Some Sweet January Sweeps!
Everyone loves a good give-a-way, so we’ve scoured the web to find some great travel opportunities that won’t cost you a penny – or a point! Good luck!
Where better to spend St. Paddy’s Day than in the mecca of four leaf clovers, Dublin, Ireland? Jameson Irish Whiskey and Pandora have teamed up to offer a 5-night stay for two at a 4-star hotel, plus round-trip airfair, extra spending money, and complimentary access to a number of unique Dublin attractions. Talk about a great Spring get-away. Enter by connecting with Facebook or simply filling in a few lines of contact information here until the 27th of this month, so get a move on!
Try EVRewards for the Best Online Shopping Loyalty Program Rewards
The customer buying experience is a mere exoskeleton of what it once was. Years ago we relied on salespeople and brochures to figure our what we wanted and when to buy it, but today we have all of the information we need right at our fingertips. Unfortunately, there is often so much information out there that figuring out exactly the best bargain can still be a challenge. Enter: EVRewards.
A simple online platform, EVRewards will perform an automatic search of all the available bargains and loyalty programs, including the mile and point conversions for various frequent flyer programs, per online retailer!
For instance, before committing to Best Buy to purchase some new electronics for my niece’s birthday I typed the term “Best Buy” into the search engine and it responded with a complete list of rewards. What I found, among other things, was a promotion code for free shipping and the point/miles per dollar spent conversion for all major airline and hotel programs.With this information at hand, I was able to figure our exactly which card would give me the best bang for my buck.
This may sound a bit confusing but the site could not be more user-friendly. What’s more, this means that you can stop scouring the web for the deals before going to the online retailer’s site. In other words, less time wasted, more money saved!It’s a complete win-win. Try it out here and see for yourself. And FYI, you don’t have to thank us – coming across the site in the first place was gift enough for us!
Guru Tip: It can cost 3 cents or more per mile plus fees (example: $75.25 for 2,000 miles on United) to top off your account from say 98,500 miles to 100,000 miles for your trip. Signup for Netflix for example and earn 1,500 miles, saving you $75.25! That about pays the $8 a month fee, most of a year, or cancel early and you may be able to keep the miles (we hear).
What Does "Inclement Weather" Mean for Your Flight (& Your Wallet)?
Bad weather is a traveller’s enemy. From snowstorms to high wind to volcanic eruptions (a la Iceland’s Grimvotn) – they all mean delays and cancellations. But what about missed connections? We’re always able to get through eventually, but who’s responsible for what when we get there too late for our next flight?
Unsurprisingly, all airlines include a provision against so-called “Acts of God” or problems that arise that they have utterly no control of, like the weather.Essentially, this indicates that the airline has zero responsibility to flyers who miss connections due to weather. That being said, every airline is different and often even the representatives within a given airline will often offer up different responses.
Here’s what we know: typically, if you get booted from a subsequent flight due to nasty weather, most airlines will allow you to rebook a later flight without having to pay the typical rebooking fee. We say most because not all will and, more often than not, you do have to engage a bit of sweet-talking. Sometimes you can even get them to waive the cost difference between tickets - a feat that is much less daunting if you have a paper ticket over an e-ticket. If you cannot get beyond that, you’re unlikely to get all that much love. Hotel stays and food vouchers aren’t offered up willingly unless the delays are unusually long.
If the airline is unwilling to provide you any re-accomodation, you’re booking agent may be able to help. While they typically have similar conditions in their sales contracts that exempt them from fault, their desire to do business again with you may prompt them to eliminate the rebooking fee or offer a discount on a rebooked ticket. Our Guru’s, specifically, are available 24/7 and always right in front of their computer – which means you won’t need to wait as long to rebook. What’s more, we can also often bank your ticket and issue you a new one on a competitive airline in order to get you out faster.
Guru Tip: Go prepared. Always schedule flights so that you have a minimum of one hour in between connections. We suggest checking into some forums to see what other travelers have experienced and what they recommend for connection times at certain airports or for certain routes - or simply ask your Guru.
