Although change can some times be hard, we here in the Minneapolis market have seen quite a bit of CHANGE in the past year!!! From Delta gobbling up Northwest, to Southwest FINALLY making an appearance here, to JetAmerica sliding in to corner the less-traveled markets!! Uf-dah, we've had a roller coaster of a year..... But like our Minnesota nice, we welcome the change, and hope for good things in the future!!
Competition is good, keep it coming!!!
Thank you to Yahoo News for this article.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/New-lowcost-airline-targets-apf-15348934.html?.v=5
New low-cost airline targets smaller markets
Low-cost carrier JetAmerica aims to serve smaller markets it believes bigger airlines neglect
Victor Epstein, Associated Press Writer
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A new low-cost airline will begin serving mid-sized U.S. cities that it thinks larger carriers have left behind.
Clearwater, Fla.-based JetAmerica said 34 nonstop passenger flights a week will start July 13 at Toledo, Ohio; South Bend, Ind.; Melbourne, Fla.; Newark, N.J.; Minneapolis and Lansing, Mich. Twenty-eight flights start or end at Newark Liberty International Airport. The carrier will add six more flights -- from Toledo to Minneapolis -- starting Aug. 14.
JetAmerica is targeting small and midsize cities like Lansing, which has seen the number of daily flights at its Capital Region International Airport fall from 35 to 12 the past five years. The decline is part of a national trend that has seen airfares increase at those airports as daily flights have decreased.
Robert Selig, head of the Capital Region Airport Authority, said JetAmerica will give Lansing business travelers direct access to New York City and carry leisure travelers to central Florida.
"We don't have access to either one right now," Selig said. "So, this is going to fill a major void in our schedule."
Filling that void won't be cheap.
The Lansing, South Bend, Melbourne and Toledo airports are subsidizing JetAmerica with $1.4 million in grants in its first year, along with about $867,000 in waived airport fees and $1.1 million in marketing and advertising assistance.
South Bend, Toledo and Melbourne received their grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program, which has awarded $104 million to 223 recipients since 2002 in an effort to restore lost service and bring air fares down.
Newark and Minneapolis, each of which serve more than 20 million passengers a year, are not offering assistance to JetAmerica.
John Weikle, chief executive of JetAmerica, said the subsidies will help insulate the new carrier from spikes in jet fuel prices. Higher fuel prices have contributed to the failures of at least four major airlines since 9/11. Smaller carriers have also been hurt.
Surging fuel prices helped bankrupt ultra-discounter Skybus Inc. last year. Weikle founded that Columbus, Ohio-based airline known for its $10 fares. The bankruptcy cost 450 employees their jobs.
JetAmerica's pricing scheme will share some Skybus characteristics.
Prices will start at $9 a seat and top out at $199. The $9 price will apply to the first nine to 19 seats on each plane. Passengers will pay $15 to check a bag. Food, drinks and in-flight TV will also come at a cost.
The carrier is starting out with one leased Boeing 737-800, expects to add a second in the first month, and have as many as four by July of next year. Weikle's business plans calls for an additional 189-seat jet to be leased every four months.
Each Boeing 737-800 can fly to four cities a day, Weikle said.
Weikle estimated JetAmerica's revenue at more than $50 million in the first year and about $150 million in the second. He compares his business model to that of Wal-Mart Inc., which started out by serving cities of less than 50,000 people because competitors were not interested in them.
JetAmerica plans to serve Melbourne, Fla., with at least six flights a week. Richard Ennis, executive director of Melbourne International Airport, said JetAmerica's planes and nonstop routes persuaded him to support the carrier. Melbourne, a coastal community about 70 miles southeast of Orlando, recorded a 45 percent decline in passenger traffic at its airport from 2000 to 2008.
Ennis said carriers with larger jets like the Boeing 737-800 charge less per seat, which is an advantage enjoyed by Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport.
"It's the only way I can beat them out," Ennis said of the neighboring airports.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Free Things to do in Europe!!!
Thank you to Yahoo News for this fun little article.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090511/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_european_freebies;_ylt=AkSJr.JdHnpv_Tkf9LzKeCc8sM0F
10 free things to do in Europe this summer
If you're taking advantage of the relatively strong dollar this year by heading to Europe, you'll be looking for ways to save even more when you get there.
Here is a list of 10 free and fun things to do in Europe, compiled by the European Travel Commission:
_In Madrid, the Palace of Liria, the 18th century residence of the Duchess of Alba at Calle Princesa 20, offers a collection of Spanish art, along with Flemish, German, Dutch, Italian, English and French paintings, with guided tours Fridays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
_Rome's picturesque Trastevere area on the Tiber's west bank, a charming and colorful neighborhood, hosts a festival the European Travel Commission describes as "Fellini-esque" for eight days in the second half of July, the Festa di Noantri, with a religious procession, food and entertainment.
_In Leipzig, Germany, Porsche gives free factory tours where you can see cars like the Cayenne and the new Panamera assembled on antiseptically clean floors. The tour includes a museum with exhibits covering Porsche history. If you feel like upgrading your free tour, various packages for purchase include lunch and even driving experiences on a track. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10vuvnq75/*http://www.porsche-leipzig.de.
