By DAVID KOENIG, Associated Press Writer
FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines will start charging $15 for the first checked bag, cut domestic flights and lay off possibly thousands of workers as it grapples with record-high fuel prices.
American plans to cut domestic flight capacity by 11 percent to 12 percent in the fourth quarter, after the peak summer season is over. That's more than double American's previous plans to cut flying by 4.6 percent in late 2008.
In a further sign of the problems facing the industry, Southwest Airlines Co., the most consistently profitable U.S. carrier, won't earn as much the rest of this year as it did in the same period of 2007, Chief Executive Gary Kelly said.
American, the nation's largest carrier, said Wednesday the fee for the first checked bag starts June 15 and that it would raise other fees for services ranging from reservation help to oversized bags. The other fees will mostly range from $5 to $50 per service, the airline said.
Last month American announced it would join other carriers in charging $25 for second bags checked for some passengers, but it wasn't immediately clear how Wednesday's announcement would affect that.
Its proposed fee for a first checked bag would exempt people who belong to elite levels of its frequent flyer programs, those who bought full-fare tickets and those traveling overseas.
Delta Air Lines Inc. spokeswoman Betsy Talton said the Atlanta-based airline has no current plans to match American's fee for the first checked bag, but is considering all options with oil at $130 per barrel.
Chairman and Chief Executive Gerard J. Arpey said he expects the new or raised fees will raise several hundred million dollars for American, but that was the best estimate he would give.
The changes were being made to adapt to "the current reality of slow economic growth and high oil prices," Arpey said. He said the fees are an effort to get customers to pay for services they want.
Arpey didn't put a figure on the layoffs, but when asked whether he expected the figure to be in the thousands, he said yes.
Arpey said he wants to cut overhead and costs about 7 to 8 percent but declined to say whether layoffs would equal a similar percentage of parent AMR Corp.'s work force of about 90,000.
American Airlines expects to retire 45 to 50 planes, most of them gas-guzzling MD-80 aircraft. Those were the plane grounded for faulty wiring last month. AMR regional airline American Eagle also plans to retire planes.
American said rising oil prices have increased its expected annual fuel costs by nearly $3 billion since the start of the year.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tip of the Day
Words of Wisdom from Agent to Agent
What's Your USP?
A company's USP is its Unique Selling Point - something that makes it different from all other companies of its type. Is there something about your business that is so unique that customers would do business with you based on that one quality alone? If so, you have located your USP and are on the way to better understanding how to build a smart marketing campaign based on that uniqueness.
Fortunately, most travel agencies do indeed have a very valuable asset that distinguishes them from all other retail travel companies or online travel agencies - people. Your travel agency's human resources are not duplicated anywhere else. Somewhere in your personnel - whether you are a 500 person agency or a one person home based business is very likely your Unique Selling Point.
Sit down and list the things that make you as a travel consultant unique. Is it your passion? Is it the number of years you have been in the business? Is it the destinations you have visited? What about your destination specialist training? Perhaps your unique insight into a particular niche market qualifies as a Unique Selling Point.
Once you have determined your USP, distill it down into a few coherent sentences. Continue to work on your USP until you can reduce it to a tag line. Now integrate your USP into all of your marketing collateral - make it a central focal point of your brand. Once you find your USP, hold it out for the world to see and you will have fashioned for yourself a unique positioning in your client's eyes.
What's Your USP?
A company's USP is its Unique Selling Point - something that makes it different from all other companies of its type. Is there something about your business that is so unique that customers would do business with you based on that one quality alone? If so, you have located your USP and are on the way to better understanding how to build a smart marketing campaign based on that uniqueness.
Fortunately, most travel agencies do indeed have a very valuable asset that distinguishes them from all other retail travel companies or online travel agencies - people. Your travel agency's human resources are not duplicated anywhere else. Somewhere in your personnel - whether you are a 500 person agency or a one person home based business is very likely your Unique Selling Point.
Sit down and list the things that make you as a travel consultant unique. Is it your passion? Is it the number of years you have been in the business? Is it the destinations you have visited? What about your destination specialist training? Perhaps your unique insight into a particular niche market qualifies as a Unique Selling Point.
Once you have determined your USP, distill it down into a few coherent sentences. Continue to work on your USP until you can reduce it to a tag line. Now integrate your USP into all of your marketing collateral - make it a central focal point of your brand. Once you find your USP, hold it out for the world to see and you will have fashioned for yourself a unique positioning in your client's eyes.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
When Airlines Go Belly UP
This is taken from today’s Wall Street Journal.
THE MIDDLE SEAT
By SCOTT MCCARTNEY
When Airlines Fail, Fliers Have Few Protections
Law's Lapse Leaves Carriers With Little Incentive to Honor Tickets From Defunct Rivals
April 8, 2008; Page D1
Airlines have a new attitude toward customers of failed carriers: It's your loss, not ours. With more airlines folding these days, the impact on consumers can be severe.
Passenger carriers are no longer required to honor tickets of failed competitors because Congress let a government protection for travelers expire in 2006. So when Aloha Airgroup Inc., ATA Airlines Inc. and Skybus Airlines Inc. all shut down last week, some airlines, including the nation's two biggest, refused to accept stranded ticket-holders.
That is a big change for consumers. They used to be able to buy tickets on struggling airlines with reasonable expectations that either the airline would keep flying if it went bankrupt, or other airlines would honor tickets for a small fee. Now, consumers need to be far more careful in picking airlines, especially for tickets bought months in advance.
AMR Corp.'s American and UAL Corp.'s United, struggling themselves under high oil prices, said they would accommodate Aloha, ATA and Skybus ticket-holders only if they purchased a new ticket for their travel.
The carriers said they did offer tickets at discounted prices rather than full-fare, last-minute purchase prices. United said it offered a one-way fare of $275 from Honolulu or Maui to Los Angeles with no advance-purchase requirements, for example, and $475 from Honolulu to Chicago. American said it waived advance-purchase requirements so Aloha, ATA and Skybus ticket-holders could get discounted inventory if available.
