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Volume 7, Issue 19, May 13, 2009 |
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Is it possible that the airline industry has successfully weathered the worst of the economic storm? Thanks to promising April traffic numbers, some analysts believe travel demand may be crawling its way back up after hitting bottom.
Continental, Delta, American, Southwest, AirTran, United and other U.S. airlines have reported their travel statistics for the month of April. While passenger traffic is still declining, the decline was significantly less in April than in previous months. Many hope this means the worst of the slump is now over. The six biggest U.S. carriers saw a 5.1 percent decrease over last year, which is a marked improvement over 11 percent declines in February and March. The combined drop is the smallest since August 2008. April traffic was boosted by the Easter holiday, which was celebrated in March in 2008.
The steep fare discounts and decreased flights and capacities initiated by airlines have helped to stabilize the industry. While high-paying business and premium travelers have yet to return, others are jumping at the greatly reduced airfares available. Business travel is not at a complete standstill, as most businesses have chosen to fly economy class rather than completely reduce travel. Airlines are also enjoying significantly lower fuel prices than this time last year. These positive signs that airlines are succeeding and stabilizing continue amid the fears from the H1N1 outbreak.
In another shift, the slowing economy has prompted airlines to utilize smaller jets and regional aircraft. According to the Regional Airline Association, three-quarters of U.S. airports are now served entirely by small aircraft. Regional planes carry 23 percent of passengers. With a faster turnaround time, these jets allow airlines to schedule more flights per day and help serve cities that do not warrant or cannot accommodate larger aircraft.
Analysts’ predictions continue to flip-flop, but for the first time in many months, outlooks are more positive. Following the airline revenue postings, airline stocks showed solid gains. 
A host of new properties are springing up around the globe. Dutch hotel group, citizenM, has opened its second property. CitizenM Amsterdam City is located in the financial district. In the Dominican Republic, Palace Resorts announced the soft opening of its new all-inclusive luxury property, Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort. Discounted rates are available. The official grand opening is expected in late 2009. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Marriott International has been tapped as the hotel operator for Park Towers. Emirates is currently constructing the 1,614-room twin-tower hotel and apartment property. Stateside, Renaissance is introducing the Renaissance New York Hotel 57. Hotel 57, a popular NYC hotel located at 57th Street and Lexington Avenue, is complete after a $40 million renovation and reopens as the second Renaissance property in Manhattan.
Two domestic airlines prep new routes, while a Middle East carrier unveils a brand-new first class. Beginning June 5, Delta Air Lines will offer nonstop service from New York (JFK) to Valencia (VLC). The service will operate Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
AirTran Airways launched nonstop service between Milwaukee (MKE) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP). Introductory rates are available for $39 one way.
Etihad Airways revealed its new first-class cabin design at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Highlights of the new design include 82-inch-long private suites, 80.5-inch fully-flat beds, sliding privacy doors, 23-inch personal video screens, personal minibars, illuminated wardrobes, storage space, extra-large tables and a changing room. For an exclusive interview with James Hogan, Etihad CEO, click here.
Holland America Line is bringing volunteerism onboard its ships. The Cruise With Purpose program allows cruise guests to participate in volunteer service on specially designed tours. The program launches this summer in Juneau, Alaska. Through partnerships with non-profits, the cruise line will offer traditional tours designed around volunteer and citizen science opportunities. The Alaska tour, in conjunction with Gastineau Guiding, Alaska Sea Grant’s Marine Advisory Program and Alaska Marine Conservation Alliance, will take guests on an exploration vessel to document whales.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) hopes to offer sleep units throughout its international terminal. Airport officials are looking to construct tiny rooms, modeled after Japanese pod or capsule hotels, which will be available for rent to travelers looking to nap or freshen up between flights. The trend is popular throughout Asia and Europe and SFO would be the first U.S. airport to offer this type of accommodation. The sleep units would be outfitted with a bed, desk and outlets, while the possibilities of TVs, restrooms and other amenities are being explored. SFO is looking for a concessionaire to complete the project. For more information on another SFO initiative, its airport art program, click here.
SkyTeam is working to ensure a smooth transition for passengers when Continental Airlines and Copa Airlines depart the alliance on Oct. 24. In an effort to keep passengers informed, the alliance has outlined what people can expect from the departure of the airlines. The following updates were recently made available. Oct. 24 will be the last day for customers to earn frequent-flyer miles on Continental or Copa flights, for OnePass members to earn points on SkyTeam member flights or for customers to redeem frequent-flyer miles on Continental/Copa flights and vice versa. Lounge access will be available through Oct. 24. Award itineraries booked and ticketed on or before Oct. 24 will be valid for one year from date of issue. OnePass miles are not transferable to another SkyTeam member program. Only a small number of Continental and Copa destinations will no longer be served by the alliance post-Oct. 24.
