destinations in Europe in summer 2013 at a glance:
About Lufthansa
One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 253 destinations in 103 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and with the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS ˆ Vienna, Brussels and Zurich. From its 21 North American gateways, Lufthansa- recently voted by Fortune as one of the five most admired airlines in the world˜ and its partners serve over 450 destinations in more than 120 countries. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-400 and the 747-8, as well as the Airbus A330, A340 and A380. Currently, Lufthansa has over 160 new aircraft worth about $22 billion on order. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries‚ two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues its $105 million program earmarked for building new or upgrading existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than $3.6 billion in new onboard products and services by 2015. In 2010, Lufthansa re-launched its broadband wireless Internet service onboard, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.
Lufthansa offers automatic check-in
New service now available on approximately 400 Lufthansa routes
As a new service, Lufthansa is expanding its automatic check-in service and now offering this perk on approximately 400 routes within the Schengen Area an area comprised of 26 European countries that operate very much like a single state for international travel. The service, which already exists in Germany and Italy, has already proven to be very popular because of the time savings and convenience it offers passengers.
Passengers with an existing booking are automatically checked in 23 hours prior to their departure and will receive an electronic boarding pass with their reserved seat number shortly after, which they can choose to have sent to them by email or to an Internet-enabled mobile phone. The service is available to all members of the Miles & More frequent flyer program who have selected the automatic check-in option under “Travel services” in their customer profile. In the event of a change in travel plans, passengers with a re-bookable ticket have the option of cancelling their online check-in at lufthansa.com or by calling the Lufthansa Service Center.
Passengers traveling with luggage can check in their bags at a baggage drop-off counter or at a check-in kiosk on presentation of their boarding pass. Seats can also be changed online via a mobile phone or at a self-service check-in kiosk.
In the coming months, Lufthansa expects to expand the automatic check-in service across its global route network and make it available for all flight bookings, thus allowing passengers who are not Miles & More members to take advantage of this popular service.
Lufthansa Opens New First Class Lounge for Frankfurt Transit Passengers
An oasis of calm and relaxation awaits Lufthansa First Class passengers and HON Circle members at the newly opened First Class Lounge in Concourse B at Frankfurt Airport. An exclusive First Class Spa area within the lounge offers a retreat from the every day travel norm, with six spa-quality bath facilities -- two of them with jacuzzis. For the first time at a Lufthansa Lounge, two spa treatment rooms help guests refresh and unwind with a range of cosmetic treatments and massages which can be paid for with Miles & More award points.
With a total floor space of more than 13,000 square feet -- slightly bigger than the Frankfurt First Class Terminal -- the new lounge can seat some 100 guests. It also provides the same exclusive amenities that Lufthansa’s First Class lounges have become known for. A spacious comfort area with relaxing leather armchairs offers a view of the airport apron and invites guests to sit back and unwind. Two quiet rooms with leather day beds and Bang & Olufsen sound systems are available for guests wishing to rest or sleep. Fully-enclosed office units equipped with telephones, PCs with Internet access and writing amenities provide an opportunity for guests to work as they await their departure. Complimentary WLAN access is also available throughout the lounge.
Guests looking for some fun can take advantage of the new Wii Activity Room at the First Class Lounge, offering a choice of Wii Sport and Wii Fit games. The game CDs, balance board and remote controls are available from the Lounge Concierge Desk.
A separate Cigar Lounge features a view of the airport apron as well as a snack bar, drink selections and increased air exchange rate for a pleasant atmosphere without the smell of smoke.
International culinary selections provided by the world-renown Viennese caterer Do & Co pamper guests in the restaurant and bistro area. An extensive buffet is provided or meals can be ordered à la carte. Dishes are freshly prepared in front of lounge guests and served by waiters. In the bar area, an assortment of beverages and spirits are offered in an open, inviting atmosphere.
A new addition to Lufthansa’s Lounge product is the limousine service for passengers whose flights are departing from Terminal areas A and C or, in the case of flights to a non-Schengen or non-EU destination, from an apron position. This service was previously only available at the Frankfurt First Class Terminal. In addition, passengers arriving at or transferring from an apron position will be taken by limousine from their aircraft to the Bus Arrivals point in Terminal B, where they will be met by a dedicated Lufthansa staff member and directed to the new First Class Lounge.