_In Paris, the Friday Night Fever — http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10stiam5r/*http://www.pari-roller.com — is a mass group tour by inline skaters of the city at night. Meeting point is Place Raoul Dautry in the 14th Arrondissement, between the Montparnasse office tower and the Paris-Montparnasse train station, at 10 p.m. The route varies every week but always covers roughly 19 miles and returns to the starting point at 1 a.m.
_Visit a sculpture park in Oslo with more than 200 works by Norway's most famous sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. The figures depict people in all stages of life and various emotions; details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10vq60aoe/*http://www.vigeland.museum.no.
_In Lisbon, the Gulbenkian Museum houses a magnificent collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian and European art. Exhibits include Japanese prints, Persian tapestries and European paintings from Rembrandt to Rubens to Renoir.
_Sandeman's New Europe tour company is offering walking tours of nine European cities — including Paris, Madrid, London and Berlin — free of charge except for optional tipping. The latest addition to the list is a three-hour tour of Prague. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10um1tvc9/*http://www.sandemans-new.com.
_Zurich is known as an expensive city, but a visit to the Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster) is free and the13th century building includes two modern art treasures: a large stained-glass window done by the artist Alberto Giacometti in the 1940s, along with five stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall in 1970.
_A monument to Frank Zappa, creator of the 1960s band the Mothers of Invention, can be found in Vilnius, Lithuania. Zappa is of Lithuanian descent, and the monument is located in an area known as Uzupis, known for its countercultural leanings, cafes, galleries and other artists' hangouts.
_In Amsterdam, at the Wooden Shoe Factory, you can watch typical Dutch wooden shoes being hand carved and painted while learning the lore behind them, which dates to the 14th century. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=112q1a58g/*http://www.woodenshoefactory.com.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090511/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_european_freebies;_ylt=AkSJr.JdHnpv_Tkf9LzKeCc8sM0F
10 free things to do in Europe this summer
If you're taking advantage of the relatively strong dollar this year by heading to Europe, you'll be looking for ways to save even more when you get there.
Here is a list of 10 free and fun things to do in Europe, compiled by the European Travel Commission:
_In Madrid, the Palace of Liria, the 18th century residence of the Duchess of Alba at Calle Princesa 20, offers a collection of Spanish art, along with Flemish, German, Dutch, Italian, English and French paintings, with guided tours Fridays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
_Rome's picturesque Trastevere area on the Tiber's west bank, a charming and colorful neighborhood, hosts a festival the European Travel Commission describes as "Fellini-esque" for eight days in the second half of July, the Festa di Noantri, with a religious procession, food and entertainment.
_In Leipzig, Germany, Porsche gives free factory tours where you can see cars like the Cayenne and the new Panamera assembled on antiseptically clean floors. The tour includes a museum with exhibits covering Porsche history. If you feel like upgrading your free tour, various packages for purchase include lunch and even driving experiences on a track. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10vuvnq75/*http://www.porsche-leipzig.de.
_In Paris, the Friday Night Fever — http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10stiam5r/*http://www.pari-roller.com — is a mass group tour by inline skaters of the city at night. Meeting point is Place Raoul Dautry in the 14th Arrondissement, between the Montparnasse office tower and the Paris-Montparnasse train station, at 10 p.m. The route varies every week but always covers roughly 19 miles and returns to the starting point at 1 a.m.
_Visit a sculpture park in Oslo with more than 200 works by Norway's most famous sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. The figures depict people in all stages of life and various emotions; details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10vq60aoe/*http://www.vigeland.museum.no.
_In Lisbon, the Gulbenkian Museum houses a magnificent collection of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Asian and European art. Exhibits include Japanese prints, Persian tapestries and European paintings from Rembrandt to Rubens to Renoir.
_Sandeman's New Europe tour company is offering walking tours of nine European cities — including Paris, Madrid, London and Berlin — free of charge except for optional tipping. The latest addition to the list is a three-hour tour of Prague. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=10um1tvc9/*http://www.sandemans-new.com.
_Zurich is known as an expensive city, but a visit to the Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster) is free and the13th century building includes two modern art treasures: a large stained-glass window done by the artist Alberto Giacometti in the 1940s, along with five stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall in 1970.
_A monument to Frank Zappa, creator of the 1960s band the Mothers of Invention, can be found in Vilnius, Lithuania. Zappa is of Lithuanian descent, and the monument is located in an area known as Uzupis, known for its countercultural leanings, cafes, galleries and other artists' hangouts.
_In Amsterdam, at the Wooden Shoe Factory, you can watch typical Dutch wooden shoes being hand carved and painted while learning the lore behind them, which dates to the 14th century. Details at http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap_travel/ap_tr_ge/storytext/travel_brief_european_freebies/31975015/SIG=112q1a58g/*http://www.woodenshoefactory.com.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Cruise with your favorite Disney Channel stars!! Disney Cruise Line
How much fun would that be to rub elbows with some of the Disney Channel's stars and rising stars?!?!? Contact us to book your Disney Cruise today!!!!!!