But the reality is that at least some customers paid very steep prices. The Maui News reported several customers at Maui's airport said they had to pay $900 each for one-way tickets from Maui to Los Angeles on American. A spokesman for American, Tim Wagner, says it is possible there was no advance-purchase inventory left when those customers called.
"We didn't have a code-share relationship of any kind with any of these airlines, so anything we do to offer people a discount is basically out of the 'goodness of our hearts,' " Mr. Wagner said. "Any discount we give is revenue lost, and we won't be getting anything out of their bankruptcies. So in a $100-a-barrel oil environment, anything that any airline does is generous."
Other airlines, including Delta Air Lines Inc., Northwest Airlines Corp., Continental Airlines Inc. and US Airways Group Inc., have been offering standby seats to stranded ticket-holders, but only if travelers pay fees that could run up to $400 or more for round-trip travel with connecting flights.
And those standby offers -- $100 per flight segment -- won't be around very long at all. US Airways limited its offer to flights during the first week after ATA's shutdown. For travel after this Thursday, travelers have to buy new tickets.
Hawaiian Airlines offered free standby service for Aloha ticket-holders -- but only for travel over the first four days after Aloha's March 31 shutdown. Hawaiian, a unit of Hawaiian Holdings Inc., didn't make the same offer to ATA customers, largely because it didn't have any empty seats left to offer. The carrier did add some extra flights for ATA customers, but required the purchase of new tickets. For a San Francisco-Honolulu one-way flight, the fare for ATA refugees was about $320, a spokesman said.
The lack of government safeguards, coupled with more-frequent failures, makes struggling airlines riskier for consumers. Carriers that run out of money are finding no new cash is available to keep flying during a restructuring because of the credit crisis and lack of airline investors. So they have to shut down.
Maxjet Airways, Aloha, ATA and Skybus have all folded. Champion Air, a charter carrier, says it will cease operations in late May. Others may be circling the drain as well.
Congress had protected airline passengers against disruptions such as these shutdowns, but that ended in November 2006, according to the Department of Transportation. Now, a DOT spokesman says, "We encourage other airlines to honor tickets when they can."
That's something airlines have historically done. But when tough times threatened to kill that tradition, Congress wrote it into law. In November 2001, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress required airlines to rebook passengers from failed airlines for a handling fee, which the DOT set at $25 one-way and raised to $50 one-way in 2005. The law also gave consumers 60 days to ride standby at $50 each way.
But after lobbying by airlines, Congress let the requirement expire. Airlines argued they shouldn't have to suffer financially from failed competitors. Carriers that accept tickets from failed airlines can file claims in bankruptcy court for reimbursement, but they rarely collect anything on those tickets. And by protecting passengers from risk, Congress propped up dying airlines, hurting competitors who either had to match fire-sale prices or lose customers.
Travelers who bought tickets on now-failed airlines with credit cards do have some protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If the airline doesn't deliver the service you bought, your credit-card company has to refund the ticket purchase -- you must dispute the charge within 60 days. Credit-card companies are prepared for refunds -- they require troubled airlines to maintain cash reserves so there is a pool of money available to cover refunds.
Travelers who bought tickets through code-share arrangements have more options -- the airline that sold the ticket should accommodate you. If you bought a United ticket for travel on its partner Aloha, United will rebook you free (but not if you bought the same flight from Aloha). Southwest Airlines Co. sold tickets for flights actually flown by ATA, its code-sharing partner, and promised to re-accommodate customers holding Southwest tickets on Southwest or other airlines.
The Hawaiian islands took a double hit with the recent shutdowns because both Aloha and ATA fly there from the West Coast. Indeed, some of the airline stinginess in accommodating customers results from the fact that most of the routes where ATA and Aloha overlapped with competitors were on long trips to the islands. With limited seats and long flights, airlines were loath to give seats away cheap to bankrupt-airline customers.
Many travelers will undoubtedly pay more as a result of the collapse of two discounters to Hawaii. The cheapest price offered yesterday for a San Francisco-Honolulu non-stop trip this coming weekend was $1,404 round-trip on United, according to Orbitz.com. For the first weekend in May, the cheapest non-stop price available was $789 round-trip on Hawaiian.
Other carriers could eventually add capacity in those markets -- Hawaiian has already said it will begin flying to Oakland from Honolulu on May 1, jumping in on a route flown by both ATA and Aloha. But prices are likely to remain at least marginally higher.
Storrs Warinner, a retired airline captain from Las Vegas, had ATA tickets to Hawaii for December, and now he isn't sure what to do. He did call his credit-card company and was told the ATA charge would never even appear on his bill. As for replacing the tickets, he had hoped other carriers would step in and offer good deals to build new loyalty, or at least cheaper prices to fill new flights. But so far, prices are high, and no carrier has stepped in to replace ATA's non-stop Las Vegas-Honolulu service.
"I'm torn. I think probably people [airlines] will move into the market, but I don't know if I have guts enough to see what's going to happen," Mr. Warinner said.
THE MIDDLE SEAT
By SCOTT MCCARTNEY
When Airlines Fail, Fliers Have Few Protections
Law's Lapse Leaves Carriers With Little Incentive to Honor Tickets From Defunct Rivals
April 8, 2008; Page D1
Airlines have a new attitude toward customers of failed carriers: It's your loss, not ours. With more airlines folding these days, the impact on consumers can be severe.
Passenger carriers are no longer required to honor tickets of failed competitors because Congress let a government protection for travelers expire in 2006. So when Aloha Airgroup Inc., ATA Airlines Inc. and Skybus Airlines Inc. all shut down last week, some airlines, including the nation's two biggest, refused to accept stranded ticket-holders.
That is a big change for consumers. They used to be able to buy tickets on struggling airlines with reasonable expectations that either the airline would keep flying if it went bankrupt, or other airlines would honor tickets for a small fee. Now, consumers need to be far more careful in picking airlines, especially for tickets bought months in advance.
