Friday, October 30, 2009

Thai capital's airport launches wi-fi service

Bangkok's international airport now offers free wireless Internet access for passengers, matching services already available from regional competitors such as Singapore and Hong Kong, an airport official said Friday.

Nirandra Theeranartsin, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, said the service, along with paid access for persons outside departure areas, was inaugurated this week, slightly over three years after the airport opened.

Passengers wishing to use the service must present their boarding passes at any airport information counter to get a username and password for the 1 Mbps service.

Singapore's Changi Airport began offering free wireless access in January 2008, and Hong Kong in December 2006.

Earlier this year, Suvarnabhumi Airport opened 126 kiosks providing free Internet access for people without laptops.

The $3.8 billion airport was dogged by corruption scandals before it opened, and suffers from overcrowded check-in areas, inconveniently located gates, and touts who harass arriving and departing passengers.

Airport officials this year are implementing upgrades and new security measures costing upward of $4.4 million, including more restrooms, improved signs and the upholstery of all 19,000 cold metallic seats with turquoise, peach, green and purple cushions that brighten Suvarnabhumi's concrete-and-steel design, panned by some critics as too monotone.


From NewsOK



Baby Born on Airplane Gets Free Flights For Life

The Huffington Post reported a Malaysian woman flying onboard budget carrier AirAsia went into labor in the sky Wednesday, October 21st, and will now receive free flights for life for her and her newborn boy.

The special delivery occurred while the plane was on its way from Penang to Kuching. As soon as the mother went into labor, the aircraft was diverted to Kuala Lumpur for an emergency landing—but the baby was not about to wait.

With the help of a doctor who was onboard the flight and the flight attendants, the woman delivered her baby boy while the aircraft was still about 2,000 feet in the air. The mother, Liew Siaw Hsia, 31, was only 27 weeks pregnant at the time.

An AirAsia spokeswoman, Nazatul Mokhtar, said Friday that the mother and her son—born 11 weeks short of full term—were then rushed to a nearby hospital. Their condition is currently unknown.

The Huffington Post reported that AirAsia is giving both Liew and her son a lifetime of free flights to celebrate the mid-air arrival.



Bangkok Airways and Air Berlin announce codeshare agreement

Bangkok Airways and Air Berlin announce codeshare agreement

Recently, Bangkok Airways and Air Berlin jointly announced the first codeshare agreement between the two airlines which is set to fly passengers nine weekly flights from Germany (Dusseldorf, Berlin-Tegel, Munich) to Bangkok. Under this codeshare agreement, Bangkok Airways will connect Air Berlin's passengers to Thailand's key tourist destinations namely Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai under the same flight code. The agreement will be effective from 1 November 2009 onwards.

Previously, Bangkok Airways had launched similar codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways and Air France.

In the photo: (from left) Mr. Prote Setsuwan Vice President - Marketing Bangkok Airways, Mr. Peter Wiesner Senior Vice President - Marketing Bangkok Airways, Mr. Stefan Magiera General Manager Thailand Air Berlin and Ms. Rungnapa Leechaianan Head of marketing & Sales Thailand Air Berlin.

From LifePR

10 People That Will Definitely Be On Your Next Flight

There are few things more uncomfortable than flying on a plane across the country. Here are the 10 types of people that will make your uncomfortable cross-country flight even crappier:
 
The Fat Guy
 
 
The Fat Guy seems like the most cliche bad air travel companion ever, but then again, you've never been on an airplane that didn't have a fat guy on it.  I'm not just talking overweight, either.  I'm talking about the guy who, if he can manage to fit himself into a single airplane seat, has to ask for the Seatbelt Extender so that he can buckle up.  I'm still trying to figure out how that guy goes home and eats dinner, only hours after having to request a seatbelt extender so that he could fit onto a plane safely.  
 
The Chatty Person Who Can't Speak English
 
 
 
I'm all for people being social.  I enjoy a decent conversation with a stranger as much as the next guy, but if you don't speak a word of english, then it's probably best that we just don't try to talk about your vacation and your kids and stuff like that.  You can say "entiendes?" as much as you want, but there's no way I'm going to entiendes you any better after the six hour flight than I did before it. Just let it go.
 