Or how about adding a Disney World package on to one of these great cruises!!!!
Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruises!!
Here's your chance to see and meet sensational stars from big shows and original movies on Disney Channel! More stars are scheduled to appear, so check back soon to find out who!
3-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 9 to 12, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 16 to 19, 2009—Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 23 to 26, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
July 30 to August 2, 2009—Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck)
4-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 12 to 16, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 19 to 23, 2009—Musical Act Mitchel Musso and Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 26 to 30, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
August 2 to 6, 2009—Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock)
*Schedule and talent subject to change without notice. Not all stars available for each sailing.
Call us to help you book one of these great cruises!!!
Or how about adding a Disney World package on to one of these great cruises!!!!
Disney Channel Summer at Sea Cruises!!
Here's your chance to see and meet sensational stars from big shows and original movies on Disney Channel! More stars are scheduled to appear, so check back soon to find out who!
3-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 9 to 12, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 16 to 19, 2009—Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 23 to 26, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
July 30 to August 2, 2009—Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck)
4-Night Disney Channel Summer At Sea Cruise
Sail Dates and Appearance Schedule*
July 12 to 16, 2009—Tiffany Thornton (Sonny with a Chance) and Nicole Anderson (JONAS)
July 19 to 23, 2009—Musical Act Mitchel Musso and Jason Earles (Hannah Montana)
July 26 to 30, 2009—Jason Dolley (Hatching Pete)
August 2 to 6, 2009—Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock)
*Schedule and talent subject to change without notice. Not all stars available for each sailing.
Call us to help you book one of these great cruises!!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Swine Flu, just the facts
The Facts:
-- According to Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, of the 159 deaths reported during the flu outbreak in the country, only 16 were confirmed to be associated with the swine flu.
.......... Only 10% of the number originally stated by the media
.......... Population of Mexico City: 26.7 million people
.......... Relative percentage of people infected in Mexico City: 5 ten millionths of one percent
.......... The United States reports 38,000 deaths per year to the regular flu
-- According to Quintana Roo State Secretary of Tourism, no fatal cases of influenza have been reported in the main tourism destinations: Cancún, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Huatulco
-- The BBC has reported the influenza is in decline, according to Mexican Health Minister, Jose Cordova.
-- CNN reports, the health alert drop in Mexico City is a sign that Mexico City is successfully overcoming the influenza and the preventative actions taken are producing positive results, states Mexico City Mayor, Marcelo Ebrad.
-- The World Health Organization is NOT recommending travel restrictions. Scientific research indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease, according to the WHO.
-- CNN’s travel expert, Peter Greenberg states the H1N1 reporting has been blown out of proportion and has created an unnecessary ‘abundance of fear’. Watch the interview here.
Listen to what guests currently in Mexico are saying:
“If you watch the national media, you are misinformed.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsCL-WAdLSo
“If you're thinking about coming to Mexico, the rates are down, the airfare is cheap, so get down here before the rest of the country finds out.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sAw9ud5ZDs
-- According to Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, of the 159 deaths reported during the flu outbreak in the country, only 16 were confirmed to be associated with the swine flu.
.......... Only 10% of the number originally stated by the media
.......... Population of Mexico City: 26.7 million people
.......... Relative percentage of people infected in Mexico City: 5 ten millionths of one percent
.......... The United States reports 38,000 deaths per year to the regular flu
-- According to Quintana Roo State Secretary of Tourism, no fatal cases of influenza have been reported in the main tourism destinations: Cancún, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Huatulco
-- The BBC has reported the influenza is in decline, according to Mexican Health Minister, Jose Cordova.
-- CNN reports, the health alert drop in Mexico City is a sign that Mexico City is successfully overcoming the influenza and the preventative actions taken are producing positive results, states Mexico City Mayor, Marcelo Ebrad.
-- The World Health Organization is NOT recommending travel restrictions. Scientific research indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease, according to the WHO.
-- CNN’s travel expert, Peter Greenberg states the H1N1 reporting has been blown out of proportion and has created an unnecessary ‘abundance of fear’. Watch the interview here.
Listen to what guests currently in Mexico are saying:
“If you watch the national media, you are misinformed.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsCL-WAdLSo
“If you're thinking about coming to Mexico, the rates are down, the airfare is cheap, so get down here before the rest of the country finds out.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sAw9ud5ZDs
Continental, Northwest, Delta Merger (mileage)
I was just reading this timeline……….wasn’t sure if you all were aware
I thought that October 2009 was an interesting one……CO will no longer be a partner with NW and DL, so you won’t get miles from CO on your World Perks……..
Here is the web link: http://www.delta.com/skymiles/about_skymiles/sm_wp_integration_program/index.jsp
SkyMiles/WorldPerks Integration Timeline
We're working to align the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest® WorldPerks programs to create the world's largest and best airline loyalty program—and there's a lot going on.
Check out the timeline below for the latest news and an overview of what's happening in 2009.
And remember that your base miles, elite qualification miles, membership status, lifetime mileage, and lounge memberships are safe and will be honored.The timeline will be regularly updated with the latest program news so check back often.
October 2008
Delta and Northwest merger approved.
