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Volume 6, Issue 44, November 5, 2008 |
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On Oct. 29, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines completed plans for the much-hyped merger. The merger marks the creation of a global airline that will provide service to almost all of the world’s major markets. Northwest is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta. The decision follows a six-month investigation by the Justice Department, which was closed without objection.
The integration process will take approximately two years to complete. The airline will retain the Delta name, Atlanta headquarters and CEO Richard Anderson. Passengers will not see any immediate changes in operation in the near future and both airlines have promised to continue business as usual.
The following changes can be expected within the next two years: the addition of the Delta code to all Northwest systems by the end of 2008; a fully consolidated flight schedule by summer 2009; introduction of the Delta brand, including uniforms, livery, in-flight entertainment and amenities, throughout the Northwest system in spring 2009; a consolidation of loyalty programs, Web sites, kiosks and technology; and a redesign of Northwest planes.
The merger is expected to create $2 billion in revenues and result in greater successes for the employees. The airlines have established resources to ensure a seamless transition for employees. In addition, Delta promises to maintain a strong hub in Minneapolis.
In other news, Lufthansa will take an 80 percent share of BMI, giving Lufthansa control of more flights from Heathrow (LHR) than any airline other than British Airways. The deal is expected to reach completion by mid-January. 
Beginning this month, TAM Brazilian Airlines is launching direct flights between Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and New York (JFK). Four weekly flights will be available. Flights to JFK will depart Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Flights to Rio de Janeiro will depart Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In anticipation of heavy holiday traffic, Jet Airways will begin operating daily flights between Bengaluru (BLR) and JFK via Brussels (BRU) from Dec. 15 through Jan. 15.
It was all bad news for Sterling Airways passengers last week as the Icelandic-owned airline cancelled all flights and stranded thousands of passengers throughout Europe. However, good news abounds for Alitalia passengers as bidding investors announce they are confident the airline will relaunch by Dec. 1. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.
With an uncertain economy and a turbulent aviation industry, many are unsure what to expect when it comes to travel this holiday season. However, the outlook looks bright. Several carriers are reporting advance sales that indicate planes will be as full, or fuller, than last year. Increased flight loads are due, in part, to route cuts made earlier this year. Planes will be full, but fewer passengers will be traveling. People are urged to book early. Some major U.S. airlines have already cut fares for the holiday season.
Choice Hotels International has announced the launch of its Ascend Collection, a grouping of historic boutique or unique hotels. Ascend Collection hotels must meet membership criteria and demonstrate a commitment to quality service. The program will allow the owners of the independent hotels access to the reservations and distribution systems of Choice Hotels, while retaining the local identity and individuality of the property. Ascend Collection hotels include Golden Hotel in Colorado, Hotel Bothwell in Missouri and three Gem Hotels in New York City.
Airline passengers can expect to see fewer restrictions on liquids in 2009, according to a new statement from the Transportation Security Administration. By next fall, the TSA expects to lift the ban requiring all liquids in carry-on luggage contain three ounces or less. Passengers will still be required to remove liquids from carry-ons through 2010. The changes will be due to better X-ray technology. Similar restrictions around the world are also expected to ease.
As consumers begin traveling less, travel Web sites are feeling the backlash as well. Expedia recently announced profits have fallen 4.8 percent and the future continues to look bleak. Over the last year, online bookings have dropped from 21 percent to 7 percent and airline ticket sales have fallen 5 percent. Expedia is looking towards the future with plans to promote rental cars, hotel stays, travel insurance and other products.
Fish ’n Fins
P.O. Box 142
Koror, Palau 96940
tel 680 488 2637
www.fishnfins.com
I am not a spa connoisseur, but when it comes to receiving a wonderful spa treatment, Palau holds one of the best-kept spa secrets in the world.
The Milky Way is hidden in a corner of the limestone islands of Palau. The Milky Way gets its name from the opaque turquoise water’s milky sheen. As part of Fish ’n Fins Rock Island Tour, my tour group and I arrived at the Milky Way to explore its famous spa treatment — at the bottom of the ocean. Immediately upon arriving at the destination, our tour guides jumped off our boat and vanished into the milky blue water. We waited patiently, gazing off the side of the boat, until they surfaced with heaps of white mud, tossing handful after handful into a big bucket. As instructed, we covered our bodies, faces and hair with handfuls of mud until we all looked like indistinguishable creatures of the Black Lagoon. After allowing the mud to dry, we dove into the water, leaving trails of what looked like white smoke clouds spewing behind us as the dry mud washed off our bodies.
The Milky Way’s famous white mud is composed of sand, limestone and the excrements of small invertebrates that eat the algae off the limestone islands. The result is white mud that dries like clay in the sun. The spa treatment was like a giant clay mask, leaving our skin and hair silky smooth. Without the music, incense and intimacy of a real spa, the beautiful surroundings and natural treatment made for one of the best spa experiences imaginable.
Score: ••••• Courtney Centeno
There has never been a better time to upgrade your cell phone plan. Through Dec. 31, you can earn 4,000 AAdvantage miles when you activate a new BlackBerry smartphone and new wireless rate plan with any of the nation’s major service providers. Miles can also be earned by upgrading your existing plan to a BlackBerry smartphone. Learn more online or by calling 877 337 0136.
Through Dec. 14, Lufthansa is offering passengers the chance to enter the Discover Your Moment sweepstakes. By sharing your experiences, you will be entered to win the grand prize of two first-class tickets to Munich with accommodations at the Mandarin Oriental Munich. Other prizes include two business-class tickets and Sennheiser headphones. For more information or to enter the sweepstakes, visit the Web site.
In celebration of Marriott Rewards 25th anniversary, the program is offering lots of great rewards. Daily prizes include HDTVs with Wii, luxury bedding, bikes and weekend gear and spa and golf getaways. On Nov. 20, the actual anniversary, participants can win a 2009 Ford Escape hybrid. And the grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to anywhere in the world. Enter online.
Now that the election is over, it is your turn to be pampered like the president! Kimpton’s Nine Zero Hotel Boston is offering The Walking on Cloud Nine package for any guest who books after Nov. 4. The package includes a night in the Penthouse Suite, a celebratory bottle of champagne and a presidential gift basket, including some of the new president’s favorite treats. The offer is valid from Nov. 7 through Feb. 28 by calling 866 906 9090. Reference code PRES.
A new package from the Milford Plaza means you won’t have to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV this year. The Thanksgiving Day Fun package includes accommodations, Macy’s Herald Square discount booklet, binoculars, a backpack of goodies and free accommodations for children age 5 and under, not to mention front-row seats for the famous parade! The package begins at $299 per night. Call 800 221 2690 or visit the Web site.
