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Volume 7, Issue 11, March 18, 2009 |
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Three international airlines have launched new initiatives recently. Air France is testing an automated boarding pass system, Cathay Pacific brought its I Can Fly program stateside and Qantas launched an online business travel management system.
Through 2009, Air France is testing an innovative boarding system, smartboarding. Flying Blue customers will experience the program, a first of its kind, on the Paris (CDG)–Amsterdam (AMS) route. Registered members receive a personal card encrypted with their fingerprints, radio frequency identification and thermal printing. The four-step process allows registered passengers to insert their cards into special kiosks and print their boarding passes, choose their own boarding time, board through a dedicated portal and present the card to the crew to complete boarding. Patrick Roux, vice president of marketing, called the program a “further step toward building the airport of tomorrow.”
In 2003, Cathay Pacific launched its I Can Fly program in Hong Kong. The program is dedicated to teaching people interested in aviation the basics of the industry at no cost. With 3,000 graduates to date, Cathay Pacific has brought its program to the United States. The program began last month and runs for nine weeks, with once-a-week nightly classes. Cathay Pacific staff volunteers their time to the program.
Qantas recently unveiled an online business travel management system, Qantas Business Essentials. The program will help small- to medium-sized businesses manage travel and expenses. The system will offer access to an online booking system, discounted corporate fares and free quarterly travel reports. The system also features its own dedicated team of Qantas employees. Interested businesses can register online.
For more information on Air France, click here. To learn more about Cathay Pacific, click here. For more on Qantas, click here. 
According to the Economist Intelligence Survey’s latest Worldwide Cost of Living, London is now officially cheaper than New York. The survey found that, for the first time since 2002, London is more affordable to inhabit and visit. The survey compares prices and products in 140 worldwide cities; New York ranks No. 23, while London ranks No. 27. Weakening exchange rates and the gaining strength of the dollar have contributed. London is approximately 25 percent cheaper to visit now than at the same time last year. Read more about London here.
Hotel Indigo announced plans for a 2009 music program, Artists in the Spotlight. In partnership with VerveLife, a Chicago-based entertainment company, Hotel Indigo will spotlight four up-and-coming artists through a series of podcasts and performances at its U.S. properties. The program keeps with the properties’ theme of renewal — menus, music, aromas and artwork are changed seasonally, up to four times a year, at all properties. The first featured artist is alternative rocker Rocco DeLuca. For more on Hotel Indigo, click here.
Hilton Hotels Corp. announced its newest brand, Denizen Hotels. The brand, which will launch domestically and internationally, caters to “globally-conscious modern travelers of the world.” The hotels will feature technology-rich, smart design elements, with a focus on connecting emotionally with guests. Plans are in the works for properties in Abu Dhabi, Austin, Beverly Hills, Buenos Aires, Cancun, Hollywood, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Las Vegas, London, Los Cabos, Miami, Montreal, Mumbai, New York, Panama City and Washington D.C., with more being considered.
According to Ross Klein, global head luxury and lifestyle brands, Hilton Hotels, “The term denizen literally means ‘citizen of the world’. We created this new brand in homage to guests who desire and deserve the best hotel experiences, both on an emotional and functional level.” For more from Ross Klein, click here.
A new airline seat, known as the Cozy Suite, is being developed by Thompson Solutions. The seats will feature a built-in nook where passengers will be able to rest their heads. According to the manufacturer, the seats were designed after many prototypes and passenger trials and the set-up and design allow for passenger interaction, while also providing a high level of privacy. The new seats are not without limitations — Cozy Suites do not recline backwards, but instead feature a mechanism that slides down and forward. Delta is planning to install the new seats on its aircraft in 2010, pending approval by U.S. regulators.
U.S. airlines flew into 2009 with improved on-time performances. According to a U.S. Department of Transportation report, 77 percent of flights arrived on time in January, a 5 percent improvement over last year. American Airlines' on-time performance improved by almost 10 percent, while Southwest saw a 6 percent jump in its on-time numbers. Alaska Airlines was at the bottom of the list. In addition to improved on-time performance, airlines have lost fewer bags and received fewer complaints than usual in 2009.