Beyond that, be familiar with later offerings of your same flight. If you have some idea of the flights you could potentially try and jump on should you miss your connection, you’ll be able to make decisions more quickly and spend less time trying to pull information from sales representatives.
Finally, ask and ye shall receive. Ask for a free change, ask for a flight on another airline (even one that’s not a partner), ask for hotel and food vouchers, ask for an upgraded seat on the next flight, and you just may get it! One client our Guru’s had helped use his miles was stuck due to weather and could not get on his second outbound leg, so by asking, he got a free flight home and a free round-trip to use later - with no fees! You just have to ask, and know its possible.
Singapore Airlines orders more Airbus A380s and A350s
Singapore Airlines plans to order five more A380s and another 20 A350s for additional capacity growth and fleet renewal.
The firm order commitments are valued at US$7.5 billion based on Airbus’ published list prices. Deliveries are due to begin in 2017.
SIAcurrently operates 19 A380-800 superjumbos and already had firm ordersin place for 20 A350s, for delivery starting in 2015. As with the earlier A350order, the A350-900 variant has been selected for the 20 additionalaircraft.
Emirates new route to Athens on the latest Airbus A380
Emirates will operate the first ever A380 scheduled service into Athens. “Touching down at Athens International Airport on the 26th of October will mark a significant milestone for Emirates and its operations in Greece,” the Dubai-based airline said. Emirates flight EK105 will depart Dubai on 26th October at 08:55 and will arrive in Athens at 12:50 the same day. The return flight, EK106, will depart Athens at 16:40 arriving in Dubai at 22:05 the same day.
About the Airbus A380
From Private Suites and Shower Spas in First Class to flat-bed seats in Business Class to extra room and custom lighting in Economy Class, and inflight Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft, the Emirates A380 is as close as it comes to flying in your own private jet!
Have Luggage, Will Travel
There may be a lot to be down about right now, what with the dismal economy and all, but one thing we can’t complain about: delays and lost luggage! Believe it or not, the Department of Transportation has reported a record 84% of domestic flights arrived within 15 minutes or less of their scheduled time from January-July of this year.What’s more, less than 3 out of every 1,000 travelers reported loss, damaged, or delayed luggage.
Naturally, the correlated improvement is because (surprise, surprise) when flights are on time, there’s less chaos for luggage. But what’s the cause for all of it? Well, there are a few factors. First, the weather has been much less burdensome for airlines this year – fewer thunderstorms and less snow.Also, most airlines have adjusted their boarding procedures and boosted the positive influence of technology in recent months to streamline and speed up passenger wait time.
On the less exciting side, the Federal Aviation Administration reports that fewer passengers are flying due to the recession. Also, because of all the increased charges for baggage, many of us are leaving as much as possible at home, which means that there is less for baggage handlers to do (or make us wait for).
Yet despite a bit of dull news, the sum of the message is still uplifting for us frequent fliers: happiness is on the rise! We’ll be late for fewer meetings, at home for more dinners, and be making fewer emergency trips to the mall when our bags don’t arrive as they should.Needless to say, we’re smiling.
United Ticketing Glitch: Room for Debate
What if we told you that for just 4 frequent flier miles, or $33, you could be on your way to Hong Kong?Well while we may be good, we’re not that good. United Airlines, however, recently startled some of their customers with such stunningly low fares. Although, what seemed like a gift from the airline Gods was actually a computer glitch that sent United’s senior managers into a panicked frenzy.
By now you’re likely familiar with what is quickly becoming the infamous “United Glitch”– a computer error that showed up on June 15th and resulted in fabulous deals for hundreds, if not thousands, of passengers. Word of the faulty pricing spread like wildfire throughout the frequent flier community and many individuals cashed in on the opportunity, knowing full well of the reality of the situation.
