Sep
14

Is the US falling behind as a travel destination?

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The International Herald Tribune has recently reported that the United States seems to be losing market share of the fast-expanding international tourist travel market.There is a widely held belief within the travel industry that many tourists are choosing alternate destinations because they feel that it is simply too much of a hassle to travel to the US since the events of September 2001.

The decline in incoming overseas tourist traffic is significant, and steps are now underway in an attempt to address and reverse this trend. One of the issues most in need of attention, according to many commentators is to make the traveler’s experience at the entry point into the US less stressful than at present.

For more details, please refer to the International Herald Tribune article:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/13/business/tourism.php

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Destinations, Security, Vacations
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Sep
14

An end to our opportunity to forget about work problems while flying?

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A recent announcement may send shudders through many business travelers who are able to relax during flights and let others worry about the day-to-day hassles of the workplace.

The Australian flag carrier, Qantas Airways has released a story saying that it will introduce new technology in about four months to let passengers do e-mail, text messaging and cell phone calling. The three-month trial will be done on Australian domestic routes using Boeing 767s.

“Qantas will be one of the first carriers in the world to offer this service,” said Senior Executive Vice President Wally Mariani.

I guess it won’t be long before we’ll need to field all kinds of new problems whilst attempting to “sit back, relax and enjoy the flight”

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Business, Technology
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Aug
31

New linkage between Google and British Airways

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British Airways and Google have recently announced a novel collaboration designed to make holiday preparation even easier by launching a new interactive service through the ba.com website.

To celebrate its ‘World Offers’ fare sale,  which launched on August 31, the airline will feature Google Earth satellite technology on ba.com, allowing travelers to zoom in on their destination of choice when evaluating excellent discounts available on flights and hotels.

British Airways has created special ‘layers’ of information for Google Earth to enable ba.com visitors to see popular tourist hot-spots and their proximity to their chosen hotel – the ultimate planning tool for holidaymakers, so they can organize their itinerary before they arrive.

Jayne O’Brien, head of brands and marketing communications at British Airways, said: ” …this has the added customer benefit of allowing them to familiarise themselves with the local area, hotels and amenities through Google Earth. ….”

Obi Felton, Head of Consumer Marketing at Google, said: “We hope holiday-makers have fun with this specially created tool.  ….”

I believe that this announcement represents a novel combination of two different technologies which can combine to enhance the advantages of online services available for travelers wishing to plan itineraries and trips themselves. I’m sure that we will hear a lot more of this form of technology in the months to come.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Destinations, Technology, Vacations
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Aug
25

Laptop computer battery confusion

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In the midst of a major recall of many Dell and Apple laptop computers following issues with overheating batteries causing fires in computers, a number of airlines are currently banning passengers from carrying on-board laptop computers with batteries fitted.

They claim that they are worried that should passengers plug the computer into an on-board power source, then a fire may break out whilst in flight.

It seems that the issue may be limited to only Dell and Apple computers, but you should check with your airline to ensure that you don’t get caught out at the check-in gate should you need to send the battery with your checked luggage.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Business, Technology
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Aug
14

What do recent security changes mean for you?

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The issue of packing for either holiday or business travel must now be re-considered, since previous recommendations have specifically warned against including personal valuable items and liquids in your hold luggage. However, since you may no longer be able to carry these on board, then there may be no other alternative.

Issues to think about should include: more secure luggage, locks on zips, fasteners, etc, an external belt around the whole case.

In addition, all liquid or gel items should ideally be placed inside a sealable plastic bag to prevent leakage.

If you still feel comfortable about travelling by air, then we believe that you should continue to use this travel option. This helps to avoid any measure of success of the terrorism campaign, which of course is to cause disruption of travel plans at a very busy time of the year.

In terms of timing issues relating to your departure from airports affected by the new security guidelines, we cannot emphasise enough the need to allow significant extra time to go through check-in and security procedures. It is likely that carriers will need to schedule their departures as close as possible to the original time, and this could well result in passengers missing their flight if still caught in queues. You should maintain contact with the airport authorities and airline to ensure that you have allowed enough time.

Be prepared for lengthy delays and a higher than usual level of stress and anxiety amongst fellow passengers, airline and security personnel during this difficult time.

Posted by John Kumm, www.onlinetravelconsultant.com

Categories : Air, Security, Vacations
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Aug
14

How to deal with duty free purchases post 10-Aug

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The situation regarding duty free goods, particularly perfumes and alcohol, is currently very confused. In the UK and USA, where passengers are prohibited from bringing and liquid or gel articles on board, the current situation is resulting in thousands of lost sales each day. Industry sources confirm that about one-third of duty-free sales are liquid, including $US 3.2 billion of sales in women’s fragrances and revenues from wine, beer and spirits, adding up to $US 4.75 billion.The CEO of the largest U.S. duty-free operator says the Transportation Security Administration is preventing his stores from selling any liquids at all, and that liquor and fragrances comprise three-quarters of his business.

A number of airports allow duty free purchases of perfumes and alcohol at the entry point, and this may possibly offer an alternative for those travelers hoping to carry some duty free goods in with them. More news as it becomes available!

Posted by John Kumm, www.onlinetravelconsultant.com


Categories : Air, Security, Vacations
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Aug
14

What you need to know about travel insurance after 10-Aug

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Potential travelers are very strongly advised to check up on the level and type of cover offered by Travel Insurance companies as a result of recent terrorism related security clampdowns.

Whilst almost all insurers offering travel insurance have exclusions for terrorism related events, there is currently a variation in the definition of what constitutes a terrorism related violent action.

As an example, some policies define terrorism to include “violent acts, the treat of violence used by a person or organization to promote their cause or beliefs”, some even include military force used to combat terrorist acts.

Other insurance policies are more specific, defining terrorism as “an act done with the intention of developing a political, ideological or religious cause, and with the intention of influencing by intimidation, the government of a country”.

Another issue relates to the standard exclusion of cover for personal valuable items such as cameras, computers, etc held in the hold of an aircraft from insurance policies. As a result of the new guidelines currently being enforced in the UK, where such items are prohibited from carriage in the cabin, you should check with your insurer to determine whether this clause has been temporarily removed.

Some commentators have suggested that less than half of travelers into and out of the UK are potentially likely to have insurance claims as a result of the recent events for disrupted travel, hotel cancellations, etc honored by travel insurers.

This seems to relate to a very narrow interpretation by travel insurance underwriters of whether the delays are as a result of terrorism, or of attempts to prevent terrorism.

Categories : Air, Security, Uncategorized
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