Val Harding Collection
Unit 8 Phillip Court, Port Melbourne
Victoria, 3207, Australia
Tel 011 61 3 9673 1444
www.valhardingcollection.com
I am the type of person who always brings along my own toiletries — just in case I happen to dislike the in-room amenities. I was surprised when I discovered the provided amenities at the Hotel Bel-Air fell into that category. I was particularly disappointed with their former shampoo and conditioner, which I felt left my hair feeling straw-like and dry. I was pleasantly surprised to find out they had switched products and I was eager to test out the new line.
Since August 2008, the Hotel Bel-Air has been offering Halycon Blue products, part of the Val Harding Collection. Harding is an Australian businesswoman who has created a line of fine toiletries and custom-made products. Halycon Blue is her second line.
Halycon Blue was specifically designed for the United States. The Hotel Bel-Air is currently the only U.S. hotel carrying the line, but it is available for purchase online. The name evokes calm and the products are made using essential oils, with no artificial colors. The line of shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, lotions and soaps are scented with bergamot, mandarin, peppermint and grapefruit.
Of course, the true test, in my opinion, was the hair care products, which performed much better than their predecessors. My hair was silky, not dry, and very manageable. I even passed along the products to a friend, who noted that she was pleased with the product’s lather — it does not take a handful of shampoo to thoroughly clean your hair. I was also pleased with the scent; it was pleasant without being overwhelming. I would use the hair care products on a regular basis.
I used the soap regularly as well. It also has a nice, clean scent. I liked that it did not feel like it left a layer on my skin and it washed off easily. I was also very fond of the lip balm, which took care of my chapped winter lips.
The other products were adequate. I would not consider switching from my preferred brands, but I was pleased with the product and would certainly be satisfied if I found myself at a hotel offering Halycon Blue products.
Score: ••••• Kimberly Krol
The Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, is offering a variety of packages for 2009. Through Sept. 1, Suite Sunday offers a Saturday or Monday stay for free, when you book a Sunday at full price. One More Night allows guests to enjoy a fourth night free, available through Aug. 31. Throughout the year, Romance On The Park and Jean Georges Culinary Master packages offer guests love and great cuisine. Families will enjoy the Kids On Central Park package, while shoppers will love the Bergdorf’s Shopping Package (through Aug. 31). The property is also offering a Breakfast Inclusive package. Visit the Web site.
V Australia debuted its Didgeree Blue B777-300ER aircraft last week at the Australian International Airshow. In celebration of the debut, V Australia is offering special return fares on its Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE) or Melbourne (MEL)–Los Angeles (LAX) routes. Through March 20, rates start as low as $971. Travel is valid through June 15. Call 800 444 0260 or visit the Web site. For more information on V Australia, click here.
Willow Stream and Fairmont Spas are introducing two special new packages — inspired by the spirit of appreciation. The Spa It Forward package is available at all Willow Stream and Fairmont Spas worldwide. At the end of each treatment, spa goers will be presented with a Gratitude Envelope with a surprise spa offering, either for himself or herself or for a friend. The Gratitude Circle is available only at Willow Stream Spas. Guests are encouraged to register a group of friends at the spa and then select a charity. Willow Stream Spas will donate 10 percent of the sales made from any member of the registered group to the selected charity. Register by email.
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is inviting one and all to celebrate spring break. The Spring Break package, available March 20–April 12, includes accommodations, welcome beverages, continental breakfast for two, complimentary meals for children 12 and under, cookies with the chef, Saturdays in the Kitchen cooking demonstration for adults, Kids For All Seasons game room, gift certificates for ESPN Zone, Hancock Observatory, Museum of Contemporary Art and Shedd Aquarium, use of the skylit pool and complimentary American Girl posters. Visit the Web site.
Lufthansa is offering a business-class fare special to various European destinations. Through March 25, fares are available for as low as $1,133 one-way. Available destinations include Bucharest, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid, Naples and Tel Aviv. Departures are valid through April 11. For more information, visit the Web site. Bid on a business-class ticket on Lufthansa in Global Traveler’s online auction. Click here to bid.