When United caught up with the rest of us, they immediately pulled the plug and told those who had purchased tickets that they could (a) be refunded or (b) pay the appropriate amount.Interestingly enough, the DOT has just put their newest consumer protection policy in place, which prevents airlines from “increasing the price after the consumer completes the purchase.”
The ensuing debacle has granted an incredible amount of press to United and sparked significant debate.In a Huffington Post article, founder of AirfareWatchdog George Hobica suggested that consumers who purchased the tickets knew full well there was an error and should therefore be held accountable. While many have echoed support, others still have fired back that individual consumers should be able to take advantage of big businesses’ mistake. Well, frequent business class fliers, what do you think? Would you give the ticket back or, as they say, take the ticket and run?
Why You Don't Cut in Line 101
Southwest Airlines is well known for its boarding policy, which is in short, first come, first serve. Frequent flyers and VIP aren’t garnered much more attention than the rest of us – and, apparently, neither are up-and-coming high school lacrosse players.As Texas high schooler Mac Breedlove learned on his flight last week, there’s no use breakin’ such rules.
When boarding a flight with the rest of his teammates to head to a summer lacrosse tournament, Breedlove decided it would be wise to cut in line so that, naturally, he could have a better pick of the available seating.What Breedlove didn’t know is that his coach was watching him and wasn’t so entertained by the teen’s unabashed antics.
After everyone had boarded the plane, Breedlove was forced to issue a full apology to the rest of the passengers over the aircraft’s speaker system. “During the boarding process, I took advantage of this airline’s kindness,” Breedlove began his public shaming, “I hope you will all find it in your hearts to forgive me, for I am just a young man that thinks I’m smarter than I am. Enjoy your flight, and remember to fly Southwest, because they let me coach do this to me.”
Breedlove now insists that he understands his coach was trying to impart a life lesson and that he, consequently, will mind his manners. We certainly hope so! Nevertheless, what was all an embarrassing moment in this young man’s life has turned out to be quite the public attraction for Southwest.
Take My Bags, Charles!
After a long flight and a busy itinerary, the last thing you want to do is stand around in baggage claim waiting for your luggage to make it’s way – or not - through the endless maze of luggage traffic that is going on behind the scenes.Well, fear not frequent fliers, American Airlines is touting the newest of extra services offered for a fee and it's sure to help – luggage delivery!
Imagine being able to B-line from the jetbridge directly to your car and, magically, your luggage meets you at your home, office, or hotel just a few hours later!We see this as an especially useful option when your schedule is tight, if there’s a good chance your flight will be delayed because of impending weather, or if you’re travelling alone with many bags. American Airlines managing director for customer operations planning David Vance echoed such sentiments to reporters, adding that families traveling with many children may also benefit from this service.
So, really, there’s nothing about this extra service that we don’t like. And there really aren’t any major catches – we checked. Delivery, which will be arranged through BAGS VIP Luggage Delivery, will be available starting tomorrow in approximately 200 US airports. Luggage will be delivered within a 40-mile radius of the airport; if you go over, it’s a $1 per mile.A single bag will cost $29.95, two bags will total $39.95, and between three and ten bags will ring in at $49.95.
Think you might want to take advantage of this new perk? Simply sign up when you book your next business class flight!
One Airport You'll Never Want to Leave
As frequent fliers, many of us are accustomed to staying not only in hotels, but in airport hotels.Sadly, far too many of them leave us wanting something more, often much more.However, according to the 2012 Skytrax Best Airport Hotel Awards, Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong is one home away from home that truly offers it all.
Honestly, the results don’t come as that much of a surprise, given that it’s actually the second year the hotel has taken home the gold in this guest-ranked competition. Edward Plaisted of Skytrax stated, “The defining factors of success for any airport hotel are location, facilities and service and the Regal Airport Hotel is clearly a hit with customers on all of these fronts.”