The Semi-Attractive Woman
 
 
It seems like really super-hot chicks never fly on planes.  While there may not be one of those to gawk at for the six hour flight, there's bound to be at least one woman on your flight that's semi-attractive.  After you're in your seat and the other passengers are still filing in, you'll inevitably start thinking about disaster scenarios, and what roles each of these people would play if the plane crashed in the middle of the ocean or something.  Who would carry the conch shell? Who would start fires with their glasses and then get their head bashed in with a rock? The semi-attractive woman is the one that you'd totally bang if you had to.  You never know when some ball lightning might take out one of the plane's engine and force it into a crash-landing scenario, so you may as well flirt with her a little to lay some groundwork, just in case.
 
The Questions Guy
 
 
It's easy to get this guy confused with "Guy Who Has Been Blind For His Entire Life Until This Morning", because the Questions Guy acts like he's never seen anything before in his life.  He has to call a flight attendant to ask what all the buttons do.  Then he has to call her to ask how to get the blanket out of the plastic bag that it comes in.  Then he has to ask where the headphones plug in, how the tray table comes down, and whether or not you can open the window.  It's like you're sitting next to Radio, except this guy seems slightly more retarded, and you're automatically guilty by association, just because you're seated next to him.
 
The Person With The Baby
 
 
Babies are brutally honest.  If a baby is in an uncomfortable situation, like a plane ride, for example, the kid is going to let you know how much they hate it. The only problem is that they can't use words yet, so the way they tell you they don't like something is by screaming bloody f*cking murder for 6 straight hours, and the parents just think it's adorable that their child is freaked out at the idea of being encapsulated in a tin can at 30,000 feet.  If you're sitting next to this person, you'd better have some Death Metal on your ipod, because it's the only music that can be accentuated by a child screaming its balls off in the background.
 
The Old Person
 
 
Old people always smell like shit covered in dust.  Always.  I don't like standing next to shit covered in dust, let alone sitting in a confined space with it for hours on end and listening to it wheeze and cough and sip a ginger ale through its nasty old teeth and then mumble something about its teeth hurting from the cold of it, even though you know they're fake teeth, and then dabbing its fake teeth with the complimentary blanket and then blowing its nose on the blanket and then placing the old-person-snot-covered blanket on the arm rest in between the two of you.
 
The Pilot
 
 
Hopefully there will be a pilot on your flight.  If there's not, then you should start worrying.  If there is a pilot, then you're probably not going to die on this flight. You will, however, be forced to listen to him talk at length about the tiniest, most insignificant bullshit details of his job that you couldn't give a shit about.  If the takeoff is delayed by 5 minutes, he'll be sure to keep you informed of what the problem is (and he'll speak technically, not in layman's terms), who told him what the problem was, who told that guy to tell him what the problem was, and who he told to tell something to that guy about after that guy told him.  He'll also be sure to interrupt your nap periodically to point out really interesting landmarks, like The Texas Panhandle, and Kansas City.  I wish his radio was two way, because somebody needs to tell him that nobody f*cking cares.
 
The Smelly Guy
 
 
This guy is different than The Fat Guy, in that his body is not trying to osmose you and your seat.  The Smelly Guy is not easily distinguished from a distance, which makes him dangerous because he could be anyone.  You'll know you've found him when you find yourself within a five foot radius of his body, because suddenly it smells like somebody shit a dead possum into a bucket of week-old piss and thai food vomit.  His 3-day-old B.O. could be due to a general lack of hygiene, but it's most likely due to the fact that he's been traveling on an airplane for a really long time, meaning that by the end of this trip, you could be somebody else's Smelly Guy.  Try not to let that happen.
 
