March 31, 2008
Dear Travel Agent:
We wanted to advise you that Carnival Corporation & plc has announced a voluntary refund of the company’s fuel supplement for applicable U.S. bookings that were made prior to November 7, 2007 under an agreement with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The fuel supplement, announced November 7, 2007, was applied to all U.S. bookings for voyages departing on or after February 1, 2008 for cruises on Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.
The company will now refund the fuel supplement for those guests who were already booked at the time the supplement was announced. Refunds for affected guests will be implemented based on cruise departure date according to the following schedule:
For cruises departing on or prior to April 4, 2008, guests will receive a refund in the same form they used to purchase their cruise;
For cruises departing from April 5, 2008 through June 23, 2008, guests will receive an on-board credit;
For cruises departing on or after June 24, 2008, guests’ bookings will be adjusted to eliminate the fuel supplement.
The fuel supplement remains in effect for all bookings made on or after November 7, 2007. The $5 per person per day fuel supplement applies only to the first and second guests in a stateroom and will not exceed $70 per person per voyage. Also, at the time the fuel supplement was announced, travel agents whose clients had existing reservations were offered $10 per booking in administrative compensation for notifying those clients of the supplement and that compensation will continue to be provided.
We also want to thank you for your continued support for all our brands.
We appreciate your business and look forward to providing your clients with great cruise vacations.
Sincerely,
Jack Anderson
Vice President – Corporate Marketing
Bill Harber
Director of Corporate Marketing
Monday, March 31, 2008
Aloha Airlines Goes Bankrupt
Aloha Airlines Halts Passenger Service
By AUDREY McAVOY,AP
Posted: 2008-03-31 06:21:02
HONOLULU (March 30) - Aloha Airlines said Sunday it will halt all passenger service after Monday, signaling the end of an airline that has served Hawaii for more than 60 years.
One of Aloha Airlines' last passenger flights takes off at the Honolulu International Airport Sunday. The carrier, which has served Hawaii since 1946, is halting all passenger service after Monday. About 1,900 employees are affected.
Aloha, which filed for bankruptcy for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 21, was a casualty of fierce competition and rising fuel prices. The airline said it will stop taking reservations for flights after Monday.
"We simply ran out of time to find a qualified buyer or secure continued financing for our passenger business," said Aloha President David Banmiller in a statement. "We had no choice but to take this action."
Aloha has suffered since Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group Inc. launched a new interisland carrier called go! airlines in 2006, triggering a local airfare war.
Banmiller didn't mentioned go! by name in his statement, but did blame the company's demise on rival companies.
"Unfortunately, unfair competition has succeeded in driving us out of business," he said.
Rising fuel prices, which have forced other airlines to raise fares and look for ways to cut expenses, also made it difficult for Aloha to operate.
Aloha said tickets for flights after Monday will not be honored. It said it is working to have United Airlines accommodate passengers with tickets for Aloha's mainland to Hawaii flights. It hopes to seat those with interisland tickets on Hawaiian Airlines.
Aloha has canceled Monday flights from Hawaii to the West Coast and between several cities in California and Nevada. It's last day for interisland travel will be Monday.
Aloha advised passengers who don't want to fly another airline and who want a refund to contact their travel agents or credit card companies. Those who paid by cash or check may file a claim in bankruptcy court.
The shutdown will affect about 1,900 employees. The company said air cargo services are to continue.
A Seattle company on Thursday offered to buy Aloha's cargo operations for an undisclosed amount. But Saltchuk Resources Inc. said it wasn't interested in taking over Aloha's passenger business.
Aloha Airlines was founded in 1946.
By AUDREY McAVOY,AP
Posted: 2008-03-31 06:21:02
HONOLULU (March 30) - Aloha Airlines said Sunday it will halt all passenger service after Monday, signaling the end of an airline that has served Hawaii for more than 60 years.
One of Aloha Airlines' last passenger flights takes off at the Honolulu International Airport Sunday. The carrier, which has served Hawaii since 1946, is halting all passenger service after Monday. About 1,900 employees are affected.
Aloha, which filed for bankruptcy for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 21, was a casualty of fierce competition and rising fuel prices. The airline said it will stop taking reservations for flights after Monday.
"We simply ran out of time to find a qualified buyer or secure continued financing for our passenger business," said Aloha President David Banmiller in a statement. "We had no choice but to take this action."
Aloha has suffered since Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group Inc. launched a new interisland carrier called go! airlines in 2006, triggering a local airfare war.
Banmiller didn't mentioned go! by name in his statement, but did blame the company's demise on rival companies.
"Unfortunately, unfair competition has succeeded in driving us out of business," he said.
Rising fuel prices, which have forced other airlines to raise fares and look for ways to cut expenses, also made it difficult for Aloha to operate.
