Airlines

Autumn Fare Wars in Summer

The early start to fall fare sales are a sign of too many seats chasing too few customers, according to airline analyst Bob Mann. The sales, which began in July, were mainly fares that only leisure travelers could use. But the fact that the carriers initiated these fares so much earlier than usual in an effort to stimulate business indicate that there will be even more this fall. Air travel generally plummets in September, when everyone’s home from vacation or back in college, and generally doesn’t pick up until October. That means that airlines probably will continue aggressive pricing practices through the early fall, making low fares available to their corporate customers as well as online. Call an expert Ethan Allen Travel Counselor for details at 800.962.3020.

Carriers Add Business Class

On Oct.18, 2004, United will begin three-cabin premium service to capture more transcontinental business. Branded 'p.s. (s.m.) ' for 'premium service,' the product will offer enhanced service and comfort to meet the demands of today's business and high-yield travelers. p.s. (s.m.) will roll out to United's existing flights between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) beginning Oct. 18, 2004, through late December 2004, while p.s. (s.m.) service from JFK to San Francisco (SFO) will roll out from late December 2004 through February 2005. The new p.s. (s.m.) flights are open for sale beginning Tuesday, August 3, 2004. Key features include: lie-flat seat between New York and the West Coast (available in First) and Direct 110v laptop power connections

Rescheduling Non-Refundable Tickets

Network carriers, including American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United, are making it easier for travelers to reschedule those non-refundable tickets. Change penalties remain, but travelers now have up to a year from the date of their original travel to reschedule their trips. Some carriers require travelers to tell them that they won’t be flying that original flight in advance, but some do not. Previously, travelers had to reschedule the trip before their original departure date.

United Adds Flights

United Airlines plans to begin daily Chicago-Shanghai service October 31, pending completion of regulatory procedures by Chinese and U.S. government agencies. Last month it launched daily nonstop service between Denver International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Air Tran Ups The Ante

Air Tran now offers its A+ Rewards members award travel anywhere in the world, not just on its flight network in the contiguous U.S. It will simply buy tickets to the chosen destination of a Rewards’ member with qualifying mileage—giving the member the trip and allowing them to earn miles at that airline as well.

Corporate Travel Spending Up in 2004

More than 60 percent of corporate travel managers participating in the National Business Travel Association's 2004 Mid-Year Travel Management Survey said their firms are spending more on travel in 2004 than in 2003. Meanwhile, 18 percent said spending was flat and about 22 percent indicated that spending declined. More than 77 percent of travel managers who expect to spend more money this year said spending increases will be 10 percent or less. The survey found that almost 70 percent expect airline ticket prices to increase, nearly 75 percent believe hotel rates will rise, almost 60 percent foresee price hikes in car rentals and more than 65 percent envision meetings and conventions costs will climb. The NBTA conducted the midyear survey on line; 265 travel managers participated between June 22 and July 1. (Source: Travel Weekly)

Hotels

Hilton Expands Its Brand

Hilton is expanding its luxury brand, Conrad Hotels, in the U.S. It opened the Conrad Miami last month and plans a Conrad hotel in Indianapolis and an all-suite Conrad in Las Vegas, both scheduled to open in 2006. Meanwhile, it has converted the Indianapolis Adams Mark into a Hilton; a $6.5 million renovation should be complete by the end of the year.

Travel Security Update

Amtrak Takes Precautions for Republican Convention

Amtrak will require advance reservations for nearly all of its trains coming into New York’s Penn Station before and during the Republican Convention, from Saturday, August 28, through Thursday, September 2. This includes the entire Washington-Boston New York corridor, including upstate New York Empire service. Stepped up security measures will be in place and Amtrak is warning travelers to expect delays.

Hilton Expands Its Brand

Hilton is expanding its luxury brand, Conrad Hotels, in the U.S. It opened the Conrad Miami last month and plans a Conrad hotel in Indianapolis and an all-suite Conrad in Las Vegas, both scheduled to open in 2006. Meanwhile, it has converted the Indianapolis Adams Mark into a Hilton; a $6.5 million renovation should be complete by the end of the year.

Third Stage of Rail Test Programs

Last month the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began the third stage of a pilot program studying new rail security measures. Passengers on Connecticut’s Shoreline East Commuter Line may be screened for explosives by passing through a specialized railcar equipped with on-board screening technology while the train is in motion. It’s the TSA’s first effort to screen travelers on a moving train.

San Diego Airport Latest to Try Explosives Screening

The TSA is now testing and evaluating an explosives-detecting portal in several airports across the nation. Testing began last month at San Diego International Airport and will begin soon at Tampa International and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The machines are already in use in T.F. Green State Airport in Providence, R.I., and Greater Rochester (N.Y.) International Airport. The machines, the GE EntryScan3, analyze the air for traces of explosive material. Passengers entering the lanes with these portals put their carry-on baggage onto the X-ray screen conveyor belts and then step into the portal for a few moments while several quick puffs of air are released.

Big Turnout for Frequent Registered Traveler Try-Out

Frequent flyers began lining up at 5 a.m. to sign up for the Registered Traveler Pilot Program at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with Northwest Airlines. The pilot program is an effort to expedite screening for travelers who register for a pre-screening process. Registered travelers enter a designated lane where their identity is confirmed with a biometric iris or finger scan. The program will begin soon at Los Angeles International Airport with United Airlines, George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Houston with Continental Airlines, Boston Logan International Airport with American Airlines and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, also with American.

Spotlight on…Global Phones & Foreign Currency

Currency Exchange

In our continuing search in improve service, Ethan Allen Travel now provides foreign currency exchange buy and sell services. Our rates are among the most competitive in the industry. Ask us for details next time your planning to travel abroad.

Take Your Mobile Number to Europe

New services allow your cell phone to work in Europe. Global phones by Nokia, Bosch, Ericsson, Motorola and others have a geo-sensitive chip that recognizes its location and finds local service. U.S. telecom providers accommodate with globe-trotting service, include AT&T Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile. Verizon Wireless has such service coming online, first only for large corporate customers but ultimately for individual customers; in the meantime, its customers can rent a GSM phone from Verizon Wireless and have their calls forwarded to that number.

Ethan Allen Travel is committed to providing you with useful information on the latest developments in the travel industry. The following information has been compiled from a variety of sources and is updated monthly.

TOP OF PAGE