Showing posts with label Airline News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Airline News. Show all posts
Your Companion Flys FREE to the Bahamas!
Nassau, Paradise Island ~ Free Companion Airfare* Promotion!Instantly receive the amount of the base ticket price for a companion airfare traveling from any gateway city in the United States (except Alaska and Hawaii) to Nassau Paradise Island!
To receive the Free Companion Airfare, book an air-inclusive vacation package for 4 consecutive night† or longer and stay at any of the following hotels:
Atlantis, Paradise Island (Beach, Coral and Royal Towers)
Best Western Bay View Suites
British Colonial Hilton Nassau
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
The Cove Atlantis
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant
Harborside Resort at Atlantis
One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island Harbour Resort All-Inclusive
The Reef Atlantis
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
(Luxury-Included®)
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino (All-Inclusive Available)
Atlantis, Paradise Island (Beach, Coral and Royal Towers)
Best Western Bay View Suites
British Colonial Hilton Nassau
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
The Cove Atlantis
Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant
Harborside Resort at Atlantis
One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island Harbour Resort All-Inclusive
The Reef Atlantis
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
(Luxury-Included®)
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino (All-Inclusive Available)
Booking Window: December 14th, 2009 - March 3rd, 2010
Travel Window: January 4th, 2010 - June 23rd, 2010
Blackout dates: March 19th, 2010 - April 18th, 2010
*Certain government-imposed taxes and fees on free air travel are additional.
*Certain government-imposed taxes and fees on free air travel are additional.
St. Kitts is Easier to Reach this Winter!
Pssst! Breaking News! Delta added another flight from Atlanta to St. Kitts, that's 2 flights every week from December 23 to April 7!!Updates from Jamaica
I spent last evening at a dinner hosted by The Jamaican Tourist Board - you know, the folks responsible for the groovy commercials and catchy tagline "Once You Go, You know.". Yes, it was lively, colorful, and delicious... a little taste of the island in Atlanta. Just when I thought there was nothing more I could possibly learn about this island I have visited oh so many times... there is. Below are the updates and facts I found most interesting:- Jamaica welcomes over 3 Million tourists EVERY year!
- 75% of all visitors to Jamaica are booked through Travel Agents.
- Due to improved roads, it only takes 1 HOUR to get from the airport in Montego Bay to Negril.
- Due to the same road improvements, it only takes 1 HOUR & 20 mins to get to Ocho Rios from the airport.
- However, due to current improvements in Montego Bay town, avoid arriving at rush hour or you will add 45 minutes to your trip simply trying to get out of town. This improvement will be completed in December '09.
- JetBlue is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Orlando in January.
- AirTran is adding nonstop service to Montego Bay from Atlanta in February.
Air Jamaica Executive Lounge Day Pass
Air Jamaica has announced that travelings may purchase entry to their Executive Lounges in Kingston and Montego Bay Jamaica for $30/per person. The pass may be purchased at the ticket counter in both airports."We are pleased that we can now offer this facility to our passengers in Economy Class. Our Lovebird Executive Lounge will allow them a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with wireless Internet access, cable television, newspapers, beverages and snacks while they wait for their flight,” said Sue Rosen, senior director of customer service.
Make a Difference - AA's Miles for Kids in Need
How Your Miles Can Help!American Airlines is one of the top producers of flights to the Caribbean. Their Miles for Kids in Need program provides worldwide support for children and their families, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with needs for medical, educational, social services issues and/or for those that heighten public awareness of children's issues.Since 1989, AAdvantage members have donated miles to help kids in need. Last year alone, members generously donated over 30 million of their unused AAdvantage miles to help provide transportation to over 500 kids through this program. If you can help us replenish some of these miles, we (and the kids) will really appreciate it. Please check your mileage balance and consider making a donation today. More details...
Breaking News... Spirit buys Air Jamaica!
The Associated Press & the Jamaica Gleaner have both reported that discounted carrier, Spirit Air, has recently acquired Jamaica's national airline in an effort to help save Air Jamaica! I am not sure what this means to the market, but it will be interesting to watch! Maybe a drop in fares? Maybe a drop in service? Let's see!
So you booked your hotel deal... and need airfare?