The Bitchy Flight Attendant
 
 
Sexy flight attendants are to the real world was dry land was to Waterworld: a myth.  As much as we all want it to be a super-cute young babe handing us a tiny can of orange juice, it's always going to be a middle aged woman who looks like she may have been cute at one point, but then she chain smoked for 10 years straight, shriveled up, maybe got hit by a car or two, and decided not to get that long-overdue nosejob that she'd been dreaming of for so long.  She should have gotten it, and she knows it. That's why she's going to take every opportunity she gets to be a snooty bitch.  She hates her job, and why shouldn't she? It seems like a pretty shitty job.  You're just walking up and down a row in a stupid outfit giving peanuts to fatties.  It's just like being Jessica Simpson's personal assistant, except that job probably pays more.
 
The Prisoner
 
 
This seems like a weird one to be on a list of frequent flyers, but in our extensive traveling experiences this past weekend, we saw more than the standard amount of people in handcuffs being escorted via airplane. Surprisingly, The Prisoner will actually be much more pleasant than most of the other air travelers that you'll encounter, because he's just happy to be outside of a cell for a few hours, getting some fresh air and being not raped for a while.  He'll be pretty chatty with the large, scary guys who are escorting him, and he may even talk to other people if they let him.  Be careful, though: he's going to tell you his entire life story, and he's going to be brutally honest about it.  Try not to piss him off, either, because he's already going to jail, so he's not hesitant about attacking someone who pushes him to far. For example, don't tell him you're going to write an internet article about him where you mention that he gets raped in prison.  He will not like that at all.


From Holytaco

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Cathay Pacific offers noodle soups on medium and long-haul flights

Cathay Pacific Airways announced on Tuesday that it is now offering Signature Noodle Soups in First and Business Class on medium and long-haul routes until 31 January 2010.

There are 14 types of Signature Noodle Soups being offered by Cathay Pacific on its flights, including shrimp wonton noodles, braised pork and preserved vegetable with rice noodles, barbecued duck with lai fun noodles, Sichuanese dan dan noodles, braised duck and salted vegetables with rice noodles, spiced pork noodles, deep-fried shui gow noodles and beef curry with ho fun noodles.

The airline stated that its catering team has been working with Cathay Pacific Catering Services (CPCS) and some Hong Kong restaurants to create the range of noodle soups. Most of the ingredients are prepared at the CPCS flight kitchen and other ingredients, including the noodles, fish balls and barbecued roast duck, are purchased from local suppliers.

From Trading Markets

Monday, October 26, 2009

2009 Business Travel Awards: Top 10 best international airports

Conde Nash Traveler has recently released their twelfth annual business travel survey which included a section ranking the best international airports around the world. Frequent travelers to or around Asia will not be surprised to learn that Singapore’s Changi came out on top in all survey categories followed by Hong Kong International (Chek Lap Kok). Other Asian airports making it into the top 10 included Seoul’s Incheon and Tokyo’s Narita.

Top 10 Best International Airports

International Airports

From: http://www.moveandstay.com/business-traveler-asia/2009/10/2009-business-travel-awards-top-10-best.html

2009 Business Travel Awards: Transpacific routes & business class

Conde Nash Traveler has recently released their twelfth annual business travel survey which included a section about transpacific routes and business class seats for major airlines (Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Quatas, Air New Zealand, Thai Airways, Asiana Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and EVA Air) servicing the Asia Pacific region. To no one’s surprise, Singapore Airlines came out on top with an overall score of 89.7 and held the lead in all categories surveyed.

Transpacific Routes & Business Class

Transpacific Routes 

From: http://www.moveandstay.com/business-traveler-asia/2009/10/2009-business-travel-awards.html

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Singapore Airlines begins trench warfare in air fares


This is going to have 'consequences.'

Airlines hate giving cash back to customers. They prefer to concoct $50-$100 rebooking fees out of thin air, and then keep the balance as a 'credit' that expires very quickly and can only be used to buy another fare on their services, subject of course to several volumes of conditions resembling a simplified guide to the GST for farmers.

What the Singapore Airlines initiative really means is that despite the administrative costs of its new arrangements for its cheapest fares (including $1950 returns to London) it is determined to keep its very strong position on the kangaroo routes no matter what Emirates or Qantas or Cathay Pacific or especially AirAsia X might do.

The details of the deal will be circulated to travel agents and placed on the Singapore Airlines site this morning. Note that it is offering to refund the differences that might arise on its own cheapest fares not those of its rivals and that its claimed reason for doing this is to remove consumer uncertainty.

