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Volume 6, Issue 18, May 7, 2008 |
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Various media jumped this week on the fact that the U.S. State Dept. has issued a new alert regarding travel to Beijing before and during the Olympics. The statement, however, has nothing to do with the demonstrations surrounding the Olympic torch in Europe, the status of Tibet, or surging Chinese nationalism in the face of perceived international insults. Instead, the alert warns of the possibility of terrorism:
“Any large-scale public event such as the upcoming Olympic Games may present an attractive target for terrorists. There is a heightened risk that extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within China in the near future”.
The alert tells U.S. citizens traveling in China to “use caution and to be alert to their surroundings at all times, including at hotels, in restaurants, on public transportation and where there are demonstrations and other large-scale public gatherings. Consistent with our standard advice, American citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations … American citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.” Unfortunately, it makes no suggestions as to what those appropriate steps might be, other than strongly suggesting that visitors to Beijing register with the U.S. Embassy there.
It also reminds travelers that China is in the process of imposing stricter security at its airports, including the ever-popular “liquids, aerosols or gels” embargo; “such restrictions may apply to food, cosmetics, toiletries and medicine,” the alert says, suggesting you check with your airline for details.
The Olympic Fact Sheet issued in March actually has more helpful information than the new alert. Regarding registering with the embassy, it says, “Since this registration system site is not always available from within China, registering before you leave home is highly recommended. If you need to register, are already in China, and have not been successful registering on the internet, please contact AmCitBeijing@state.gov”.
Another useful tidbit in the fact sheet: “ All visitors should be aware that they have no reasonable expectation of privacy in public or private locations. All hotel rooms and offices are considered to be subject to on-site or remote technical monitoring at all times. Hotel rooms, residences and offices may be accessed at any time without the occupant’s consent or knowledge.”
Should you need to go to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, be aware that you may not bring any electronic devices, including a cell phone or PDA. Since that might mean you’d have to discard it in the event of an emergency situation, it might be wise to leave your BlackBerry at home and get a disposable phone for your trip. 
If you’re traveling and just realized Mother’s Day is coming up Sunday (May 11), not to worry — you can virtually shop at the “nearest” airline mileage mall, or via your mobile phone. Godiva Chocolatier has just come out with downloadable Godiva Mobile for your BlackBerry, which gives you immediate access to their chocolate catalog and the ability to order and pay within, they promise, 30 seconds. And you can go to the online malls of American, Delta or United to order flowers through FTD, and earn 25 miles in the respective loyalty program for each dollar you spend.
Westin Hotels & Resorts will be the launch customer for Nintendo’s new commercial Wii Console. Westin is rolling out the Wii as part of its WestinWorkout program at 10 hotels across North America in a pilot program. Handheld remotes connect to the consoles, which are pre-loaded with many popular Wii games, including virtual tennis, golf, baseball, bowling and boxing, plus the new Wii Fit game debuting May 19. Hotel guests will have access to Wii game accessories including the Balance Board, which can be used in more than 40 yoga, aerobics, balance and strength-training activities. The consoles are already in place at The Westin Times Square in New York City and The Westin Bellevue outside Seattle, and are heading to Westins around the United States and Canada later this month.
Put New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on your list of the latest places that offer free charging stations for all your electronics. In a program similar to that established at JFK last year, the Port Authority, which manages the three metro airports, teamed up with Samsung Electronics to place a dozen 8-1/2-foot “power poles” airside in the Central Terminal building. Each pole has four outlets, counters big enough to hold a laptop, and a prominent ad for Samsung that, in conjunction with the poles’ height, makes them easy to find.
Luxury has a brand new address in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood: The Mansion on Peachtree. A 42-story tower houses the hotel, with 96 guestrooms and 31 suites, and 45 residential condos. There are two restaurants and a library bar that overlooks an English-style garden, plus a spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and available butler service.
American Airlines has become the latest major U.S. carrier to charge passengers for a second piece of checked baggage. The $25 second-bag fee, which goes into effect May 13, rises to $100 for each additional piece beyond two, but is waived for full-fare-paying passengers, elite AAdvantage and OneWorld members, and international passengers flying nonstop or making a direct connection. Air Canada also announced a $25 second-bag fee for passengers traveling on Tango or Tango Plus tickets, but only on intra-Canada and Canada-United States flights.
As the airlines continue to look for ways to offset fuel costs without passing them all on in the ticket price, another trend is an increase in change fees for nonrefundable fares. US Airways last week raised their change fee to $150 for domestic and North American flights, and $250 for longer international flights; Continental has already announced similar fees.