AMR Corp.'s American and UAL Corp.'s United, struggling themselves under high oil prices, said they would accommodate Aloha, ATA and Skybus ticket-holders only if they purchased a new ticket for their travel.
The carriers said they did offer tickets at discounted prices rather than full-fare, last-minute purchase prices. United said it offered a one-way fare of $275 from Honolulu or Maui to Los Angeles with no advance-purchase requirements, for example, and $475 from Honolulu to Chicago. American said it waived advance-purchase requirements so Aloha, ATA and Skybus ticket-holders could get discounted inventory if available.
But the reality is that at least some customers paid very steep prices. The Maui News reported several customers at Maui's airport said they had to pay $900 each for one-way tickets from Maui to Los Angeles on American. A spokesman for American, Tim Wagner, says it is possible there was no advance-purchase inventory left when those customers called.
"We didn't have a code-share relationship of any kind with any of these airlines, so anything we do to offer people a discount is basically out of the 'goodness of our hearts,' " Mr. Wagner said. "Any discount we give is revenue lost, and we won't be getting anything out of their bankruptcies. So in a $100-a-barrel oil environment, anything that any airline does is generous."
Other airlines, including Delta Air Lines Inc., Northwest Airlines Corp., Continental Airlines Inc. and US Airways Group Inc., have been offering standby seats to stranded ticket-holders, but only if travelers pay fees that could run up to $400 or more for round-trip travel with connecting flights.
And those standby offers -- $100 per flight segment -- won't be around very long at all. US Airways limited its offer to flights during the first week after ATA's shutdown. For travel after this Thursday, travelers have to buy new tickets.
Hawaiian Airlines offered free standby service for Aloha ticket-holders -- but only for travel over the first four days after Aloha's March 31 shutdown. Hawaiian, a unit of Hawaiian Holdings Inc., didn't make the same offer to ATA customers, largely because it didn't have any empty seats left to offer. The carrier did add some extra flights for ATA customers, but required the purchase of new tickets. For a San Francisco-Honolulu one-way flight, the fare for ATA refugees was about $320, a spokesman said.
The lack of government safeguards, coupled with more-frequent failures, makes struggling airlines riskier for consumers. Carriers that run out of money are finding no new cash is available to keep flying during a restructuring because of the credit crisis and lack of airline investors. So they have to shut down.
Maxjet Airways, Aloha, ATA and Skybus have all folded. Champion Air, a charter carrier, says it will cease operations in late May. Others may be circling the drain as well.
Congress had protected airline passengers against disruptions such as these shutdowns, but that ended in November 2006, according to the Department of Transportation. Now, a DOT spokesman says, "We encourage other airlines to honor tickets when they can."
That's something airlines have historically done. But when tough times threatened to kill that tradition, Congress wrote it into law. In November 2001, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress required airlines to rebook passengers from failed airlines for a handling fee, which the DOT set at $25 one-way and raised to $50 one-way in 2005. The law also gave consumers 60 days to ride standby at $50 each way.
But after lobbying by airlines, Congress let the requirement expire. Airlines argued they shouldn't have to suffer financially from failed competitors. Carriers that accept tickets from failed airlines can file claims in bankruptcy court for reimbursement, but they rarely collect anything on those tickets. And by protecting passengers from risk, Congress propped up dying airlines, hurting competitors who either had to match fire-sale prices or lose customers.
Travelers who bought tickets on now-failed airlines with credit cards do have some protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If the airline doesn't deliver the service you bought, your credit-card company has to refund the ticket purchase -- you must dispute the charge within 60 days. Credit-card companies are prepared for refunds -- they require troubled airlines to maintain cash reserves so there is a pool of money available to cover refunds.
Travelers who bought tickets through code-share arrangements have more options -- the airline that sold the ticket should accommodate you. If you bought a United ticket for travel on its partner Aloha, United will rebook you free (but not if you bought the same flight from Aloha). Southwest Airlines Co. sold tickets for flights actually flown by ATA, its code-sharing partner, and promised to re-accommodate customers holding Southwest tickets on Southwest or other airlines.
The Hawaiian islands took a double hit with the recent shutdowns because both Aloha and ATA fly there from the West Coast. Indeed, some of the airline stinginess in accommodating customers results from the fact that most of the routes where ATA and Aloha overlapped with competitors were on long trips to the islands. With limited seats and long flights, airlines were loath to give seats away cheap to bankrupt-airline customers.
Many travelers will undoubtedly pay more as a result of the collapse of two discounters to Hawaii. The cheapest price offered yesterday for a San Francisco-Honolulu non-stop trip this coming weekend was $1,404 round-trip on United, according to Orbitz.com. For the first weekend in May, the cheapest non-stop price available was $789 round-trip on Hawaiian.
Other carriers could eventually add capacity in those markets -- Hawaiian has already said it will begin flying to Oakland from Honolulu on May 1, jumping in on a route flown by both ATA and Aloha. But prices are likely to remain at least marginally higher.
Storrs Warinner, a retired airline captain from Las Vegas, had ATA tickets to Hawaii for December, and now he isn't sure what to do. He did call his credit-card company and was told the ATA charge would never even appear on his bill. As for replacing the tickets, he had hoped other carriers would step in and offer good deals to build new loyalty, or at least cheaper prices to fill new flights. But so far, prices are high, and no carrier has stepped in to replace ATA's non-stop Las Vegas-Honolulu service.