Consumers now have the certainty of an extended fare war on the route.


From Plane Talking



How technology is helping airlines to keep customers happy


Amadeus sheds light on the changing travel landscape and how technology is helping airlines to keep customers happy.

How are travel habits changing?

Amadeus: Even if you work in the travel industry, you are also a passenger and a customer of air-lines when you travel. Think about your own travel habits. When selecting an airline to fly with, you consider a number of factors. Price is probably a major consideration, and of course, you will select the airline that offers flights at times that are most convenient. Maybe you are willing to compromise on the price for a flight at the right time, or vice versa. You might have a preferred airline because of its reliability for fast check-in and on-time departures. You may be more concerned about the in-flight experience do they offer good entertainment, an enjoyable meal, polite service, and 'creature comforts' such as blankets and pillows. But I bet you have never considered which airline has a superior IT system, and in the past, it probably wouldn't have mattered, with most airlines operating on a similar IT infrastructure. But today, IT is something that you should be aware of. Why? Because today's modern airline IT systems have the ability to alter the travel experience quite dramatically, from booking through to check-in and baggage handling.

Do you have a story of travel gone wrong?

Amadeus: Almost everyone has one. A story to tell about the time they flew with a particular airline and things went horribly wrong. Perhaps when booking the flight the wrong passenger details were recorded or the website crashed at the crucial moment. Or when checking in, the airline had no record of the booking. Lost baggage, frequent flyer points that never materialise…the list of horror stories goes on. What most passengers don't realise is that many of these issues can be avoided if the airline is using 'intelligent' IT systems.

What systems are airlines using these days?

Amadeus: Right now, many airlines are still using what are known as 'legacy' IT systems. In other words, dinosaur software that is no longer capable of handling the demands that are placed on a modern-day airline. They sometimes cannot cope with the vast number of bookings that an airline processes today, and there is a lot of room for error if information is entered incorrectly. These older systems are also unique to each airline. If a carrier decides to merge with another airline or join an alliance such as Star Alliance, OneWorld or SkyTeam, their systems will not be compatible and the partnership won't operate seamlessly if a passenger wants to book flights between par-tners.

Amadeus has seen increasing demand for e-commerce technologies that help airlines to increase revenues and improve the online shopping experience via their websites. However, in order for these Internet technologies to be most effective, they must be linked to an efficient internal IT system to deliver what the website promises.

Do you think it is time for airlines to upgrade?

Amadeus: Many airlines are moving towards a change that will enhance your travel experience. Despite the fact that the global recession has hit the airline industry hard, in an unprecedented drop in travel, worse than 9/11 or SARS, many carriers have signed up to shift their technology to a new platform that will help them to survive and prosper.

Why now?

Amadeus: Perhaps because crises force airlines to analyse their systems and processes, to trim back on costs and to ensure that customers remain loyal. It is in periods of heavy economic pressure that airlines need to build and maintain customer loyalty, and only the best IT can help them improve the flight experience and thereby, customer relations.

Operational stress can also help airlines evaluate what parts of their internal and external processes are not working well, and then set those parts right. Despite financial gurus saying that the current downturn may have reached its lowest point, the potential escalation of the H1N1 flu outbreak and political unrest in Asia Pacific have clearly shown that volatility is the only constant factor in the travel industry. There will always be some threat, but some airlines will be able to manage the risk better than others. When airlines operating on legacy systems consider the capabilities of their IT, it is clear that there is a huge gap, and only a change to a more modern system can help. More than 70 airlines globally have come to this realisation, and are outsourcing their IT to Amadeus, as the expert provider of travel technology. The Star Alliance has chosen to use Amadeus' next-generation Altéa CMS as its Common IT Platform. This helps these airlines to significantly reduce both the ongoing costs of IT development and maintenance, improve their operational capabilities and offer an enhanced and consistent level of customer service across their partnership. In the future, a Singapore Airlines passenger travelling on a code-share flight with a Star Alliance member will find his or her passenger data such as seat or meal preferences will be recorded and duly noted by par-tner airlines as well.

