Air New Zealand is increasing the checked and cabin baggage allowances for its Pacific Premium Economy (PPE) customers from June 2009.  Premium Economy passengers will now be entitled to the current Business Premier allowances and priority tags on Air New Zealand operated services.

For passengers travelling via the US the piece system applies and Premium Economy passengers can now check-in two pieces with a maximum weight of 32 kgs per piece. Premium economy passengers travelling on flights via Hong Kong will be able to check in one bag weighing up to 30kgs.

All customers with an Airpoints standby upgrade to a higher class will also be entitled to the Business Class baggage allowance.  This will apply to all checked and cabin baggage and priority bag tagging, regardless of whether the upgrade is awarded.

6/23/2009 9:11:01 AM UTC    Comments 

Virgin Atlantic, today celebrated its 25th birthday in style by recreating the very first flight to New York that departed on 22 June 1984. Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, was joined onboard by frequent travellers, travel trade VIPs and a host of special guests including leading fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, international cricketer Kevin Pietersen and his wife, former Liberty X singer Jessica, as well as Ian Botham and Christopher Biggins, who was a passenger on the very first Virgin Atlantic flight 25 years ago.

As part of the celebrations at Heathrow Airport before the historic departure, Sir Richard Branson was joined on the wing of the Boeing 747-400 Virgin Atlantic aircraft, named ‘Birthday Girl’, by acclaimed supermodel and icon, Kate Moss who came to personally wish the airline a Happy Birthday.

Speaking at Heathrow Airport, Sir Richard Branson, said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved in the last 25 years.  It is a tribute to the staff of Virgin Atlantic that we are in the leading position we are in today.  It seems a long time ago that we took that first flight in 1984, and so much has been achieved since then. We would like to thank the millions of travellers that have put their faith in us and the thousands of staff who have created such a great airline.”

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said:
“Today’s milestone is a huge accomplishment for Virgin Atlantic.  In the last 25 years, our 8500 staff worldwide have helped us build a fantastic airline against all the odds, whether battling with our competitors or enduring the ups and downs of the aviation industry.   Since 1984 Virgin Atlantic has grown up a lot but thanks to the creativity, enthusiasm and hard work of our staff, we are definitely still red hot!”

The airline also received a special birthday message from Prime Minister Gordon Brown who said:

“I’m delighted to congratulate Virgin Atlantic on your 25th anniversary. Britain is rightly proud of having the world’s most innovative and competitive airlines. Virgin Atlantic and Richard Branson’s vision and pioneering spirit have changed the global airline business over the last twenty-five years. People can now afford to fly to places they previously only dreamt of. Aviation underpins our economic well-being. Virgin Atlantic is now also at the forefront of developing new technologies to meet the challenge of climate change. May this pioneering spirit continue throughout your second quarter century.”

Today’s special birthday flight will be under the command of Captain Geoff Andreasen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Boeing Pilot, and First Officer Niamh O’Connor. The Flight Service Manager on the flight operated the very first Virgin Atlantic flight in 1984.  Chris Morley, who has been with the airline for 25 years, will be leading the team of 18 cabin crew across the Atlantic.

During the birthday flight guests will enjoy a taste of the 1980s, with specially themed music and meals designed with an 80s twist.  Among the movies onboard will be ‘Airplane’, which was famously shown on the airline’s first ever flight.  Entertainers will also be onboard to ensure that everyone is in the party spirit.  Once in New York guests will be invited to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Red Hot Birthday Party in Manhattan.

Over 65 million passengers have chosen to travel with Virgin Atlantic since its launch in 1984. The airline now flies to 30 destinations around the world, from its main bases at London Heathrow and London Gatwick, using a modern, young fleet of Airbus A340 and Boeing 747 aircraft.

www.virginatlantic.com
 

6/22/2009 10:52:41 AM UTC    Comments 

Just in time for the school summer holidays, Accor Hotels is launching a ten day UK summer sale offer across the Novotel, Mercure, Ibis and Etap brands. Bargain hunters can take advantage of up to a 50% discount on room prices at Mercure and Novotel hotels, 30% off rooms at Ibis and 15% off rooms at Etap during this sale beginning on Saturday 20 June. Rooms must be booked by 23.59 on Monday 29 June 2009 for stays between 17 July and 6 September.