Aloha said tickets for flights after Monday will not be honored. It said it is working to have United Airlines accommodate passengers with tickets for Aloha's mainland to Hawaii flights. It hopes to seat those with interisland tickets on Hawaiian Airlines.
Aloha has canceled Monday flights from Hawaii to the West Coast and between several cities in California and Nevada. It's last day for interisland travel will be Monday.
Aloha advised passengers who don't want to fly another airline and who want a refund to contact their travel agents or credit card companies. Those who paid by cash or check may file a claim in bankruptcy court.
The shutdown will affect about 1,900 employees. The company said air cargo services are to continue.
A Seattle company on Thursday offered to buy Aloha's cargo operations for an undisclosed amount. But Saltchuk Resources Inc. said it wasn't interested in taking over Aloha's passenger business.
Aloha Airlines was founded in 1946.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Carnival's new, more casual dress code for dinner
Is there a dress code for the dining room?
Effective 5/19/2008, this is the new Carnival dress code.
Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.
Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.
Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.
Effective 5/19/2008, this is the new Carnival dress code.
Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.
Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.
Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
What will the airlines think of next?
Delta to charge for bags at curb
By Steve Huettel, Times Staff Writer
Published Friday, March 28, 2008 10:29 PM
Three more days, and Delta Air Lines customers will start paying for the convenience of curbside check-in service.
The airline will charge $3 per bag to check luggage at curbside, Delta said Friday in a story first reported on the St. Petersburg Times' Web site, www.tampabay.com. The fee goes into effect Tuesday at Tampa International and 10 other major airports, then rolls out at 75 more cities nationwide April 15.
"It's a business decision that reflects today's competitive landscape and cost pressures," said Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott. "In many cases, it will make us more competitive."
Delta and Continental Airlines are the only major network carriers that don't charge for curbside check-in. Delta's new fee will be $1 per bag higher than those charged by American Airlines, United Airlines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways.
The fee will be waived for Delta's most prized customers: elite Medallion-level fliers, first-class and business-class travelers. Passengers who check in online also won't be charged.
Will the fee drive regular curbside customers to the ticket counter, where checking one standard-size bag is still free?
"With the baby, probably not," said Peggy Braitsch, flying home to Cincinnati from Tampa on Friday with her granddaughter, Mary, 1, in a stroller. "For me (alone)? It probably would have."
Record prices for oil and refined jet fuel are forcing airlines to find more ways raise revenue. Fare increases haven't been enough to cover the bills, they say, and don't stick if a competitor refuses to match them. More carriers are turning to higher luggage fees.
Northwest said Friday it would start charging customers $25 each way to check a second bag, following the lead of United, US Airways and Delta. The airline also boosted fees from $80 to $100 for three or more checked bags and from $25 to $50 for luggage more than 50 pounds.
One group certainly won't like Delta's new curbside fee: Prospect of Tampa skycaps working for Delta. Like other airlines, Delta will pocket what it's calling an "administration fee'' on signs posted at curbside counters. Signs will note that tips aren't included in the $3 charge.
Skycaps, who make most of their money on tips, say the disclaimers don't help. Many travelers still refuse to pay a tip in addition to the fee. A group of skycaps recently sued American Airlines, seeking restitution for lost tips since the fee began three years ago.
"We are looking for fairness for the hardworking employees who every day help passengers,'' said Shannon Liss-Riordan, an attorney representing the skycaps.
"Some of the guys have worked 20, 30, 40 years as skycaps. This is their profession. These guys' lives have been devastated by this.''
By Steve Huettel, Times Staff Writer
Published Friday, March 28, 2008 10:29 PM
Three more days, and Delta Air Lines customers will start paying for the convenience of curbside check-in service.
The airline will charge $3 per bag to check luggage at curbside, Delta said Friday in a story first reported on the St. Petersburg Times' Web site, www.tampabay.com. The fee goes into effect Tuesday at Tampa International and 10 other major airports, then rolls out at 75 more cities nationwide April 15.
"It's a business decision that reflects today's competitive landscape and cost pressures," said Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott. "In many cases, it will make us more competitive."
Delta and Continental Airlines are the only major network carriers that don't charge for curbside check-in. Delta's new fee will be $1 per bag higher than those charged by American Airlines, United Airlines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways.
The fee will be waived for Delta's most prized customers: elite Medallion-level fliers, first-class and business-class travelers. Passengers who check in online also won't be charged.
Will the fee drive regular curbside customers to the ticket counter, where checking one standard-size bag is still free?
"With the baby, probably not," said Peggy Braitsch, flying home to Cincinnati from Tampa on Friday with her granddaughter, Mary, 1, in a stroller. "For me (alone)? It probably would have."