In Asia Pacific, many of the leading players are also wise to this trend and are on their way to an IT transformation. Last year, Qantas became the first airline globally to complete migration to Amadeus' Customer Management System Altea. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, V Australia are among the others who are in the process of revolutionising their IT with Amadeus. Technology is becoming the key differentiating factor between those airlines who are prepared for the future and those that aren't.

So, airlines adopting new technology will stay ahead of the curve?

Amadeus: Speaking at the recent Malaysian Association of Professional Speakers seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia, said that three factors are crucial in running a business and navigating turbulent times creativity, brand innovation and technology. The secret to staying in the black even through dips in the travel cycle is to create a streamlined, flexible company model that can easily adapt to changing circumstances and new opportunities. In order to do that, one needs to be a more advanced, more cunning user of IT than one's competitors. In this time of transition, the gap between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' is becoming more visible. Those on legacy systems will find them expensive, difficult to maintain and to adapt to the new travel environment. If an airline needs to scale back operations, change its distribution strategy or wants to implement automated check-in, for example, it will find the legacy system network virtually impossible to manipulate.

Is flying with first-class IT the new airline mantra?

Amadeus: Certainly. Those on open systems like the Amadeus Altéa CMS will find that their maintenance costs are lowered, sales are increased, and customer service improved. The Altéa CMS has an intuitive check-in agent interface, which helps to maximise loading on the aircraft, and automates functions end-to-end from check-in to seat planning and boarding gate configuration. And while they may not realise it, passengers experience smoother flights with fewer delays, faster check-ins, more efficient baggage handling, and a more pleasant travelling experience, overall. Amadeus is at the forefront of the airline industry to set a blueprint for future development. With those visionary carriers that recognise the need for IT, Amadeus is working with them to take IT adoption a step further, through long-term partnerships. So next time you fly, consider all the steps in the journey that can be vastly improved with the help of first-class IT. You will soon see that the future of the airline industry lies in a decision that almost all airlines are facing right now. Will they fight to make their existing technology bend and stretch in ways that it is not designed to, and con-tinue to experience the problems that make a passenger, like yourself, less satisfied? Or will they choose to future-proof their business by choosing cutting-edge IT that is intuitive to passenger needs, and improves not only the travel experience, but also the carrier's bottom-line? The Asia Pacific aviation industry is certainly beginning to see the light and show the way forward, as more carriers move towards first-class IT systems that will help them to navigate the future and come out on top.


From Amadeus



Thursday, October 22, 2009

Airline tickets: And your real name is?

Is your (official) name Joseph, Joe or Jose? Moreover and if you have more than one name, what name do you use when you book airline tickets and does that name exactly match the name on your passport, other official forms of ID or credit card? In the near future, you better have your name straight when you book airline tickets.

As an article (I See You Have a Ticket, but Is That Your Name?) in the New York Times recently pointed out, the name on the ID you use at the airport security checkpoint will soon need to precisely match the name on your airline ticket under a new USA initiative called Secure Flight. This initiative will take effect for domestic passengers in the USA early next year and for international passengers by the end of 2010. However, some airlines such as American Airlines have already begun requiring customers to make reservations with their name exactly as it appears on the government-issue ID they will use for travel (along with their gender and date of birth).

While these rules may not affect passengers traveling on non-USA based airlines outside of the USA, they are definitively a sign of the times. In other words, if you have multiple names on all of your official IDs and travel frequently, now might be the time to decide just what your real name is.

From: http://www.moveandstay.com/business-traveler-asia/2009/10/airline-tickets-and-your-real-name-is.html

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Singapore Changi Airport the World’s Favorite Airport

A survey of more than 14,500 frequent travelers, representing 160 countries around the world, has revealed Singapore Changi airport as the world's favorite airport, closely followed by Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok.

It's the second year running that these two airports have occupied the top two positions in this survey, although in 2008 the positions were reversed.

The poll was conducted by Priority Pass, an independent airport lounge programme.