This offer is ideal for cash strapped Brits who still want to get away this summer. With over 130 hotels all over the UK, the options are endless:

Stay at one of the 31 UK Mercure hotels from £30 per room per night. Mercure is a collection of hotels with character and individuality ranging from stylish, modern city centre properties to country houses set in their own grounds.

Stay at one of the 31 UK Novotel hotels from £30 per room per night. Novotel hotels are style-led, spacious and consistently offer top quality services. At Novotel, families receive a special welcome with easy-on-the-budget prices and extras for children including free overnight stays and breakfasts for under 16s. Children can enjoy the range of facilities at each Novotel, many of which have swimming pools and dedicated childrens’ areas.

Stay at one of the 53 UK Ibis hotels from £29 per room per night. Ibis hotels are in prime city, town and airport locations across the UK offering a range of services including WiFi, bar, restaurant, 24-hour food and reception.  

Stay at one of the 17 UK Etap hotels from £28 per room per night. Each Etap hotel features signature modern, comfortable bedrooms and an ‘all you can eat’ continental buffet breakfast at only £2.95 with a 24 hour / 7 days a week ‘Fraiche Etap’ self service food offer. Rooms come equipped with ensuite bathrooms and flat screen TVs.

To book visit www.accorhotels.com or call 0871 663 0624

6/20/2009 6:19:57 AM UTC    Comments 

The low-cost airline, has announced that it plans to launch a new route between Cologne / Bonn and Manchester from October 2009. Introduced as a part of its winter timetable, the carrier will offer five services a week from its German headquarters, allowing travellers from Manchester to connect to destinations across Europe.

The announcement comes as a part of Germanwings’ ongoing focus on business travel. More than 40% of the airline’s customers are now made up of corporate travellers and it will look to build on this by adding Manchester, the UK’s fastest growing economy outside of London and the economic powerhouse of the North West, to its route network.

The news also reiterates the carrier’s commitment to the UK and Ireland. Germanwings already serves London all year round and Edinburgh and Dublin during the summer months, and is reviewing additional options within the market for future opportunities.

Commenting on the launch, Thomas Winkelmann, CEO of germanwings said: “Manchester is an important step for us. It has one of the fastest growing economies in Britain today, and is seen by many as the UK’s second city. By launching a service connecting it directly with Cologne / Bonn we hope to tap into a major business market which continues to grow rapidly.”

“At the same time we also expect the route to be extremely popular with leisure travellers in the North West, who will now not only be able to visit Germany’s oldest city, Cologne, but will also be able to connect to more than 60 other European destinations quickly and efficiently.”

www.germanwings.com

6/19/2009 9:35:44 PM UTC    Comments 

This summer The Good Pub Guide unveils its new interactive website which provides an on-the-move and up-to-the-minute guide to all UK pubs. So even without the book, you can get the invaluable guidance of its decades of expertise and hot tips from its many thousand reader-reporters, free from its new website

"Over one in four of our thousand-plus top pub recommendations has a really nice garden," says editor Fiona Stapley. "So if the weather turns up trumps, you can enjoy all the best of British pubbing outside, in appealing surroundings. But if it turns grey, what you'll find inside will be top-notch too." The Guide's spot-on descriptions take you to good waterside pubs, too - around one in twelve of the better pubs is well placed by river, sea or lake.

The website provides browsers with access to over 55,000 pubs with features that help find the perfect destination for that special outing. The entire list of carefully selected Good Pub Guide recommendations and descriptions from the UK's annual guidebook is on the site with the added bonus of latest news, customer ratings and comments with space for publicans to announce 'what's on' every week. Each entry has full contact details and an integrated Google map.

www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk.

6/19/2009 9:25:29 PM UTC    Comments 

The Afamia Rotana Resort in the historic city of Latakia, on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Located on a sandy peninsula, two kilometres from Latakia city centre, the new five-star Afamia Rotana Resort brings a new level of comfort and a host of leisure activities to the city.

