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Volume 6, Issue 28, July 17, 2008 |
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Finally airlines have devised a method to help offset rising fuel prices that does not put a further dent into the consumer’s wallet. Six major U.S. carriers have teamed up with Sojern Inc. to sell advertising space on boarding passes. The ads, which will only run on boarding passes printed from home, have already begun appearing on Delta Air Lines passes. In the upcoming months, consumers can expect to see ads on the boarding passes of American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, US Airways, Continental Airlines and United Airlines. Each airline will own a small stake in Sojern and profits from the ads will be split between the company and partner airlines.
While the jury is still out on exactly how much money this new plan will generate for the airlines, one top airline executive predicts revenues in the millions. The ads will include traveler-friendly information on their destinations, including weather updates, top restaurant picks and sights to see. Eventually, the ads are expected to be customized to individual customers and to run on boarding passes of more airlines. But, fear not, the airlines have ensured that the ads will not be a nuisance to consumers — they will be quick loading, small and customers are given the option to print the passes without ads. With the rising costs associated with airline travel and the extra fees being tacked on left and right, consumers will most likely breathe a sigh of relief that this money-making plan affects their boarding passes and not their pocketbooks. 
Three major airlines expand their routes, while two others announce plans to decrease flights. LAN Airlines announced a brand new route between Santiago (SCL) and Toronto (YYZ). Beginning Sept. 3, the flights will connect the two cities five days a week. Turkish Airlines recently announced joint efforts with Vietnam Airlines and Thai Airways to expand service between Vietnam (HAN and SGN) and Istanbul (IST). And Jet Airways recently launched their new service between San Francisco (SFO)and Shanghai (PVG). However EVA Air has reduced flights between LAX/SFO and Taipei (TPE) and Austrian Airlines has reduced service to Chicago (ORD), London (LHR) and New York (JFK).
Star Alliance recently announced the addition of a new airline to its crew and the opening of a new lounge. Egyptair joins the alliance as the 21st member of the Star Alliance family. The addition of Egyptair brings 1,624 weekly flights and 69 destinations to the alliance and substantially improves the coverage to the Middle East and Africa. First- and business-class passengers traveling on any of the 21 partner airlines will now be able to enjoy the recently opened Star Alliance lounge in London Heathrow Terminal 1. The area offers food, two business centers with computers, printers, faxes and WiFi, shower facilities and a children’s area.
According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report, international visitation to the United States is on the rise. In April 2008, 4.1 million international visitors traveled to America, representing a 2 percent increase from the previous April. The number of international visitors from the year-to-date saw a tremendous growth as well, up 12 percent over the last year. The majority of incoming visitors is arriving from European countries, particularly France, Italy and Germany. A record $11.6 billion was spent by international travelers in the month of April alone, proving there is still a lot to see and do here. And when Americans are looking for a place to go and things to do, a new report shows their choice is, overwhelmingly, Mexico.
A recent survey proves that Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport lives up to its adopted title of “America’s Friendliest Airport.” After launching the FLY (Friendly Let me help You) customer service program this year, it seems their efforts have paid off. A whopping 94 percent of the airport’s visitors feel the airport is “very friendly,” while another 92 percent agree with the motto, saying it is America’s friendliest. The FLY program rewards employees who go above and beyond expectations. Perhaps other national airports should stand up, take notice and FLY.
Famous attractions across the world are instituting programs that will make sightseeing easier for business travelers. One notable sight is the Eiffel Tower, which will be allowing online ticket purchases in 2009 and will be renovated to include more shops and a Champagne bar. In Italy, the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice has recruited gondoliers to teach groups the ancient art of boat steering. Business travelers will now have an easier time jetting from Paris to London and back again as Eurostar expands its routes beginning Sept. 8.
British Airways Atlanta (ATL) – London (LGW), Club World
www.britishairways.com
I arrived at the gate in Atlanta looking to change my assigned coach seat for the transatlantic leg of a Tampa (TPA) – London (LGW) – Warsaw (WAW) journey. It was a full flight, possibly overbooked, but I was told that there was one upgrade to Club World available for $500. Already tired and achy with a long way left to go, I splurged.
Once on board, the flight attendant offered me a glass of Champagne and demonstrated how to use my full-flat seat which, she explained, was an older Club World configuration as opposed to BA’s newest version. I had the aisle seat of the four-seat center section, and before takeoff, with the privacy screen down, got acquainted with my adjacent neighbor, whose seat faced mine.
It was a full flight. Doors closed a few minutes late and we joined a long queue of aircraft waiting for takeoff. We were wheels up about a half-hour later than scheduled. I was already glad I’d splurged on the upgrade as I stretched out with my feet on the separate footrest and enjoyed a Champagne refill while we waited.
I chose the filet of beef option from the menu, which was served about an hour into the flight. It was a bit overcooked and more like stew than steak, but tasty nonetheless. A very nice red wine helped it along, and the chocolate profiteroles for dessert were excellent.
Using the easy-to-manage seat controls, I reclined and popped open the tiny individual video screen, but soon decided I was too sleepy to watch a movie. I put the seat into full recline, which was nice and flat, wrapped myself in the comfy cloth blanket, and found a music channel. I had time to note the high quality of the headsets before I drifted off.
I slept for almost six straight hours, waking in time for a breakfast of fruit and yogurt. I checked the in-flight magazine directory and discovered that I’d been listening to the “stress relief” channel. Happily rested and de-stressed, I decided that the cost of my upgrade — akin to a night in a high-end hotel — had been worth it. The flight made up all but 10 minutes of our delayed departure en route, and I made the connection to my morning flight to Warsaw refreshed and relaxed.
Score: •••••Mary Hunt
To celebrate the upgrading of its Internet access to a blazing fast 20 Mbps, the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore is offering a Triple B package -- Business, Breakfast, Broadband — geared to business travelers. Rates, including buffet breakfast and unlimited Internet access, start at $200 a night.
If you’re not a member of Icelandair’s Saga Club, you have until July 29 to sign up, receive 1,000 free award points, and be automatically entered in a drawing for 120,000 Award Points. The points can be used at JetBlue, Marriott, Starbucks, Points.com and other partners.
If this item looks familiar, we ran it last week-with the wrong expiration date. Here’s the straight scoop. Virgin Atlantic has a special Upper Class fare for travel to London from the United States, good for travel Aug. 6-31, if you can buy it by July 21. The special fares, shown one-way, are: from New York (JFK or EWR) $1,179; from Boston (BOS) $1,319; from Washington (IAD) $1,329, from Chicago (ORD) $1,379, and from Miami $1,427.
Discount rates, with and without breakfast, are on tap at Starwood Hotels’ North American hotels through September. More than 75 Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, W, Le Meridien and Luxury Collection hotels in 17 cities are participating in the discount program; for the full list of locations and rates, go to StarwoodAmerica.com.
Travel midweek or Saturday on United to take advantage of the airline’s summer sale on fares to Canada, good for travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday through Sept. 30. Sample one-way fares: Los Angeles (LAX)-Vancouver (YVR) $145; New York (JFK)-Montreal (YUL) $178. Advance purchase is required, and taxes and fees are additional.