Record prices for oil and refined jet fuel are forcing airlines to find more ways raise revenue. Fare increases haven't been enough to cover the bills, they say, and don't stick if a competitor refuses to match them. More carriers are turning to higher luggage fees.
Northwest said Friday it would start charging customers $25 each way to check a second bag, following the lead of United, US Airways and Delta. The airline also boosted fees from $80 to $100 for three or more checked bags and from $25 to $50 for luggage more than 50 pounds.
One group certainly won't like Delta's new curbside fee: Prospect of Tampa skycaps working for Delta. Like other airlines, Delta will pocket what it's calling an "administration fee'' on signs posted at curbside counters. Signs will note that tips aren't included in the $3 charge.
Skycaps, who make most of their money on tips, say the disclaimers don't help. Many travelers still refuse to pay a tip in addition to the fee. A group of skycaps recently sued American Airlines, seeking restitution for lost tips since the fee began three years ago.
"We are looking for fairness for the hardworking employees who every day help passengers,'' said Shannon Liss-Riordan, an attorney representing the skycaps.
"Some of the guys have worked 20, 30, 40 years as skycaps. This is their profession. These guys' lives have been devastated by this.''
Latest and perhaps last passport ruling
Yesterday, the Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL when helping your clients ensure they have the proper identification when traveling.
Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.
*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State
All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.
The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.
Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.
*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State
All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.
The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Review of Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Bermuda
I had the opportunity to stay at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort in Bermuda for 3 nights in mid March on a travel agent familiarization trip courtesy of the Bermuda Tourism Board.
At first, I was a bit disappointed to hear that we were staying at Grotto Bay since I never considered it one of the top hotels in Bermuda but after we stayed there, I can honestly say that I would return without hesitation to Grotto Bay and I would send clients there in a minute.
The hotel is located very close to the airport, in fact, you can see planes landing from the pool and beach area. I was never once disturbed by the noise and the fact that it is a 5 minute cab ride from the airport makes it very easy and, inexpensive, to get to Grotto Bay.
The first thing that I noticed about the resort was the truly friendly staff. I wasn’t allowed to touch my suitcase once it was removed from the van. It was made very clear that we are guests and we are going to be treated as such during our stay. We left our luggage at the front of the hotel until our rooms were ready and we immediately started on a tour of the resort guided by Anthony, the food and beverage manager.
This hotel is not huge, which really adds to the beauty of it. It is on over 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds but it is relatively easy to navigate. When I say relatively easy to navigate, what I mean is---- all beachfront hotels in Bermuda are built on higher grounds so is order to get to the beach and some of the beach front rooms, you are going to be walking up and down some pretty steep hills and steps. For those who have walking difficulties, you will want to request rooms closer to the lobby and there is always someone to drive you around the property if needed.
One of the unique features of Grotto Bay is that they have their own crystal caves where they hold weddings and private dinners for two, story telling for the kids and swimming in the ice cold waters. It is an interesting place to hold a wedding- I think I would prefer the beach but it is different.
Speaking of the beach- it is private and lovely- not huge but certainly large enough for the hotel guests. Honeymoon Beach is an ideal spot for a wedding. It is set off a bit from the main beach for privacy. They also have a water sports area that offers non motorized water sports, as well as a boat launch for fishing excursions, etc. There is a nice pool and Jacuzzi as well, that I didn’t use. This was definitely a working trip- not a vacation- so there was no time to relax by the pool.
Grotto Bay is the only resort in Bermuda to offer an all inclusive plan which makes it very affordable. Unlike most all inclusive resorts, you don’t need a bracelet to indicate that you are on the all inclusive plan. You can order off the regular menu and there are no buffets for dinner. The food was GREAT! We had dinner 2 of 3 nights at Grotto Bay and we ordered right off the same menu as the rest of the restaurant patrons. I had steak one night and fish the next, with appetizers, salad and dessert. You could have rolled us out of there. The raisin bread was to die for. The chocolate dessert (can’t remember the name) was heavenly. Wait staff efficient and friendly. The all inclusive plan offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and unlimited alcoholic beverages. Another nice feature is the plan also includes unlimited Bermuda transportation passes. This is definitely a plus for an island where dining tends to run a bit high.
New to the all inclusive plan- the menu will be changing frequently for those who want more variety. New to the resort will also be a spa. Right now, massages can be arranged but there is no actual spa on the resort. There is a small fitness center but I really didn’t look at it since I got enough exercise walking back and forth from our rooms. Also, the entire resort was going to be set up for wireless internet soon.
Rooms--- we were in the newly renovated deluxe beach front rooms. Bed- super comfortable. Mini fridge in the room with a coffee maker was a nice touch. There was no tea in the room so I took some from the afternoon tea and brought it back with me. The bathroom amenities were very nice. My only suggestion was that I would have liked some more hooks or towel racks and the newly renovated bath could have used more storage shelves. The view was sensational. Even though it was mid March, I sat out on the balcony to relax and enjoy the view.