Lufthansa’s worldwide lounge service
Lufthansa currently operates about 65 lounges worldwide with a total floor space of over 300,000 square feet. Depending on their booking class and status, Lufthansa passengers have access to three different lounges First Class, Senator and Business all of which provide a pleasant atmosphere in which to wait for a flight, relax or work. One entirely new facility is the first Lufthansa Welcome Lounge at Frankfurt, Lufthansa’s largest hub. Along with the more than 660 lounges operated by Lufthansa’s Star Alliance and cooperation partners which can be used by Lufthansa passengers, Lufthansa thus offers its premium customers one of the largest lounge networks in the world. By 2013, Lufthansa will invest nearly $190 million dollars in constructing new lounges and refurbishing existing ones in order to further expand and enhance its airport lounge facilities for customers.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Malaysia Airlines Awarded "World's Best Cabin Staff" -- Voted Number One by Passengers Worldwide
In 2007, Malaysia Airlines was awarded the World's Best Cabin Staff title by the aviation rating organization, Skytrax, beating out second place Singapore Airlines, followed by Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways and Qatar Airways.
According to Skytrax, the survey of more than 14 million travelers in 90 countries, is based upon the quality of their onboard experiences, encompassing a wide range of factors: friendliness, enthusiasm and attentiveness of staff, and even the sincerity with which service is provided. Consistency is another critical area, and a key factor in determining future customer loyalty.
Malaysia Airlines frequently tops the charts in Skytrax' various award categories, winning for service, its lounges and cabin comfort. Malaysia Airlines is one of only five airlines in the world that merit the prestigious 5-Star ranking. The Skytrax world airline star-ranking program applies quality assessment to more than 375 airlines across the globe, rating the standards of each airline's front-line product and service, predominantly based upon international flight operations.
For more information about the airline and to see the latest hot deals, visit www.MalaysiaAirlines.com
About Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines, one of only five 5-star airlines in the world, is the largest passenger carrier in Southeast Asia, flying to more than 100 destinations in six continents. Recognized for its exemplary in-flight service, Skytrax Research has ranked Malaysia Airlines as the world's best cabin staff, best regional airline, best economy class, best signature dish, best airline lounge, best business class and overall best airline. Malaysia Airlines offers daily service from Los Angeles and three flights per week from New York to Kuala Lumpur. www.malaysiaairlines.com
Malaysia Airlines Offers Daily Service From Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia Airlines is now offering daily service on its Los Angeles-Taipei-Kuala Lumpur route to meet the ever-growing interest by Americans to visit Malaysia. In the past three years, the number of US visitors to Malaysia has increased more than 18 percent.*
Flights are operated by B747-400 aircraft, which recently have been renovated with the latest technology in sleeper seats and in-flight entertainment. In the premium classes, the award-winning Malaysia Airlines offers luxurious flat bed sleeper seats, gourmet meals and extensive on-demand in-flight entertainment. Malaysia Airlines is one of only four airlines in the world to be awarded the coveted Skytrax Five-Star World Airline Ranking and best economy class in the world for service, comfort and cuisine. First Class and Golden Club Class (business) passengers are invited to wait for their flight in the privacy and comfort of Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning Golden Lounges in select cities. Considered one of the world’s most spectacular, the International Golden Lounge in Kuala Lumpur offers showers, sleeping rooms, a coffee bistro, gourmet cuisine, a noodle bar, business center, a nursery and children’s playroom and other amenities. A relaxation room has been redesigned and refurbished with award-winning massage chairs and foot massagers.
Halid points out that Malaysia Airlines offers an array of flights throughout Southeast Asia. “Kuala Lumpur is the ideal hub for those passengers going on to Bangkok, Bali, Siem Reap, Singapore or any of scores of other vibrant destinations in the region.”