"I'm torn. I think probably people [airlines] will move into the market, but I don't know if I have guts enough to see what's going to happen," Mr. Warinner said.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Egyptian 14 day tour to Egypt with Viking River Cruises
From Marion Klakis:
I booked a very expensive Egyptian 14 day tour to Egypt with Viking River Cruises. I reviewed all the tours to Egypt, but wanted to go with the best.I was very disappointed, I did not consider this trip or the ship to be a 5star tour.The trip was about $11,000. Please have anyone with clients who want to see Egypt to talk to me first. The trip was grueling, up very early (5am), a lot of walking & so many people got sick.My husband got bronchitis, I got Ramses Revenge & pneumonia. Egypt air was terrible. Gave away our reserved seats coming home. It was wonderful to see the sites of Egypt, but the "price" was high. I have been in contact with the powers that be at Viking. Have been waiting 5 weeks to see if they will do anything for me & my clients on the trip. Let me know if I can be of any help to anyone.
Marion Klakis (email: mdk2@optonline.net )
I booked a very expensive Egyptian 14 day tour to Egypt with Viking River Cruises. I reviewed all the tours to Egypt, but wanted to go with the best.I was very disappointed, I did not consider this trip or the ship to be a 5star tour.The trip was about $11,000. Please have anyone with clients who want to see Egypt to talk to me first. The trip was grueling, up very early (5am), a lot of walking & so many people got sick.My husband got bronchitis, I got Ramses Revenge & pneumonia. Egypt air was terrible. Gave away our reserved seats coming home. It was wonderful to see the sites of Egypt, but the "price" was high. I have been in contact with the powers that be at Viking. Have been waiting 5 weeks to see if they will do anything for me & my clients on the trip. Let me know if I can be of any help to anyone.
Marion Klakis (email: mdk2@optonline.net )
Monday, March 31, 2008
Carnival to refund some fuel surcharges
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
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
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.
Skip to next paragraph
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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.”
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.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Royal Caribbean Travel Partner Webinar Series
Travel Partner Webinar Series
All Sessions are ½ hour long
All Times are listed in EST
Presenters will log in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time
There is no need for username or password
Travel Partners do not need to preregister
Click on one of the links below or copy and paste onto a new browser.
Wednesday, March 26th Nancy Baumann
Thursday, March 27 th Derrick Johnson
9:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112557&UID=1012800207
Noon EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112562&UID=1012800317
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112817&UID=1012800322
April
Tuesday, April 1 st Showeshi StricklandBoston/
Cindy Weimer
9:00 EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103111942&UID=1012799177
Noon EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103111947&UID=1012799197
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103111952&UID=1012799207
Wednesday, April 2 nd Nancy Baumann
9:00 EST eTools – VIP Cruise Pass
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103108747
Noon EST eTools – VIP Cruise Pass
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103108757
5:00 EST eTools – VIP Cruise Pass
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103108772
Tuesday, April 8 th Randy Raudt
9:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103113432&UID=1012801327
Noon EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103113437&UID=1012801352
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103113442&UID=1012801357
Wednesday, April 9 th Derrick Johnson
9:00 EST CruiseTours – South America
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112872&UID=1012800547
Noon EST CruiseTours – South America
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112877&UID=1012800552
5:00 EST CruiseTours – South America
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112887&UID=1012800567
Wednesday, April 16 th Mark Stoneham
9:00 EST eTools – Personalized eMarketing
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103109837&UID=1012793197
Noon EST eTools – Personalized eMarketing
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103110447&UID=1012794982
5:00 EST eTools – Personalized eMarketing
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103110452&UID=1012795032
Thursday, April 17 th Showeshi StricklandBoston/
Cindy Weimer
9:00 EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112362&UID=1012799397
Noon EST CruieMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112367&UID=1012799407
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112372&UID=1012799417
Wednesday, April 23 rd Nancy Baumann
Thursday, April 24 th Derrick Johnson
9:00 EST CruiseMatch– Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?D=103112947&UID=1012800872
Noon EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112952&UID=1012800887
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112957&UID=1012800892
All Sessions are ½ hour long
All Times are listed in EST
Presenters will log in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time
There is no need for username or password
Travel Partners do not need to preregister
Click on one of the links below or copy and paste onto a new browser.
Wednesday, March 26th Nancy Baumann
Thursday, March 27 th Derrick Johnson
9:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112557&UID=1012800207
Noon EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112562&UID=1012800317
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112817&UID=1012800322
April
Tuesday, April 1 st Showeshi StricklandBoston/
Cindy Weimer
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103111942&UID=1012799177
Noon EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103111947&UID=1012799197
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103111952&UID=1012799207
Wednesday, April 2 nd Nancy Baumann
9:00 EST eTools – VIP Cruise Pass
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103108747
Noon EST eTools – VIP Cruise Pass
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103108757
5:00 EST eTools – VIP Cruise Pass
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103108772
Tuesday, April 8 th Randy Raudt
9:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103113432&UID=1012801327
Noon EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103113437&UID=1012801352
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103113442&UID=1012801357
Wednesday, April 9 th Derrick Johnson
9:00 EST CruiseTours – South America
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112872&UID=1012800547
Noon EST CruiseTours – South America
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112877&UID=1012800552
5:00 EST CruiseTours – South America
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112887&UID=1012800567
Wednesday, April 16 th Mark Stoneham
9:00 EST eTools – Personalized eMarketing
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103109837&UID=1012793197
Noon EST eTools – Personalized eMarketing
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103110447&UID=1012794982
5:00 EST eTools – Personalized eMarketing
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103110452&UID=1012795032
Thursday, April 17 th Showeshi StricklandBoston/
Cindy Weimer
9:00 EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112362&UID=1012799397
Noon EST CruieMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112367&UID=1012799407
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – FIT
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112372&UID=1012799417
Wednesday, April 23 rd Nancy Baumann
Thursday, April 24 th Derrick Johnson
9:00 EST CruiseMatch– Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?D=103112947&UID=1012800872
Noon EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112952&UID=1012800887
5:00 EST CruiseMatch – Groups
https://royalcaribbean.webex.com/royalcaribbean/k2/j.php?ED=103112957&UID=1012800892
FUNJET VACATIONS DYNAMIC VAX TRAINING
FUNJET VACATIONS DYNAMIC VAX TRAINING
SESSIONS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR OFFICE OR HOME!