So what’s so special about this place? With more than 1,100 exquisitely decorated guestrooms and undeniably friendly around the clock customer service, the term “comfortable” is a massive understatement.All in all, the hotel features six eateries, in accompaniment with the airport, ranging from a modern a la carte café to a Canton and Sichuan specialty restaurant.
If you’re feeling even the slightest bit frenzied, be sure to stop in at the OM spa on the third floor.In addition to state of the art exercise equipment, an oversized outdoor resort-like pool, and in indoor pool/whirlpool combination, there is an extensive massage list that is accessible for 18 hours of each day.
Still doubting how amazing this hotel is? Just take a few minutes to browse their website. Trust us, if your business class ticket has you flying through Hong Kong, you’ll want a lengthy layover just so you can stay the night!
United is Dream-ing Now!
This morning while many of us were trying to make it through the first few hours of our day, United Airlines was busy welcoming the newest member to its vast fleet: their first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.The event, which was initially streamed live with multiple viewpoints from the paint hanger at Paine Field in Washington, should be uploaded for all to see by the end of the week.
Sporting the new United insignia and dress, the plane touts an air of understated elegance. A thin gold line curls around the fuselage and nose in a nod to the Boeing/United relationship that has endured more than five decades. What’s more, the plane marks the first to utilize United’s new in-flight entertainment system, which according to United will offer “more intuitive browsing and more filtering options.”
We have it on good authority that the interior is said to feature subtle blues and grays, akin to their other new aircrafts already in service – but we can’t really be sure until the media is allowed to cross the threshold for the first time on Thursday morning.Wondering what the business class configurations will be? The Dreamliner offers 36 flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst class in a 2-2-2 arrangement.
United is set to take delivery of the craft in September, but for now pilots and crew are still being trained with a full-flight simulator in Houston to prepare.The incredible craft will officially go into United’s circulation later this fall and should be accompanied by four more before year’s end. The only mystery left now is which route it will take over!
3 Lounges That Make You Go "Wow"
In the past few months, we’ve talked about how many airlines are trying to go beyond the status quo and think outside of the box to better compete.From EVA decking out their planes in Hello Kitty gear to Virgin offering a galactic sub-orbital space flight reward, the race to become a customer fave is always on. And where better to show off what an airline’s got than in their exclusive lounges?
There is perhaps no lounge more impressive than Virgin Atlantic’s flagship lounge, the Clubhouse at London-Heathrow. In typical over-the-top Branson style, this swanky spot offers a mini recording and mixing studio, full salon, arcade station, and ceiling to floor Japanese water wall all in sleek, modern design.As if that weren’t enough, it also touts a hot tub with a pretty nice view.
Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal at Frankfurt International is next in line, featuring multiple private bedrooms - one of which even flaunts a full sized bathtub in the washroom.Looking for a way to relax without falling asleep? They’ve got a handsome cigar lounge and a main bar that houses more than 100 whiskies from around the world, in addition to a quality smorgasbord of food.And don’t worry about having a few too many – the personal assistant will be sure to let you know when it’s time to board.
British Airway’s Terrace’s at New York’s JFK is one sprawling space. In addition to a multitude of extremely comfortable seating areas and work stations, this newly renovated lounge also touts the Elemis Spa which offers complimentary 15 minute treatments. Feeling thirsty? Help yourself to the oversized “Pub” bar, the commercial grade espresso/cappuccino machine, or the plethora of tea so neatly laid out that it looks like art. Essentially, you won’t leave thirsty.
American Airlines: Clarifying Their Target Market
This is one of those stories that we love to bring to you, our loyal business and first class readers! American Airlines has just announced that they’ll be revamping their fleet of twin-aisle 767-200 planes in order to provide more premium services to they’re more elite customers.
In a move that mimics United’s 2004 decision to reconfigure the seating in their Boeing 757-200s, American will adopt Airbus A321’s for their transcontinental flights. Virsab Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer told reporters, “We intent to be the only airline to offer lie-flat First and Business Class seats on transcontinental flights.” Although these flights will consequently lose 66 seats, dropping from 168 to 102, the new fleet will garner considerably more leg-room almost across the board and 10 lie flat beds in first class and 20 in business class – yes, we said lie flat beds!
