Airports — A Bigger and Better Future

From Changi (SIN) to Sacramento (SMF), airports are bullish on future demand for air travel. Opening in June 2012, the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BBI) replaces smaller Tegel (TXL) as the capital’s gateway; an in-airport Bahnhof station will speed passengers into central Berlin by rail. London Heathrow (LHR) has unveiled a new transport system that carries passengers in computer-controlled, driverless personal “pods” that cut by 60 percent business passengers’ travel time between Terminal 5 and car parks. The pods run along tracks at speeds up to 25 mph, and passengers select their destinations using laser sensors. The pods are expected to replace 50,000 shuttle bus journeys annually.

Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport (FRA) expansions will increase annual capacity from 53 million to 88 million by 2020, while Munich (MUC) is expanding Terminal A to handle 17 million annual international travelers, also adding a third runway. Sacramento International Airport has already opened its new Central Terminal B with an environmentally friendly design, public art and locally based retailers and restaurants to give passengers a taste of California.

With free foot and calf massage stations, free local phone calls and Art Interactive Zones where visitors can create their own artwork, Changi Airport focuses on the passenger experience. Throughout the airport, themed gardens and nature trails include the world’s only airport butterfly garden and a rooftop cactus garden. Visit http://www.changiairport.com

.

African Firsts for RwandAir

RwandAir’s Next Generation Boeing 737-800 with Boeing Sky Interior touched down in Kigali (KGL), marking a first for both the carrier and the continent. RwandAir’s first direct-purchase 737 made it the first African carrier to own and operate Boeing’s innovative interior. “This new interior will set RwandAir apart from our competition by bringing a new, unmatched flying experience to our valued customers,” said John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir, referring to the Boeing Sky Interior’s soothing onboard environment with cove lighting, curving architecture, sculpted sidewalls and ceiling panels and brighter LED lights. It also features more spacious stow bins and slightly larger windows. With Rwanda’s geographic location in the heart of the East African Community’s Common Market Zone, the country hopes to become a major regional hub. In October 2012, Boeing will deliver RwandAir its second 737-800. Visit www .rwandair.com. — Patrick Adams

Aurora Explorer

NASA predicts that a surge of solar flares this winter will cause spectacular Northern Lights displays, the likes of which have not been seen in half a century. A premier vantage point for viewing this winter phenomenon is from a ship, where visibility is horizon-to-horizon and free of city light pollution. Hurtigruten, Norway’s coastal transport company, offers six- to 12-day cruises along the 1,250-mile Norwegian coast between Bergen and Kirkenes, high above the Arctic Circle where the aurora borealis is most vivid. Visit http://www.hurtigruten.us

Splendor on the Nile

After being closed for three years of extensive renovations, The Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, Egypt, reopened this fall as the third hotel worldwide under the exclusive Sofitel Legend label. The gleaming new Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan stands on a pink granite shelf overlooking the Nile in the heart of Aswan, retaining the history and grandeur of the original 1899 hotel that hosted such luminaries as Winston Churchill and Agatha Chris tie. A Historic Wing with 76 guestrooms and 47 suites and an Elephantine Wing of 62 guestrooms and 53 suites are rich in décor. The property offers luxury-class service, a So Spa and pool, several bars and fine-dining restaurants. The hotel blends local culture, French food and wine, cutting-edge technology and history in keeping with the Sofitel Legend collection of historic properties and palaces, each in a registered building at least 100 years old. Visit www.sofitel.com.

AA Joins BA Philly Lounge

American Airlines passengers now have access to a lounge inside the security checkpoint at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), enhancing services for Admirals Club guests. The British Airways Galleries Lounge is in Terminal A-West, next to the A-East security entrance on the second level and staffed by both American Airlines’ and British Airways’ premium service representatives. The lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering complimentary light fare, snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits as well as computer terminals and complimentary WiFi. Visit www.aa.com/admiralsclub.

Lufthansa’s Logan Lounge

Lufthansa has unveiled its new lounge design concept in the United States at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with the opening of new Business Class and Senator lounges. Located in Terminal E, Level 2 opposite Gate 3B, the new Business Class lounge spreads across 1,630 square feet, seating 68 passengers in easy chairs designed in response to customer feedback. A media corner offers newspapers and magazines as well as flat-screen televisions. With 62 seats, the new 2,440-square-foot Senator lounge more than doubles the space for frequent flyers. Several menu choices and a variety of drinks are offered, along with leather seats and a work area featuring complimentary Internet. The new lounge design concept, first revealed at Lufthansa’s Senator lounge in Dubai, will appear in lounges at New Delhi (DEL), Frankfurt (FRA) and Berlin (BBI) in 2012. Visit http://www.lufthansa.com
.

Speeding Through China

A new high-speed rail link shortens the travel time between Shanghai and Beijing to less than five hours, traveling at speeds of 186 mph. During test runs, the train broke previous world records when it exceeded speeds of 300 mph. The 820-mile route from Beijing South Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station runs through Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Anhui and Jiangsu, passing seven municipalities and provinces along China’s east coast.