For more information, check web site www.MalaysiaAirlines.com
PAPILLON AIRWAYS
Papillon Airways, Inc. Launches Web Sites in Portuguese, Russian
As emphasis continues to build on the importance of attracting international visitors to United States, one of the world’s top flightseeing companies, Papillon Airways, Inc. launches its Russian-language Web site, and Portuguese-language Web site. Russian, Brazilian and Portuguese travelers may now research potential tours, see pricing, book tours and find out everything they would need to know about Papillon’s plethora of offeringsfrom Grand Canyon to Antelope Valleyin their native tongues.
“The Portuguese-speaking markets represent some of the fastest growing inbound international markets to the United States, charting a 42-percent visitation increase since 2008. Russia also represents a briskly expanding inbound market, and visitor numbers from that country have grown 27 percent since 2006,” says Robert Graff, vice president of marketing, Papillon. “We believe in doing our best to make all our passengers feel as comfortable traveling with us as possible and that process begins before they even book a tour. Simply put, in order to connect with these customers, we have to reach them in their own language.”
Increasing international visitation is key to Las Vegas’ tourism industry. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, international visitation has increased from 13 to 18 percent in the last year, with the goal of reaching 30 percent by 2016.
Every year, approximately 465,000 visitors travel via Papillon or one of its brands including Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines, Grand Canyon Coaches and Scenic Airlines to experience tours in Arizona and Nevada to areas such as the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Papillon’s Web site is currently available in eight languages total including German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese and now Russian. Once on tour, narration is available in 11 languages, including Portuguese and Russian.
For more information or reservations, go to www.papillon.com/>www.papillon.com or call (888) 635-7272.
ABOUT PAPILLON AIRWAYS, INC.
Founded in 1965, Papillon is one of the world’s largest “flightseeing” companies with 4,500 passengers served daily, narration in 11 languages and nearly 70 state-of-the-art helicopters and airplanes, specifically designed to reveal panoramic views beyond imagination. Family owned and operated, its brands include Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines, Grand Canyon Coaches and Scenic Airlines. Papillon is one of the few companies that fly the entire Grand Canyon, including the South and West rims, home to the world-famous Skywalk, in addition to Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam. Tours afford maximum flight time, enabling guests to fully discover Grand Canyon’s great wilderness and scenic attractions. Papillon is also a founding member of Best Vegas Attractions, the collaborative partnership among numerous Las Vegas visitor attractions, developed to increase awareness about the organization ultimately driving leisure and convention business to participating attractions. For more information, go to www.papillon.com or find on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Papillon or follow on Twitter at twitter.com/GrandCanyon_com.
New Hoover Dam Air Tour
Visitors will not only see this National Historic Landmark but also progress of the incredible 2,000 foot long Hoover Dam Bypass 90 feet above the Colorada River via Papillon Airways helicopter tour!
Departing daily from either their Las Vegas or Boulder City terminals, the tour flies at low level over the Hoover Dam in a deluxe state of the art EC- 130 Eco-Star helicopter. Guests will view this engineering marvel rising 726 feet from its foundation which this magnificent structure cannot fully be appreciated until seen from the air. The tour flies over Lake Mead, America’s largest man-made reservoir, the tributaries of the Colorado River and the beautiful Black Canyon before returning.
Tour includes transfers to and from all major Las Vegas resorts. Tour duration is approximately 15 to 20 minutes without transfers or two to two and a half hours with transfers.
The price: $99 per person from Boulder City or $119 per person from Las Vegas.
Named one of the top 10 construction achievements of the 20th century, Hoover Dam continues to attract more than one million visitors per year nearly 70 after its creation. In 1930, construction began in Black Canyon, located minutes outside of Las Vegas. Despite its enormity and harsh desert conditions, the project was completed in less than five years instead of seven and well under budget. The dam is named after America’s 31st president, Herbert Hoover. Hoover Dam is the highest concrete dam in the Western hemisphere, standing at more than 725 feet above the Colorado River with 17 generators producing four billion kilowatts of electricity every year.
As for the Colorado River Bridge, it is the central portion of the Hoover Dam Bypass project that began Jan. 2005 and is expected to be completed at the end of 2010. The 2,000 foot long bridge is quite the engineering site. When completed, the bridge will span the Black Canyon, connecting Arizona and Nevada Approach highways and nearly 90 feet above the river.
