Airlines..

Swiss Reinstates Short-Haul Business Class
As a response to customer feedback, Swiss International Air Lines will re-introduce business class service on all European flights as of mid-February. Swiss eliminated business class on planes with fewer than 50 seats last year in response to fierce competition from cut-rate carriers. (Source: Reuters)

US Seeks Vietnam Airport Safety Review
Hanoi and Washington signed a landmark agreement to provide direct air service between Vietnam and the United States last December. The five-year aviation pact allows airlines of both countries, with some restrictions, to use their own aircraft on flights. However, before direct flights between the two countries begin, the United States wants a review of Vietnam's airport safety standards. The rules to ensure the safety of global travel are set by the International Civil Aviation Organization based in Montreal, of which America and Vietnam are members. A US review team is expected to visit Vietnam in the next few months to look at its airports. (Source: Reuters)

Airlines React to Data Disclosure
Major U.S. carriers are looking to create disclosure policies that inform customers they might share personal data with the federal government, in response to two highly publicized cases in which airlines handed over private passenger information. The airlines are working to alert passengers and protect themselves from liability as the U.S. government is poised to force the carriers to turn over data as part of a computerized passenger screening program called CAPPS II. The nation's largest airlines are now discussing the possibility of adopting similar privacy policies to cooperate with the CAPPS II program. The industry hopes to find a solution that will allow the carriers to turn over passenger records while protecting consumer privacy and limiting airline liability. (Source: Washington Post)

American to Reduce Operations at O’Hare
American Airlines intends to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) direct order to reduce its total operations during peak hours at O’Hare International Airport. In responding to this order, American Airlines and its regional affiliate American Eagle will remove 27 flights from their operations during the 1 p.m. to 7:59 p.m. time period each day starting March 2. American Airlines is still finalizing its March schedule, but some flights will be cancelled and others will be moved to less congested time periods. At this time, American is unable to provide specific information about which 27 flights will be affected. (Source: American Airlines)
 
Cost Counts
A survey by Decision Analyst Inc. of 5,184 consumers who fly at least once a year found that cost is the top consideration in selecting an airline, cited by 32 percent. Some 24 percent said their previous experience with an airline was most important. Asked which airline they'd use if schedules and fares were equal, frequent travelers (who fly once a month or more) most often named American (22 percent), Delta (17 percent) and United (11 percent). Southwest and Continental tied for fourth place. "The type of service offered by the low-cost airlines—or at least by Southwest—is just not as appealing to the frequent, typically business, traveler as is the traditional airline model," a Decision Analyst spokesman said. (Source: Skyguide)
 

Hotels

Free High-Speed Internet Access
Marriott International, Inc. announced free high-speed internet access in the guest rooms of its Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites brands – a total of 600 hotels throughout North America. Last September, the Courtyard brand began offering free high-speed internet access at more than 500 hotels. Fairfield Inn expects to provide free high-speed internet access at approximately 500 hotels by the end of 2004. In total, more than 1,700 select service and extended stay Marriott properties will offer free in-room high-speed internet access by the end of this year. The Marriott and Renaissance brands continue to offer the popular “Wired-for-Business®” package, which combines unlimited local and long-distance phone calls within the U.S. and in-room high-speed internet access for $9.95 per day ($12.95 at some New York City locations).

• Carry a cell phone or other wireless communication device (e.g. a blackberry) at all times while traveling. If you haven’t done so already, pre-program our travel reservations toll-free telephone number into your telephone.
• Make certain you record and carry with you at all times a hard copy of the company’s toll-free travel reservations center number, as well as our Emergency Travel Services toll-free number.
• If you change your plans at the last minute (e.g. at the airport and directly with the airline) you must still notify our agency so that we can be up to date on your current travel plans. If you do not and an incident occurs that could impact your new plans, or would have impacted your previous plans, it will be more difficult for us to track you and assist you.
• Many traveling employees book their trips through third-party Internet sites. Trips booked through these channels will not be accessible to a travel counselor in the event of an emergency. This would impair the travel department’s ability to track you or book you on another flight. It is imperative during these uncertain times that you do not book outside our designated travel agency.
• Call your airline’s toll-free customer service number, or visit their website, prior to leaving for the airport for up-to-date departure information on your flight.
• If you are traveling overseas, know the location, direction, and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, available via the Internet at travel.state.gov/. Also, you can check current travel warnings by accessing the U.S Department of State at travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
• Carry backup documents. Make a photocopy of your passport photo page and any required visa documents. Keep the originals in a safe place and keep the photocopies with you.
• Plan for extra time in airports. Increased airport security checkpoints may cause delays.