Omega World Travel

FEATURED PARTNER: ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS (ANA

Bob Bubp — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:14:46 +0000

ANA will resume its Boeing 787 Dreamliner service on June 1st, following the successful completion of a series of battery system modifications, safety checks and test flights. 787 routes will be Tokyo Narita to San Jose, CA, Seattle, and Beijing; and Tokyo Haneda to Taipei, Frankfurt and Beijing. ANA has initially scheduled five flights a week to San Jose and seven to Seattle. Additional routes will begin later in the summer. (ANA, 5-9-13)

WEB-HUNGRY AIR TRAVELERS GET BROADBAND BOOST

Bob Bubp — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:11:37 +0000

The FCC recently took a step toward improving web access for air travelers, voting to write rules to open frequencies for an air-to-ground Internet service proposed by Qualcomm. The agency’s plan will help travelers pull in Facebook pages, spreadsheets, videos, games and music on planes equipped with Wi-Fi systems. Another vote is needed before final approval, as the agency is changing leadership. Although airlines already send data to and from aircraft so passengers can connect to the Internet over a Wi-Fi signal, Qualcomm will bring “significantly greater bandwidth” to support “exponentially increasing data demands.” (Bloomberg.com 5-9-13)

AIRPORT CONTROL TOWERS CLOSING PLAN CANCELLED

Bob Bubp — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:08:58 +0000

The FAA recently cancelled budget-driven plans to close 149 air traffic control towers at smaller U.S. airports, two weeks after Congress passed legislation to end air traffic controller furloughs that had delayed flights. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said federal officials determined the legislation gave the FAA enough flexibility to keep funding the towers, which had been scheduled to be closed in June to save money. The agency will also use new funding flexibility to shift $10 million toward reducing cuts and delays in moving to a new satellite-based air traffic control program. (Airwise, 5-10-13)

GROUND TRANSPORT SPENDING OVERLOOKED BY TRAVEL MANAGERS

Bob Bubp — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:05:48 +0000

Managing spending on ground transportation is an often-overlooked opportunity for travel managers to save their companies money, although many don’t even know what they are spending. Mobile apps have now made it just as easy to hail a black car as it is a taxi. However, the easier it is, the more travelers will upgrade to a limo or an SUV. Typically a few key employees account for the bulk of a company’s black car spend. Extra stops, additional wait times, cancellations, inside pick-ups and other special services can drive up costs. The keys to managing black car costs are tracking usage, educating users, and bringing ground transportation into your overall travel policy. (TravelMarketReport 5-2-13)

HOMEWOOD SUITES DEBUTS REDESIGN STANDARDS

Bob Bubp — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:01:17 +0000

At its Memphis property, Hilton upscale extended-stay brand Homewood Suites has begun a system-wide overhaul of its properties’ public areas and guest amenities. Hotel lounges and dining areas were deemed most in need of a new design; changes include more contemporary and varied seating and tables in the dining and lounge area, new hardwood floors and a new outdoor kitchen area. System-wide renovations will take place in phases on a tight schedule during the coming years, with hotels required to introduce new bedding in all rooms by the end of 2014 and new recycling receptacles by the end of this year. (Business Travel News, 5-10-13)

AMERICAN EXTENDS FLAGSHIP CHECK-IN; LAUNCHES PROMOTION

Bob Bubp — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:47:00 +0000

American has extended Flagship Check-in to New York JFK for its premium passengers. Currently available also at LAX and MIA, it creates a private, expedited check-in experience . . . the airline’s AAdvantage has launched the “Miles for the Cure” promotion to encourage its members to support breast cancer research by donating to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Until May 31, members will earn 15 miles instead of the standard 10 for each dollar donated, with a minimum donation of $25 required. Members may also donate by giving a gift card; for every $50 purchased with the gift card, AA will donate $5. (Business Travel News 5-8-13)

UNITED TO START DREAMLINER FLIGHTS

Bob Bubp — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:43:12 +0000

United has scheduled Boeing 787 Dreamliner service to begin May 20 on routes from Houston to other domestic hubs, and will begin international 787 flights on the Denver-Tokyo route on June 10. (E-Turbo News, 5-14-13)

FEATURED PARTNER: AMERICAN AIRLINES (AA)

Liz Morris — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:26:31 +0000

AA now offers Choice Fare Options, a program to purchase various packaged travel services at a lower cost than when selected a la carte. #1 The Choice gives customers traveling in coach the flexibility to purchase services such as
pre-reserved seating, priority boarding, Admirals Club and frequent flyer mile accrual. #2 Choice Essential, offers; no change fee, one checked bag and Group 1 boarding for an additional $68 round-trip. #3 Choice Plus, packages; no change fee, one checked bag, Group 1 Boarding, 50 percent frequent flyer mileage bonus, Same-Day Flight Change, Same-Day Standby, and a premium beverage onboard for an additional $88 round-trip. Select only the combination of services desired and pay less.

PRECHECK GOES GLOBAL

Liz Morris — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:15:06 +0000

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded its PreCheck expedited screening program to include international flights. PreCheck passengers traveling from 40 airports on Alaska, American, Delta, United, or US Airways will be allowed to leave on shoes, jackets, and belts, and leave laptops in cases. This program is open to U.S. citizens who are members of certain airline frequent flier programs or of CBP Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members are also eligible. The TSA is committed to implementing innovative ways to move recognized travelers through check-in quickly and placing the focus on those passengers about whom less is known.

COSTS SOAR FOR AIRLINE TICKETS

Liz Morris — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:11:35 +0000

The true price of a one-way airline ticket has increased by more than 29% since 2008 when you include all fees and taxes and airline imposed charges for commonly used and previously free services. The presence of a low-cost carrier in a market does not always forecast lower airfares. Airlines have become increasingly savvy in the art of capturing ancillary fees. The fare is just the deposit. Fees for “optional” services such as, checked bags, early boarding, “preferred” seating and much more, accounts for an additional 15% of a one-way ticket.