For more information or reservations, go to www.papillon.com or call (888) 635-7272.Founded in 1965, Papillon Airways, Inc. (French for “butterfly”) and Grand Canyon Airlines/Scenic Airlines since 1929 are the largest “flightseeing” companies in the world, with nearly 70 state-of-the-art helicopters and airplanes, specifically designed to reveal panoramic views beyond imagination. The Halvorson family recently acquired Kenai Helicopters (now known as Grand Canyon Helicopters), Grand Canyon Airlines, Grand Canyon Coaches and Scenic Airlines. These companies are the only companies that fly the entire Grand Canyon including the South and West rims, in addition to tours of Las Vegas, Page/Lake Powell and Monument Valley. Tours afford maximum flight time, enabling guests to fully discover Grand Canyon’s great wilderness and scenic attractions. During busy months, the Halvorson companies fly more than 3,500 passengers daily. For more information, go to www.papillon.com.
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways Increases Passenger Capacity to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania by More Than 1,000 Seats
It’s no surprise that airlines are increasing their seat capacity to Tanzania, now that tourism has become this East African country’s largest revenue sector outstripping even agriculture. And this year, for the first time ever, Americans have become the largest single tourism market for Tanzania worldwide. In order to meet the continually growing demand for transportation, Qatar Airways responded by announcing last week that it has increased its passenger capacity on the Dar es Salaam-Doha route by more than 1,000 seats per month.
Since many passengers fly through Doha to and from key cities in the U.S. (Newark and Washington DC Dulles), Great Britain and Europe, (as well as China, India and key cities in the Gulf), this increase represents a significant development in air access to Tanzania, The Land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the Serengeti.
Tanzania tourism has been growing at a steady rate for the past seven years, notes Hon. Mme. Shamsa S. Mwangunga, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism. She told a recent Sullivan Summit Conference of thousands of influential foreign and local leaders held in Arusha, Tanzania, that, “Estimates are that more than 750,000 tourists will visit Tanzania this year, and expectation is that the sector will earn a record $1 billion (USD) for the economy this year. We also project that by 2010, Tanzania will receive one million tourists, up from 719, 031 of last year, 2007. Further estimates are that by 2011, travel and tourism will account for $7 trillion (USD) of combined tourism and related economic activities worldwide, and, as an effect, 260 million jobs will become available within and outside of Tanzania.”
According to Amant Macha, TTB Marketing Director, “reinforcing Brand Tanzania with American travelers as well as Travel Industry professionals in the US, Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) launched a two-prong campaign. Targeting the consumer in September, 2007, TTB inaugurated a TV campaign, which aired on CNN, CHLN, CNN Airport, and CNN.com. And then TTB initiated a “Tanzania Travel Specialist” course of study with Travel Agent University. The response was overwhelming, with more than 600 travel agents passing the test and qualifying as Tanzania Specialists in the first four months of the course offering. This too accounts for the huge increase in tourism.”
About Qatar Airways
In its highly competitive environment, award-winning Qatar Airways has undergone a phenomenal expansion period, with an average of 35% growth year-on-year for the past 10 years. Along the way, the airline has garnered many awards and accolades, becoming one of only five airlines worldwide to have been awarded a five-star rating by Skytrax, an independent aviation industry monitor
About Tanzania
Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with approximately 28 % of the land protected by the Government. It boasts 15 National Parks and 32 game reserves. It is the home of the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro; The Serengeti, named in October, 2006, the New 7th Wonder of the World by USA Today and Good Morning America; the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater, often called the 8th Wonder of the World; Olduvai Gorge, the Cradle of Mankind: the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; Ruaha, now expected to be the largest National Park in Africa.
For more information about Tanzania visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com;
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Ski Lake Tahoe Names Southwest Airlines Official Airline Partner
Access to Lake Tahoe, one of North America’s premier ski destinations, received a new blueprint as Ski Lake Tahoe today named Southwest Airlines its Official Airline Partner. This strategic partnership initially includes joint promotions and winter-focused programs but aims to ultimately offer better value, convenience and service to winter travelers visiting the Lake Tahoe region and the seven Ski Lake Tahoe resorts.