The Afamia Rotana Resort is within easy distance of Syria’s historical sites including Ugarit Canaaite, the seaport, crusaders forts, castles and ancient Roman vestiges.

Rotana is currently offering special introductory rates from approximately £75* per room, per night, including complimentary breakfast.

The hotel is situated on a private golden sand beach with beautiful marina views.  There are two swimming pools, massage rooms, a tennis court and a children’s playground club.

Commenting on the new hotel, Mr. Imad Elias, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Rotana said, “We are very proud to be managing this landmark property, our first five-star resort to open in Syria. The Afamia Rotana Resort team, headed by General Manager Safwan Khayat, has been working hand in hand with the owner and Rotana Corporate Office to ensure all areas of the opening are perfected."

The resort offers meeting and event facilities to host annual conferences and seminars. From one day meetings to extended seminars, the resort’s acclaimed individualised service, attention to detail and superior accommodation will ensure a meeting experience that is flawless, productive and unforgettable.

www.rotana.com

6/19/2009 9:16:44 PM UTC    Comments 

Malaysia Airlines has launched a ‘pay economy, fly business’ offer, giving passengers the chance to travel in the business class section at economy fares.

The offer is available on routes to Kuala Lumpur (prices from £1499), Bali (from £1539), Sydney (from £1889) and Auckland (from £1859) and ensures a luxurious start to anyone’s holiday.

Services available in business class include: spacious seats; a wide choice of food and drink; an amenity kit with pampering products; an in-flight shopping service offering designer brands; and the best multimedia in-flight entertainment system on the market. Over 100 hours of movies and TV, plus games and music are available on personal 10.4” LCD touch screen monitor and portable media player.

The offer is valid for bookings made before 30 June inclusive and on flights departing on or before 8 July, between 15 August to 9 December and between 16 January to 31 March 2010. Prices quoted above are inclusive of all fees and taxes, subject to availability at time of bookings.
 
www.malaysiaairlines.com.

6/19/2009 6:52:48 AM UTC    Comments 

Five Star Alliance member carriers - Austrian, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and TAP – have moved from Terminal 2 to the refurbished Terminal 1 at London’s Heathrow Airport. They join Air New Zealand, Asiana, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, South African Airways, United and US Airways who were already operating from Terminal 1.

As part of this move, a common Star Alliance branded check-in area used by Austrian, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa and TAP has opened. This area features dedicated check-in counters for First, Business and Economy Class passengers as well as for Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any of the five member carriers. A number of self-service check-in kiosks as well as a bag-drop area are also available. After check-in, passengers pass through a separate security line, which also features a fast track lane for top-tier customers.

Air New Zealand, Asiana, South African Airways, SWISS, United and US Airways each have dedicated check-in counters in the completely redesigned main hall of Terminal 1, with bmi offering a check-in zone conveniently located to both international and domestic departure gates.

Once airside, eligible customers have a choice of three different lounge facilities. bmi offers two lounges, one mainly for U.K. and Ireland departures and the newly opened international lounge – bmi Number One Heathrow - located next to the main international departure gates. In addition, the Star Alliance First and Business Class departure lounge is available to First and Business Class passengers, invited guests and Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any member carrier from Terminal 1. The lounge features separate First Class and Business Class sections, food service areas, two business centres with computers, printers, faxes and Wi-Fi Internet access, shower facilities and a special area for children.

The relocation is part of Star Alliance’s ongoing “Move under one Roof” strategy, bringing airlines together to improve the travel experience for customers and create efficiencies for the member airlines.

Star Alliance now is the largest alliance operating out of the core Central Area at Heathrow. The Central Area is the only area at Heathrow that has direct access to the full range of public transport - Heathrow Express and the London Connect Service, Underground trains to Central London as well as local and regional bus services.

6/18/2009 2:41:07 PM UTC    Comments 

Qantas has introduced international online check-in and advance seat selection, expanding the range of services available to customers. Group Executive Manager Customer and Marketing, Lesley Grant, said the new services would ensure an enhanced travel experience for customers. “The ability to check-in online for international travel means customers can check-in at their leisure between 24 hours and two hours before their flight from their home, office or hotel,” Grant said.

