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Volume 7, Issue 18, May 6, 2009 |
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As panic spreads throughout the world in response to the H1N1 influenza, the travel industry is taking the necessary precautions to protect passengers and encourage travel during this time.
Mexico, where the virus was first reported, began a five-day nationwide shutdown on Friday. Non-essential businesses, factories, schools and some government offices have been shut down in an attempt to stop the spread of the influenza. Residents and visitors are urged to stay inside, while airports and essential services remain open.
The World Travel & Tourism Council said the travel industry is better prepared to handle the outbreak than many realize. The WTTC is urging travelers and industry employees not to panic, and the World Health Organization is not advising restriction of regular travel. The WHO raised the warning to a level five; however, they also stressed that people should not panic, but take extra hygiene measures to stay protected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there is no increased risk of infection for people in public transportation or airplanes.
Meanwhile, domestic airlines are ramping up measures to ensure its passengers are informed and safe on flights. With more than 4,000 weekly flights between the United States and Mexico, many domestic carriers are reducing some flights as demand declines, but most are still keeping many flights in operation. The airlines are prepping staff, personnel and aircraft to ensure clean, healthy flights. Five of the world’s cruise lines — Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruises, Holland America and Norwegian — have suspended service to their Mexican ports of call.
Air passengers can minimize the spread of infection by washing hands and avoiding contact with nose, eyes and mouth. U.S. carriers have properly trained staff to identify ill passengers and get medical attention for them before boarding. Planes traveling from infected areas are disinfected, and flight attendants are instructed to wash hands diligently. Airlines and airports are prepared to quarantine passengers who pose health threats. Thanks to cabin air-filtration systems, the risk on airplanes is lower than in other confined spaces.
Other airport measures include screening passengers with visual checks, temperature measurement, questionnaires or thermal scanners. Airports will also provide transportation to health facilities if needed. Passengers may be asked to fill out forms before entering security to determine if they have flu symptoms.
US Airways has mandated cabin crew on flights to and from Mexico wear rubber gloves and use hand sanitizer. Delta Air Lines has seen little impact to its Mexico operations, but many airlines are allowing passengers to change travel plans without penalty. AeroMexico put several preventative measures in place to protect passengers, employees and the general public. Some airlines have also begun passing out face masks and removing pillows and blankets from flights to further combat the spread of the virus.
The Business Travel Coalition launched an online Swine Influenza Dashboard to provide real-time, up-to-the-minute developments on the outbreak. 
Air Canada and TAM implemented an agreement allowing TAM Fidelidade members and Air Canada Aeroplan members to earn and redeem frequent-flyer miles on flights operated by either airline. The program began April 28 and is part of an agreement signed by the airlines in June 2008. The new initiative joins a codeshare agreement begun in October 2008.
In other Air Canada news, the airline is calling on all up-and-coming filmmakers to submit short films for the enRoute Film Festival. Winning submissions will be broadcast on flights July through December. Visit the website.
Click here to bid on two Air Canada executive-class tickets in GT’s annual auction. Bid on TAM tickets here.
Marriott International is seeking to stay ahead of the curve with its new business intelligence technology. The hotel chain will implement TravelCLICK Hotelligence in 150 of its Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites and Springhill Suites properties. The technology will provide information on booking sources, rates, length-of-stay patterns, booking history and patterns at hotels defined as competitors. The data will be used to help Marriott make property changes in the future.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has unveiled its latest venture — The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. The vacation club is an equity-based private membership program. The Home Club membership offers use of a titled residence throughout the year, while the Portfolio membership offers the opportunity to visit many destinations and accommodations. Home Club members have up to 35 days of pre-reserved access and can use a portion of time at other destinations. Prices range from $100,000 to $800,000. Portfolio members choose vacations based on a points system. Initial memberships begin with 5,000 points; additional points can be bought in increments of 2,500. Membership pricing begins at $120,000 annually. For a list of destinations, visit the website.
American Airlines is expanding its in-flight wireless program. In the next two years, the airline will offer its Gogo Inflight Internet service, powered by Aircell, on more than 300 domestic flights. American Airlines has been testing the service on 15 Boeing 767s since August and now plans to install the service on 150 MD80s and its entire 737 fleet. Voice over Internet Protocol service will not be available. Bid on AA business-class tickets here.