The rumor mill suggests that the change will be similar to American’s existing international business class, but confined to their New York to LA, New York to San Francisco routes.Plan details include only one seat on each side of the aisle in first class – a major plus for those domestic travelers who are also privacy seekers. In addition to the comfortable new seating arrangements, they’ll be giving the entire cabin interior a more modern appeal.
Although United will be upping it’s existing “premium service” package by the end of the next quarter by adding additional lie-flat seating, American won’t start implementing their changes until mid-2013. That being said, the project should be complete by 2014. Needless to say, we’re looking forward to it.
The Waldorf Called, They Want Their Ashtray Back!
New York City’s Waldorf Astoria is one hotel with a lot of historic appeal. But for some in the Waldorf’s past, there may have been too much appeal.However, for those guests who may have had sticky fingers or who just happened to check out with an engraved ashtray or a piece of flatware.
They’re calling it The Amnesty Program and it signifies a no-questions-asked policy in which people can return items to the hotel that were originally taken between their 1931 opening and 1960.So if you happened to slide out with some extra shampoo or a towel in the past few years – you’re in the clear. However, if granny stashed away a demitasse spoon from the supper club or some other valuable momento, you might want to listen up.
The purpose of the program is to bolster the hotel’s “Host to the World” gallery, which holds a variety of early Waldorf memorabilia and paraphernalia just beside the main lobby.The hotel plans on showcasing the most interesting recovered items in the gallery, and featuring others on their facebook page before entering them into their archive.
If you happen to have such items and are interested in returning them to their rightful owner, the hotel asks that the sender include the date the item was taken and the guest’s associated memories with the actual item.Sounds interesting to us, but then again, so is drinking your OJ out of vintage Waldorf stemware every morning! Regardless, the program runs until September 15th – so if you’re planning on taking action, get a move on.
A New Way to See Dubai: Underwater Discus Hotel
It seems like just yesterday, hotels were fighting for the best skyline view in city’s around the world. But now, they’re building in the opposite direction – below sea level.Dubai-based Drydocks World will soon be spending upwards of $50 million to open the world’s first underwater hotel.
The Water Discus Hotel, as it has been named, will feature 21 two-person rooms, each of which are to be outfitted with massive glass walls so that travelers will be able to enjoy phenomenal views of the surrounding coral reef. Rooms will be approximately 30 feet below the surface, but not to worry: the hotel will be able to surface in as few as 15 seconds in the event of an emergency.
The luxury locale will also feature a full-service underwater diving center, complete with diver training. Topside, guests will have access to a helipad, spa, garden, and upper-terrace swimming pool. And the whole thing will rotate slowly at given times – and, no, we’re not making this up! Although it sounds like something out of futuristic sci-fi film, architect Pawel Podwojewski has been working ardently on the design for more than two years.
Should the hotel be a success – unlike other underwater hotel concepts like Fiji’s Poseidon Resort or Dubai’s previously anticipated Hydropolis – it will be nothing short of a technological and hospitality feat.Working with Swiss-based BIG InvestConsult and Poland’s Deep Ocean Technology, Drydocks World sees the Water Discus Hotel as a first step toward underwater luxury hotels worldwide.
Stay Safe: How to KeepYour Mobiles Protected
Last week we brought you news of the Credant Technologies study regarding the number of travelers who are loosing their mobile devices while jet-setting. You know what a pain in the neck it is to loose track of your belongings – and if they’re your company’s belongings, you could end up in a lot of hot liability water.So, as a follow-up, we’ve decided to offer a few tips for keeping your items safe and sound.
Keep valuables on your person. In other words, don’t put your gold nuggets - or any of your other valuables, for that matter – in your checked luggage. Checked bags are handled by a lot of people and, as we’re all aware, there’s a possibility they’ll get lost in an airline’s behind-the-scenes maze.