“Customers who check-in online will enjoy a faster airport experience with dedicated online check-in counters for bag drop and necessary visa checks.

“And we are rewarding our top tier Frequent Flyers, (Platinum, Gold and Silver) with even more choice - the ability to choose their seat online.

“Immediately after making a booking, whether at qantas.com or through other booking channels, eligible Frequent Flyers are now able to request their seat for international flights.*”

“Our aim is to provide travellers with a wide range of services to ensure a seamless travel experience, and customers can expect to see even more enhancements to domestic and international customer services later in 2009.”

6/18/2009 2:35:38 PM UTC    Comments 

Eurostar has introduced single fares to all its destinations. The new fares start from the wholly inclusive price of £35 for London to Paris/Brussels.

As part of a commitment to greater transparency, Eurostar is helping travellers find better deals, by simplifying its fare structure. Travellers can expect more flexibility with the removal of “stay away” conditions such as Saturday Night Away, One Night Away, Midweek Day Return and Weekend Day Return.

Nick Mercer, Eurostar’s Commercial Director, commented: “We want to help travellers who are planning a tour of Europe or who need the flexibility to return by a different route, by making low priced single fares available. 

“We hope this greater range of fare options will allow travellers to make even more use of Europe’s high-speed rail network and exploit the environmental advantages of train over plane for seamless rail journeys.”

As part of the changes and in a move that more accurately reflects the product offering, Leisure Select fares have increased. The new lead-in fare for Leisure Select return travel from London – Paris/Brussels is £175 return. Passengers travelling Leisure Select benefit from more spacious seats, roomier carriages, a 3-course meal with wine*, complimentary newspapers and magazines, and excellent ‘at seat’ service.

Eurostar continues to offer its widely available lead-in return fare of £59 which has gone unchanged for over six years.

www.eurostar.com

6/18/2009 8:27:12 AM UTC    Comments 

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is reintroducing the Summer Savers concept so that guests can make the most of this summer. Room bookings through swissotel.com lead to attractive savings everywhere from Osaka to Lima, from Sydney to Chicago and from Amsterdam to Moscow.

Summer Savers offer a 15% discount off the best available rate on the exciting range of business and vacation spots of the international hotel chain. Guests may choose from 28 destinations in 15 countries worldwide.

This offer is available from 1st July until 12th September 2009 and includes all room categories available at the time of booking, and is valid for stays of one night or more. Depending on the country, taxes and service charges are included in the rate.

www.swissotel.com 

6/18/2009 6:13:13 AM UTC    Comments 

Akbar Al Baker the CEO said that Qatar Airways will launch Australian services initially to Melbourne and the inaugural flight will take place on December 6.

Qatar Airways will begin operating three weekly services using a brand new Boeing B777-200 Long Range aircraft to be delivered to the airline later this year. Operations will quickly become daily early in the New Year.

Al Baker said that he has been waiting patiently for Boeing to deliver aircraft that Qatar Airways has on order to begin operating the first of its two planned routes into Australia.

“I know the travelling public is eager for us to begin serving Australia and I’ve had many people ask me about our direct routes to Melbourne and Sydney. We’re finalising some details with regulatory authorities in Australia, and once we’ve received the necessary aircraft from Boeing, we will be ready to operate.

“Qatar Airways already has 4,000 frequent fliers in Australia that are part of our loyalty programme, though the local market remains largely untapped. The Australian economy was one of the few in the world that grew in the first quarter of 2009, so this shows that the market there is still very strong, and we believe there is demand,” said Al Baker.   

The new operation will connect travellers from the United Kingdom and Europe to Australia with a one-stop service and a planned one hour connection time in Doha. From Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha, passengers can also link to numerous destinations across South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.   

Qatar Airways Senior Manager Europe Paul Johannes said that the prospect of European passenger traffic connecting to the Australian services from Doha was good news for travellers.