Southwest Airlines is known for its popular winter programs and is an important airline for ski and snowboard enthusiasts traveling to top ski destinations. The airline is an important contributor to tourism in the Lake Tahoe region, accounting for more than 51 percent of all flights operating through the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Recent additions of non-stop service on Southwest Airlines to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport from Chicago and San Diego open up new doors for the region. As the partnership develops, Ski Lake Tahoe will work with Southwest Airlines to develop special regional promotions and more affordable all-inclusive packages for winter travelers, while ultimately encouraging non-stop service from more domestic destination skier markets to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
About Ski Lake Tahoe
Surrounding North America’s largest alpine lake, the seven resorts that make up Ski Lake Tahoe are Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Squaw Valley USA. Lake Tahoe boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, and last winter the region had the most snowfall in North America. The seven resorts, all offering unparalleled scenic vistas of panoramic mountain and lake views, are located less than an hour from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
For further information and to directly book travel, lodging and transportation for Ski Lake Tahoe resorts and its travel partners all in one web site, visit www.skilaketahoe.com.
About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is the nation’s leading low-fare carrier and the nation’s largest airline in terms of passengers carried. Southwest began serving the Reno and Lake Tahoe communities in 1990 and today has 41 daily nonstop flights to 10 cities. Based in Dallas, Southwest Airlines has more than 3,100 flights per day to 63 cities in 32 states.
SPIRIT AIRLINES
Spirit Airlines Has New Daily Non-Stop Service Between Fort Lauderdale and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Spirit Airlines continues to expand its Caribbean network as the ultra low cost carrier today begins another new route from its Fort Lauderdale gateway with non-stop service to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Port of Spain becomes Spirit’s 25th Caribbean/Latin American destination and the 43rd city it serves.
Every day value season fares are available at www.spiritair.com.
About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines, Inc. (www.spiritair.com) is the largest Ultra Low Cost Carrier (ULCC) in the United States, Latin America and Caribbean. Its all-Airbus fleet, the youngest in the Americas, flies more than 200 daily flights to 43 destinations. The company is based in Miramar, Florida, and employs 2,300 professionals.
Fares are each way based on roundtrip purchase, and roundtrip travel is required, but these fares may be combined with other valid and applicable Spirit Airlines fares on other days of the week. Not all markets are operated on a daily basis -- please check spiritair.com for details. All fares listed on spiritair.com are per customer for each way of travel and include the base fare plus a federal excise tax and any fuel surcharge. Fares do not include (a) a segment tax of $3.50 per U.S. domestic flight segment (a flight segment is defined as one takeoff and landing) of a passenger’s itinerary; (b) up to $18 per round trip in local airport charges; or (c) a September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport; or d) a Passenger Usage Fee of $4.90 per passenger segment. International itineraries do not include governmental taxes and fees (including U.S. government excise tax) of up to $125 per round trip. Additionally, if sold in, or travel originates in a country outside of the U.S., additional taxes may apply (up to 22% of the fare value per country)
Fares are capacity controlled and subject to availability, and will be highly restricted around certain holiday periods. Previously purchased tickets may not be exchanged for these new sale fares. All customers are allowed one free carry-on bag. For purchases between May 20 and June 19, 2008 there is a fee assessed of $10 each way for each of the first two checked bags if purchased in advance online at www.spiritair.com, and a fee of $20 each way for each of the first two checked bags if purchased at the airport of origin. Bags 3 through 5 are $100 per item each way. Effective June 20, 2008, fees for bags paid in advance online at www.spiritair.com are $15 each way for the first bag only. The fee for Bag 2 is $25 each way, and items 3 thru 5 are $100.00 per item each way. When paying at the airport, fees for the first and second bags are $25 per bag each way.
