September 2006

British Airways and Clear Registered Traveler will launch the Registered Traveler Program at British Airways Terminal 7 at JFK International this fall. In the Registered Traveler Program, frequent flyers can speed their way through security by paying an annual fee and providing background information about themselves so that they can be pre-screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They then are provided a biometric identity card expedites their progress through airport security checkpoints. Clear Registered Traveler is a privately run registered traveler program and has been operating since July 2005 at Orlando International Airport. It plans to begin operations at Norman Y. Mineta San José, Indianapolis and Cincinnati International Airports, upon approval from the TSA. (Source: Clear press release).

TSA Now Allows Eye Drops, Lip Balm

The Transportation Security Administration continues to modify new carry-on luggage rules instituted in the wake of heightened security measures. Solid cosmetics such as lip balms and lipstick are now permitted. Up to four ounces of non-prescription medications, including eye drops, are allowed, as are liquid prescribed medications as long as the name on the medication matches that on the passenger’s ticket. For the complete list of updated rules, go to www. tsa.gov/travelers.  (Source: TSA Web site).

Airlines Rescind Fare Hikes

Late in August, United Airlines raised business class fares $5 each way, or $10 roundtrip; American Airlines and Delta Airlines matched. But no other U.S. carriers followed; the three then rolled back the hikes. Airfares have been rising for most of this year due to record oil prices, reduced capacity and increased demand. Over the last two years, airlines have successfully raised fares 21 times and failed 17.  In related news, Northwest Airlines, which had begun charging $80 for a third piece of checked luggage, has suspended that fee due to changed security rules imposed in the wake of increased security measures. (Source: BTe Newsletter)

MAXjet Announces London-Las Vegas Service

MAXjet Airways, the all-business class transatlantic service, has launched a new route from Las Vegas to London Stansted. Tickets are on sale now for the new service, which begins Nov. 2. Flights depart London Stansted at 1 p.m. and arrive in Las Vegas McCarran International Airport at 5 p.m. the same day. Flights leave Las Vegas at 7:30 p.m. and arrive London at 12:30 p.m. the next day. (Source: MAXjet press release).

JetBlue Launches New Flights

JetBlue Airways is beginning new service to six new cities out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International in September and early October. Flights are to Nashville, Houston, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tucson and Columbus.  JetBlue has also added up to six daily nonstops between JKF and Washington Dulles. From Washingon Dulles JetBlue now offers daily nonstop service to Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Oakland, Long Beach and San Diego. Nonstop service to West Palm Beach from Dulles will begin Oct. 3. (Source: JetBlue press release).

Northwest, Air France Deal Broadens Network

Northwest Airlines and Air France have begun a codeshare agreement that will provide customers with seamless travel throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America. The two carriers will codeshare on flights between Detroit and Paris and by later this fall will expand that codesharing to flights from the Air France Paris hub to destinations throughout Europe, African and the Middle East. (Source: Northwest Airlines Press Release).

Hotels

Hilton Opens Downtown Chicago All-Suite

Hilton has opened the Hilton Suites Chicago Magnificent Mile after completing a multi-million dollar renovation to redesign the hotel’s 345 guest suites. The hotel is near the Magnificent Mile’s nightlife, shopping and dining venues. The two-room suites each have the Hilton Serenity Bed, alarm clock with MP3 player, 32-inch flat-screen TV.  Rooms and public areas have high-speed wireless and wired Internet access. There’s a rooftop fitness center with indoor pool and views of Lake Michigan. The hotel has a coffee bar, restaurant and bar and 10,000 square feet of meeting space. (Source: Hilton press release).

Cars

Hertz Launches ‘Green Collection’

Hertz has launched a new collection of fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly cars. These cars can be reserved by specific make and model, with an EPA highway fuel efficiency rating of 28 miles or more per gallon. They include the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Buick LaCrosse and Hyundai Sonata.   Most of the Camrys, Fusions and LaCrosses also carry EPA’s SmartWay* certification, indicating lower emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. (Source: Hertz press release).

Rail

Amtrak, Partners Launch New Web site

Amtrak, Metrolink and Caltrans have launched a new “Rail 2 Rail” Web site (www.rail2rail.org) to help rail travelers find more train options in Southern California between the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink, Southern California’s regional commuter rail service. The four-year-old Rail 2 Rail program allows Metrolink monthly pass holders along the Orange and Ventura County corridors to travel on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains within the trip limits of their pass, including Saturday and Sunday. (Source: Amtrak press release).

 Spotlight on Attitude Towards Flying

                                                                      
A Harris Poll has found that two-thirds of U.S. adults say the recent terrorist threats have not changed their attitudes about flying.

1. 65 percent say their attitude about flying is the same
2. Seven out of ten say they expect to fly the same amount in the next 12 months
3. 15 percent are “much” more anxious
4. 18 percent are “somewhat” more anxious
5. One in five say they will be flying less (note: people may fly less for reasons other than terrorism concerns)
6. 62 percent said they would support a ban on carry-on luggage if the Transportation Security Administration deemed it necessary.         
   

Source: Harris Interactive 

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