Internet service was spotty at best and currently only available in the main lobby or by the pool. One of my associates could never log on so her internet fee was refunded. I can’t remember the rates completely but I think it was $6 per hour or $30 for 4 days. I took that plan since it seemed to make more sense.
I do have some pictures of Grotto Bay as well as the 9 other resorts we visited (Cambridge Beaches, Pompano Beach, Elbow Beach, Fairmont Southampton, Fairmont Princess, Pink Beaches, Newstead, Tuckers Point and Rosedon.) If you have any specific questions, please email me.
As a travel agent, I am typically more critical of resorts than the average traveler but I was truly impressed with Grotto Bay Beach Resort and would have no hesitation recommending it to clients who want a nice beachfront resort in Bermuda that offers good value and great service.
At first, I was a bit disappointed to hear that we were staying at Grotto Bay since I never considered it one of the top hotels in Bermuda but after we stayed there, I can honestly say that I would return without hesitation to Grotto Bay and I would send clients there in a minute.
The hotel is located very close to the airport, in fact, you can see planes landing from the pool and beach area. I was never once disturbed by the noise and the fact that it is a 5 minute cab ride from the airport makes it very easy and, inexpensive, to get to Grotto Bay.
The first thing that I noticed about the resort was the truly friendly staff. I wasn’t allowed to touch my suitcase once it was removed from the van. It was made very clear that we are guests and we are going to be treated as such during our stay. We left our luggage at the front of the hotel until our rooms were ready and we immediately started on a tour of the resort guided by Anthony, the food and beverage manager.
This hotel is not huge, which really adds to the beauty of it. It is on over 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds but it is relatively easy to navigate. When I say relatively easy to navigate, what I mean is---- all beachfront hotels in Bermuda are built on higher grounds so is order to get to the beach and some of the beach front rooms, you are going to be walking up and down some pretty steep hills and steps. For those who have walking difficulties, you will want to request rooms closer to the lobby and there is always someone to drive you around the property if needed.
One of the unique features of Grotto Bay is that they have their own crystal caves where they hold weddings and private dinners for two, story telling for the kids and swimming in the ice cold waters. It is an interesting place to hold a wedding- I think I would prefer the beach but it is different.
Speaking of the beach- it is private and lovely- not huge but certainly large enough for the hotel guests. Honeymoon Beach is an ideal spot for a wedding. It is set off a bit from the main beach for privacy. They also have a water sports area that offers non motorized water sports, as well as a boat launch for fishing excursions, etc. There is a nice pool and Jacuzzi as well, that I didn’t use. This was definitely a working trip- not a vacation- so there was no time to relax by the pool.
Grotto Bay is the only resort in Bermuda to offer an all inclusive plan which makes it very affordable. Unlike most all inclusive resorts, you don’t need a bracelet to indicate that you are on the all inclusive plan. You can order off the regular menu and there are no buffets for dinner. The food was GREAT! We had dinner 2 of 3 nights at Grotto Bay and we ordered right off the same menu as the rest of the restaurant patrons. I had steak one night and fish the next, with appetizers, salad and dessert. You could have rolled us out of there. The raisin bread was to die for. The chocolate dessert (can’t remember the name) was heavenly. Wait staff efficient and friendly. The all inclusive plan offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and unlimited alcoholic beverages. Another nice feature is the plan also includes unlimited Bermuda transportation passes. This is definitely a plus for an island where dining tends to run a bit high.
New to the all inclusive plan- the menu will be changing frequently for those who want more variety. New to the resort will also be a spa. Right now, massages can be arranged but there is no actual spa on the resort. There is a small fitness center but I really didn’t look at it since I got enough exercise walking back and forth from our rooms. Also, the entire resort was going to be set up for wireless internet soon.
Rooms--- we were in the newly renovated deluxe beach front rooms. Bed- super comfortable. Mini fridge in the room with a coffee maker was a nice touch. There was no tea in the room so I took some from the afternoon tea and brought it back with me. The bathroom amenities were very nice. My only suggestion was that I would have liked some more hooks or towel racks and the newly renovated bath could have used more storage shelves. The view was sensational. Even though it was mid March, I sat out on the balcony to relax and enjoy the view.
Internet service was spotty at best and currently only available in the main lobby or by the pool. One of my associates could never log on so her internet fee was refunded. I can’t remember the rates completely but I think it was $6 per hour or $30 for 4 days. I took that plan since it seemed to make more sense.
