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Volume 7, Issue 2, January 14, 2009 |
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The airline world was forever changed during the fuel crisis of 2008. One of the major changes was the added baggage fees – both for overweight bags and checked luggage. With all these extra fees, each nickel and dime adds up, which leads one to wonder: How accurate are airport scales?
A reporter from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution set out to answer that question. According to an informal check of multiple scales at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), you can trust that most of the scales are accurate. The reporter, who loaded a bag with two 20-pound weights and padding, found that almost all of the 77 tested scales registered a weight between 51 and 52 pounds.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for other domestic airports. Three Delta Air Lines’ scales at Oklahoma City Airport (OKC) gave readings that differed by several pounds. State inspections in several states have reported that a significant number of baggage scales in several major airports registered incorrect weights. Half of the US Airways’ scales at Phoenix Airport (PHX) failed to pass inspection in November. Between 2005 and 2008, one in four airport scales in South Florida did not pass inspection.
The unreliable readings are costing passengers even more money, as airlines have upped the fees for overweight bags since fuel prices spiked. The new baggage fees are expected to bring in up to $300 million in additional revenues for some airlines. More bad news, the fees are here to stay.
According to a travel industry analyst with Forrester Research, airlines should check their scales at least twice a year. The scales take quite a beating, so checking and recalibrating scales every quarter is ideal. Spokespeople for Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways, both quoted in the AJC report, said scales were inspected according to — and sometimes in excess of — state requirements. They also stated that customer service agents have the authority to waive fees on a case-by-case basis.
Interestingly, a recent report by the The Star Ledger showed that while frequent travelers prefer a la carte pricing for in-flight items, a whopping 82 percent called the baggage fees a “rip-off.” 
Lufthansa passengers, departing from any of its 18 U.S. and four Canadian gateways, can now check in, select their seats and print boarding passes from any computer, prior to arriving at the airport. The service is also available for connections within Europe, for flights departing within 23 hours of initial check-in. Lufthansa now offers home boarding pass services on more than 730 routes. Identification is required for the service, including booking codes, credit card numbers and Lufthansa Miles & More or Star Alliance mileage card numbers.
Barring any last-minute change in plans, Airtime Airlines, a Durban-based domestic service in South Africa, will launch its inaugural flight on Jan. 18 from Durban (DUR) to Johannesburg (JNB). The airline is unique in its pricing system. Airtime passengers will purchase minutes as opposed to point-to-point tickets. According to TravelHub, the prices will not vary according to demand and surcharges and taxes are included. Passengers will also be able to purchase starter packs of pre-paid minutes. The minutes will be valid for up to a year across the network. Unused minutes can be rolled over for use on any of South Africa’s cell networks.
European budget carrier EasyJet announced plans to launch 14 news routes across Europe this summer. Nine of the services will originate from regional U.K. airports including Newcastle (NCL)–Malta (MLA), Liverpool (LPL)–Naples (NAP) and Bristol (BRS)–Bastia (BIA). Another European carrier, Icelandair, will add two new routes this year as well. The seasonal routes to Stavanger, Norway (SVG) and Düsseldorf, Germany (DUS) will operate between May 8 and Sept. 29. Icelandair also announced plans to reduce fuel surcharges for all flights from their North American gateways.
A Cunard cruise has become an educational experience. Guests sailing on the Queen Mary 2 this year have the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the literary world’s most popular and famous personalities. Beginning in April, passengers can take part in Cunard Insights, an onboard enrichment program, and enjoy author Q&As, lectures, book signings and readings. Authors participating in the program include Kathryn Harrison (April 20), Oscar Hijuelos (May 8), Rita Dove (May 25), E.L. Doctorow (May 31), Erica Jong (June 13), Susan Cheever (June 25), Amy Bloom (July 6), Brad Gooch (July 30) and John Guare (Sept. 8). The Queen Mary 2 will celebrate its fifth year of service in 2009.