November 2008
Delta & Northwest Elite Upgrade Reciprocity began. Delta announced expanded alliance partnership with Alaska Airlines.
December 2008
American Express named as the exclusive co-brand credit card issuer. American Express will continue to be the co-brand credit card partner for the current and integrated SkyMiles program.
January 2009
WorldPerks & SkyMiles Program alignment begins.
·Continental Airlines® announced it's leaving SkyTeam® alliance in October 2009. SkyMiles and WorldPerks members can continue to redeem miles for Continental Award Tickets until further notice.
·SkyMiles members can earn Medallion status via segment qualification.
WorldPerks program changes include:
·Award fee alignment to Delta and competitive industry levels.
·Saturday night stay requirement removed from Award Tickets.
·WorldPerks Platinum Elite members receive six systemwide upgrades.
·WorldPerks members may now book Award Travel on Northwest operated flights at low, medium, and high mileage Awards in Economy Class.
Interesting fact: Delta has offered Platinum Medallion upgrade certificates since 1997 and Northwest has had a Saturday night stay requirement for Award Tickets since 1999.
February 2009
Account linking and mileage transfer launched.
WorldPerks and SkyMiles members can link and transfer miles between WorldPerks and SkyMiles accounts; link accounts before April 15, 2009 and earn 500 bonus miles.
Interesting fact: So far more than 350,000 accounts have been linked. We encourage all others to link accounts today.
March 2009
Continued alignment of Delta and Northwest program benefits, including details of mileage upgrade reciprocity for all members and systemwide upgrade reciprocity for Platinum Elites/Platinum Medallions.
Effective March 1, 2009:
· WorldPerks Platinum Elites and SkyMiles Platinum Medallions receive two reissue and redeposit fee waivers and pay $50 for every other instance.
· Similar to SkyMiles members, WorldPerks members now earn an incremental 50 percent mileage bonus when booked in Y, B and M coach fare classes.
· SkyMiles program removes Saturday night stay requirement for booking Northwest Award Tickets.
April 2009
Communicate new benefits to Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardmembers in the United States.
For Gold and Platinum Delta SkyMiles and Delta Reserve Credit Cardmembers:
·Use Pay with Miles on Northwest operated flights.
·If you redeem a companion certificate over the phone your $20 direct ticketing fee is waived, effective March 26, 2009.
·Companion certificates issued after April 20th, 2009 can be redeemed online.
For the Platinum Delta SkyMiles and Delta Reserve Credit Cardmembers:
·If you redeem an Award Ticket less than 21 days prior to departure your award ticket redemption fees are waived.
·If you redeem an Award Ticket on a partner airline your partner airline award handling fees are waived. For SkyMiles Platinum Medallions, unlimited partner airline Award handling fee waiver.
Interesting fact: WorldPerks and SkyMiles members will be able to use Platinum systemwide upgrade certificates or book mileage-based upgrades on both Delta and Northwest flights to six continents.
May 2009
Begin communicating detailed information regarding the integration of WorldPerks into the SkyMiles program and the additional alignment of program benefits.
New benefits coming this month:
·WorldPerks and SkyMiles members’ ability to redeem mileage upgrades on both Delta and Northwest operated flights.
·WorldPerks Platinum Elites and SkyMiles Platinum Medallions’ ability to redeem systemwide upgrade certificates on both Delta and Northwest operated flights.
·The ability for SkyMiles members to book low, medium, and high mileage Awards on Northwest operated flights and the expansion of the new three-tiered Award structure to Northwest premium cabins.
Interesting Fact: In 2008 Delta issued more than 3 million Award Tickets, and 500,000 of these Award Tickets were flown on dates when other airlines blacked-out award travel.
June 2009
Launch ability for WorldPerks members to book Award Tickets on Delta operated flights at all low, mid, and high mileage Awards in Premium Class.
July 2009
Communicate launch date for when SkyMiles Gold and Platinum Medallion members will be eligible for Complimentary Medallion Upgrades on Award Tickets.
August 2009
Announce the 2010 SkyMiles Medallion/Elite program details and tentative launch date of a new domestic SkyMiles co-branded debit card.
In addition to the existing 2009 Medallion/Elite Program benefits, the 2010 SkyMiles Medallion/Elite Program will have four elite levels
September 2009
Communicate final and complete details regarding the integration of the WorldPerks program into the SkyMiles program.
October 2009
Continental Airlines leaves SkyTeam Alliance and no longer offers our SkyMiles and WorldPerks members the ability to earn or redeem miles on Continental flights.
November 2009
Program integration enters the final stage.
December 2009
WorldPerks members transition into the SkyMiles program.
·All 2009 WorldPerks Elite Qualifying Miles, Elite Qualifying Segments, and mileage balances will be transferred from WorldPerks accounts to their linked SkyMiles accounts to ensure proper status for 2010.
·WorldPerks members who do not have a SkyMiles account will receive a new SkyMiles number, and all WorldPerks EQMs and mileage balances will be transferred to their new SkyMiles accounts.
Interesting fact: The SkyMiles program will include more than 74 million members once WorldPerks members become part of the SkyMiles program.