I do have some pictures of Grotto Bay as well as the 9 other resorts we visited (Cambridge Beaches, Pompano Beach, Elbow Beach, Fairmont Southampton, Fairmont Princess, Pink Beaches, Newstead, Tuckers Point and Rosedon.) If you have any specific questions, please email me.
As a travel agent, I am typically more critical of resorts than the average traveler but I was truly impressed with Grotto Bay Beach Resort and would have no hesitation recommending it to clients who want a nice beachfront resort in Bermuda that offers good value and great service.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Open Skies Ruling may reduce prices to Europe
This article was printed in the NY Times
AIR travel to Europe is about to undergo a significant change, one that is likely to spell more choices and cheaper fares for travelers.
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New Routes to Europe Readers' Comments
What new flights would you like to see open up to Europe?
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Read All Comments (4) »
On March 30, the so-called open-skies agreement goes into effect, allowing airlines based in the United States and Europe to fly across the Atlantic between any two airports in each region. Before the pact, trans-Atlantic flights were governed by separate agreements between the United States and individual European nations. The pacts required airlines to take off or land in their native countries, and limited which airlines could serve certain airports.
For example, British Airways flights bound for the United States had to originate in Britain. And only two United States carriers were permitted to land at Heathrow Airport, near London: American and United.
When the open-skies agreement kicks in next week, those restrictions will be lifted, essentially letting the open market dictate all trans-Atlantic routes between the United States and Europe. For instance, Continental, Delta and Northwest will be able to serve Heathrow for the first time.
This year, San Francisco, Orlando and Washington all received their first scheduled nonstop flights to Dublin on Aer Lingus under a related transitionary arrangement. And Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, the Irish no-frills carrier, has said he plans to start a new airline that will fly from secondary European markets like Liverpool or Birmingham to a half-dozen American cities like Baltimore or Providence, R.I., for a base fare as low as 10 euros, or about $16 at $1.59 to the euro.
“We don’t even begin to get a glimmer of the possibilities of open-market competition yet,” said Jerry Chandler, who writes Cheapflights.com’s travel blog and has been tracking the new open-skies flights. “There could be a lot of flourishing of routes in markets that currently don’t exist, especially from smaller U.S. cities to European hubs.”
The new pact is expected to be game-changing for Europe-bound travel. More routes are expected to open, and prices could fall thanks to the new competition. The agreement is also likely to encourage European carriers to compete more aggressively with one another across the Continent. Lufthansa, the German airline, for example, could set up a hub in Paris; or Air France could set up a hub in Frankfurt.
So far, though, most United States airlines are simply looking to open service to Heathrow — a strategic hub that offers connecting flights not just across Europe, but to the Middle East, Africa and Asia, too. Flights from the United States to Heathrow are expected to increase 31 percent, to 2,932 flights in July from 2,233 this month, according to OAG Back Aviation Solutions.
Northwest plans to add daily service later this year to Heathrow from Detroit, Minneapolis and Seattle. Beginning on March 29, the New York area will get four new flights a day to Heathrow: two from Continental out of Newark and two from Delta out of Kennedy Airport. Travelers in Atlanta will have a new direct flight to Heathrow aboard Delta (as opposed to connecting through Chicago or some other city), as will travelers out of Dallas-Forth Worth and Raleigh-Durham — both aboard American by March 30.
European carriers like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are also getting into the act with new service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Heathrow. Likewise, Air France will begin operating a daily flight between Los Angeles and Heathrow on March 30. And Virgin Atlantic is starting a daily Heathrow-Chicago route and will expand its popular Heathrow-New York service to six flights daily.
For many travelers, a direct flight to Heathrow is long overdue. For instance, there are currently no nonstop flights between Dallas-Fort Worth and Heathrow, forcing many passengers to land at other London airports — like Gatwick or Luton — even if they have a connecting flight to catch in Heathrow. “It has been an absolute nightmare,” said Terry Denton, president of Main Street Travel, a Carlson Wagonlit agency in Forth Worth that specializes in missionary trips to Africa and elsewhere that usually require a connection through Heathrow.
Getting from Gatwick to Heathrow involves hauling luggage through passport control, taking a bus or cab across town and going through check-in and security anew — a process that could take three hours. The new routes will allow travelers to bypass that ordeal.
It’s not just Heathrow, however, that’s getting new service. British Airways is planning a subsidiary called OpenSkies that will skip London altogether, beginning with Brussels-New York and Paris-New York service as early as June. And some airlines, anticipating increased competition, are expanding their trans-Atlantic networks. Delta will begin flying from Kennedy Airport to Paris Orly on June 2, cutting out a three-hour-plus layover in Madrid, Nice or elsewhere.
KLM will start a daily flight between Dallas-Fort Worth and Amsterdam on March 30. Previously, Dallas passengers had to change planes in Memphis, New York or another city before arriving in Amsterdam. The new flight will cut at least two hours off the total flight time.