The United States is looking to expand its Global Entry program, which offers speedier customs and entry procedures for registered travelers. The program is already offered to U.S. citizens and its expansion will include European travelers. Travelers from European countries whose governments have developed similar agreements with the United States are eligible. A program has been launched with the Netherlands. Programs with Germany and the United Kingdom are pending. Global Entry members, who have undergone a vigorous background check and paid annual fees, are able to bypass agents by scanning passports and fingerprints at automated kiosks. Currently available at seven U.S. airports, the government is readying to launch the program at 13 additional airports in 2009, including Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Orlando (MCO), Boston (BOS), Philadelphia (PHL) and Seattle (TAC).
1337 India St.
San Diego, CA 92101
tel 619 595 0300
Fran Gallagher, GT publisher, and I were on a business trip in San Diego and enjoyed a dinner at Anthology, touted as San Diego’s fine-tuned music and cuisine. We were slightly skeptical of what to expect from the live music restaurant venue, but any doubts we had left as soon as we stepped inside. Anthology is an upscale venue — with high-quality acoustics and fine cuisine.
The owners, Howard and Martha Berkson, spent 20 years traveling and visiting music clubs worldwide. Anthology is their vision realized. Opened in June 2007, Anthology evokes the memory of 1930s and 1940s supper clubs, but with a modern appeal.
The restaurant is located near San Diego’s Little Italy. The building has both indoor and outdoor space and offers loads of options for dining — from intimate dinners for two to large groups looking for a night on the town. The two levels seat up to 300 and the lighting, darker than the standard, sets the tone for the live performance. A large stage is positioned in the front and the tables come out from the stage to form a T-shape. The tables do not face the stage, but the stage is to the side when you sit down. Every seat is positioned for optimal sight and acoustics. The upper level has tables along the side, looking down at the stage, also from a side view. The wood, glass and concrete design creates a hip atmosphere and enhances the restaurant’s excellent acoustics.
As for the music, Anthology attracts a wide range of performers, from jazz and blues musicians to classic rock performers. On the night we were there, jazz musician Bobby Hutcherson performed. He played the xylophone, which made for a unique performance. A bass player, drummer and pianist accompanied Hutcherson.
And the food certainly is not lacking. Consulting chef Bradley Ogden’s menus feature American cuisine. I started with a Caesar salad, which was good but not spectacular. I chose the filet mignon, which was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. I very rarely eat steak, but every once in a while, it is a nice treat, and this did not disappoint. For dessert, I chose a chocolate-filled pastry with fruit and ice cream. It was different, but not a standout.
Anthology is all about the experience and the ambience. It is the perfect choice if you are looking for something different to do. All in all, it is an experience worth having!
Score: ••••• Kimberly Krol
Pamper your mom this Mother’s Day with the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa’s Mother’s Day Spa Package. Through June, the package includes ocean-view accommodations, a 50-minute facial and a 50-minute Swedish massage. The Ihilani Spa is offering a special rate of $199 for a spa and facial package for mom’s second guest. Call 808 679 0079 or visit the website. Use promotional code RXL. For more on Oahu and the resort, click here.
Treat your mom to a Miami getaway. Through Sept. 30, the Conrad Miami is offering a complimentary fourth night with any three-night stay. Plan your stay this weekend and indulge in the Mother’s Day brunch at the hotel’s Atrio restaurant. Selections include ceviche, avocado salad, pork belly and mimosas. Call 305 503 6529 or visit the website. For more on the Conrad Miami’s Spa Chakra, read here.
Or perhaps a visit to New York City is more mom’s speed. Brunch at Two Times Square in the Renaissance Times Square will be a definite hit. The chef has created a special menu, and patrons will receive a 5x7 family photo with a Times Square backdrop. Call 212 261 5200. Plan a New York City getaway for Mom this summer by bidding on an NYC hotel stay and Circle Line sightseeing tickets in Global Traveler’s annual online auction. Hurry, bidding ends May 15.
Perks abound for Delta SkyMiles members. SkyMiles members can again earn up to an additional 25,000 miles when doing business with non-airline partners, like Starwood, Avis, Hartmann and more. Register here. SkyMiles Medallion members are now being offered a larger selection of Medallion Threshold Rewards. Click here for a complete list of rewards. Delta’s extreme flyers also have a larger selection of reward gifts to choose from. SkyMiles members will earn 500 bonus miles when purchasing round-trip tickets now through May 31. Visit the website for more information. Read more about Delta’s in-flight experience here.
The early bird does get the worm with Air Tahiti Nui’s Early Bird fares. Book by May 11 for fares discounted up to 50 percent. Rates begin at $858 per person, including taxes and fees. Rates are valid for travel from Aug. 12 through Dec. 10. Further discounts are available when combining airfare and a six-night hotel stay in Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora. Book your tickets online. For more information on Tahiti, click here.