Speaking about the results, Jonathan French, Head of Brand for Priority Pass said, "The travelers who took part in this survey took almost 250,000 flights between them over the last year (an average of 17 each), and that means they know a thing or two about airports. Opinions about both Changi and Chek Lap Kok are almost universally good throughout the world, and this accolade is well-deserved."

In third place in the poll of favorite airports was Amsterdam Schiphol. Also in the top ten were Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Seoul Incheon. Things do not look as good for London Heathrow which "won" the poll for the world's worst airport for the second year running.

Favorite Airports:

1. Singapore Changi
2. Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok
3. Amsterdam Schiphol

Worst Airports:

1. London Heathrow
2. Paris CDG
3. Los Angeles LAX

The poll took place in September 2009 and was carried out online, with 14,526 Priority Pass members completing the survey.

From AsiaTravelTips


Flying Is Easier and More Comfortable ... Really!


Sure, flying an airplane will never be a perfect experience, and it's always a lot of fun to get cranky about the major carriers and their inept approach to people carrying, but the fact is that the last few years have seen some innovations in flying and airport environments that are good news for travelers. Here are a few:

- Cathay Pacific Airways has reconfigured the economy-class seat to be more comfortable for those in it AND those behind it: As the seat reclines, the bottom slides forward, but the back stays in place. No chair in your face cuz the guy in front wants to recline. American Airlines is reportedly adopting this style of seat as well.

- Sick of harsh light that keeps you from napping on a long flight? The airlines are responding. Virgin America has an in-cabin lighting system that calmly rotates through 12 shades of violet to match the time of day. Air Canada, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways also offer mood lighting on many long flights.

- How great would it be to check your luggage at a bus or trains station before you get to the airport? In many cities, you can. For instance, passengers can check their bags at London's Paddington station (for Heathrow flights), Vienna's Wien Mitte station, Moscow's Kievsky station, and Hong Kong station. If you're at Walt Disney World, your hotel will check your bags for you.

- WiFi and sockets are on their way on planes. Virgin is offering them now, and other carriers are scrambling to catch up. Planes are soon going to be high-speed, in-the-sky offices, which is great news for business travelers.

Let's hope all the airlines and airports get the message from these innovators and start adopting measures that bring a smile to people's faces when they think of taking to the air.

From Tonic

Can IT Make Airports Greener -- and More Efficient?

Face it: Airports are a mess. If you're traveling in or out of a large airport, then you face hassles from checking in to getting through security to finding your gate (and heaven help you if you have a short window to make a transfer cross-terminals...). Small airports are no better, and sometimes more frustrating for the big-time inefficiency that comes in small packages.

But a new research project out of the University of Nottingham hopes to bring the power of computing to bear on how smoothly airports operate, with the goals of cutting waste and pollution while reducing delays and speeding the baggage (man)handling process.

Good luck, you say; but the group has gotten nearly £690,000 (US$ 1.1 million) from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to conduct its research in airports in Manchester, U.K., and Zurich, Switzerland.

The goal is to apply computerized scheduling to streamline four areas of operations:

• Airplane takeoff schedules
• ditto for landing schedules
• Gate assignment
• Baggage handling

The hoped-for result is a search engine that is capable of analyzing the billions of possible scheduling combinations and provide the most efficient options to air traffic controllers, who can then route planes in the best way.

Professor Edmund Burke, principal investigator on the project and dean of the Faculty of Science at The University of Nottingham, said in a statement that "Many people in the industry recognise that automating just one of these aspects could improve the efficient running of airport operations, so integrating all four would be a huge step forward."

Airlines, of course, have been in the spotlight for potential emissions; last month the global aviation industry announced plans to cut its emissions in half by 2050, and this could be a highly useful tool to achieve that goal.

Researchers have found that for every 1 percent increase in air travel, delays are increased by 5 percent. As any traveler can attest, that often means sitting in on the tarmac in a fully loaded and fully operational plane, for hours and hours on end. Cutting out delays and idling time could make major cuts in the amount of fuel wasted during those delays, reducing the emissions from burning that fuel, and saving costs to boot (and perhaps it's not too much to hope for that it will also cutting costs for plane tickets).