January 1, 2010
Launch of the new 2010 SkyMiles Medallion program.
January & February 2010
Mail new SkyMiles Medallion credential kits.
Non-Medallion members will receive a SkyMiles membership card upon completion of their first Delta activity.
I thought that October 2009 was an interesting one……CO will no longer be a partner with NW and DL, so you won’t get miles from CO on your World Perks……..
Here is the web link: http://www.delta.com/skymiles/about_skymiles/sm_wp_integration_program/index.jsp
SkyMiles/WorldPerks Integration Timeline
We're working to align the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest® WorldPerks programs to create the world's largest and best airline loyalty program—and there's a lot going on.
Check out the timeline below for the latest news and an overview of what's happening in 2009.
And remember that your base miles, elite qualification miles, membership status, lifetime mileage, and lounge memberships are safe and will be honored.The timeline will be regularly updated with the latest program news so check back often.
October 2008
Delta and Northwest merger approved.
November 2008
Delta & Northwest Elite Upgrade Reciprocity began. Delta announced expanded alliance partnership with Alaska Airlines.
December 2008
American Express named as the exclusive co-brand credit card issuer. American Express will continue to be the co-brand credit card partner for the current and integrated SkyMiles program.
January 2009
WorldPerks & SkyMiles Program alignment begins.
·Continental Airlines® announced it's leaving SkyTeam® alliance in October 2009. SkyMiles and WorldPerks members can continue to redeem miles for Continental Award Tickets until further notice.
·SkyMiles members can earn Medallion status via segment qualification.
WorldPerks program changes include:
·Award fee alignment to Delta and competitive industry levels.
·Saturday night stay requirement removed from Award Tickets.
·WorldPerks Platinum Elite members receive six systemwide upgrades.
·WorldPerks members may now book Award Travel on Northwest operated flights at low, medium, and high mileage Awards in Economy Class.
Interesting fact: Delta has offered Platinum Medallion upgrade certificates since 1997 and Northwest has had a Saturday night stay requirement for Award Tickets since 1999.
February 2009
Account linking and mileage transfer launched.
WorldPerks and SkyMiles members can link and transfer miles between WorldPerks and SkyMiles accounts; link accounts before April 15, 2009 and earn 500 bonus miles.
Interesting fact: So far more than 350,000 accounts have been linked. We encourage all others to link accounts today.
March 2009
Continued alignment of Delta and Northwest program benefits, including details of mileage upgrade reciprocity for all members and systemwide upgrade reciprocity for Platinum Elites/Platinum Medallions.
Effective March 1, 2009:
· WorldPerks Platinum Elites and SkyMiles Platinum Medallions receive two reissue and redeposit fee waivers and pay $50 for every other instance.
· Similar to SkyMiles members, WorldPerks members now earn an incremental 50 percent mileage bonus when booked in Y, B and M coach fare classes.
· SkyMiles program removes Saturday night stay requirement for booking Northwest Award Tickets.
April 2009
Communicate new benefits to Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardmembers in the United States.
For Gold and Platinum Delta SkyMiles and Delta Reserve Credit Cardmembers:
·Use Pay with Miles on Northwest operated flights.
·If you redeem a companion certificate over the phone your $20 direct ticketing fee is waived, effective March 26, 2009.
·Companion certificates issued after April 20th, 2009 can be redeemed online.
For the Platinum Delta SkyMiles and Delta Reserve Credit Cardmembers:
·If you redeem an Award Ticket less than 21 days prior to departure your award ticket redemption fees are waived.
·If you redeem an Award Ticket on a partner airline your partner airline award handling fees are waived. For SkyMiles Platinum Medallions, unlimited partner airline Award handling fee waiver.
Interesting fact: WorldPerks and SkyMiles members will be able to use Platinum systemwide upgrade certificates or book mileage-based upgrades on both Delta and Northwest flights to six continents.
May 2009
Begin communicating detailed information regarding the integration of WorldPerks into the SkyMiles program and the additional alignment of program benefits.
New benefits coming this month:
·WorldPerks and SkyMiles members’ ability to redeem mileage upgrades on both Delta and Northwest operated flights.
·WorldPerks Platinum Elites and SkyMiles Platinum Medallions’ ability to redeem systemwide upgrade certificates on both Delta and Northwest operated flights.
·The ability for SkyMiles members to book low, medium, and high mileage Awards on Northwest operated flights and the expansion of the new three-tiered Award structure to Northwest premium cabins.
Interesting Fact: In 2008 Delta issued more than 3 million Award Tickets, and 500,000 of these Award Tickets were flown on dates when other airlines blacked-out award travel.
June 2009
Launch ability for WorldPerks members to book Award Tickets on Delta operated flights at all low, mid, and high mileage Awards in Premium Class.
July 2009
Communicate launch date for when SkyMiles Gold and Platinum Medallion members will be eligible for Complimentary Medallion Upgrades on Award Tickets.
August 2009
Announce the 2010 SkyMiles Medallion/Elite program details and tentative launch date of a new domestic SkyMiles co-branded debit card.