“Qatar Airways is a well-established brand in the UK and key points in Europe, so we already have a built-in market in this region that will feed into Australia which is an important destination for a lot of Europeans,” he said.

The Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft operating on the route will offer a two-class configuration of 259 seats. In Business Class, there are 42 seats with passengers able to enjoy comfort and space offering a pitch of up to 78 inches with each seat converting into 180-degree fully flat beds. With a 2–2–2 seat configuration, Business Class passengers are assured of either a window or aisle seat and plenty of space.

www.qatarairways.com

6/18/2009 6:05:59 AM UTC    Comments 

Travellers will be able to take advantage of savings of up to 60% when they book on-line between 23 – 29 June, for stays between July 10 and September 30, 2009.  Over 250,000 room nights will be on sale, with rates starting as low as US$25 per night.

The 27 cities include Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hanoi, Manila, Mumbai, Sydney and Auckland.

Different rates apply for Accor’s various brands, with Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis hotels participating, providing a vast range of affordable options during the 2½ months.

The Accor ‘City Super Sale’ coincides with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific region, allowing travelers to enjoy some of the world’s most exciting cities at bargain rates.

Reservations – via  www.accorhotels.com/supersale  (sale starts June 23)

6/17/2009 5:56:13 AM UTC    Comments 

TAM, is offering its Business Class passengers a free 20 minute helicopter transfer service between São Paulo’s international airport at Guarulhos and the mid-town airport of Congonhas. A considerable time saving on the road transfer that takes an hour in normal São Paulo traffic and two hours or more in rush hour.

The courtesy helicopter transfer is being offered through August 31 subject to confirmation, availability and weather. After August 31 the cost of the one-way transfer will be R$829 (£260) if booked more than 24-hours in advance, and R$989 (£315) if booked less than 24 hours in advance. Passengers not flying in Business Class can book and pay for the helicopter transfer, while all TAM passengers are offered a free bus transfer between Guarulhos and Congonhas.

TAM operates the hourly helicopter service from 06.00 to 22.00 at Congonhas and from 06.30 to 22.30 at Guarulhos. Passengers can choose to have their luggage collected or delivered for them at any address in Greater São Paulo. São Paulo, along with New York, is considered the helicopter capital of the world with one of the largest helicopter fleets of any city and over 260 heliports.

Reservations for the helicopter transfer can be made with TAM in the UK on 020 8897 3700.

Passengers travelling in Business Class on TAM flights from London can also request a complimentary airport transfer service in a chauffeur driven Mercedes E Class, S Class or MPV Viano. The passenger(s) will be picked up from or dropped off at their home, office or hotel within a 65-mile radius of London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4.

To request the car transfer service, Business Class passengers should contact TAM’s Customer Service Centre 48-hours before their flight on 020 8897 3700.

TAM’s Business class passengers are also offered a courtesy chauffeur driven transfer to-and-from their hotel, house or office at a number of South American destinations including Buenos Aires, Lima, Montevideo and Santiago.

6/16/2009 9:36:57 PM UTC    Comments 

The Lanesborough, London’s most prestigious address, has just become the first and only hotel in London to provide each and every guest room with a complimentary Sony VAIO laptop for use throughout their stay.

These state of the art laptops are the latest addition to the hotel’s already impressive list of complimentary services which ensure that The Lanesborough maintains its loyal following. Guests also enjoy wireless internet and email access; music and movies on demand; a change of clothing pressed upon arrival; fruit and mineral water replenished daily; tea and coffee served on arrival and with daily wake up calls; personalised business cards and stationary; and 24 hour butler service.

This is another first for The Lanesborough, who continues to pip their rivals to the post by acquiring the very best products and services for their guests, once again putting them ahead of the competition

6/16/2009 9:25:54 PM UTC    Comments 

The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom and democracy since its inauguration in 1886. What is not a symbol of freedom and democracy is Air Passenger Duty (APD), especially as applied by the current UK government.

APD is a stealth tax that aims to rip off any traveller based in the UK or flying through the UK. The money raised does not go to improve the transport infrastructure, nor does it help environmental causes. Put simply the money goes into the government’s one large pot, that same pot that the MPs dipped into for their expenses or to buy the banks.