The IT industry -- itself often linked with aviation, as they're both responsible for equal amounts of the world's overall greenhouse gas emissions -- has been applying itself to greening not just its own operations, but also in smoothing out inefficiencies across all types of business operations. Just yesterday, for one example, IBM announced an expansion of its already broad green IT offerings, this time into the realm of supply chain efficiency and management.

With the power of the world's machines working to cut waste in airports, maybe flying won't have to be such a headache for much longer: The four-year project begins in December, and will wrap up at the end of November 2013.

From GreenerComputing

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Tips to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees

Being an avid skier, I am notorious for having overweight bags. By the time all my gear is packed, rarely does my suitcase make the 50 pound limit. So, I figured I would share some of my tricks with the rest of you notorious over-packers.

1. Buy a Lightweight Suitcase

Its simple; the lighter the suitcase, the more weight you have available for the items you need to pack. You wouldn't believe what some suitcases weight even when empty! You can give yourself an extra five pounds by simply being conscious of the type of luggage you use for travel.

2. Weight Your Bags Before You Go

Do yourself a favor and pick up one of those hand held luggage scales. These attach to the top of your luggage, and when lifted tell you the exact weight of your luggage. For around $20, it might be the best investment you make.

3. Use Curbside Check-In

Many airports either do not have or do not use the scales on their curbside check-in kiosks. If you know your bag is going to be overweight, take a stroll by the curbside check-in and see if they have or are using the scales. If not, walk right up and enjoy your flight! If they are, often times a little "generosity" can convince the attendants to simply skip the pesky scale.

4. Carry Your Heavy Items On

If you have one or two token heavy items, often carrying them on can help alleviate a great deal of weight from you suitcase. For example, I often will carry my ski boots on the plane with me. Sure it may be slightly inconvenient, but I am willing to deal with a few hours of inconvenience for an extra 10 pounds of clothes.

5. Put Extra Items In Unchecked Bags

Most airports do not weight oversized bags. These will usually include ski and snowboard bags, golf bags, ect. If you are pressed for space, try stuffing extra items in these bags so they can slip by undetected.

6. Last Ditch Attempt: Hold Your Bag Up

This is only to be used as a last ditch effort. If you can hold up the end of your bag or prop it against your leg, you may be able to drop a few pounds of weight on the scale. By propping your bag, the full weight isn't resting on the scale, reducing the measured weight. Rarely can you get away with this move, but often if attendants are busy or distracted they won't notice.

Remember, the only surefire way to not get nabbed with an overweight bag is to weight it beforehand to make sure it's less than 50 lbs. But, with a little creativity, these other tricks may just help you skip those annoying fees few times. Hope this helps, and happy travels!


From eBags Blog



Gulf Air Increases Baggage Limits on All Flights

Gulf Air now offer one of the most generous baggage allowances of all carriers. Photo by Adrian Pingstone
Gulf Air now offer one of the most generous baggage allowances of all carriers. Photo by Adrian Pingstone

Travelers to or from Thailand flying Gulf Air can now stock up on more shopping bargains after the airline announced the free baggage allowance for all cabin classes will be increased.

John Evans, Gulf Air's general manager for Thailand, said from this month the baggage weight restrictions for passengers had been increased by 10kg, making Gulf Air one of the most generous carriers for checked luggage limits.

Passengers in economy class will now be able to check 30kg (66lb) of baggage free of charge, while business travelers will have a 40kg (88lb) allowance and first class passengers a whopping 50kg (110lb).

In addition, gold members of Gulf Air's Frequent Flyer Programme, who have reached silver level will get an additional 15kg (33lb) allowance on top of these, while gold members will get an additional 20kg (44lb).

"By offering this free additional baggage allowance, we feel that many more customers will see the benefits of choosing to fly with us", Mr Evans said.

According to Mr Evans many Gulf Air passengers are traveling for extended stays - such as contract work, long holiday breaks, overseas study and pilgrimages - and expect some flexibility over the amount of baggage they carry.

"Baggage is a relatively small portion of the total weight of an aircraft. There is some additional cost involved in offering this additional allowance but the cost is offset for us in the improvement in customer satisfaction and the corresponding improvement in passenger loads," he said.

