Airlines..
United Airlines and Air China Enhance U.S.-China Service
for Customers
United Airlines and Air China announced the implementation of
their recently announced marketing alliance with the introduction
of new codeshare flights to and from China. Members of United
Airlines' Mileage Plus frequent flyer program and Air China's
Companion frequent flyer program will now be able to earn qualifying
frequent flyer miles/kilometers on all United flights and both
carriers' code-share flights, and redeem awards on all United
and Air China flights. Customers will also receive one boarding
pass upon check-in for each segment of their flight. (Source:
United Airlines)
Second Strike Expected at Heathrow
Baggage handlers and check-in staff at Heathrow have said they
will stage another 48-hour strike over pay, beginning on Nov.
14, 2003. The Transport and General Workers' Union (T&G) announced
the second walk-out hours after a two-day strike ended at the
west London airport. (Source: GoAlert24)
Southwest Takes On Philadelphia
Southwest will compete with US Airways in Philadelphia when it
begins to offer service at the Philadelphia Airport in May. Southwest
will start off with four gates and offer at least 14 daily flights.
Both short- and long-haul routes are being planned for the future
and further destination details will be announced at a later date.
(Source: Travel Management Daily)
Planes to Fly Closer
Aircraft will be able to fly closer together at high altitudes
over the United States as a way to ease congestion and save the
aviation industry more than USD$5 billion. Beginning in January
2005, the government will reduce the minimum vertical separation
standard on domestic routes from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet for
all aircraft flying between 29,000 feet and 41,000 feet. The updated
standard is already in effect over the North Atlantic and Pacific
oceans, as well as over Europe and Australia. Canada plans to
permit it on southern routes in 2005, as will Caribbean and South
American countries. (Source: Airwise News)
New Discount Carrier to Serve Pittsburgh
A new low-cost carrier is being created by the former America
West Airlines chief executive, Edward Beauvais. The new airline,
a.k.a. "Project Roam", will take off from the Pittsburgh International
Airport in June and serve new other cities. There are plans to
expand to 39 destinations within five years. (Source: Associated
Press)
Businesses Spending Less on Air Travel
According to the Business Travel Coalition's U.S. Business Travel
Survey, corporate spending on air travel is projected to drop
7 percent in 2003 compared to last year. The BTC also found that
56 percent of corporate travel managers either agree or strongly
agree that travel budget cuts implemented since 2001 are permanent.
In addition, 76 percent of corporations increased use of low-fare
airlines in 2003, and 65 percent expect to fly low-fare carriers
even more in 2004. The BTC surveyed 110 corporations from September
10 to 26 for the U.S. Business Travel Survey. (Source: Travel
Management Daily)
Business Travel Costs Projected to Increase in 2004
According to the National Business Travel Association's Annual
Business Travel Cost Forecast, business travel costs are predicted
to increase 6 percent in 2004. Travelers will see airfares rise
5 percent, hotel rates 3 percent and corporate car-rental rates
will rise 2 percent. (Source: Travel Management Daily)
Hotels
In its annual survey of hotel customer satisfaction, J.D. Power and Associates found that guests who booked mid-priced and extended-stay hotels via the Internet ended up paying 2 to 5 percent more than those who booked through traditional methods. It also found that guests who reserve a room in advance are much more likely to be satisfied than those who check in without having done so. Ritz-Carlton ranked first in guest satisfaction among luxury chains, while Embassy Suites was the top-rated upscale group. Other category winners were Hilton Garden Inns (mid-priced full-service category), SpringHill Suites (mid-priced limited-service), Microtel (economy/budget) and Homewood Suites by Hilton (extended stay). ( Source: Skyguide)
Starwood Hotels Tests Self-Service Kiosks
Starwood Hotels is testing self-service kiosks at the Sheraton Boston and W New York in Time Square which enables guests to swipe a credit card to obtain keys and a room number in as little as 45 seconds. Following the test, Starwood plans to expand the service to various downtown, convention and airport hotels next year. (Source: Travel Weekly)
Cars
Tired of showing up at the airport only to find the public parking lots are full? You can reserve a space in advance at private parking facilities located near scores of major airports by using AirportParkingReservations.com (www.airportparkingreservations.com). Users can select among local facilities, all of which are secure and most of which offer free luggage assistance and airport shuttles. The site has also opened up a phone line (888-960-PARK) for customers who'd rather talk to someone.
More and more business travelers are discovering the benefits of public transportation in cities with excellent train systems:
- Atlanta - The MARTA train is clean, quiet and air conditioned, with plenty of space to stow bags. There's even a new Delta ticketing/baggage center in the airport MARTA station. Trains depart every 8-10 minutes on weekdays and every 10-15 minutes on weekends from overhead in the South Terminal. Fare: $1.50 (exact change); allow 15 minutes to downtown.
- Boston - The MBTA subway (RTS) is clean, with good wall maps and luggage racks. Take the free bus (#22 or #33) from the terminal to the T station, then board the blue line trains (which run every eight to 12 minutes). Fare: 85 cents; allow 20 minutes to Government Center. For the water shuttle take the free bus (#66) to Logan boat dock. Then board the water shuttle to Rowe's Wharf, next to the Boston Harbor Hotel. Fare: $10; allow seven minutes. (Private water taxis also service many harbor-side hotels.)
- Chicago- Catch the CTA blue line subway by following the signs within the airport (a five-minute walk). While the subway is not recommended for late-night travel, it's your best choice to the Loop during rush hour when taxis will be stuck in traffic. Fare: $1.50; allow 45 minutes.
- Washington Reagan National - The Metro subway has gotten even better with a station in the new airport concourse (level 2), just a few hundred feet from the airline gates. It's clean, quiet and comfortable. Trains run every 5-10 minutes. Fare: $1.35 (rush hour) on blue or yellow line; allow 35-40 minutes.