Besides saving time, the new competition should put pressure on airlines to reduce fares. A 2002 study by the Brattle Group, a consulting firm, estimated that an open-skies agreement between the United States and the European Union would generate a 10 percent increase in passenger traffic in formerly restricted markets, which could reduce fares 4 to 10 percent.
Routes to watch include Denver-Heathrow and Seattle-Heathrow, which were previously served by only one nonstop carrier: British Airways. But thanks to the open skies agreement, United will begin flying between Denver and Heathrow on March 30, with introductory fares starting at $570 round trip for travel before May 15. British Airways, by contrast, has been offering that same route for $1,461, according to an online search.
And Northwest Airlines will start flying between Seattle and Heathrow on June 1, with fares for $1,288, compared with $1,302 on British Airways, based on a recent online search.
But don’t expect a full-on fare war just yet. With the price of fuel so high, pricing on trans-Atlantic travel has been “pretty brutal,” said Rick Seaney, the chief executive of FareCompare. “Base prices are at an all-time low, but fuel surcharges are up.”
AIR travel to Europe is about to undergo a significant change, one that is likely to spell more choices and cheaper fares for travelers.
Skip to next paragraph
Multimedia
Graphic
New Routes to Europe Readers' Comments
What new flights would you like to see open up to Europe?
Post a Comment »
Read All Comments (4) »
On March 30, the so-called open-skies agreement goes into effect, allowing airlines based in the United States and Europe to fly across the Atlantic between any two airports in each region. Before the pact, trans-Atlantic flights were governed by separate agreements between the United States and individual European nations. The pacts required airlines to take off or land in their native countries, and limited which airlines could serve certain airports.
For example, British Airways flights bound for the United States had to originate in Britain. And only two United States carriers were permitted to land at Heathrow Airport, near London: American and United.
When the open-skies agreement kicks in next week, those restrictions will be lifted, essentially letting the open market dictate all trans-Atlantic routes between the United States and Europe. For instance, Continental, Delta and Northwest will be able to serve Heathrow for the first time.
This year, San Francisco, Orlando and Washington all received their first scheduled nonstop flights to Dublin on Aer Lingus under a related transitionary arrangement. And Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, the Irish no-frills carrier, has said he plans to start a new airline that will fly from secondary European markets like Liverpool or Birmingham to a half-dozen American cities like Baltimore or Providence, R.I., for a base fare as low as 10 euros, or about $16 at $1.59 to the euro.
“We don’t even begin to get a glimmer of the possibilities of open-market competition yet,” said Jerry Chandler, who writes Cheapflights.com’s travel blog and has been tracking the new open-skies flights. “There could be a lot of flourishing of routes in markets that currently don’t exist, especially from smaller U.S. cities to European hubs.”
The new pact is expected to be game-changing for Europe-bound travel. More routes are expected to open, and prices could fall thanks to the new competition. The agreement is also likely to encourage European carriers to compete more aggressively with one another across the Continent. Lufthansa, the German airline, for example, could set up a hub in Paris; or Air France could set up a hub in Frankfurt.
So far, though, most United States airlines are simply looking to open service to Heathrow — a strategic hub that offers connecting flights not just across Europe, but to the Middle East, Africa and Asia, too. Flights from the United States to Heathrow are expected to increase 31 percent, to 2,932 flights in July from 2,233 this month, according to OAG Back Aviation Solutions.
Northwest plans to add daily service later this year to Heathrow from Detroit, Minneapolis and Seattle. Beginning on March 29, the New York area will get four new flights a day to Heathrow: two from Continental out of Newark and two from Delta out of Kennedy Airport. Travelers in Atlanta will have a new direct flight to Heathrow aboard Delta (as opposed to connecting through Chicago or some other city), as will travelers out of Dallas-Forth Worth and Raleigh-Durham — both aboard American by March 30.
European carriers like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are also getting into the act with new service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Heathrow. Likewise, Air France will begin operating a daily flight between Los Angeles and Heathrow on March 30. And Virgin Atlantic is starting a daily Heathrow-Chicago route and will expand its popular Heathrow-New York service to six flights daily.
For many travelers, a direct flight to Heathrow is long overdue. For instance, there are currently no nonstop flights between Dallas-Fort Worth and Heathrow, forcing many passengers to land at other London airports — like Gatwick or Luton — even if they have a connecting flight to catch in Heathrow. “It has been an absolute nightmare,” said Terry Denton, president of Main Street Travel, a Carlson Wagonlit agency in Forth Worth that specializes in missionary trips to Africa and elsewhere that usually require a connection through Heathrow.
Getting from Gatwick to Heathrow involves hauling luggage through passport control, taking a bus or cab across town and going through check-in and security anew — a process that could take three hours. The new routes will allow travelers to bypass that ordeal.
