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Volume 7, Issue 21, May 28, 2009 |
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Over the past year, many airlines have instituted unpopular initiatives — from checked bag fees to á la carte pricing. One new program, however, is proving to be quite popular among airline passengers.
According to the Denver Post, the “cashless cabin” — credit and debit cards only for in-flight transactions — has evolved over the past three years. American Airlines was the first carrier to accept credit card payments onboard and will switch to a completely cashless program on June 1.
Many passengers praise the program, saying it is easier to keep track of business expenses since all transactions produce a receipt. Other passengers hail the end of pre-flight searches for airport ATMs. However, some passengers question whether paying small amounts with credit cards — and their associated fees — will cause prices to rise. Airlines counter that the fees have not affected the price of in-flight meals, alcoholic beverages and other transactions.
Credit card devices used on board are about two times the size of a cell phone, with a touch screen, card reader and printer. Flight attendants have had varied reactions to the devices. While flight attendants are relieved to surrender the responsibility for making change and keeping track of mounds of cash, many are concerned about device malfunctions, safety, staffing and slow service.
United Airlines’ EasyPurchase allowed the airline to go cashless in March. The airline said all glitches with the program were handled during the testing phase. Additionally, airlines have found that passengers spend more money when using credit cards. JetBlue began using credit cards on board in 2007 and saw revenues almost double. 
British Airways will launch a new non-stop daily flight between Las Vegas (LAS) and London (LHR) on Oct. 25. A Boeing 777 will service the route, offering Club World (business), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy) cabins. The daily flight will depart Las Vegas at 7 p.m., arriving in London the next day at 12:50 p.m. Return flights will depart London at 2:20 p.m., arriving in Las Vegas at 5:10 p.m. Fares are available for as low as $461 roundtrip. For more on London, read here. For more on Las Vegas, click here.
Twitter, a popular social networking website, has made its way into the hotel world. Hyatt Hotels has launched a Twitter-powered 24-hour concierge service, HyattConcierge. Hyatt is the first major hotel company to use Twitter for this purpose. With the new service, Hyatt staff is able to immediately respond to guest inquiries — before, during and after hotel stays. Guests will also be able to use the service to book appointments and other reservations.
Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM have signed a joint agreement creating a more integrated trans-Atlantic venture. The three airlines will share costs, revenues, branding and advertising. The new agreement represents about 25 percent of the trans-Atlantic flight capacity. Delta and Air France/KLM will operate more than 200 flights daily. The joint venture follows separate agreements between KLM and Northwest in 1997 and Air France and Delta in 2007.
The Senate has unanimously approved the Travel Promotion Act 2009, designed to promote the United States as a premiere travel destination to travelers abroad. The legislation also communicates U.S. entry policies. In the long-term, the initiative is expected to attract 1.6 million additional visitors per year and stimulate the U.S. economy by creating thousands of jobs and generating tax revenues.
For the fifth year in a row, Global Traveler and United have teamed up to find the 1K Global Traveler of the Year. The contest, open to all United 1K members, poses the question: How does being a frequent traveler define you? The winning essayist will receive the choice of a getaway to New York or Los Angeles, with round-trip airfare provided by United and accommodations courtesy of Andaz, Hyatt’s new casual luxury brand. The contest runs through Nov. 1. For complete rules and to enter, visit the website.
2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
800 FOR AUDI
For the Audi Q5 Weekend, a product specialist brought the crossover SUV to my house and did a quick run-through of the car. He showed me how to open and close the panoramic sunroof and spent a bit of time going over the MMI system, which displays everything from the electronic dipstick to check the oil to the radio and navigation system. He had already punched in the address of our destination, the Lodge at Woodloch, in Hawley, Pa.
We packed the car and found there was plenty of room for our weekend bags, but I was concerned there wouldn’t be enough room to fit luggage for a longer trip. It’s a good thing Audi remembered this is a crossover SUV and equipped it with roof rails to haul extra gear. The car even has sensors to tell when the roof rails are in place and it adjusts accordingly. Also impressive — it has a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds; its competitors max out at 3,500 pounds.
The trip to Hawley started out on highways and ended on curvy country roads, so, we were really able to test out Audi’s drive select options. Four modes allow you to choose the responses of the car’s suspension, steering and shifting. We found that “comfort” was nice and smooth for highways; “dynamic“ made the curvy back roads fun to drive; and ‘”automatic” was a good mix of both. We didn’t get to test out “individual mode” because it takes time to learn your own personal driving style.
This car has some great features that truly make it a luxury vehicle. It has a thermo heated/cool cup holder — so whether you have coffee or soda, it is always the right temperature. I also liked the three-zone climate control, allowing the driver, the passenger and backseat passengers to be comfortable at the same time. The parking system has a back-up camera that makes parking a breeze.
Overall, this car looks sporty, is fun to drive and maintains many of the desired features of a sport utility vehicle without the bulky size.
Score: ••••• Tracey Cullen
EVA Air’s frequent-flyer program is better than ever. Through May 2010, Evergreen Club members who fly on any qualifying flights can now earn double or triple frequent-flyer rewards, applicable toward card-status upgrades and membership renewals. Premium Laurel and business-class frequent flyers can earn triple calculations upon completing qualifying flights; premium economy or economy class passengers can accumulate double account credits. Visit the website. For more from EVA, click here.
Tahiti is now for lovers. The Tahiti Lover’s Escape package includes round-trip economy-class airfare from Los Angeles (LAX), a four-night stay at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti, airport transfers and daily breakfast. At the same time, Air Tahiti Nui is offering its lowest economy-class fares ever. Round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Tahiti (PPT) are $732 per person. Both specials are valid for travel through Sept. 20, but must be booked by June 5. For the Lover’s Escape package, click here. For airfare, click here. For more on Tahiti, click here.
American Airlines has once again revolutionized the frequent-flyer program. One-Way Flex Awards allow AAdvantage members to book one-way travel using half the round-trip award miles. Members are also able to combine different types of one-way awards on a single itinerary. Customers can choose to travel in first class one way and in economy class on the return for the first time ever. The new program allows passengers to book up to four one-way awards at one time and to book award travel in Spanish. Visit the website.
In celebration of its March opening, The Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale is offering a New Beginnings package. Through Dec. 31, the package includes spacious accommodations, valet parking, breakfast buffet for two at Shula’s on the Beach, beach chair rentals for two and a beach umbrella. Package starts at $199 per night, a savings of up to 47 percent. Call 888 627 7108 or visit the website. For more from Westin, click here.
The Borrego Ranch Resort & Spa is offering three great promotions. The Third Night Free package offers guests three-night accommodations for the price of two. Rates start at $490. The Golf & Stay package is a great way to enjoy the resort’s Tom Fazio course. The package, beginning at $595, includes two-night deluxe accommodations and two rounds of golf. Or, try the Midweek Escape package, beginning at $490. The package includes two-night poolside accommodations, two 50-minute spa treatments and breakfast for two. The Midweek Escape is available Sunday through Thursday. Visit the website.
