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Volume 7, Issue 9, March 4, 2009 |
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Last week, members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission and U.S. government to remove the current security ban on liquids.
European Parliament representative Georg Jarzembowski, of Germany, spoke to representatives in Washington, D.C. Jarzembowski asserted that the current liquids ban does nothing to enhance passenger security. He further claimed the measure simply regulates the amount of liquids brought onboard and is a “costly nuisance.”
According to Jarzembowski, new X-ray technologies, that will be able to detect explosives hidden in liquids more effectively than the current systems, will be in place by next year, allowing governments to “get rid of these controls that make no sense.”
In response, Michael Scardaville, U.S. Homeland Security Department acting director of European and multilateral affairs, said the bans are absolutely necessary. Scardaville cited a recent thwarted terrorism attempt in Germany as evidence that multiple terrorist groups are still trying to use liquid explosives. Both European and U.S. lawmakers are in agreement over the volume of liquid necessary for hiding explosives. The current liquids ban is in place to regulate this volume.
With no definite timeline in place, Scardaville indicated that once effective technology is developed, the liquids ban would be lifted.
These current pleas follow years of similar requests from European Parliament members and other organizations. 
V Australia launched its daily service from Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX) on Feb. 27. The route is serviced by a 360-seat Boeing 777-300ER. In addition to the new service, Sydney Airport’s international terminal is undergoing renovations, including a $500 million expansion and upgrade. Both the airport renovations and new airline services are expected to bring major revenues into the Sydney area, particularly to the tourism sector. A Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation economic survey found that daily trans-Pacific flights bring in millions of dollars to the local economy each year.
The Federal Aviation Administration is currently studying radar calibrated to detect birds at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), however, it may be years before such radar is used on a regular basis. The U.S. Navy and Air Force have used the technology for years. By scanning take-off and landing patterns, the radar can detect possible threats and will sound an alarm. The system still has several kinks; one of the reasons it has not been put into general use. Other drawbacks include its sensitivity to smaller threats, including insects, which would mean delays and other setbacks to plane take-offs and landings. The FAA has been testing the technology for over a decade.
It seems not all companies are struggling during our current recession. According to Smith Travel Research, extended-stay hotels are thriving and growing three times as fast as traditional hotels. Industry-wide occupancy rates were down 1.5 percent, while extended-stay occupancy rates grew by 3.5 percent. Most major hotel companies, including Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott, are operating at least one extended-stay brand. Case in point: The AKA brand reported a nearly 30 percent growth in revenue during January 2009. AKA credits growth in the extended-stay industry to a number of factors — they fulfill a need of travelers who need to be in one place for a week or more, plus value, design, services and amenities.
Two recent polls forecast interesting travel predictions for the remainder of 2009. A USA Today/Gallup Poll found that 58 percent of people who normally take annual vacations will scale back this year. Forecasts indicate Americans will spend 9.7 percent less on leisure travel through April, May and June and 9 percent less in July, August and September, approximately $30 billion less than in 2008. The travel industry is readying itself by eliminating seats and routes. Egencia, a travel management company, has found its client base has moved away from 4- and 5-star hotels and is booking more 2- to 2 ½ -star properties. Egencia also found that business travelers are booking larger rental car vehicles, indicating business travelers may be sharing car trips as a way to save money.
Thai Airways introduced new connections to Indian destinations from Los Angeles (LAX). In response to growing passenger demand, the airline now offers convenient connections to New Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) from Los Angeles, via Bangkok (BKK). The new flights are offered from LAX on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The airline is also considering the addition of flights to Munich, Milan, Seoul, Guangzhou and Fukuoka.
Philadelphia (PHL) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Economy Plus
Tel 800 UNITED 1
www.united.com
I upgraded to Economy Plus so that I would be more comfortable, but also so I could work during the five-plus-hour flight. When you check-in online and print your boarding pass, you are offered the option to upgrade to either first class or Economy Plus. First was full and the additional $54 for Economy Plus seemed a small price to pay for extra legroom and space.
Unfortunately, I am not a 1K member, nor do I have any status with United, so I was assigned to boarding zone four. United rewards its best customers with upgrades to Economy Plus, however, just purchasing the upgrade does not move you up in the boarding process. I jumped the line after they called zone two and was allowed to board, as the flight was half empty.
Finding luggage space was not an issue, but would have been if the plane had been full. We were slightly delayed, about 15 minutes, as the fuel truck was late. While on board, I did exactly as I had planned. I worked straight for about three hours, relaxed and worked again. I would not have had this luxury sitting in the back of the plane. Economy Plus passengers receive a little more service than economy. Water and juice were passed from the first-class section to Economy Plus.
My Airbus A319 only had eight first-class seats, which made me wonder if United could sell more first-class upgrades at check-in if they offered more premium seats.
And, of course, as usual when I travel, there was a seat kicker behind me and a nail biter next to me — it’s always a joy!
Score: ••••• Francis X. Gallagher
Virgin Atlantic Airways has launched a new ’round-the-world service. The two options — Virgin Global East and Virgin Global West — offer services between London (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Hong Kong (HKG) and Sydney (SYD). The new offer coincides with the launch of V Australia. Book a ’round-the-world ticket by March 6 for the special low rate of $2939. Departures are valid throughout 2009. Reservations are only valid by phone. Call 800 862 8621. Virgin Atlantic’s president, Sir Richard Branson, is on the search for his look-alike. For more information and a chance to win a VIP trip to New York City to attend Virgin Atlantic’s 25th birthday celebration, visit the Web site.
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is offering visitors a special Unlimited Golf package. The resort boasts two championship Greg Norman-designed courses. The package includes premium accommodations, same day continuous play on both courses, unlimited golf on Champions 9 from check-in through checkout, complimentary club storage and cleaning, daily breakfast buffet and late checkout. Through April 30, rates are $259 per night, per person; from May 1 through May 30, rates are $219 per night, per person. Call 407 390 6664 or visit the Web site.
South African Airways Vacations is offering an $800 discount on its Lion Sands In Style vacation package. The savings are available for travel in May 2009 or from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15. The nine-day Lion Sands In Style package includes economy-class airfare from the United States to South Africa, domestic flights within South Africa, four nights at the Cape Cadogan Hotel, two nights at Lion Sands River Lodge, four game drives, breakfasts at Cape Cadogan and lunches and dinners at Lion Sands, meet and greets by SAA Vacations representatives upon arrival and transfers. The discounted rate is $2399. Call 888 722 4872 or visit the Web site.
The Willard InterContinental is offering its Very Cherry Willard package in celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, from March 28 through April 12. Guests booking the package, starting at $349, will receive a cherry amenity and the choice of American breakfast for two, a second room at half price for children under 18, an upgrade to a deluxe room or parking. The property is located nearby the festival parade route and is offering signature cherry cocktails, infused teas and treats. Book online or call 202 628 9100.
Korean Air has partnered with Preferred Hotels to offer special Skypass rewards. Korean Air Skypass members will receive 500 miles whenever they stay at one of Preferred Hotels more than 700 luxury hotels and resorts. During the month of April, Skypass members will receive a celebration bonus of 1,000 miles when they stay at any of the participating properties. Skypass membership cards must be presented at time of check-in. For more information or to apply to become a Skypass member, visit the Web site.