Air Jamaica is on sale too! Their New Year's Sale must be purchased by Jan 9 or 12th in some markets. An example of the great rates... $49/each way from Florida to Jamaica or $119/each way from Baltimore to Jamaica... plus tax, of course.HUGE Air Jamaica Sale! Buy by December 11!!!!
CaribbeanJourney.com is offering great CARIBBEAN VACATIONS including the following sale on Air Jamaica! Book by December 11 for travel January 9 to March 31, 2009! Rates are ONE WAY and exclusive of TAXES - but still a GREAT deal!
From Baltimore & Philadelphia
$123 to Jamaica
$167 to Barbardos
$167 to Grenada
$176 to Curacao
From New York
$123 to Jamaica
$167 to Barbados
$167 to Grenada
$182 to Curacao
From Miami/Fort Lauderdale
$47 to Jamaica
$137 to Barbados
From Orlando
$77 to Jamaica
From Atlanta
$93 to Jamaica
$161 to Barbados
$161 to Grenada
$167 to Curacao
From Chicago
$133 to Jamaica
$190 to Curacao
$218 to Grenada
From LA
$157 to Jamaica
$208 to Curacao
Contact ME to book your Caribbean Vacation and take advantage of this great sale!
Caribbean Airlines
Small isn't necessarily a bad thing in the travel industry. In fact, for years I have seen a growing trend in my clients requesting smaller, more intimate hotels, namely boutique hotels. Whether or not Caribbean Airlines wants this title, I feel they do qualify as a boutique airline. The beauty of smaller companies is often more attention to detail, a lower staff to guest ratio, and overall more personalized service. Well, the Trinidad based Caribbean Airlines offers all of the above.
I don't usually take a stand on recommending one airline over another - honestly, at this point in time all the major players have disappointed me and my clients with last minute inconvenient schedule changes, fare hikes, and commission cuts. I am loyal to Air Jamaica - primarily from my own wonderful experiences of flying with them on over 50 occasions. But, the smaller Caribbean Airlines deserves attention too! Caribbean Airlines is available to book directly or through many wholesalers, including one of my favorites, Travel Impressions. Caribbean Airlines service the following islands: Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Caracas, Guyana, and Surinam from Fort. Laurderale, Toronto, Miami, London, or New York. 
Let me know if I can arrange your next vacation with Caribbean Airlines!
Have Baby Will Travel!
I just returned from my first Caribbean trip with my 5 month old son. Before telling you my story, I must first let you know that my 8 year old had logged over 20,000 miles by month 6, so traveling with an infant is not new to me. However, my 8 year old was an infant in 1999 and 2000 - when getting through security was a breeze and if I happened to be traveling alone a relative could accompany me from the curb all the way to the gate. Things have changed and airports, in general, are more stressful. (But hopefully safer.) We hired a car for the transfer from our house to the airport as trying to navigate parking lot shuttles with an infant is not recommended. We arrived 2 hours before the flight and made it through the long security line with minimal hassle. They let the little man remain in his Baby Bjorn through the entire process which was nice. We paid $150/per person to upgrade to first class at the gate. Tip - sometimes paying to upgrade at the airport is less than booking first class in advance. The flight was uneventful, the little man slept and my daughter kept the flight attendants busy in conversation.
We arrived in Jamaica to find only 3 of our 4 bags had made the trip with us. I had mixed emotions when I realized it was the baby's bag. I was thrilled it wasn't mine as my suitcase had considerably more expensive goods and his belongings would be cheaper to replace. Yet, I was panicked because I wouldn't be able to replace his crucial supplies until we were home. (Crucial supplies for babies in the Caribbean = infant sunscreen and bug spray, mosquito nets fitted for the pack 'n play and stroller, baby size sun hats, and swim diapers...) After almost 2 hours tracking down the bag it was deemed lost and we reluctantly left the airport for the villa. We quickly sourced some diapers and formula and I thought I could make it a week with the 5 baby outfits we had in our carry on.
Luckily, I didn't have to wait a week. Air Jamaica located the bag, it didn't make our flight because it was stuck on the belt at the ticket counter. 48 hours later and we had the bag. Crisis averted!
