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Volume 7, Issue 17, April 29, 2009 |
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As the world celebrated Earth Day, several domestic carriers continued to do their part with various green initiatives.
United Airlines unveiled a Web-based tool to help passengers offset greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon calculator determines passenger’s carbon footprint based on the route flown, aircraft used, number of passengers onboard and amount of fuel burned. Passengers can estimate their impact at united.com/carbonoffset and make a tax-deductible charitable donation to a program run by Sustainable Travel International. Delta introduced a carbon calculator in 2007. Continental Airlines and Virgin America have similar initiatives.
Virgin America became the first U.S. carrier to join the Climate Registry. The Climate Registry is a not-for-profit dedicated to setting standards for identifying, calculating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental issues continue to be at the forefront as regulators, at home and abroad, pressure the airline industry to reduce harmful emissions. President Obama supports taxing or implementing a cap-and-trade system for companies that create air pollution. Such a system would set a cap for emissions and carriers exceeding the cap would have to barter for credits for higher emissions.
More and more carriers, including United and Southwest, are power-washing jet engines in an attempt to improve fuel efficiency.
According to a Chicago Tribune report, aviation consultant Robert Mann suggests airlines schedule shorter flights. Flight lengths have increased steadily as airlines work to improve on-time performance. 
Air Europa is preparing to launch its second international service from the United States. Its weekly service from Miami (MIA) to Tenerife (TFN), Canary Islands, will take flight on June 20. Serviced by an Airbus A330-200, the flights will offer 24 business-class seats and 275 economy-class seats. The new route is expected to bring more tourists to the islands. Passengers will be able to continue on to Gran Canaria from Tenerife. Click here for more on the Canary Islands.
After several delays and setbacks, Boeing plans to unveil its 787 Dreamliner this week. At press time, the rollout is expected to take place on the runway at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. by May 1. While the aircraft will not take to the skies until June, the rollout will be its first public appearance since a July 2007 ceremony. Boeing recently completed a full on-the-ground simulation of the jet's first flight and last week the manufacturer successfully completed a test of the second Dreamliner’s ability to withstand the effects of a lightning strike. First delivery is expected by March 2010.
AirTran is giving passengers a chance to speak out by asking its customers: “What do you want on every flight?” Passengers can log onto the Web site and send suggestions, view other submissions and sign up for a promotion to win a seat on every AirTran flight for a year. The winning suggestion will be announced May 12. Two pair of economy-class tickets on AirTran are up for grabs in GT’s online auction. At press time, the top bid stands at less than $300. Bid today.
Secure Flight, the new TSA-mandated passenger pre-screening program, goes into effect May 15. Global distribution systems, travel agencies and airlines are racing to meet the deadline. Beginning May 15, airlines will be required to requests passengers’ full names. By Aug. 15, airlines must request the date of birth and gender of every passenger. All domestic airlines must fully comply with new regulations by March 30, 2010. International carriers have through the end of 2010 to implement the pre-screening program. Travel agencies are at different stages of compliance as they move to alter their systems in accordance with the new requirements.
A new report in the Wall Street Journal indicates domestic airlines are rethinking decisions to outsource call centers to international destinations. Delta announced plans to end its use of India-based call centers, saying the backlash and complaints from customers outweigh the cost savings. Delta will continue to use some foreign-based call centers. US Airways and United are also moving international call centers or redirecting fewer calls through those centers.
Froshgah Street
Kabul, Afghanistan
tel 93 799 654 000
It is comforting to know that if travel plans take you to Kabul, Afghanistan, the Kabul Serena Hotel offers world-class service and amenities in a secure complex. Attracting diplomats, NGO relief workers, military brass, visiting journalists and daring business entrepreneurs, the beautiful lobby is an exciting place to observe the behind-the-scenes rebuilding of a country.
The Serena is located in the center of Kabul. It is within walking distance of major embassies, ministries and the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency; however, I wouldn’t recommend the walk. As expected, there are few leisure travelers to the area, so people visiting Kabul for specific reasons are the main occupants of the hotel’s 177 guestrooms and 17 suites. For those guests, all of their needs (even alcohol, if desired) are taken care of by General Manager Hamid Qadri and his 350 employees, mostly Afghans.
From international cable TV to wireless Internet in the rooms, to a well-staffed business center, the Serena Kabul provides everything that a comparable international hotel property is expected to deliver. The combination of the highly rated Serena chain (owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, which has many properties in Pakistan and East Africa) and warm Afghan hospitality creates a pleasant oasis in the middle of a dangerous city. With a wide range of restaurant options and bars, as well as a gift shop, bakery, health club and outdoor pool, the Serena receives significant business from foreign embassy workers and international journalists based in Kabul.
The hotel is a virtual fortress now, a result of being attacked by the Taliban in January 2008 (an attack which claimed eight lives). The stringent security measures provide guests with reassurance that stays within the hotel property will be safe, secure and serene.
Accommodations are about $250 per night. Hopefully, as more stability comes to Afghanistan, the Serena will add tourists to its guest mix.
Score: ••••• Jeff Kriendler
Through May 15, passengers from Los Angeles (LAX), bound for Bangkok (BKK), can enjoy Thai Airways’ Thailand Extra Fare promotion. Passengers traveling Mondays, Wednesdays or Saturdays can add flights to one of 12 Thailand cities to their international flight itinerary for the same price as a flight to Bangkok. The promotion is valid for travel from June 1 through July 31. Applicable cities include Chiang Mai (CNX), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Rai (CGI), Hat Yai (HDY), Krabi (KBV), Koh Samui (USM), Phitsanulok (PHS), Mae Hong Son (HGN), Khon Kaen (KKC), Ubon Ratchatani, Ubon Thani and Surat Thani (URT). Call 800 426 5204 or visit the Web site. Read more from Thai Airways here.
Mileage Plus members can now achieve elite status more quickly. Members who book and complete travel through June 15 will receive double elite qualifying miles. The new promotion allows Mileage Plus members access to the complimentary perks of elite status in half the time. Register for the offer here. To check out more from the president of Mileage Plus, click here. Global Traveler and United begin the search for the next United 1K Global Traveler of the Year on May 1. Stay tuned for more information.
Through June 30, the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is offering guests a Gondola Experience. The package includes one 30-minute gondola ride for up to three guests, accommodations in a deluxe room, daily breakfast, late checkout and welcome drinks. Call 39 041 2723311, email, or visit the Web site. For more on Venice, click here.
Joie de Vivre, California’s largest boutique hotel collection, is kicking off a summer sweepstakes. The hotel collection will give away 25 Explore California Passports. Each passport is valued at more than $17,000 and features a two-night stay at each of Joie de Vivre’s 35 hotels. The passports are valid for two years, transferable to family and friends and have no blackout dates. Sign up, through May 20, online. Winners will be announced May 25 via an online video.
U.S. Helicopter, New York’s eight-minute airport shuttle, is celebrating spring with a reduced one-way fare of $99. The offer is valid for bookings through May 14 and valid for travel through Aug. 31. U.S. Helicopter is also offering gift certificates, valid anytime, for a fare of $159. Discount tickets are available online or by calling 212 922 1366.