New Codeshare Options

Japan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines have expanded codeshares to their entire Sino-Japan networks, placing both flight designators on a total of 386 flights weekly on 42 routes between Japan and China. American Airlines extends its presence in Southeast Asia by expanding codesharing with oneworld partner Cathay Pacific on their new daily service between Chicago (ORD) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Following another AA agreement, airberlin passengers can now connect via New York (JFK) from Chicago (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Pittsburgh (PIT) and St. Louis (STL) and from a total of six Florida cities and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), via Miami (MIA).

Hilton at Heathrow
Hilton has opened its second hotel at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), set on 13 acres of landscaped grounds just over a mile from Terminal 5. The 350-room hotel can accommodate up to 1,170 event guests in nearly 10,000 square feet of conference space. It also offers several food and beverage options; complimentary high-speed Internet; and a 24-hour Hilton Fitness by Precor facility with treadmills, cross trainers and weight machines. The Heathrow Hoppa shuttle connects the hotel to all terminals. Visit www1.hilton.com.

rewards

Tokyo on Sale

Through Feb. 29, 2012, fly Japan Airlines roundtrip to Tokyo in business class for 50,000 AAdvantage Miles, an impressive discount of 50 percent. The offer is good on either the San Francisco (SFO)–Tokyo/Haneda (HND) or Vancouver (YVR)–Tokyo/Narita (NRT) Japan Airlines flights. Connecting flights to and from San Francisco or Vancouver must be booked separately at non-discounted rates, and the offer can only be booked by phone at AAdvantage Reservations (tel 800 882 8880), incurring a $25 service charge.

Avios Points Debut

More changes emerge from the British Airways/Iberia merger, primarily that BA Miles and Iberia Plus points will cease to exist and be replaced with equal numbers of new Avios points. In addition to flights, these can be used for hotel stays and car rentals in specified countries. Reward Flight Saver redemptions have been added, offering savings on flights throughout Europe, especially in premium cabins. BA is also reducing the number of Avios points needed for connections between the U.K. and some major cities, including New York (JFK), Narita (NRT) and Hong Kong (HKG). Executive Club, BA’s loyalty program, will retain its name. Visit www.avios.com.

Programs United

As the dust settles from the United/Continental merger, details of its effect on frequent flyers have been released. The most significant change, which takes effect early next year when the two programs’ tech systems merge, is the addition of a fourth elite tier called Premier Platinum, reached by flying 75,000 elite-qualifying miles or 90 elite-qualifying segments, with a four-flight
annual minimum for all elite tiers and an increase in bonuses based on the type of fare. For the entry-level Silver Premier elite status (for 25,000 elite-qualifying miles or 30 elite-qualifying segments), complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus will be confirmed at check-in, not at booking, and the checked bag fee waiver will drop from two to one. Increased bonuses will be 25 percent for full-fare coach (Y and B), 50 percent for discounted business class (Z and P) and 75 percent for full-fare business (J, C and D). Two-cabin first class (F A) will earn a 75 percent bonus and a 150 percent bonus. Visit http://mileageplusmergerupdates.com.

deals

Stowe Ski Deal

Ski free at one of the nation’s first ski areas with the Ski Stowe Package, offered by Topnotch Resort and Spa. Good throughout winter 2012, the package includes deluxe accommodations, two Stowe Mountain Resort lift tickets per room per night, Ski Concierge services and a complimentary shuttle to and from the mountain. A similar package for Nordic skiers includes 90-minute lessons and rental equipment. Located near the base of Mt. Mansfield, Topnotch is consistently named among the nation’s top spa resorts, with a 35,000-square-foot spa and heated mountain-view outdoor pool. Visit www.topnotchresort.com.

Fairmont Fairways

Several Fairmont Hotels & Resorts have announced winter golf packages with value-packed options to play premier courses. Tee times are guaranteed on The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, for Fairmont St. Andrews Winter Golf Package guests through April 13, 2012. Included are two nights in a Fairmont Room; full Scottish breakfast each morning; and 18 holes of golf each at The Old Course, The New Course and The Jubilee Course. Along with a Ted Robinson-designed course, The Fairmont Southampton features a private beach club on Bermuda’s fabled coral-pink sands. Bermuda Golf Around Getaway, available through March 31, 2012, includes three nights in a luxury room with private balcony; full breakfast daily; and one round each at Port Royal, Riddellâ’s Bay and Belmont Hills golf courses — all with complimentary golf club and cart rental and shuttle from the hotel. Fairmont Zimbali Resort in South Africa and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess also offer exceptional golf packages this winter; visit www.fairmont.com.

Golf in Paradise

The Caribbean island of Roatán’s Pristine Bay Resort offers the Golf in Paradise Package through March 31, 2012, offering savings of more than 30 percent on a four-night stay in a luxurious villa with private pool and daily rounds of golf on the Perry and Pete Dye-designed Black Pearl course. Daily breakfast is included, and the package may be customized to include scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and other activities at the 5-star resort opening this month 35 miles off the coast of Honduras. Roatán International Airport (RTB) is served by non-stop flights from five U.S. and Canadian gateways. Visit http://www.pristinebayresort.com