Delta Air Lines, economy, New York – Tel Aviv – New York
www.delta.com
I admit it, I’m spoiled; I can’t even remember the last time I had to fly coach for a flight of more than five hours. But I needed to go to Jerusalem for business during the busy pre-Passover season, and I wanted to try Delta’s new New York (JFK) -Tel Aviv (TLV) service, so I flew in economy. After a week in Israel I found the metaphor for my flight experience: I felt like falafel squished into a pita.
The check-in and gate experience at JFK was fine, and the extra level of security required for flights to Israel, with an additional security scanner at the gate, moved surprisingly swiftly. Once on board, I found my window seat on the 767-300ER, which has a 2-3-2 configuration. I immediately noticed how little legroom there was — and I’m only 5 foot 3. If I had longer legs, I don’t know how I would have managed; as it was, I got up frequently throughout the packed flight to stretch my legs. There was a large galley at the back of the plane and it was always full of passengers dreading the return to their personal sardine can.
The cabin crew was pleasant and efficient, and the food was decent but not memorable. Films were shown on various screens set around the cabin as I dozed fitfully throughout the overnight flight and well into the next day. About an hour before we were due to land, the pilot announced that any “pit stops” should be taken soon, as we were required to stay in our seats for the last 45 minutes of the flight — which is, I gather, in case any evasive maneuvers are required while approaching Israeli airspace. We landed on time and uneventfully.
I took the chance to try out the BusinessElite seats in the front of the plane as I waited for my fellow passengers to disembark, and was jealous; they were wide and comfy with fully extending leg rests. As a result, I was one of the last to leave the plane, and my luggage arrived at the baggage claim carousel the same time I did.
For my return flight, I managed to get a bulkhead seat in the middle section on the aisle. My initial reaction when I reached my seat was dismay: There was an inch or two more legroom, but the solid wall in front of me gave me no place to wiggle my feet. However, once we were in flight — again, right on time — I found that when I reclined my seat I could put my feet up on the wall and fully extend my legs, which was a blessing, if not very elegant.
Delta flies 777s in a 3-3-3 coach configuration between Atlanta and Tel Aviv, and I’ve been told that aircraft is a bit less cramped; if I ever need to fly the route in coach again, I’m going to try that alternative. Either that, or I’ll think about doing what my taller seatmates did: Take a sleeping pill the minute they boarded and put themselves out of their misery .
Score: ••••• Mary Hunt
Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami is offering two different Buddy Golf Packages that let you bond on the fairways with a golfing family member or friend. The basic packages, which costs $209 a night double occupancy, includes guestroom, full breakfast, and a round of golf for each of you on the Red, Gold or Silver courses, plus a golf clinic (one per person per stay regardless of length), golf club storage, and unlimited use of the driving range. That offer is good through Sept. 6. The Buddy Champ Package is available through May 26, costs $418 double, and includes play on the premium courses, which are a PGA Tour and WGC staple.
From June 1 to Aug. 31, you can take advantage of the Summer Promotion at the Park Hyatt Dubai. The deal discounts Park King rooms in the luxury city-center resort by almost 40 percent, to $260 a night.
You have until midday June 16 to enter American Airlines’ On The Move Sweepstakes. View a promo for AA.com’s mobile service or skip straight through to the sweeps registration for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles for the American Music Awards, including airfare and $2,500 in spending money. Sixty-one first prizes of a Nokia N95 smartphone are also being awarded. Entry is limited to one per email address.
If you want to take the family to London sometime this year, Radisson Edwardian Hotels has a deal for you: the Love Your Weekend, Love the Kids package. It includes two nights (Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday), full English breakfast, four London Passes (value $300), a kids’ goodie bag including a teddy bear, and a 10 percent toy store discount. You have a choice of two hotels: The Vanderbilt in South Kensington for $452 and the Grafton near Regents Park for $482. The package is good for up to two adults and up to two children age 16 or younger sharing a family room.
Here’s an idea that’s perfect for a Mother’s Day gift or a Father’s Day getaway: Two-for-one specials at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, which is set on a Native American reservation midway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Rates start at $225 per room per night in May, $295 in June, and include two-for-one dinner discounts, two-for-one greens fees at Twin Warriors Golf Club, and two-for-one trail rides or carriage rides. If you want to accompany Mom and/or Dad on the trip, a second room is half-price.