It’s not just Heathrow, however, that’s getting new service. British Airways is planning a subsidiary called OpenSkies that will skip London altogether, beginning with Brussels-New York and Paris-New York service as early as June. And some airlines, anticipating increased competition, are expanding their trans-Atlantic networks. Delta will begin flying from Kennedy Airport to Paris Orly on June 2, cutting out a three-hour-plus layover in Madrid, Nice or elsewhere.
KLM will start a daily flight between Dallas-Fort Worth and Amsterdam on March 30. Previously, Dallas passengers had to change planes in Memphis, New York or another city before arriving in Amsterdam. The new flight will cut at least two hours off the total flight time.
Besides saving time, the new competition should put pressure on airlines to reduce fares. A 2002 study by the Brattle Group, a consulting firm, estimated that an open-skies agreement between the United States and the European Union would generate a 10 percent increase in passenger traffic in formerly restricted markets, which could reduce fares 4 to 10 percent.
Routes to watch include Denver-Heathrow and Seattle-Heathrow, which were previously served by only one nonstop carrier: British Airways. But thanks to the open skies agreement, United will begin flying between Denver and Heathrow on March 30, with introductory fares starting at $570 round trip for travel before May 15. British Airways, by contrast, has been offering that same route for $1,461, according to an online search.
And Northwest Airlines will start flying between Seattle and Heathrow on June 1, with fares for $1,288, compared with $1,302 on British Airways, based on a recent online search.
But don’t expect a full-on fare war just yet. With the price of fuel so high, pricing on trans-Atlantic travel has been “pretty brutal,” said Rick Seaney, the chief executive of FareCompare. “Base prices are at an all-time low, but fuel surcharges are up.”
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Ireland
I took this trip at the end of October and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a fam trip with Isle Inn Tours. Ireland is very pretty and the people are friendly. We were kept fairly busy inspecting the hotels but they were very classy. There were a combination of modern and traditional styles. The prices will floor you. $300-1000 Euros a day. The food on the trip was absolutely fabulous. To be honest I thought this would be a dieting trip. I was expecting Corned Beef & Cabbage, stews, potatoes etc, none of which I care for. Quite the opposite was true. Wonderful meats and fish with delicious sauces. The desserts blew me away. So much for the diet. Ireland is a completely different country since it joined the European Union. Some facts the guide shared with us:
1) Half the people in Ireland are under 27 years old
2) They have finally opened an immigration office-previously no one moved to Ireland.
3) The economy is booming.
If you have clients that have the money to spend, I would recommend it. I wouldn't go at the time we did, because summer was ending and not too many flowers were in bloom in the Arborterium er visited. One of the highlights were the Cliffs of Mohr; definitely worth seeing
1) Half the people in Ireland are under 27 years old
2) They have finally opened an immigration office-previously no one moved to Ireland.
3) The economy is booming.
If you have clients that have the money to spend, I would recommend it. I wouldn't go at the time we did, because summer was ending and not too many flowers were in bloom in the Arborterium er visited. One of the highlights were the Cliffs of Mohr; definitely worth seeing
Celebrity Infinity Sout America
This was an interesting but not spectacular trip. First, the ship. The ship was fine, the staff was very accommodating. I wound up in a handicapped cabin which was huge. This was my third Celebrity cruise in the past 2 1/2 years and once again I was very disappointed in the food. It was mostly bland. I don't know if Michel Roux's departure is the reason for this. The beef dishes were very good. I ate once in the S.S. United States and it was wonderful. It had the kind of food which used to be standard on Celebrity. I had a Goat Cheese Souffle that was scrumptious, followed by a delicious Steak Diane and then finished with an out of this world Chocolate Souffle and a specialty coffee. Of course with wine it cost almost $80 for my date and I. We lingered for almost 3 hours.
Life on the ship was good. Plenty of activities e.g. trivia, enrichment seminars, dance lessons. The music throughout the ship was fantastic. I was very impressed. The shows were just O.K.
The ports were not very memorable except for seeing the penguins, but this required a 2 hour bus ride through barren countryside. All of the "better" excursions were 6-8 hours and usually upwards of $100 with lots of bus time. The buses were modern.
Montevideo was nice and the trip to the winery for tasting and lunch was good, although the beef was stringy. We went through the fjords and around Cape Horn. We had been told it could be rough but we had smooth sailing all the way. Our view of the glaciers was poor. From our viewpoint they looked like beginning ski slopes in Vermont. Nothing comparable to Alaska. The other ports were little towns and each had the town square which were enjoyable. We docked in Valparaiso and then took a tour up the coast to Santiago where we drove around the city. The ride up the coastline was the prettiest part of the trip. Riding along the Pacific and seeing the waves smash against the rocks. Many condos along the way.
