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Volume 7, Issue 46, Nov. 18, 2009 |
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More than 200 business travelers united last week on an aviation excursion organized by FlyerTalk.com, in conjunction with Star Alliance. The four-day trip took the frequent travelers from the United States to Germany, Norway and France, allowing them to meet with airline executives, pilots, mechanics and Airbus representatives to discuss the airline industry. The participating airlines included United, Continental, Lufthansa and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Dubbed the Star Alliance Mega Do, trip participants ranged in age from 20 to 69.
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All Nippon Airways announced plans to upgrade its international products and services in tune with its new Inspiration of Japan concept. Starting in February 2010, the upgrades will begin with ANA’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the Tokyo–North America and Tokyo–Europe routes. The updated first-class services will include new seats, taller partitions around seats, elegant décor, ample storage, a la carte menus, a touch-screen ordering system and new bedding.
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Mexicana is officially a member of the oneworld alliance. The process was completed at midnight on Nov. 9. Mexicana and its affiliates, MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink, now offer the full range of alliance services and benefits. The oneworld network now offers flights to almost 700 destinations in 150 countries.
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Beginning Nov. 21, Jet Airways will relaunch the Boeing 777-300ER on its service between Newark (EWR) and Brussels (BRU). Increased customer demand has led to the decision to replace the current Airbus A330-200 with the Boeing aircraft through Jan. 16, 2010. The new aircraft will increase capacity in economy and business class, while reintroducing first class, which features private suites for comfort, space and privacy.
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A new mobile phone application allows users to make airport-parking reservations from their cell phones. SmartPark JFK, an airport parking service based at the New York City airport, launched the SmartPark JFK Mobile App last week. Reservations made via cell phones are free of charge. This is believed to be the first of many similar applications introduced by airport parking services throughout the country.
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Google is gifting airport travelers this holiday season by providing free WiFi Internet service at 47 airports through Jan. 15, 2010. Some of the participating airports include Austin (AUS), Boston (BOS), El Paso (ELP), Houston (IAH), Indianapolis (IND), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), San Antonio (SAT), Seattle (SEA), St, Louis (STL) and West Palm Beach (PBI). For a complete list of participating airports, click here. Google is also absorbing the charges for Virgin America’s in-flight WiFi service.
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Business Class
Dallas (DFW) to Amsterdam (AMS)
tel 800 225 2525
I checked in online for KLM flight 670 from Dallas (DFW) to Amsterdam (AMS), a codeshare flight with Northwest Airlines. Both airlines are members of the SkyTeam alliance. Arriving at DFW almost three hours before my 3:05 p.m. scheduled departure, I stopped at the check-in counter in an almost empty Terminal D for a quick passport and ID check, then quickly moved through security with my carry-on to the business-class lounge. The lounge was a modern, pleasant space, shared with Lufthansa, British Airways and Korean Air. The lounge offered snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine and top-shelf liquor. A large, angled-out window offered a nice view of the runways and the lounge was filled with so many paintings and artwork it resembled a small museum.
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V Australia is launching new service between Australia and Thailand. The three-class long-haul airline will be the only airline offering direct service between Brisbane (BNE) and Phuket (HKT). In celebration of the new flights, V Australia is offering special fares for travel in each cabin.
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Lufthansa’s Virtual Pilot II: The Next Challenge allows players to virtually visit locales around the world. The free online game tests geography knowledge and features four themed adventures. Players earn points and the chance to win a trip for two to Germany, including two round-trip tickets on Lufthansa, seven nights in Munich and a weekly rental car.
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Two new specials from Air Tahiti Nui are bringing the island destination within reach this holiday season. The Tahiti Christmas Fare, available for Dec. 9–12 departures with Dec. 25–26 returns, offers economy-class fares from $998. Children, up to age 11, pay 75 percent of the fare.
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Pamper yourself this holiday season with an exclusive package from Pan Pacific Seattle and Vida Spa. Through Jan. 31, 2010, the Spa-tacular package includes overnight accommodations and a lug bag filled to the brim with products from the spa. Rates begin at $269.
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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are offering a plethora of packages this holiday season. Through Dec. 30, the Fairmont Royal York’s Santa’s Little Helper Package includes accommodations, exclusive shopping discounts and valet parking. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Magical Mountain Christmas package includes accommodations, daily breakfast, a welcome amenity and a sleigh ride; valid Dec. 23–26.
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