2621 Westpark Drive
Houston, TX 77089
tel 713 523 7154
The Goode Company Texas Seafood restaurant is known as “the railroad car” restaurant because of its appearance. It is known as one of the state’s best seafood places because of the great food.
You can order one of their many appetizers, but I was warned against the starters because of the size of the meals. Therefore, I opted for a cup of seafood gumbo. This was so chock full of plump, succulent shrimp, crab and oysters it almost doesn’t qualify as soup. There was just enough spice to make it perfect. If you do choose an appetizer, the lump meat crab cakes and the shrimp tamales top the list.
It is a challenge to only highlight a few of the mesquite-grilled dinners because I don’t want to leave any delicious entrees out. My dining companions enjoyed the yellow fin tuna, shrimp con salsa and catfish filet. I selected the stuffed shrimp; others chose the fried catfish. Six hungry men are not easily satisfied, but I did not hear one complaint about these meals. In fact, most talking stopped as we all savored every last morsel.
All dinners are served with an empanada, garlic bread and your choice of seafood rice, red beans, fries or vegetables. While all are good, this is Texas and you are in seafood heaven. Stick with the theme and go for the rice or beans. They make the best companions to the dishes.
The dessert list — chocolate cream pie, pecan pie and vanilla ice cream — is limited, but you won’t care. If you have room for dessert, something was wrong with your meal selection.
There is a good selection of wines and beers, certainly something for everyone. I give the place extra points for having good fountain Coke.
During peak times, you can expect a short wait. The place isn’t huge. While it is crowded, it isn’t overly noisy or annoying. This would not be my choice for a first date, but if you are in the mood for great seafood, you won’t find a better place.
Score: ••••• John Wroblewski
Qantas is offering an incredible deal for travelers. Sale fares are available from New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) to Cairns (CNS) and The Great Barrier Reef for as low as $720 roundtrip. Wait, there’s more — through May 19, the airline is offering a bonus flight to Brisbane (BNE), Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) at no additional cost. The deal is valid for travel now through June 9 or from July 20 through Dec. 9. For more information, visit the website.
American Airlines is supporting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Through 2009, the airline is offering five AAdvantage miles for every dollar donated to the foundation, with a $25 minimum donation. To make a donation and earn AAdvantage miles, click here. For more on breast cancer, and how you can help, click here.
American Airlines has also launched Capture the Flagship Experience. Through June 29, registered participants will take virtual tours of seven AA flagship experience worlds. Participants will be asked a series of questions and will receive a flag for each correct answer. Once participants capture seven flags, they can enter to win prizes. The grand prize is two round-trip business-class tickets to anywhere in Europe, Asia or South America. Register here.
El Al, the national airline of Israel, is offering reduced fares for spring and summer travel. New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) business-class passengers can travel through the summer for $2,400 roundtrip, a 40 percent savings. Through May 20, two passengers who book and travel together will receive a 15 percent discount on round-trip travel from New York, Newark or Los Angeles (LAX). Springtime and summer savings are available for economy-class passengers. Check the website for dates and fares. The El Al Family Fare is available for families traveling in economy class with up to five children. Hotel and air packages are also available through El Al. Don’t miss out on your chance to bid on a round-trip economy-class ticket on EL AL in our online auction. Bid here; hurry — the auction ends Friday. Read here for more from the airline.
In celebration of its fifth anniversary, the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris is offering two anniversary packages in May. The Give Me Five promotion offers guests booking a five-night stay a complimentary sixth night. The Five-Year Anniversary Upgrade allows guests to upgrade to a suite for five additional euros. Promotions cannot be combined. Call 33 1 58 36 67 20 or email for reservations. Click here to find out what GT says about the Hilton Arc de Triomphe.
Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts opened its first property in the Americas — Banyan Tree Mayakoba, in Riviera Maya. In honor of its grand opening, the property is offering an introductory rate of $495 per night for garden pool villa accommodations and daily breakfast for two, for a minimum three-night stay. One 90-minute massage is offered per booking. The offer is valid through June 30. Call 800 591 0439, email, or visit the website. For more on Riviera Maya, click here.