Martin Broughton, British Airways chairman, recently warned that the Oneworld Alliance may face collapse if a bilateral deal between BA and American Airlines is not approved. The two airlines, hoping to gain the power to coordinate fares and schedules, have not gained anti-trust clearance due to a dominant position in London. The two airlines submitted a third application following the Open Skies deal in 2008. Broughton believes the deal will prevent the break-up of the alliance.
220 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, ON M5S 1TB
416 960 5200
www.toronto.intercontinental.com
Arriving at the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville was an experience each time I returned to the property. For some reason, cab drivers had a tendency to approach from the opposite side of the street and make a U-turn into oncoming traffic to pull into the hotel entrance. I was grateful for each safe arrival!
The hotel is conveniently located in Toronto’s hip Yorkville section. The area is well known for its shopping. The hotel is also a hop, skip and a jump away from the University of Toronto and the Bata Shoe Museum and right across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum.
My room featured a large bathroom (complete with a stall shower and separate tub), a spacious closet, a comfortable bed, a sitting area and a spacious work desk. I was pleased with my accommodations. I had plenty of room to make myself at home.
I used the hotel’s room service twice, once for lunch upon my arrival and one morning for breakfast. Both times, the food arrived properly and quickly and was quite tasty. I had to leave my room early one morning and I popped into the hotel restaurant to grab a coffee to go. Unfortunately, the service was too slow; it took almost 20 minutes to get the coffee. I was much happier with the room service than with the restaurant service.
The concierge was also extremely helpful. The front desk was equally friendly and willing to help. On the other hand, no one assisted with my bag at any point during my stay. The on-site gift shop was well stocked with snacks and beverages, but the shop staff left much to be desired.
A traveling companion used the pool facilities each day of our trip. She joked she was happy no one else was in the pool with her as it was very narrow. I was interested in stopping by the hotel vodka bar, Proof, for a quick cocktail, but I never got the chance. With a stylish décor and interesting menu, it looked like a great place to hang out.
Score: ••••• Kimberly Krol
In celebration of its 75th birthday, South African Airways is gifting its passengers. The Share Africa offer allows passengers to bring along a travel companion — for free. The buy one, get one offer is available through Jan. 31, valid for travel from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) to Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT) or Dakar (DKR), for departures from Jan. 23 through March 31 or Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. The first passenger will pay $1,399 round-trip (not including taxes or fuel surcharges) and the second passenger pays only taxes and surcharges. Call 800 722 9675.
Enjoy triple the rewards with Marriott Rewards. The MegaMiles promotion allows members to earn double miles on every dollar spent with no cap. The promotion, valid from Feb. 1 through April 30, begins with your second stay. Register online. Enjoy free breakfast for two on a weekend stay at a Marriott resort. Book through Jan. 26, for stays Jan. 15 through March 26, by calling 877 MARRIOTT and request code V12. Adding to the benefits of being a Marriott rewards member? Beginning Jan. 15, Marriott hotels is eliminating blackout dates.
There has never been a better time to visit French Polynesia. Air Tahiti Nui is offering round-trip economy fares from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) for just $860. Tickets must be booked by Jan. 22 and are valid on any of nine departures between Feb. 7 and March 11. Valid returns are between Feb. 11 and March 16. The fares are inclusive of taxes, fees and surcharges. Visit the Web site or call 877 824 4846.
Club Med is easing the cost of family vacations with its Kids Stay Free package, available at a variety of Club Med properties. The offer allows one child, 15 years or under, to stay free per paying adult. The offer is valid on bookings through Feb. 28 for travel between Feb. 14 and Oct. 30. Participating properties include Club Meds Sandpiper, La Caravelle, Punta Cana, Cancun Yucatan and Ixtapa Pacific. Call 800 CLUBMED or book online.
Through Jan. 26, passengers on OpenSkies can take advantage of great rates between New York and Amsterdam (AMS). Round-trip fares on PREM+ are offered for $1,000, including all taxes and fees. PREM+ offers passengers 140 degree reclines, 52-inches of legroom, bottle-poured wines, healthy meal service, personal entertainment systems, electric outlets at every seat, participation in British Airways’ Executive Club and personal concierge services. Visit the Web site or call 866 581 3596.
