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Volume 7, Issue 12, March 25, 2009 |
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According to a recent Reuters report, a new trend shows business travelers forgoing first- and business-class travel in favor of economy-class travel, both in the United States and Europe. Industry estimates show premium travel revenues in January down by one-quarter from the same time last year.
In attempt to attract passengers, airlines have introduced promotional fares; a double-edged sword as the seats they are filling are at greatly reduced rates, leaving them struggling to meet the bottom line. In January, the weakest business-class market was Asia, followed by intra-European premium travel. Africa was the only region to show an increase in business-class travel.
Continental Airlines, the fourth largest American carrier, recently announced that the declining business travel has hurt its revenue. The airline’s yield (money collected per passenger per mile) has declined significantly as well.
U.S. airlines have exhausted most of their options for adding extra fees and are now seeking new ways to make additional revenue. The influx of economy-class passengers has led airlines to offer premium-class travel perks to coach passengers — for a fee. The trend includes charging for gourmet meals, one-day lounge passes and frequent flyer miles.
The general forecast for airlines, according to Aviation Week, shows that traffic declines (especially on international routes) will continue to outpace capacity reductions. On the bright side, airlines are benefiting from lower fuel prices and steady leisure travel. 
Emirates plans to discontinue Airbus A380 daily flights between New York (JFK) and Dubai (DXB). As of June 1, the route will be serviced by a Boeing 777-300ER, which offers 132 fewer seats. The two A380s that were being used on the JFK–DXB service will be rerouted to Dubai–Toronto (YYZ) and Dubai–Bangkok (BKK). Beginning May 1, Emirates will begin daily service to Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). For more on Emirates, click here.
In a move to keep up with competitors, Travelocity, an online travel booking Web site, plans to eliminate all booking fees on airline tickets purchased through May 31. The site is looking to introduce a PriceGuardian program as well. The program will offer long-term price guarantees on purchased travel packages. Additionally, the program offers refunds to Travelocity customers who purchase packages at higher prices than other customers.
Delta Air Lines announced an alliance agreement with Midwest Airlines. The alliance includes plans for frequent-flyer program reciprocity, joint marketing efforts and expanded lounge access throughout North America. Midwest previously had an agreement with Northwest Airlines, which was acquired by Delta last year. Another arrangement, effective March 29, creates a codeshare between Etihad Airways and Qantas. The codeshare will extend to Qantas flights beyond Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MLB) and Brisbane (BNE).
The Transportation Security Administration is about to introduce new security measures. The new campaign will halt random passengers for an additional security check prior to boarding. TSA officers will pull passengers from line at random and check identification and carry-on luggage. The added efforts will primarily focus on flights that are deemed “riskier” by the TSA. The belief behind the plan is that changing the normal security routine will make it more difficult for terrorists to identify and monitor security tactics.
Canadian province Nova Scotia will become a haven for wine lovers in 2010. The province will open 13 wineries throughout its five wine-growing regions — Annapolis Valley, Bear River Valley, LaHave River Valley, Malagash Peninsula and Marble Mountain. Visitors to the area will enjoy tasting new vintages, learning about winemaking and stomping grapes. L’Acadie Vineyards, named for the area’s signature white grape, opened as the first organic winery in 2008. Muir Murray Estate winery will open May 1. The Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival will run from Sept. 7–Oct. 30.
70 East Oak St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel 312 664 6223
www.sarahscandies.com
Sarah’s Pastries and Candies is a quaint shop right off North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. There is another smaller store located in Macy’s, in the heart of The Loop.
Sarah’s boasts a large selection of breakfast pastries. The chocolate raspberry brioche is my favorite, but all are outstanding. I am not a fan of carrot cake, but Sarah’s carrot muffin makes me rethink that position. All of the fruit tarts are wonderful. Every breakfast option is a fresh-baked delicacy.
The lunch choices are somewhat limited, but Sarah’s wasn’t built on lunches. The turkey and havarti cheese and the roasted veggie sandwiches top my list. All the sandwiches are light and fresh. The spinach and ricotta quiche is another great choice. Complimenting each with a bowl of soup makes for a hearty lunch.
Take my advice — skip the soup to save room for any of Sarah’s specialties. They are why I keep coming back.
There is a wide range of chocolate treats. The chocolate-almond toffee, the passion fruit truffles and the royaltines are amazing. The layers of flavors “pamper the palate,” just as the slogan says.
The fun continues with the cupcake menu. Between cakes, fillings, finishes and extras, there are well over 100 possible cupcake combinations. My absolute favorite is the pumpkin cupcake with pumpkin crème brulee and dark chocolate buttercream.
I saved the best part of the menu for last. The gelato just might be the best I’ve ever had (and I have had a lot). The flavors change seasonally, but there are always unbelievably tempting options like pistachio and Tahitian vanilla bean.
Sarah’s also makes lovely gift baskets for your business or personal needs. Use that as an excuse to visit Sarah’s and make sure you leave with a little something for yourself. If you are in the downtown Chicago area, you must visit Sarah’s for a delicious treat.
Score: ••••• John Wroblewski
Thanks to Icelandair’s Stimulus Package, there has never been a better time to visit Iceland. The package includes round-trip airfare from Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), or Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), two nights’ accommodations and daily breakfast. In addition, travelers receive the Icelandair Economic Stimulus voucher, good for discounts at venues including Restaurant Reykjavik, the Ice Bar, Laugar Spa, the Blue Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon Express Tour and a free drink with meal purchase at select restaurants. Book by April 15 for travel through May. Visit the Web site or call 877 I FLY ICE. For more information on Iceland, click here.
AAdvantage customers can reach gold, platinum or executive platinum status faster than ever before with American Airlines’ new promotion. Customers traveling between March 18 and June 15 can earn double elite-status qualifying miles on flights. Register online with promotion code DBEQM. For another great deal with American Airlines, bid on two business-class tickets to Europe, Hawaii or Alaska in Global Traveler’s online auction. This week’s featured prize is available here, well below its normal value.
Don’t miss out on the excitement of the Kentucky Derby this year. Enjoy a Derby Experience with Churchill Downs. Fourteen packages are available, ranging from $249 to $10,999. Packages include tickets, special separate entrances, shuttles and concierge services. Packages are fully customizable. For more information, visit the Web site. Read more about the Kentucky Derby here.
The New Orleans Area Habitat For Humanity built homes for 84 displaced families in 2008. The New Orleans Marriott is offering its Build & Bond package to keep the rebuilding alive. Available on select dates throughout 2009, the package includes a special nightly rate of $84 for voluntourism groups, a resource kit with information about the city and guaranteed rooms with two double beds. It is available for groups booking 10 rooms or more. Call 504 553 5516. For more information about New Orleans, click here.
Hotel Fouquet Barrière, Paris, is offering a complimentary chocolate-making workshop on April 13, from 2p.m.–5 p.m., with the hotel’s pastry chef, Jean-Luc Labat. In celebration, the hotel’s Easter Package, available April 10–13, includes accommodations for one night, a chocolate-centric treatment in U Spa, access to the U Spa pool, fitness center and sauna, daily breakfast, lunch or dinner for two and welcome amenities. Visit the Web site.