Learn how to customize vacations for your clients
To Sign Up:
Email: TMTCWebinars@triseptsolutions.com
Make sure you include: Session, Date and Time, ARC number, Your Name, Agency, Email Address and your state.
We will enroll you and send you a confirmation email.
*All times are in Central Daylight Savings time zone
BOOKING MULTIPLE ROOMS PER RESERVATION
(60 minutes)
Let us show you how to customize your vacations. Book up to 4 rooms,
up to 8 passengers on one reservation. Create bookings (for Scheduled Air
and Charter) with more than one room per reservation.
Offered: Feb 21, 6PM • Feb 26, 10AM • Feb 28, 7PM
MAKE A GOOD SKED AIR VACATION PACKAGE -
MAXIMIZE SEARCH OPTIONS (60 minutes)
Create a good itinerary – No more extreme connections or overnight flights.
Use Search Options more effectively to create better itineraries. Create several
itineraries - change dates without starting over! Use the Change Options fields
to see more air and hotel choices without starting over.
Offered: Feb 4, 5PM • Feb 22, 9AM • Feb 28, 9PM
FUNJET AND VAX GENERAL INFORMATION
(60 minutes)
Learn about Funjet's new Complete Coverage, how to set user preferences
and do price matches. Let us show you how to access all sorts of
Funjet information, everything but the kitchen sink!
MULTI STOP VACATIONS (60 minutes) Offered: Feb 6, 3PM • Feb 19, 8AM • Feb 22, 11AM • Feb 27, 5PM
Learn how to utilize our quick fill in the blank search format, search up
to 9 destinations. Learn how to build Arrival Unknown situations (ARUNKS).
Multi Stop Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, Costa Rica, Florida and California.
Offered: Feb 20, 2PM • Feb 27, 7PM
BOOKING HAWAII WITH FUNJET (60 minutes)
Learn how to book Hawaii in VAX. Learn single stop vacations and multi island
vacations. Also included in this session, destination and tour information.
Offered: Feb 6, 9AM • Feb 19, 10AM • Feb 26, 12PM
GET STARTED BOOKING (60 minutes)
Make a charter search using the charter destination calendar and make
a general search for Sked Air packages. Learn how to make several searches
and toggle between to comparison shop, how to save your searches
(suitcases) for future reference and retrieve them. Finally, learn how to
complete a reservation and email the confirmation to the customer.
Offered: Feb 1, 11AM • Feb 18, 4PM • Feb 25, 9PM
BOOKING SKI VACATION WITH FUNJET
(60 minutes)
Learn how to book ski vacations to Colorado and Canada.
Learn how to book hotels and condos, lift tickets, lessons and rentals.
Offered: Feb 5, 2PM • Feb 21, 8PM • Feb 29, 9AM
BOOKING EUROPE WITH FUNJET
(60 minutes)
Learn how to book Europe! Learn single stop vacations and multi stop European
vacations. Also included in this session is destination and tour information.
Offered: Feb 8, 11AM • Feb 20, 12PM • Feb 25, 7PM
BOOKING VALUE FLIGHTS and USING THE
'ACROSS DESTINATION' CHARTER CALENDAR
(60 minutes)
Where to find and how to book Untited Value flights to Mexico and
the Caribbean. Non stop flights available from ORD,DEN, SFO, and IAD.
Many feeder cities available too.
Offered: Feb 18, 6PM • Feb 29, 11AM
SESSIONS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR OFFICE OR HOME!
Learn how to customize vacations for your clients
To Sign Up:
Email: TMTCWebinars@triseptsolutions.com
Make sure you include: Session, Date and Time, ARC number, Your Name, Agency, Email Address and your state.
We will enroll you and send you a confirmation email.
*All times are in Central Daylight Savings time zone
BOOKING MULTIPLE ROOMS PER RESERVATION
(60 minutes)
Let us show you how to customize your vacations. Book up to 4 rooms,
up to 8 passengers on one reservation. Create bookings (for Scheduled Air
and Charter) with more than one room per reservation.
Offered: Feb 21, 6PM • Feb 26, 10AM • Feb 28, 7PM
MAKE A GOOD SKED AIR VACATION PACKAGE -
MAXIMIZE SEARCH OPTIONS (60 minutes)
Create a good itinerary – No more extreme connections or overnight flights.
Use Search Options more effectively to create better itineraries. Create several
itineraries - change dates without starting over! Use the Change Options fields
to see more air and hotel choices without starting over.
Offered: Feb 4, 5PM • Feb 22, 9AM • Feb 28, 9PM
FUNJET AND VAX GENERAL INFORMATION
(60 minutes)
Learn about Funjet's new Complete Coverage, how to set user preferences
and do price matches. Let us show you how to access all sorts of
Funjet information, everything but the kitchen sink!
MULTI STOP VACATIONS (60 minutes) Offered: Feb 6, 3PM • Feb 19, 8AM • Feb 22, 11AM • Feb 27, 5PM
Learn how to utilize our quick fill in the blank search format, search up
to 9 destinations. Learn how to build Arrival Unknown situations (ARUNKS).
Multi Stop Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, Costa Rica, Florida and California.
Offered: Feb 20, 2PM • Feb 27, 7PM
BOOKING HAWAII WITH FUNJET (60 minutes)
Learn how to book Hawaii in VAX. Learn single stop vacations and multi island
vacations. Also included in this session, destination and tour information.
Offered: Feb 6, 9AM • Feb 19, 10AM • Feb 26, 12PM
GET STARTED BOOKING (60 minutes)
Make a charter search using the charter destination calendar and make
a general search for Sked Air packages. Learn how to make several searches
and toggle between to comparison shop, how to save your searches
(suitcases) for future reference and retrieve them. Finally, learn how to
complete a reservation and email the confirmation to the customer.
Offered: Feb 1, 11AM • Feb 18, 4PM • Feb 25, 9PM
BOOKING SKI VACATION WITH FUNJET
(60 minutes)
Learn how to book ski vacations to Colorado and Canada.
