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Volume 6, Issue 41, October 16, 2008 |
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A slew of international airlines have made exciting announcements over the past week, including an airline update, new codeshare flights and more.
Icelandair has announced plans to completely reinvent the airline, starting with a new Web site set to launch Nov, 1. Other updates include new seats and new airplane interiors. Perhaps the most exciting announcement is the plan to implement a third cabin, Economy Plus. Along with the changes comes a new outlook to the future for one of the oldest operating airlines.
Irish airline Aer Lingus has partnered with United Airlines to offer codeshare flights. Beginning Nov. 1, United Airlines customers will be able to book connecting flights on Aer Lingus and earn United Mileage Plus points. Aer Lingus passengers will be entitled to the same perks beginning April 2009.
TAM Brazilian Airlines has become the newest star to join the Star Alliance family. The addition of the carrier to the alliance has helped to open Latin America, making Star Alliance the leader in capacity to the region.
On the homefront, Virgin America has rolled out two passenger friendly options — Main Cabin Select and refundable fares. The refundable fares, which apply to one-way main cabin bookings, offer full refunds up until departure time, are transferable with name changes and include no change or cancellation fees, blackout dates or stay requirements. In addition, “no shows” will receive credit to apply to the purchase of future flights. All the benefits of the refundable fares program are available up to the date of departure. The new Main Cabin Select Service offers passengers the most available legroom, complimentary food, cocktails and beverages, access to the Red In-flight entertainment system, dedicated overhead space, priority check-in, priority security screening, priority boarding and no change fees. The service begins Nov. 3.
In other news, Emirates will begin daily service to Cyprus on Dec. 1. The airline has been offering five weekly flights to Cyprus since 1994. A new Jet Airways and L’Avion first- and business-class lounge has opened in Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The 2,270-square-foot lounge is located at the arrival level of Terminal B. 
Global Entry kiosks will now be offered at four more airports — Los Angeles International (LAX), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and Miami International (MIA). The technology, an alternative to passport control lines, is activated when approved members insert their documentation into the kiosk and then verify their identity using digital fingerprint technology. The program began June 6 at JFK International (JFK), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Washington-Dulles International (IAD). To become a program member, register here. U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are eligible. The program currently boasts 3,500 members.
A new TSA proposal would require private jet passengers to clear background checks prior to boarding. While critics of the proposal claim the program will be costly and an intrusion into the world of private flying, the TSA claims the jets are just as likely to be used to commit acts of terrorism. Passengers would be required to provide names and birth dates and would be checked against a terrorist watch list. Passengers would only be required to pass the screening once, while all pilots will be required to pass background checks. If the proposal is enacted, it will be phased in over two years beginning sometime in 2009.
The federal government announced plans to move ahead with auctions for take-off and landing times at the three major New York airports — JFK International (JKF), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International (EWR). The unprecedented proposal, outraging airlines and airports, is an attempt to reduce airport delays that affect flights around the country. According to the current plan, auction winners will be announced as early as Jan. 12, 2009, a week before the Bush administration is set to leave office. A first of its kind, uncertainties remain as to how much take-off and landing times will cost, but the plan is expected to raise approximately $150 million over five years.
In a recent analysis of 10 national airlines, Forbes magazine has found the discount carriers to be the most reliable. Southwest Airlines easily beat the competition, with Continental Airlines, JetBlue and AirTran rounding out the top four. United Airlines and US Airways were at the bottom of the list. The factors considered when compiling the list were five years’ worth of data on on-time arrival, cancellations, complaints and mishandled luggage from the Aviation Consumer Protection Division, J.D. Powers & Associates consumer satisfaction ratings from 2005 to 2008 and the airlines asset-to-liability ratio. Southwest had the most on-time flights with the smallest number of canceled flights, while AirTran had the fewest number of reports of lost or mishandled luggage.
In an effort to help combat tourism slumps, Hawaiian officials have announced a $4.5 million campaign aimed at bringing in tourists through the end of the year. The campaign includes a variety of deals, incentives and package offers. Another goal of the campaign is to dispel the myth that Hawaii has become too expensive. In fact, the cost of Hawaiian vacation packages has reduced by hundreds of dollars over the last year. Promoting the experience for the price point will be the focus. Expect to see advertisements featuring humpback whales, hula dancers and pictures of the scenery to appear in newspaper travel sections.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR) to Chicago (ORD)
Economy Class
The three agents staffing the American Airlines counter at PVR quickly worked their way through a line of a half a dozen passengers before we stepped up to the counter. Check-in was quick and easy.
We headed for the escalator – carry-on bags in tow – to the second-floor security checkpoint. En route we passed a few fast food outlets. With an hour and half to spare before boarding, we settled in to Wings, an airport tavern, for a pre-flight burger and beer. Sated, we breezed through security and were quickly on our way to gate seven, a surprisingly long walk beyond security.
The walk was along hallways lined with (mostly empty) duty-free shops. It appears the TSA’s one-quart–bag rule has taken a toll on duty-free sales as travelers entering the U.S. and catching connecting flights can no longer carry on large bottles of liquors, liqueurs or perfumes and colognes after clearing Customs and Immigration. Passengers with checked bags are advised to stow duty-free purchases before re-checking them for their connecting flights, but that involves a degree of planning (saving space inside the checked bag) that for most far outweighs the potential savings of a duty-free purchase.
We boarded on time. When the doors closed, we quickly traded our relatively comfortable seats on the “2” side of a 2-3 cabin for an empty row on the “3” side where we stretched out for a pleasantly uneventful four-hour flight to Chicago.
Score: ••••• Lisa Matte
Travelers to Europe can enjoy car rental savings with Auto Europe. In select European countries, a guaranteed one-car class upgrade is being offered complimentary. Other offers include 15 percent off any prestige, Mercedes or sports car rental and 6 percent off any European car rental at any of the 4,000 Auto Europe locations. Travelers to Ireland can enjoy rates as low as $9.99 daily. The offers are good on reservations made by Oct. 31 and are applicable for travel through Dec. 31. Call 800 223 5555 or visit the Web site.
Savings abound at EL AL Israel Airlines! All of the following offers must be purchased by Oct. 31. Flights departing from JFK International (JFK) from Dec. 1-15 are now available at a reduced rate of $1,051. Round-trip nonstop flights from Los Angeles International (LAX) are available for $1,311 on travel from Nov. 1 through March 9, 2009. In addition, all of the offers include a reduced fuel surcharge. To book a ticket or find out about other low fares, call 800 223 6700 or click here.
For Mallorca visitors wishing for one extra night in paradise, your wish is now being granted. La Residencia is offering a complimentary night stay for guests who book five or more nights in October, November or December. Guests will also receive 10 percent savings on rates from the fifth night on when they book a stay. The offer also includes buffet breakfast. To extend your stay, book online or call 800 237 1236.
In honor of breast cancer awareness month, The May Fair hotel in London is making a special donation. The Suite Stay to Show You Care promotion will donate 20 percent of all revenues from stays in the pink Schiaparelli Suite during the month of October. All proceeds will benefit Breast Cancer Care, the leading U.K. breast cancer charity. To participate, use reference code PINK when booking your stay. You may call 888 201 1718 to make your reservations. For more information, visit the Web site.
St. Joseph Institute, a spa, resort and wellness center located in central Pennsylvania, is offering its Stress Buster program. In addition to providing a relaxing experience, the program is also designed to improve personal wellness. The package includes two nights in a lodge, five meals and a spa package including a massage, acupressure therapy and stress management. Rates start at $375.