In addition to the existing 2009 Medallion/Elite Program benefits, the 2010 SkyMiles Medallion/Elite Program will have four elite levels
September 2009
Communicate final and complete details regarding the integration of the WorldPerks program into the SkyMiles program.
October 2009
Continental Airlines leaves SkyTeam Alliance and no longer offers our SkyMiles and WorldPerks members the ability to earn or redeem miles on Continental flights.
November 2009
Program integration enters the final stage.
December 2009
WorldPerks members transition into the SkyMiles program.
·All 2009 WorldPerks Elite Qualifying Miles, Elite Qualifying Segments, and mileage balances will be transferred from WorldPerks accounts to their linked SkyMiles accounts to ensure proper status for 2010.
·WorldPerks members who do not have a SkyMiles account will receive a new SkyMiles number, and all WorldPerks EQMs and mileage balances will be transferred to their new SkyMiles accounts.
Interesting fact: The SkyMiles program will include more than 74 million members once WorldPerks members become part of the SkyMiles program.
January 1, 2010
Launch of the new 2010 SkyMiles Medallion program.
January & February 2010
Mail new SkyMiles Medallion credential kits.
Non-Medallion members will receive a SkyMiles membership card upon completion of their first Delta activity.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Cruise Terms Test Your Skills!!!
Match Game
How knowledgeable are you on cruise terms?
How knowledgeable are you on cruise terms?
Match the defination to the word:
1. Basis two
2. Cross-selling
3. Alumni rate
4. GRT
5. Berth
6. Lido deck
7. Port
8. Draft
9. Space ratio
10. Magrodome
11. Quarter deck
12. POE
13. Tender
3. Alumni rate
4. GRT
5. Berth
6. Lido deck
7. Port
8. Draft
9. Space ratio
10. Magrodome
11. Quarter deck
12. POE
13. Tender
14. Starboard
15. Bow
15. Bow
.
A. Small boat that ferries passengers
B. Figure determined by dividing GRT by passenger capacity
C. Pool deck area with informal, buffet-like dining
D. Glass skylight that slides to cover pool area
E. Facing forward, the left side of the ship
F. Discounted rate given to those who have sailed a line before
G. The front of the ship
H. Offering client something in addition to the cruise, but related
I. Bed in a ship, also can refer to the docking space of a ship
J. Pricing per person, based in two passengers sharing
K. Depth of water a ship draws
L. Facing forward, the right side of the ship
M. Stern or rear part of upper deck reserved for ship's officers
N. Point of embarkation
O. Gross registered tonnage;determines volume of public spaces
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Chicago Exhibit Welcomes Potter Fans to Hogwarts
Harry Potter has captured the attention of many readers young and old, and with the series of movies, the fan base just keeps growing for generations.
Thank you to USAToday for this great article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-28-potter-exhibition_N.htm
By Judy Keen, USA TODAY
CHICAGO — Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is finally admitting Muggles.
Muggles — non-magical humans — are never seen at the mythic school where Harry Potter learns spells, potions and defense against the dark arts, but they're welcome at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, where more than 200 props and costumes from the blockbuster movies re-create Hogwarts in an exhibition that opens Thursday.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition takes visitors from the Hogwarts Express train platform through the Gryffindor common room, classrooms, the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid's hut. The tour is populated with creatures from the seven novels by J.K. Rowling and six Potter movies: life-sized centaurs, Buckbeak the hippogriff, dementors, thestrals and Dobby the house elf. Along the way are vignettes featuring dozens of elaborate costumes and icons of the Potter universe, including Harry's magic wand and round glasses.
Read More....
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-28-potter-exhibition_N.htm
Thank you to USAToday for this great article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-28-potter-exhibition_N.htm
By Judy Keen, USA TODAY
CHICAGO — Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is finally admitting Muggles.
Muggles — non-magical humans — are never seen at the mythic school where Harry Potter learns spells, potions and defense against the dark arts, but they're welcome at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, where more than 200 props and costumes from the blockbuster movies re-create Hogwarts in an exhibition that opens Thursday.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition takes visitors from the Hogwarts Express train platform through the Gryffindor common room, classrooms, the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid's hut. The tour is populated with creatures from the seven novels by J.K. Rowling and six Potter movies: life-sized centaurs, Buckbeak the hippogriff, dementors, thestrals and Dobby the house elf. Along the way are vignettes featuring dozens of elaborate costumes and icons of the Potter universe, including Harry's magic wand and round glasses.
Read More....
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-28-potter-exhibition_N.htm
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Swine Flu --Perspective people.....perspective!
OK, we've all been overexposed to the media these past couple weeks, with all the constant -in your face- approaches to the swine flu. What, in reality, IS the impact that this is having?
I don't believe that the flu is what is spreading like wildfire, it's the media! It's once again being blown so far out of proportion, that some people actually are afraid to leave their homes! Yipes!
I just received this communication from GOGO, and I am finding it extremely informative, so hopefully this will help put some things into perspective.