Learn how to book hotels and condos, lift tickets, lessons and rentals.
Offered: Feb 5, 2PM • Feb 21, 8PM • Feb 29, 9AM
BOOKING EUROPE WITH FUNJET
(60 minutes)
Learn how to book Europe! Learn single stop vacations and multi stop European
vacations. Also included in this session is destination and tour information.
Offered: Feb 8, 11AM • Feb 20, 12PM • Feb 25, 7PM
BOOKING VALUE FLIGHTS and USING THE
'ACROSS DESTINATION' CHARTER CALENDAR
(60 minutes)
Where to find and how to book Untited Value flights to Mexico and
the Caribbean. Non stop flights available from ORD,DEN, SFO, and IAD.
Many feeder cities available too.
Offered: Feb 18, 6PM • Feb 29, 11AM
Monday, February 18, 2008
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
Tommy and I spent a long weekend at the new Saratoga Springs Resort at Disney World. Saratoga Springs is the newest of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts, although you don't have to be a vacation club member to stay at any of these resorts. Other Disney Vacation Club Resorts we have stayed at are Old Key West, Vero Beach, Beach Club Villas, and Boardwalk Villas. We have also stayed at the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village, Fort Wilderness, and All Star Music (my son and I with a school group).
Since we were only staying from Friday to Monday (2/1 - 2/4) we decided to stay in a studio. The studio is large - it has a queen bed, a queen sleeper sofa, table with two chairs, kitchenette, and a balcony. Our view from the balcony was great. We overlooked the lake which has a geiser in the middle of it. There were swans that stayed in the area during the day. Very peaceful. We were close to the bus stop (we didn't rent a car) and to the check-in area which houses the restaurants and store and the main pool. The only complaint was that the mirror which hung by the table and chairs was so dusty that a prior "tenant" had drawn a heart in the dust. A little bit of dusting on housekeeping's part would help.
Since we arrived in the afternoon so we chose not to go to the parks that day. We had the Disney Dining Plan which we had never tried before. We took a ferry over to Downtown Disney and had dinner at the new Irish pub, Raglan Road Irish Pub. The food was great as was the atmosphere. We had a table pretty much in the middle of the room and the Irish band played. Every once in a while the Irish dancer stepped up on to the platform and danced a jig. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
After dinner we walked around Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney. We went in to the new magic store, Magic Masters, and were quite entertained by the magician. We ended up buying two magic tricks, one for each of us, and when you buy something they bring you into a hidden room to show you how to perform the trick. New career? I think we need a little practice yet!
Saturday we spent in Epcot. We thought we would split the day between parks but we had so much fun there we decided to stay. We had fun at "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" and at "Soarin'". "Maelstrom" is always fun (at the Norway Pavilion) and we also went on the refurbished and renamed ride in Mexico (it used to be El Rio del Tiempo but it is now the Gran Fiesta ride with the Three Caballeros). But the best part of Epcot was our dinner. We went to the Living Seas Pavilion where the Coral Reef restaurant is and put our names on the list for dinner. We didn't have to wait more than a few minutes because we got there when they opened. We had the best food, the best view (the aquarium wall is right there), and the very best service. Blanca was our server and she always had a smile on her face. She was so friendly as was her daughter, Jasmine. Tommy asked for the manager so he could compliment Blanca. There were some diners that were celebrating their anniversary and for a fee, you can request a banner to be held up by the divers. The diver went over to where their table was and held it up for them. We also saw the divers who were guests spending their time in the aquarium. This is one restaurant we had never been to before but we will definitely come back. I'm glad that the Le Cellier restaurant in Canada had no openings for us or we wouldn't have had the chance to eat at the Coral Reef.
We stayed in Epcot to see the fireworks show, Illuminations, then went back to our room. We used the bus system to get around the resorts and parks. Each park has an area for the buses and you just go to the waiting area designated for your particular resort.
On Sunday we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios (name changed from Disney MGM). The first thing we did was go on The Great Movie Ride which is one of the rides we always go on. Then on to the Rock 'n Roller Coaster followed by the Tower of Terror. I went on the Tower twice (by myself - Tommy doesn't like this one) and I have to say the elevator on the right is better than the one on the left. Just my opinion.
After we left this park we went on to the Magic Kingdom. We went on the newly refurbished Haunted Mansion and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Both were even better than before! Unfortunately Splash Mountain was closed for refurbishing. We ended with the Hall of Presidents then made our long trek back to our room. Long because we had cancelled our dinner reservations (we were going to have dinner back at the resort and watch the Super Bowl there) and decided to eat in the park. No luck. Then we tried the Contemporary restaurants and again, no luck. So we went to wait for the bus, but when the bus came we had to take the Old Key West people because their bus hadn't shown up. Instead of bringing us back first, we had to go all the way through Old Key West to all of its stops first, the go on to Saratoga Springs. We were hungry, missed a lot of the game, and a little annoyed. But we ended up getting food at the take out area of our resort and brought it back to the room to see the rest of the game.
A word of advice: if you purchase the dining plan (which is well worth it and less expensive than buying all the food on your own) make sure you make your reservations prior to arriving at Disney World. Guests can reserve 180 days in advance and the more popular restaurants sell out. If there is a particular restaurant you really want to go to, don't disappoint yourself. Make the reservations. They can always be cancelled or changed (make sure you find out the cancellation policy of each restaurant you reserve). You can also use the dining plan for dinner shows such as the Hoop de Doo and the luau. Two dinner points are used for these specialty restaurants.
Since we were only staying from Friday to Monday (2/1 - 2/4) we decided to stay in a studio. The studio is large - it has a queen bed, a queen sleeper sofa, table with two chairs, kitchenette, and a balcony. Our view from the balcony was great. We overlooked the lake which has a geiser in the middle of it. There were swans that stayed in the area during the day. Very peaceful. We were close to the bus stop (we didn't rent a car) and to the check-in area which houses the restaurants and store and the main pool. The only complaint was that the mirror which hung by the table and chairs was so dusty that a prior "tenant" had drawn a heart in the dust. A little bit of dusting on housekeeping's part would help.