There is no charge to check wheelchairs, strollers, car seats, or other assistive devices. Military personnel on active duty status (or discharged within 7 days) may check up to two (2) bags at no charge. Overweight and oversize charges will be waived, but maximum bag size and weight requirements still apply. Items that are overweight or oversized will continue to be weighed and sized at the airport, and fees collected when checking in. Golf club and boxes/containers are acceptable and can be prepaid online provided they meet weight and or size restrictions. Additional bags can be pre-purchased at any time provided inventory is available. (No less than one (1) hour prior to departure). All checked baggage fees are non-refundable. Customers involved in a stop-over flight that involves a connection of over 4 hours will be charged based on point to point travel. Certain restrictions apply. For best results, please book early.
For more information, contact Spirit Airlines, 2800 Executive Way, Miramar, FL 33025 United States
US AIRWAYS
US Airways Starts Service to Zurich, Switzerland From Its Philadelphia Hub
US Airways (NYSE: LCC) adds to its impressive list of European destinations with the start of new service today to Zurich, Switzerland from its hub in Philadelphia.
In addition to Zurich, US Airways also initiated new service to Athens, Greece and Brussels, Belgium. The airline also began serving the following seasonal markets: Stockholm, Lisbon, Shannon, Venice, Barcelona and Glasgow. In total, US Airways serves 19 European cities with 22 daily flights.
Flight details for the service are as follows:
Philadelphia to Zurich Zurich to Philadelphia
Departs Arrives Departs Arrives
6:10 p.m. 8:05 a.m.* 10:25 a.m. 1:35 p.m.
*arrives the next day
US Airways offers approximately 430 daily flights to 110 non-stop destinations from its Philadelphia hub. More than 6,100 aviation professionals serve US Airways passengers at Philadelphia.
US Airways is the fifth largest domestic airline employing more than
36,000 aviation professionals worldwide. US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express operate approximately 3,800 flights per day and serve more than 240 communities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The new US Airways -- the product of a merger between America West and US Airways in September 2005 -- is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers our customers 16,000 daily flights to 855 destinations in 155 countries worldwide.
US Airways Has the Luck of the Irish All Year Round
US Airways is expanding its seasonal service to the Emerald Isle of Ireland to year round. Passengers can fly from US Airways' hub in Philadelphia to Dublin four times a week. Flights from Philadelphia will occur on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and flights from Dublin will be scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. US Airways will continue to serve Shannon, Ireland seasonally during the summer travel season.
Fares can be purchased immediately at www.usairways.com, by calling 800-428-4322 or through a travel agent.
Earlier this year, US Airways unveiled three new international destinations for the 2007-2008 travel season, Athens, Brussels and Zurich.
US Airways offers 430 daily flights to 110 non-stop destinations from its Philadelphia hub. More than 6,000 aviation professionals serve US Airways passengers at Philadelphia.
Affordable Europe Program
For savings and value, the Hertz Affordable Europe® program offers U.S. and Canadian residents traveling to Europe:
- Flexible payment plans, including the option to lock-in and prepay in U.S. dollars
- Inclusive rates with Theft Protection (TP) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Free unlimited mileage
- Free drop-offs between major cities within the country of rental, with the Rent-It-Here, Leave-It-There Program
- Refunds on unused portions of prepaid vouchers and no fee for cancellations
- Instant return service to expedite vehicle drop-off, available in most European cities.
New to Hertz Affordable Europe in 2007 are online driving itineraries that allow customers to plan for more than a dozen popular locations including, Paris, Oslo, Tuscany, Catalonia, and Dublin. Hertz customers can also take advantage of a wide range of other programs and services available in Europe, including:
· NeverLost® in-car GPS navigational system, available in 16 European countries
· Hertz Green Collection of environmentally-friendly vehicles that get 42-65 miles per gallon. Green Collection vehicles are available at approximately 50 locations in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
· Hertz Prestige Collection of luxury and high-performance vehicles, available in France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
· 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance
· Toll-free Affordable Europe Customer Helpline
· Free hotel delivery and collection within many European cities
· English-speaking personnel at Hertz locations
· Long-term rentals and chauffeur-drive programs available
· Hertz #1 Club Gold®, which provides members with expedited travel.
Hertz Affordable Europe is available at more than 2,000 Hertz locations in 53 countries.