-----------
Hi everyone- First and foremost, thank you for all of your support and hard work over the last few days – I know it has been very challenging. As always, the Mexico team’s goal is to provide you with honest, forthright information that you case share with your clients, both agents and end consumers. Here is the low down on our own experience, as well as the facts released from both the U.S. and Mexican Government. I am part of a task force on this issue, and I hope you will find this information useful – if there are other questions please let me know. Our goal is to provide as many facts as possible and have you come to your own conclusions.
WHAT IS SWINE FLU?
Swine flu is influenza, and as such people should take the typical precautions that they would with any other illness: Wash hands often, cover your mouth while coughing and stay home if you are sick. This having been said, the impact of the swine flu illness has been considerably smaller than the media has led us to believe. Read on……
RELATIVE PARAMETERS:
A) - Population of Mexico City – 26.7 million people. Deaths confirmed to be swine flu – 16 (see below)** Relative percentage 5 ten millionths of one percent
- Population of the United States 306 million people. Annual deaths associated to the flu 38,000. Relative percentage – 6 one millionths of one percent.
- Population of Asia 3.8 million people. Deaths associated to SARS -700 Relative percentage: 2 ten thousandths of one percent
B). Part of a press release from the Health Minister of Mexico which contains information of great importance:
“Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, **informed that of the 159 deaths occurred during the flu outbreak in the country, 85 remain as suspicious, 16 have been confirmed and in 58 there was no relation to the new virus.** In the case of the 16 deaths confirmed with swine flu, 11 were in México City, 3 in the State of México, one in Oaxaca and one in Tlaxcala.” The end result? Only 16 of the deaths have been 100% associated to swine flu – that is 10% of the number originally stated by the media.
C). No Confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in any of the resort areas we work with. The Mexican Government is researching the information regarding the students that allegedly got swine flu in Cancun to research if it was indeed swine flu or the regular flu. No cases have been reported in the state of Quintana Roo at all – Cancun, Rivera Maya, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Please see attached letter from the State Government.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TAKEN IN MEXICO CITY: as you have seen in the media, there has been distribution of face masks, a reduction in public gatherings, mall closures and cancellation of some public events, such as soccer matches. These were PREVENTATIVE measures, not reactions to an increase in the number of people getting sick. The media had a field day focusing on this - The Mexican government made some tough decisions in order to take the responsibility of curbing this illness as fast as possible. Know what people in Mexico City are saying today? They are dying of boredom because there is nothing to do! ( CBS Sunday Morning 5/3/09)
MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
Myself and 7 other people from HQ were down in Acapulco for a Trade Event from April 23 - 29th. Acapulco is a 3 hour drive from Mexico City. We did not see any sick persons or an escalation in health activity or impact of the flu in the area were we were - convention center, main roadways, restaurants etc. We were around 3,000 other participants in the trade show, many of them from Mexico City.
Am I discounting the swine flu? Absolutely not – I flew home on Wednesday and had a doctor's appointment set for Thursday morning. Which they promptly called to cancel! When I explained where I had been for a week and that there were 3,000 people in attendance, I was told that I could come to in speak to a doctor, but without exhibiting a fever or other systems, they would not give me a blood test, swab test or prescription for Tamiflu. I went to the doctor, who showed me the US State Department Guidelines, for giving flu tests or prescriptions, and they were pretty detailed. End result? The government instituted guidelines because people were “overreacting” to the information provided from the media, creating an “infodemic” and medical offices could no longer handle the volume……… P.S. Myself and the others are fine – other than having been a little stressed out! J
From the Palm Beach Post - PLEASE NOTE THIS IMPORTANT DEFINITION – the World Health Organization (WHO) uses the term pandemic (and its number scale) to refer only to geographic spread and not to the severity of cases an illness. The two most recent pandemics — in 1957 and 1968 — were relatively mild. When we went for a number 4 to a number 5, it was based on the number of countries it had spread to, not that the number of case had doubled or tripled.
5. THE END RESULT OF AN INFODEMIC: from a recent Travel Weekly Mexico E letter L
“ Although the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak is still unclear, recent worldwide health scares have dealt a severe blow to tourism in affected countries. For example, during the 2002-2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in parts of Asia, travel to the region plunged. SARS, which killed more than 700 people and sickened hundreds more, was blamed for a 20% reduction in air traffic to the region. Fearing the spread of SARS, some countries in Asia closed their borders to visitors from mainland China and Hong Kong, while others instituted strict health screenings at airports and border crossings.”
The impact on our Mexico business? More than 32,000 room nights and $6.1 M in cancelled or rebooked land sales, the majority for travel in May.
OUR RESPONSE – for the next 3 weeks we will gather additional information, and continue to communicate what we find. Then we will make some strategic decisions on how to begin promoting the Mexico product again. We are getting ready for a comeback!
As always, in traveling anywhere – even at home in the USA, exercise appropriate care where you are – and enjoy the destination and take back happy memories with you. Thank you and looking forward to your future support!
Colette Baruth Vice President of Product - Mexico & Latin America LibGo Travel, A Division of Flight Centre USA Inc
I don't believe that the flu is what is spreading like wildfire, it's the media! It's once again being blown so far out of proportion, that some people actually are afraid to leave their homes! Yipes!
I just received this communication from GOGO, and I am finding it extremely informative, so hopefully this will help put some things into perspective.