Potentially APD is a catastrophe for the UK travel industry, the travelling public and British airlines. We at TravelPlus urge every one of our readers to engage in defeating this unfair and unnecessary tax. You can read more about its implications on page 5 in our latest issue.

So what can we do to defeat APD and how do you get your voice heard?

In a way we are fortunate that a General Election has to be held in the UK before 3 June 2010 and that politicians have never been less loved. That means they will be looking at every which way to get our votes. We need to make it clear that any candidate that supports APD will not get our vote. It is that simple.

We ask all readers who have a vote in the UK to write to the candidates in their constituency and ask them what their position is on APD. We would also urge you to write a similar letter to both David Cameron and Nick Clegg to ask how they and their parties view APD. Make it clear that if they support it, they don’t get your vote. While Labour is committed to APD, we must not take it for granted that the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats won’t over turn the tax if it wins them support. Both Cameron, Clegg, and in fact any MP, can be written to at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

If we don’t overturn this tax now we never will. The Dutch government has decided to reduce APD to zero while the British government plans to bleed travellers by up to £170 per person per trip while offering nothing in return. By next year the average £365 return fare from London to Los Angeles will consist of £319 in taxes with just £46 going to the airline, assuming any are still flying.

Join us on the barricades or don’t complain when you do have to pay through the nose to travel while the MPs put the cost of their APD down on expenses!

Simon Ward, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
 

6/16/2009 11:09:18 AM UTC    Comments 

The countdown is on to the official launch of MSC Cruises’s second flagship, MSC Splendida, on 12 July in Barcelona.

In an exciting first for MSC Cruises – and the first time this has featured on a European cruise ship - MSC Splendida will feature two innovative mini-bowling alleys in its high-tech Sports Bar.

Every aspect of these ten-pin bowling alleys has been carefully designed to provide the maximum entertainment, including a traditional-looking bowling surface that is actually made of a tough phenol compound which allows guests to join in the fun without having to change into special bowling shoes. 

The alleys are scaled down to work perfectly in a bar environment, to encourage people to mix and mingle. The bowling balls have been sized slightly smaller than usual, so they are manageable for youngsters while still presenting a challenge to older players.

Increasing the fun, there are two large LCD electronic screens featuring interactive videogame animations, with a choice of Ten Pin Tour and Turkey Shoot. And of course, surrounding the bowling alleys, you’ll find all the feature-rich facilities of the sports bar itself, with big screen TVs and a wealth of interactive sports games for solo and group play, making the Sports Bar the ideal place for a change of pace to meet friends old and new.

MSC Splendida is the twin sister to MSC Fantasia which was launched in December 2008. Together, they are the largest cruise ships ever commissioned by a European owner and set new standards in spaciousness, comfort, facilities, design innovation and refinement. Despite being sister ships, their themed areas feature many differences, such as the bowling alleys, which are unique to MSC Splendida.

MSC Splendida has a choice of six restaurants, including the a la carte Mediterranean L’Olivo, along with 18 bars and lounges, MSC Aurea Spa, solarium, shuffleboard, jogging track, sports centre, squash and tennis courts, five swimming pools and an incredible 19 leisure and entertainment venues, with a casino, theatre and 4D cinema – making every day different!

www.msccruises.com

6/15/2009 2:17:52 PM UTC    Comments 

The Spanish airline and its Australian oneworld partner signed an agreement over Madrid-Sydney flights via London and Frankfurt.

Starting on July 15 Iberia will offer its customers flights from Madrid to Sydney, under a new code-sharing arrangement with Australia’s Qantas airline. This is the first time the Spanish airline offers flights to Australia.                                                                               
Iberia passengers can choose among three daily options for the Sydney flight, two via Heathrow in London, and one via Frankfurt, Germany.

The arrangement extends the options of Iberia customers and strengthens relations between Iberia and Qantas which, as partners in the oneworld airline alliance, already honour each others’ frequent flyers points and share the use of VIP lounges, among other privileges.

6/15/2009 1:01:18 PM UTC    Comments