Since we arrived in the afternoon so we chose not to go to the parks that day. We had the Disney Dining Plan which we had never tried before. We took a ferry over to Downtown Disney and had dinner at the new Irish pub, Raglan Road Irish Pub. The food was great as was the atmosphere. We had a table pretty much in the middle of the room and the Irish band played. Every once in a while the Irish dancer stepped up on to the platform and danced a jig. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
After dinner we walked around Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney. We went in to the new magic store, Magic Masters, and were quite entertained by the magician. We ended up buying two magic tricks, one for each of us, and when you buy something they bring you into a hidden room to show you how to perform the trick. New career? I think we need a little practice yet!
Saturday we spent in Epcot. We thought we would split the day between parks but we had so much fun there we decided to stay. We had fun at "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" and at "Soarin'". "Maelstrom" is always fun (at the Norway Pavilion) and we also went on the refurbished and renamed ride in Mexico (it used to be El Rio del Tiempo but it is now the Gran Fiesta ride with the Three Caballeros). But the best part of Epcot was our dinner. We went to the Living Seas Pavilion where the Coral Reef restaurant is and put our names on the list for dinner. We didn't have to wait more than a few minutes because we got there when they opened. We had the best food, the best view (the aquarium wall is right there), and the very best service. Blanca was our server and she always had a smile on her face. She was so friendly as was her daughter, Jasmine. Tommy asked for the manager so he could compliment Blanca. There were some diners that were celebrating their anniversary and for a fee, you can request a banner to be held up by the divers. The diver went over to where their table was and held it up for them. We also saw the divers who were guests spending their time in the aquarium. This is one restaurant we had never been to before but we will definitely come back. I'm glad that the Le Cellier restaurant in Canada had no openings for us or we wouldn't have had the chance to eat at the Coral Reef.
We stayed in Epcot to see the fireworks show, Illuminations, then went back to our room. We used the bus system to get around the resorts and parks. Each park has an area for the buses and you just go to the waiting area designated for your particular resort.
On Sunday we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios (name changed from Disney MGM). The first thing we did was go on The Great Movie Ride which is one of the rides we always go on. Then on to the Rock 'n Roller Coaster followed by the Tower of Terror. I went on the Tower twice (by myself - Tommy doesn't like this one) and I have to say the elevator on the right is better than the one on the left. Just my opinion.
After we left this park we went on to the Magic Kingdom. We went on the newly refurbished Haunted Mansion and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Both were even better than before! Unfortunately Splash Mountain was closed for refurbishing. We ended with the Hall of Presidents then made our long trek back to our room. Long because we had cancelled our dinner reservations (we were going to have dinner back at the resort and watch the Super Bowl there) and decided to eat in the park. No luck. Then we tried the Contemporary restaurants and again, no luck. So we went to wait for the bus, but when the bus came we had to take the Old Key West people because their bus hadn't shown up. Instead of bringing us back first, we had to go all the way through Old Key West to all of its stops first, the go on to Saratoga Springs. We were hungry, missed a lot of the game, and a little annoyed. But we ended up getting food at the take out area of our resort and brought it back to the room to see the rest of the game.
A word of advice: if you purchase the dining plan (which is well worth it and less expensive than buying all the food on your own) make sure you make your reservations prior to arriving at Disney World. Guests can reserve 180 days in advance and the more popular restaurants sell out. If there is a particular restaurant you really want to go to, don't disappoint yourself. Make the reservations. They can always be cancelled or changed (make sure you find out the cancellation policy of each restaurant you reserve). You can also use the dining plan for dinner shows such as the Hoop de Doo and the luau. Two dinner points are used for these specialty restaurants.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
New Princess Disembarkation Process
Princess Bids Farewell to Traditional Disembarkation Process;
Rolls out New, Streamlined Experience for Passengers
Now Line Offers Most Gracious Passenger Welcome and Farewell with
Easy and Comfortable Arrival and Departure
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 31, 2008) - The traditional "hurry up and wait" disembarkation process that has long been a cruise industry tradition is now history aboard Princess ships, as the line introduces a new, streamlined farewell process for passengers.
Contrasted with the typical end-of-cruise departure where passengers listen to public address system announcements for their luggage tag color to be called signaling the staggered times they will disembark, Princess has debuted an efficient, more relaxed process for passengers leaving the ship. Passengers are each given an assigned time and place to assemble on the final morning and are personally escorted to the gangway by a member of the ship's staff, eliminating the guesswork as to the actual time passengers will be disembarking.
"We've been praised for our innovative embarkation program that enables passengers to board the ship without long delays, check into their cabins early, and begin enjoying the cruise amenities including meals and beverages," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service. "Now with the addition of this new disembarkation process which gives our passengers a more gracious send-off on their final morning with us, we believe we're offering the best passenger experience both at the start and end of their vacation."
The new program is in the process of being rolled out fleetwide, and has already been met with enthusiastic response from passengers. The new system eliminates loudspeaker announcements calling color-coded departure groups, and instead provides passengers with a letter the day before the end of the cruise that outlines their designated time to meet in an assigned public room, depending on their return air arrangements. There they will be met by a member of the ship's staff who will wait with them until departure time, when they will be personally escorted to the gangway.
The revised system enables passengers to easily plan their morning without the uncertainty as to when they should prepare to depart the ship. It also eliminates passengers congregating in the ship's atrium near the gangway, plus creates a more relaxed flow for morning breakfast.
"Passengers have told us that they're enjoying their final morning on board much more since we've started this program," noted Swartz. "It gives the departure a much more personal touch and creates a great beginning to their onward travels."
In addition to the enhanced disembarkation program, in many ports departing passengers can also take advantage of an express disembarkation option in which those who choose to carry their own luggage off the ship can elect to be part of the first group exiting the ship, allowing them to get an early start on their post-cruise travel plans.