-----------
Hi everyone- First and foremost, thank you for all of your support and hard work over the last few days – I know it has been very challenging. As always, the Mexico team’s goal is to provide you with honest, forthright information that you case share with your clients, both agents and end consumers. Here is the low down on our own experience, as well as the facts released from both the U.S. and Mexican Government. I am part of a task force on this issue, and I hope you will find this information useful – if there are other questions please let me know. Our goal is to provide as many facts as possible and have you come to your own conclusions.
WHAT IS SWINE FLU?
Swine flu is influenza, and as such people should take the typical precautions that they would with any other illness: Wash hands often, cover your mouth while coughing and stay home if you are sick. This having been said, the impact of the swine flu illness has been considerably smaller than the media has led us to believe. Read on……
RELATIVE PARAMETERS:
A) - Population of Mexico City – 26.7 million people. Deaths confirmed to be swine flu – 16 (see below)** Relative percentage 5 ten millionths of one percent
- Population of the United States 306 million people. Annual deaths associated to the flu 38,000. Relative percentage – 6 one millionths of one percent.
- Population of Asia 3.8 million people. Deaths associated to SARS -700 Relative percentage: 2 ten thousandths of one percent
B). Part of a press release from the Health Minister of Mexico which contains information of great importance:
“Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, **informed that of the 159 deaths occurred during the flu outbreak in the country, 85 remain as suspicious, 16 have been confirmed and in 58 there was no relation to the new virus.** In the case of the 16 deaths confirmed with swine flu, 11 were in México City, 3 in the State of México, one in Oaxaca and one in Tlaxcala.” The end result? Only 16 of the deaths have been 100% associated to swine flu – that is 10% of the number originally stated by the media.
C). No Confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in any of the resort areas we work with. The Mexican Government is researching the information regarding the students that allegedly got swine flu in Cancun to research if it was indeed swine flu or the regular flu. No cases have been reported in the state of Quintana Roo at all – Cancun, Rivera Maya, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Please see attached letter from the State Government.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TAKEN IN MEXICO CITY: as you have seen in the media, there has been distribution of face masks, a reduction in public gatherings, mall closures and cancellation of some public events, such as soccer matches. These were PREVENTATIVE measures, not reactions to an increase in the number of people getting sick. The media had a field day focusing on this - The Mexican government made some tough decisions in order to take the responsibility of curbing this illness as fast as possible. Know what people in Mexico City are saying today? They are dying of boredom because there is nothing to do! ( CBS Sunday Morning 5/3/09)
MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
Myself and 7 other people from HQ were down in Acapulco for a Trade Event from April 23 - 29th. Acapulco is a 3 hour drive from Mexico City. We did not see any sick persons or an escalation in health activity or impact of the flu in the area were we were - convention center, main roadways, restaurants etc. We were around 3,000 other participants in the trade show, many of them from Mexico City.
Am I discounting the swine flu? Absolutely not – I flew home on Wednesday and had a doctor's appointment set for Thursday morning. Which they promptly called to cancel! When I explained where I had been for a week and that there were 3,000 people in attendance, I was told that I could come to in speak to a doctor, but without exhibiting a fever or other systems, they would not give me a blood test, swab test or prescription for Tamiflu. I went to the doctor, who showed me the US State Department Guidelines, for giving flu tests or prescriptions, and they were pretty detailed. End result? The government instituted guidelines because people were “overreacting” to the information provided from the media, creating an “infodemic” and medical offices could no longer handle the volume……… P.S. Myself and the others are fine – other than having been a little stressed out! J
From the Palm Beach Post - PLEASE NOTE THIS IMPORTANT DEFINITION – the World Health Organization (WHO) uses the term pandemic (and its number scale) to refer only to geographic spread and not to the severity of cases an illness. The two most recent pandemics — in 1957 and 1968 — were relatively mild. When we went for a number 4 to a number 5, it was based on the number of countries it had spread to, not that the number of case had doubled or tripled.
5. THE END RESULT OF AN INFODEMIC: from a recent Travel Weekly Mexico E letter L
“ Although the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak is still unclear, recent worldwide health scares have dealt a severe blow to tourism in affected countries. For example, during the 2002-2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in parts of Asia, travel to the region plunged. SARS, which killed more than 700 people and sickened hundreds more, was blamed for a 20% reduction in air traffic to the region. Fearing the spread of SARS, some countries in Asia closed their borders to visitors from mainland China and Hong Kong, while others instituted strict health screenings at airports and border crossings.”
The impact on our Mexico business? More than 32,000 room nights and $6.1 M in cancelled or rebooked land sales, the majority for travel in May.
OUR RESPONSE – for the next 3 weeks we will gather additional information, and continue to communicate what we find. Then we will make some strategic decisions on how to begin promoting the Mexico product again. We are getting ready for a comeback!
As always, in traveling anywhere – even at home in the USA, exercise appropriate care where you are – and enjoy the destination and take back happy memories with you. Thank you and looking forward to your future support!
Colette Baruth Vice President of Product - Mexico & Latin America LibGo Travel, A Division of Flight Centre USA Inc
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