All in all I would say that I wouldn't recommend this to my clients
Life on the ship was good. Plenty of activities e.g. trivia, enrichment seminars, dance lessons. The music throughout the ship was fantastic. I was very impressed. The shows were just O.K.
The ports were not very memorable except for seeing the penguins, but this required a 2 hour bus ride through barren countryside. All of the "better" excursions were 6-8 hours and usually upwards of $100 with lots of bus time. The buses were modern.
Montevideo was nice and the trip to the winery for tasting and lunch was good, although the beef was stringy. We went through the fjords and around Cape Horn. We had been told it could be rough but we had smooth sailing all the way. Our view of the glaciers was poor. From our viewpoint they looked like beginning ski slopes in Vermont. Nothing comparable to Alaska. The other ports were little towns and each had the town square which were enjoyable. We docked in Valparaiso and then took a tour up the coast to Santiago where we drove around the city. The ride up the coastline was the prettiest part of the trip. Riding along the Pacific and seeing the waves smash against the rocks. Many condos along the way.
All in all I would say that I wouldn't recommend this to my clients
Monday, March 3, 2008
Selling Travel Insurance
from TravelSafe:
Some Advice To Help You Succeed
How do you approach travel insurance with your clients? What do you say to them?
We sometimes hear from agents who tell us they don't know what to say. It can be difficult to find that delicate balance between just mentioning that travel insurance is available, to ramming it down their throats.
The key is to relate to your clients in terms with which you and they are most comfortable. Do you have any experiences from other clients where travel insurance saved the day? Have you heard about any travel nightmares where insurance was not purchased, and the traveler ended up losing their trip and paying thousands of dollars out of pocket in situations which would have been covered? (We have plenty!)
Sometimes, selling a travel insurance policy can be (gasp!) real work. But travel insurance is part of what a full-service travel agent provides for their clients. Remember that TravelSafe is always available to provide advice or answer any questions you may have.
And most of all, if your client chooses not to purchase insurance, make sure they sign a waiver. You don't want to be held legally responsible when something goes wrong and they contend that travel insurance was never offered.
Some Advice To Help You Succeed
How do you approach travel insurance with your clients? What do you say to them?
We sometimes hear from agents who tell us they don't know what to say. It can be difficult to find that delicate balance between just mentioning that travel insurance is available, to ramming it down their throats.
The key is to relate to your clients in terms with which you and they are most comfortable. Do you have any experiences from other clients where travel insurance saved the day? Have you heard about any travel nightmares where insurance was not purchased, and the traveler ended up losing their trip and paying thousands of dollars out of pocket in situations which would have been covered? (We have plenty!)
Sometimes, selling a travel insurance policy can be (gasp!) real work. But travel insurance is part of what a full-service travel agent provides for their clients. Remember that TravelSafe is always available to provide advice or answer any questions you may have.
And most of all, if your client chooses not to purchase insurance, make sure they sign a waiver. You don't want to be held legally responsible when something goes wrong and they contend that travel insurance was never offered.
Marketing Travel Insurance
from I Travel Insured's newsletter:
As a travel agent, you work hard to get people into your store and it’s a direct result of your advertising, marketing and networking efforts.
Your first objective is to convert this person into a customer by selling them a trip. But why stop there? A good salesperson will “accessorize” that purchase. You experience accessorizing in your every day life. Think back to some of your recent purchases:
- New automobile: Did your salesperson offer you cruise control, a six CD player, air conditioning, leather interior, or a moon roof for an extra fee?
- New home: Did your builder offer upgraded flooring, kitchen appliances, landscaping, fireplace, or brick exterior at extra cost?
- New clothes: Did your salesperson suggest shoes, pocketbook, scarf, jacket, or a sweater to go along with an article of clothing you just purchased?
- Beauty salon/spa: When you got your hair done, were you also offered a manicure, pedicure or hair care products?
- A successful travel agent will include the word “accessorize” as a part of their sales routine. Not only will accessories enhance the customer’s travel experience, you will increase your income.
The travel industry has a wide variety of accessories that could be considered along with every leisure trip purchase.
- Travel insurance: This product not only helps protect your customer’s vacation investment, it also pays out the highest compensation percentages of any travel product.
- Pre/Post hotel stay: Help your clients relax by getting them to their destination early so they don’t have to worry about travel delays caused by bad weather, mechanical problems or other factors.
- Limousine services: Parking fees and gas prices are sky high. This accessory can save both money and time and allows your customer to be dropped off at the front door rather than in some far away parking lot.
- Shore excursions, sight seeing day trips, and event tickets enhance your customer’s travel by providing variety.
“Accessorizing” enhances your client’s travel experience and your bottom line.