Use passwords! Each and every one of your mobile devices, including your cellphone, tablet and laptop, should all be password protected. Studies show that a majority of us don’t do this, but that it is actually effective in preventing thieves from accessing the data contained therein should your belongings wind up in their possession. In the past, IT professionals have recommended passwords with 6-8 characters, but with the advances in computer processing and code-breaking software, the new character target is 12.
Highly sensitive data, including personal records, company intelligence, or client information, should be given an added level of protection through encryption. Encryption, essentially, is a scramble based on an algorithm that requires a key to become legible.Without the key, unauthorized eyes cannot gain access to the files, even if they have broken your password protection.
Finally, etch it! If you’re items happen to grow legs and wander away, the authorities will need to know the make, model and serial number at the bare minimum if their to help locate your device. We strongly recommend taking the identification process one step further by using chemical etching or security labels on the device.
A Tuesday Morning Funny
We thought we’d share this video with you to brighten up your Tuesday. Ever had a boring delay? Most of us have. After all, what kind of a delay is fun? For passengers aboard Air Canada’s Wednesday Toronto-to-Frankfurt flight, their delay was anything but usual.
Apparently, the plane was inhabited by a group of punk gypsies aptly known as the Lemon Bucket Orchestra. During a 20 minute delay on the tarmac, the band members broke out their instruments and struck up a little performance for everyone on board. In their YouTube response posts the group states that they had raised the funds for their tickets by playing the streets of Toronto for three weeks – apparently they thought this was a nice way to repay the city’s kindness.
The self-proclaimed “Balken-Klezmer-Gypsy-Party-Punk Super-Band†arrived safely to their Romanian destination, where they promptly uploaded the video of their performance for all to see.
A Tuesday Morning Funny
We thought we’d share this video with you to brighten up your Tuesday. Ever had a boring delay? Most of us have. After all, what kind of a delay is fun? For passengers aboard Air Canada’s Wednesday Toronto-to-Frankfurt flight, their delay was anything but usual.
Apparently, the plane was inhabited by a group of punk gypsies aptly known as the Lemon Bucket Orchestra. During a 20 minute delay on the tarmac, the band members broke out their instruments and struck up a little performance for everyone on board. In their YouTube response posts the group states that they had raised the funds for their tickets by playing the streets of Toronto for three weeks – apparently they thought this was a nice way to repay the city’s kindness.
The self-proclaimed “Balken-Klezmer-Gypsy-Party-Punk Super-Band†arrived safely to their Romanian destination, where they promptly uploaded the video of their performance for all to see.
Amadeus Announces World’s Busiest Routes
Every day, tens of thousands of commercial aircraft take off and land in different locales throughout the world. In the US alone, approximately 28,000 flights occur on a daily basis! Have you ever wondered which routes are the busiest? Well, whether you have or you haven’t, we’ve got the answers for you thanks to analyst corporation Amadeus Total Demand.
Their most recent report examined 2010 and 2011 trends in worldwide passenger demand between regions, countries and specific airports. However, it’s important to note that routes were regarded as departure and final destination locations – regardless of the number of connections.
Without a doubt, Asia is leading the pack for inter-city routes. Of the top fifteen routes listed, ten were specifically Asian routes. The route connecting South Korea’s Jeju Airport with Seoul proved the busiest route of all courses worldwide, serving roughly 10 million passengers. Not surprisingly, a US route does not even appear on the list until number 18!
That said, with an estimated 60 million annual passengers, air traffic between North America and Europe remains the busiest inter-regional flow, directly in front of Asia-North America routes which serve approximately 53 million.
Finally, North America leads for the average connecting rate of the ten busiest airport hubs with 45%, compared to 32% in Europe and 19% in Asia. For air travel between the three regions, roughly 50% of all travelers have at least one connecting flight.