More than 30 years of serving the international business and non-profit communities
This year, US Airways is first among major airlines in on-time performance. Last year it was last. (WSJ) The turnaround has been dramatic, especially considering that much of the airline's service is in the Northeast where air-traffic congestion has been particularly brutal. But even at the nation's worst airports, US Airways has run more or less on-time. At New York's La Guardia Airport, for example, nearly 79% of all US Airways flights arrived on-time in May, compared with an abysmal 57% for American Airlines according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The airline is spending about $50 million to fix its operation, upgrading equipment and software, fixing computer problems that resulted from its merger with America West Airlines, hiring new management and airport workers, reworking how planes and crews are scheduled, and building a crucial new baggage-screening area in Philadelphia.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced measures to improve runway safety, including the installation at major airports of lights that signal pilots when a runway is safe to enter. The runway safety system announced Monday involves lighting systems to be installed at 21 airports over the next three years. The lights change color to signal when a runway is safe to enter or cross. Airports selected for the program are Atlanta, Baltimore-Washington, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago-O'Hare, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston Intercontinental, John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and Washington-Dulles.
Northwest follows American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways by charging $15 for each traveler's first checked bag on all tickets sold on or after July 10, and for travel dates beginning Aug. 28. The change in baggage fees applies to all domestic flights and travel between the U.S. and Canada.
New United flight service from Dulles to Dubai and from Dulles to Moscow. Flights are now available for booking to Dubai for an October 26, 2008 startup and to Moscow for a March 29, 2009 startup. Service pending government approvals.
United relocated to Terminal 1 at London’s Heathrow airport featuring:
- An improved Premier lobby area that is closer to the pre-flight security checkpoint
- An exclusive check-in area for Global Services and United First customers
- New Lounge facilities including an arrivals lounge
- A Star Alliance departure lounge with business technology including Wi-Fi Access
- Faster flight connections to Star Alliance partners
United and Continental agree on a wide-ranging marketing alliance that could help them forge close domestic ties and act in concert on international routes. article quotes: "It's a good move for Continental because Star Alliance is the strongest of the global groups." "The agreement probably won't go into effect until late next year." " US Airways, rebuffed by United as a merger partner, nonetheless said Thursday that it will keep its existing domestic code-sharing and frequent-flier relationships with United." Full WSJ story
United is applying advance ticketing requirements to most applicable fares which do not currently have ticket time limits. This change is effective now for North America ( U.S. and Canada ) point-of-sale bookings. The revised policy requires ticketing the later of three days before departure or 24 hours after booking for First and Business, and Normal Economy (Y, B) Classes; and 24 hours after booking for all other Economy classes.
Clear, the TSA-approved Registered Traveler Program, now includes both Dulles (IAD) and Reagan (DCA) airports. Clear members are pre-screened and provided with a high-tech card which allows them to access designated airport security fast-lanes nationwide. Clear members pass through airport security faster, with more predictability and less hassle. Clear's first year price is $100 plus the TSA vetting fee of $28 for a total charge of $128. Pre-enrollment online. Clear enrollment locations: Dulles International Airport (IAD) Main Terminal Daily, 6AM - 8PM By United Airlines ticketing counter next to the Travelex Currency Exchange. Reagan National Airport (DCA) Daily, 6AM - 8PM Terminal B Across from Cibo Wine Bar on Concourse (Level 2) between checkpoints B and B/C. Terminal C Near Information Desk on Concourse (Level 2) between checkpoints B/C and C.
Less frustration with flight delays with Virtually There. Automatic notifications can keep you informed and save you precious time So far this year, 25% of U.S. flights have been delayed. With summer travel, more delays are expected. Why not let Sabre® Virtually There® reduce your frustrations with our automatic flight notification updates? It’s easy. You simply register for flight notification from your Virtually There itinerary. In the event of a delay, you'll receive an automatic notification. This keeps you informed with real-time updates. You can even choose how they want to receive their notifications: Email, Wireless Email (pager or mobile phone), SMS (text notification), Voice Message (US and Canada only), Fax.
And with several personalized flight notification options available, you are notified of the information that you care the most about: Cancelled flights, Departure delays, Trip reminder, Terminal and gate changes Register your personal preferences by choosing ‘Notify me of flight changes’ on your Virtually There itinerary page or from the main menu navigation bar on the Virtually There Web site select Mobile Services > Flight Notification
Royal Caribbean Cruise's newest creation, Oasis of the Seas. See the incredible video. To receive expert Royal Carribean, Celebrity and Azamara travel advice, contact Linda Olson 703-577-7717 RCL stock owners receive from $50 to $250 shipboard credit on all Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara cruises. See link.
"Say You're One of Them" by Uwem Akpan. Collection of five stories set in various African nations. Compelling/disturbing read.
Best of new international restaurants
Live parking status for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
TRAVEL SECURITY
US State Department current Travel Warnings
