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Volume 7, Issue 49, December 09, 2009 |
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With holiday travel in full swing, select airlines have added a $20 surcharge for travel on certain days through New Year’s Eve. The holiday fee most likely applies to travel on Dec. 18–19, 23, 26–27 and 30, depending on the applicable airline. U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) plans to reintroduce legislation, known as the Clear Airfares Act, which will give passengers a clear breakdown of all additional fees, including holiday surcharges, baggage fees and food charges.
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A host of hotels and airlines have introduced a number of new amenities to please guests. The Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. now offers guests the use of a Kindle reader while dining at Seasons Restaurant. Guests can order a newspaper to read and it will appear in about 20 seconds. Kindle offers more than 80 newspapers from 15 countries.
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According to the ITB World Travel Trends report, air passengers can expect a short- to mid-term rise in the price of airline tickets worldwide. The ticket price increases will be a result of rises in taxes and charges, as well as an effort by airlines to reach profitability. Current airline prices are too low for airlines to become profitable again.
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A proposed plan between All Nippon Airways, United and Continental will integrate Japan/United States passenger operations. The move is expected to become effective in late 2010 and will raise efficiency, reduce costs and boost earnings. The tie-up would also establish sub-sections within each company that would work together as a single company.
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As Global Traveler reported in April, Starwood Hotels & Resorts is in the middle of a legal battle with Hilton Hotels Corporation over claims of corporate espionage. New reports indicate the two hotel companies are looking toward the possibility of a settlement. Since the suit has been filed, Hilton has suspended further development on a new brand and placed accused executives on administrative leave.
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Airline passengers can instantly alert friends, family and co-workers to a safe arrival with a new mobile phone program, ArrivedOK. The personal flight tracker traces cell phones. When the device is turned on upon landing, the program automatically sends an “Arrived OK” message to a designated group of recipients via SMS, email and social media.
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First Class
Philadelphia (PHL)–Dallas (DFW)–Albuquerque (ABQ)
tel 800 433 7300
I had a lunch meeting 32 miles northeast of Philadelphia and I took a different route to Philadelphia International than I would have normally taken, but it got me there rather efficiently. I found a parking space a few steps from the terminal and, with golf clubs in tow, I checked into American Airlines’ first class. Security was a breeze as I was directed through the premium line.
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Holiday packages abound in Boston. The Liberty Hotel is offering the On Top of the Liberty package on New Year’s Eve. The package includes overnight accommodations, two tickets to the New Year’s Eve party, two glasses of Champagne, late check-out, Molton Brown recovery eye cream and two Bloody Marys.
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South African Airways Vacations’ Culinary Safari package offers food lovers the chance to explore traditional South African cuisine. The 11-day package departs March 16, 2010 and includes round-trip airfare on South African Airways. Travelers can depart from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD). The package starts at $3,990 with visits to Cape Town, the Winelands and the Sabie River.
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For the traveler in your life, do all your holiday shopping with American Airlines this season. The airline has some tempting offers. AA gift cards are available in any denomination between $50 and $1,500. Through 2009, the airline will give $5 for every $50 purchased to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Enter KOMEN as the tracking code. Through Dec. 31, earn up to 20,000 AAdvantage miles when purchasing miles as a gift or a 25 percent miles bonus when you share your miles with others this season.
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Pan Pacific Hotels and PARKROYAL Hotels are offering savings on stays at all of their Singapore properties. The 24-Hour Sale, available every Friday through Jan. 8, 2010 for 24 hours only, offers complimentary breakfast, extended late checkout, 50 percent off a second room and a guaranteed upgrade. Visit panpacific.com or parkroyalhotels.com. Offer is valid for Friday, Saturday, Sunday travel through Jan. 10, 2010.
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Visit London this holiday season with the Christmas in London package, available at all six Red Carnation Hotels in the city. Through Jan. 4, 2010, the package is offered at The Milestone, The Egerton House Hotel, 41, The Montague on the Gardens, The Chesterfield Mayfair and The Rubens at the Palace.
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