The new disembarkation process complements Princess' innovative early embarkation program, which makes staterooms available to passengers immediately upon boarding. Arriving passengers can also enjoy a full dining room lunch in addition to the ship's Horizon Court buffet.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent,
Rolls out New, Streamlined Experience for Passengers
Now Line Offers Most Gracious Passenger Welcome and Farewell with
Easy and Comfortable Arrival and Departure
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 31, 2008) - The traditional "hurry up and wait" disembarkation process that has long been a cruise industry tradition is now history aboard Princess ships, as the line introduces a new, streamlined farewell process for passengers.
Contrasted with the typical end-of-cruise departure where passengers listen to public address system announcements for their luggage tag color to be called signaling the staggered times they will disembark, Princess has debuted an efficient, more relaxed process for passengers leaving the ship. Passengers are each given an assigned time and place to assemble on the final morning and are personally escorted to the gangway by a member of the ship's staff, eliminating the guesswork as to the actual time passengers will be disembarking.
"We've been praised for our innovative embarkation program that enables passengers to board the ship without long delays, check into their cabins early, and begin enjoying the cruise amenities including meals and beverages," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service. "Now with the addition of this new disembarkation process which gives our passengers a more gracious send-off on their final morning with us, we believe we're offering the best passenger experience both at the start and end of their vacation."
The new program is in the process of being rolled out fleetwide, and has already been met with enthusiastic response from passengers. The new system eliminates loudspeaker announcements calling color-coded departure groups, and instead provides passengers with a letter the day before the end of the cruise that outlines their designated time to meet in an assigned public room, depending on their return air arrangements. There they will be met by a member of the ship's staff who will wait with them until departure time, when they will be personally escorted to the gangway.
The revised system enables passengers to easily plan their morning without the uncertainty as to when they should prepare to depart the ship. It also eliminates passengers congregating in the ship's atrium near the gangway, plus creates a more relaxed flow for morning breakfast.
"Passengers have told us that they're enjoying their final morning on board much more since we've started this program," noted Swartz. "It gives the departure a much more personal touch and creates a great beginning to their onward travels."
In addition to the enhanced disembarkation program, in many ports departing passengers can also take advantage of an express disembarkation option in which those who choose to carry their own luggage off the ship can elect to be part of the first group exiting the ship, allowing them to get an early start on their post-cruise travel plans.
The new disembarkation process complements Princess' innovative early embarkation program, which makes staterooms available to passengers immediately upon boarding. Arriving passengers can also enjoy a full dining room lunch in addition to the ship's Horizon Court buffet.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent,
Monday, February 4, 2008
British Airways Holidays no longer pays TA commission
Dear Travel Partner
We, at British Airways Holidays, are contacting you as you have booked with British Airways Holidays in the past 18 months on bahtraveltrade.com or via your local British Airways call center.
Due to impending developments to the British Airways Holidays reservation systems, we are writing to inform you that it will no longer be possible for travel agents to book British Airways Holidays products (hotels, car rentals, sightseeing and transfer options). This includes online at bahtraveltrade.com or over the phone with your local British Airways call center. As a result, the current travel agent commission program in place for British Airways Holidays will also be discontinued. This will have no effect on bookings for British Airways flights.
As a result of this change in policy, we have made the following arrangements:
With immediate effect we will no longer allow new British Airways Holidays bookings with a travel date after March 31, 2008 to be made via bahtraveltrade.com or your local British Airways call center.
We will continue to allow new bookings for British Airways Holidays products, with all travel complete by March 31, 2008, to be made by your office on bahtraveltrade.com or via your local British Airways call center as normal.
Effective April 1, 2008 we will withdraw access to bahtraveltrade.com, the British Airways Holidays online reservation system.
We will honor any existing British Airways Holidays bookings with travel dates after April 1, 2008, and we will be in contact shortly with instructions regarding these specific bookings.
We would be grateful if you could cascade this to your staff who work with British Airways Holidays as appropriate. Further details will also be posted on bahtraveltrade.com, including the FAQ document which is attached below:
Should you have any questions, please direct them to bahonline@holidays.ba.com, quoting your agency name, IATA and country of residence.
We would also like to thank you for your personal support of British Airways Holidays over the past few years.
Best regards
British Airways Holidays
We, at British Airways Holidays, are contacting you as you have booked with British Airways Holidays in the past 18 months on bahtraveltrade.com or via your local British Airways call center.
Due to impending developments to the British Airways Holidays reservation systems, we are writing to inform you that it will no longer be possible for travel agents to book British Airways Holidays products (hotels, car rentals, sightseeing and transfer options). This includes online at bahtraveltrade.com or over the phone with your local British Airways call center. As a result, the current travel agent commission program in place for British Airways Holidays will also be discontinued. This will have no effect on bookings for British Airways flights.
As a result of this change in policy, we have made the following arrangements:
With immediate effect we will no longer allow new British Airways Holidays bookings with a travel date after March 31, 2008 to be made via bahtraveltrade.com or your local British Airways call center.
We will continue to allow new bookings for British Airways Holidays products, with all travel complete by March 31, 2008, to be made by your office on bahtraveltrade.com or via your local British Airways call center as normal.
Effective April 1, 2008 we will withdraw access to bahtraveltrade.com, the British Airways Holidays online reservation system.
We will honor any existing British Airways Holidays bookings with travel dates after April 1, 2008, and we will be in contact shortly with instructions regarding these specific bookings.
We would be grateful if you could cascade this to your staff who work with British Airways Holidays as appropriate. Further details will also be posted on bahtraveltrade.com, including the FAQ document which is attached below:
Should you have any questions, please direct them to bahonline@holidays.ba.com, quoting your agency name, IATA and country of residence.
We would also like to thank you for your personal support of British Airways Holidays over the past few years.
Best regards
British Airways Holidays