The Caribbean is a great family destination, even for families with infants. The "island time" mentality makes most people you come in contact with extremely patient and understanding of baby's needs.
We were unable to upgrade to First Class on the return flight and thankful to see our bulkhead seats had not been switched. Tip - with babies, try to fly bulkhead, you will be so thankful for the extra space! Overall, it was a great trip even with the littlest one in tow!
Tale of a Cancelled Flight
Prior to travel, many of my clients ask what would happen if their flight is cancelled. In 11+ years of taking 3-4 Caribbean trips a year, I found myself stranded for the very first time on Tuesday. On the few occasions where my flight has been cancelled in the past, I was quickly re- booked on another flight or if none were available from the ticketing airline, then I was moved to another airline and only inconvenienced with a minor variation in my flight plan. We spent Easter Weekend in Port Antonio, Jamaica - an amazing place located about 2 hours from Kingston and 4 from Montego Bay. Therefore, we flew in and out of Kingston. While we were on the drive from PA to Kingston to catch our 3PM flight, we received a phone call that the Air Jamaica flight attendants were conducting a "sick out". Similar to a strike, a "sick out" occurs when airline employees call in sick to protest. While I don't have room here to discuss the politics of what they were fighting for, my flight was cancelled and it was the last flight of the day. Air Jamaica was very accommodating despite the incident. By the time we arrived at the airport, they had hotel and restaurant vouchers waiting for us and we were quickly transported to our Kingston hotel to enjoy the pool... we were confirmed on the same flight the following day and made it home without incident! So, there you have it... possibly what to expect should your flight be cancelled.US Airways Adds $25 Fee for 2nd Bag!
US Airways is one of the top airlines serving the Caribbean with flights to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Punta Cana, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Antigua to name a few! On Tuesday, US Airways announced they are adding a $25 fee to any second check-bags. Up until this announcement, travellers were allowed 2 pieces of checked baggage. This policy will go into effect on May 5th, 2008 and will generate an additional $75 million in cost savings and new revenue. United Airlines has already made this change and we expect all airlines to follow suit. "Some critics may call this another example of airline customers being 'nickel and dimed' for services that used to be provided as part of the flying experience," US Airways President Scott Kirby said in a statement to employees. "But the airline industry of 2008 is very different from the industry of 1998 or 1988, and we have to be realistic -- and innovative -- about our product." (Reuters)
Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2008
The Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is one of the most sought after tickets in the Caribbean!The 3 day event takes place in Montego Bay, Jamaica every January when the weather is perfect, skies are clear, and the rum & beer ice cold. This year's line-up includes: Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Hugh Masakela, Billy Ocean, Beres Hammond, Majorie Whylie, and more! Mark your calendar for January 24 - 26, 2008 and contact our travel agency, Caribbean Journey for great package deals at nearby hotels and luxury villas!
JetBlue Adds More Caribbean Flights!
Since starting service to the Caribbean, JetBlue often has the best deals around for the markets it serves. Starting this winter, JetBlue will add the Dutch/French combo island of St. Maarten/St. Martin and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic to its schedule. Both of these new destinations will be served with flights from JFK in New York.Air Jamaica Starts Online Check-in!
While other airlines have been allowing WCI (Web Check-in) for many years, it is a brand new feature for Air Jamaica. So far they are allowing this service for flights between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Kingston or Montego Bay, Jamaica. This new service allows passengers to check-in online between four and eighteen hours in advance of their flight. You may also select your seat and print a confirmation. The benefit? Checking in online in advance will allow you to save time by not arriving so early at the airport. If you need to check baggage, you may arrive within 90 minutes of your flight and without bags, only 60 minutes. This is less than the required 2 hours if you need to check-in at the ticket counter. Keep checking bag for additional gateways!
More Flights Added Between Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao!
For years I have struggled with satisfying my client’s desires to visit another of the ABC Islands(Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) while in the region. While these islands are relatively close together making a ferry service seem like a logical answer, there is no such service. Up until a few years ago, inter-island flights were infrequent and unreliable. This year, I have found two small airlines to service my clients. Both Insel Air and Tiara Air fly between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Tiara Air recently announced that they were adding more flights and now flies between all 3 islands multiple times a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.