To make reservations or for more information, customers can call their travel agent, or Hertz International Reservations toll-free at 1-800-654-3001. Information and reservations are also available on the web at www.hertz.com.
Hertz, the world’s largest general use car rental brand, operates from approximately 7,600 locations in 145 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 69 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold, NeverLost customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the company’s Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. Hertz also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, as well as new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers through more than 360 branches in the United States, Canada, France and Spain.
BAGGAGE
LUGGAGE & LUGGAGE TIPS
Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-On Luggage
I had never tried carry-on bags before, but after giving my new Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-On Suitcase several difficult tests while traveling, I can highly recommend it. Before the Dash, I was using a bulky, hard-to-manage suitcase which was exhausting to carry until arriving at the airline's check-in counter. However, with the new fee charged at airlines for check-in bags, I decided to try the Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-On Suitcase -- not only to save the fee, but to see if I could pack less and not get so tired schlepping a huge bag.
How did the Dash work out? GREAT. This bag hold lots of clothing (even shoes) with its clever zip-up webbing on one side and a strap on the other side to prevent clothing from shifting. Its hard lightweight plastic case also prevented damage to the contents.
Once at the airport, it was easy to pull up the handle and the wheels functioned perfectly since they turn in all directions. I was able to easily pull the bag up the plane's aisle without banging into seats, and it fit into the overhead compartment without a problem. Best of all, when the plane landed and other passengers headed to the baggage area to claim their bags, I was saved lots of time and aggravation wondering if my Dash had arrived --- because I had it with me all the time!
Again, the Dash proved its value on an overnight trip to New York City -- taking the subway escalator like a champ, grates on sidewalks and curbs. Once at the hotel, I discovered I didn't have to wait for abellman to delivery a bag to my hotel room -- again saving the wait AND a tip.
After hearing my praise for the Dash, my husband borrowed it for a trip to Sweden, and like I had found, he loved it, as did passerby who remarked about its unique bright green color.
The Dash Hardside Carry-On Suitcase would be great for school kids, saving them backaches since they could easily load it with their books and walk through the corridors trouble-free since the Dash' four multi-directional wheels spin and pivot to keep them moving through crowded places.
The Dash Hardside Carry-On ultra-light carry-on case, size 13" wide x 8" deep by 19" high, weights less than 8 pounds, comes with a one year limited warranty, its easy-grip telescoping handle and top- and side-handles provide extra portability, and comes in black, silver, red, pink, green and yellow at the manufacturer's suggested price of $79.95. It is available at Brookstone (1-800-846-3000); and on-line.
Ways to Avoid Luggage Hassles
The Luggage Club Sends Your Luggage Ahead Easily and Quickly
If you feel burdened carrying your luggage, try shipping it ahead via The Luggage Club. This company will pick up your baggage, golf clubs, bike, skis, snowboard, kayak, gear bags, wheelchair, trade show materials, business equipment, or any other items from your home, office, or location of choice and deliver them to your destination. Services are available in 220 countries worldwide and guaranteed on-time.
Due to new TSA (Transportation Security Administration) carry-on restrictions, The Luggage Club is now offering a 5% price discount on ALL orders to help ease the congestion and long wait lines at airport security checkpoints.
Enter promo code TSA8372 and save 5%, besides making your travels hassle-free.
For more information, call toll-free, 877-231-5131.
Carry-On Luggage Requirements
www.auroraluggage.com/size-guide.html: Want to know if your bag is too large to be accepted on the plane? Answers are available at Aurora Luggage's web site, a one-stop source for restrictions regarding carry-on and checked luggage for most major airlines.
How to Decrease the Time it Takes to Claim Your Luggage
-----If you're a frequent flier, check with your airline to see if you can get priority luggage handling. That means that your separately tagged luggage will be placed on the carousel first.
-----Lots of luggage looks the same. To avoid having someone else pick up yur luggage, place a colored strap around it (check www.idmybag.com), or purchase a cover to stretch over your suitcase (www.bagragz.com).
-----When purchasing new luggage, choose an unusual color or pattern or, better yet, save money by buying a stencil and permanent fabric paint at a craft store and create a unique design on your bag.
Suitcase Style Reaches New Heights With Travel Chic Accessories Line
“Dress Your Bags” and Stand Out at Luggage Carousels Around the World
With travel stress and lost luggage at an all-time high, distinguishing your baggage is more important than ever before. Travel Chic, a new travel accessories company, helps travelers “dress” their bags, making them easy-to-identify in busy airports, while maintaining one’s unique style. Products can be purchased at <www.TravelChic.com.
USA Today reported that U.S. airlines lost an average of 10,000 bags per day in 2005, fueling the need for a stylish, but functional way to recognize one’s luggage. The Travel Chic line includes coordinating luggage tags, handle wraps, matching tassels and keychains in bright colors, metallics and patterns, all designed to complement the season’s hottest fashion trends. Price points for all accessories and coordinating sets are less than $30.
Whether your style is conservative or fun, elegant or funky, Travel Chic has what you need. From classic white and shimmering silver to a variety of designs in animal print, faux fur, leather, quilted and houndstooth, there is something to fit each individual’s travel personality. The luggage tags are oversized to make them distinguishable from other tags. The handle wraps fit standard carry-on and luggage handles and the metal fasteners on the tassels clip onto standard rings. Each season, new products, styles, colors and patterns will be added. Plans to launch children’s luggage accessories with fun designs and bright colors are also on the horizon.
“At crowded baggage claims and waiting areas around the world, identical luggage is everywhere. For quite some time, people have been creating innovative ways to identify their bags by tying all sorts of things to them,” said Ponicall. “With Travel Chic’s accessories, today’s travelers will be able to spot their luggage at even the most insane airports without resorting to ribbons, ropes, tapes and hair scrunchies!”
Travel Chic also believes in giving back to the community. The company will donate a portion of its proceeds to The Suite Dreams Project a non-profit organization dedicated to creating dream spaces for sick children. “As a long-time traveler and mother of two children, I want to help put the fun back into travel in a practical way while helping seriously ill children find healing and comfort in their surroundings,” added Ponicall.
About Travel Chic:
Launched in November 2007, Travel Chic is a travel accessories company that offers coordinating luggage accessories aimed at helping travelers easily identify their bags while keeping their sense of style. The company is proud to support The Suite Dreams Project, whose mission is to bring comfort and joy to children affected by serious medical conditions.
To learn more about how you can contribute to The Suite Dreams Project, please visit www.SuiteDreamsProject.org. For more information on Travel Chic, please visitwww.TravelChic.com.
How to Avoid Luggage Hassles
Hyatt Hotels minimize travel hassles
Guests staying at select Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in North America can check their luggage and receive airline issued boarding passes before leaving the property for the airport. The cost of the service is $10 per person and includes storage, transportation and check-in of up to two pieces of luggage. The service is made available through Hyatt’s partnership with Baggage Airline Guest Services (B.A.G.S.), and is supervised by the Transportation Security Administration. Depending. Depending on location, guests can check their luggage at the hotel up to two hours prior to flight time or as long as 24 hours before departure. Once check-in is complete at a Hyatt property, guests can head to meetings or the airport free of luggage, picking it up at baggage claim in their final destination. Hyatt’s B.A.G.S. service processes the luggage through airport security screening.The service is available with travel on Airtran, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Northwest Airlines, Song, Ted, and United Airlines.
Send Your Luggage Ahead Easily & Quickly Via The Luggage Club
If you feel burdened carrying your luggage, try shipping it ahead via The Luggage Club. This company will pick up your baggage, golf clubs, bike, skis, snowboard, kayak, gear bags, wheelchair, trade show materials, business equipment, or any other items from your home, office, or location of choice and deliver them to your destination. Services are available in 220 countries worldwide and guaranteed on-time.
Due to new TSA (Transportation Security Administration) carry-on restrictions, The Luggage Club is now offering a 5% price discount on ALL orders to help ease the congestion and long wait lines at airport security checkpoints.
Enter promo code TSA8372 and save 5%, besides making your travels hassle-free.
For more information, call toll-free, 877-231-5131.