Gulf Air currently flies nine flights per week to Bangkok from it's Manama, Bahrain base and the airline hopes the very generous baggage allowance will result in increased passenger loads. The airline currently operates a fleet of 34 mostly Airbus A3xx aircraft, and has orders for a further 59 Airbus and Boeing jet aircraft.


From Thailand Travel News

AirAsia welcomes 2010 with a Big Regional Sale!


Skytrax World's Best Low Cost airline, AirAsia welcomes 2010 with a BIG Regional Sale! The leading airline makes flying more affordable by offering airfares from as low as *RM19 for its domestic and international routes (excluding Thailand domestic routes and London). The sale will run from 19 - 25 October 2009 for the travel period from 11 January 2010 - 30 April 2010. The incredible low fares offered by AirAsia are available to all of its Asia destinations including the Middle East departing from its hub from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali including Penang and Johor.

Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial commented "Cost has become an important key factor in our purchases especially now when the global economy is down. AirAsia observes the importance of its low fares to ensure flying becomes affordable for everyone. With over 130 routes to choose from, we believe we cater to leisure and business travellers, giving them more choices and flexibility with our unbeatable low fares and extensive flight frequencies.? The 2010 SALE is packed with great bargains with promo fares ranging from only *RM19 to *RM199 and above to all domestic and international destinations that AirAsia flies to. With our first Sale promotion in 2010, there has never been a better time to usher in the New Year. Guests can now start planning their next holiday with our unbeatable low fares for travel within January to April 2010,"
"AirAsia will continue to launch our promo campaigns when travel demand is evident. Our 48 hr Sales campaign and Low Fare Madness campaign which we recently launched received tremendous response. Furthermore, with our travel online portal Go Holiday, guests may now book fantastic tour packages and ground transfers in addition to their hotel lodgings and flights across AirAsia's vast route network. ?It also pays to register to be AirAsia's Red Alert member as members will be notified one day earlier via email before the promotion is made known to the public the following day. Guests may register via www.airasia.com. Hence we strongly recommend them to book early to avoid any disappointments as our seats are usually snapped up quickly. " she added.

To make the deal sweeter, Go Holiday, AirAsia's own online travel portal is also offering attractive holiday packages in conjunction with the 2010 Sale Campaign. Guests can book their packages via http://goholiday.airasia.com, from as low as RM112 per person for domestic packages (with flight, 3 days 2 nights hotel stay inclusive of breakfast) and from as low as RM199 per person for international packages (with flight, 3 days 2 nights hotel stay). Exciting holiday packages on offer under the heritage sights include destinations to Seam Reap, Hanoi, Guilin, Yogyakarta, and Hangzhou. Those opting for a domestic vacation may book holiday packages to Langkawi, Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Bahru. For our shopaholic enthusiast, guests may opt for a shopping spree holiday package deals in Bandung, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei and those who are all for city sights, Dhaka, Tianjin, Perth, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi package deals are on offer. And for the Sun-Sand-Sea lovers, dream no more as holiday packages to Bali, Phuket, Krabi and Colombo are also available. Check out our online travel portal as there are more exciting holiday packages to many exciting destinations available.

Promotional seats are limited and available on first-come, first-served basis and made exclusively available online via www.airasia.com and mobile.airasia.com.


From AirAsia

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Wow Chiang Mai for TBH 999 one way - All-In-Fare!

Travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for only THB 999 - All-In-Fare

Economy class
One way ticket

Booking period: 20 October to 31 October 2009

Traveling period:
20 October to 31 October 2009

Book now on Bangkok Airways website.

Book a serviced apartment for your stay in Chiang Mai:

RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort: Ideally situated near the historical Ping River and overlooking the majestic Doi Suthep mountain - From TBH 6,500 per night

The top 10 rules of the road for air travel

Travel can be both exhilarating and a real pain at the same time – especially if you travel frequently and internationally. Scott McCartney, the author of "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel: How to Arrive with Your Dignity, Sanity and Wallet Intact" has come up with the top 10 rules of the road or basic principles for air travel that are meant to help travelers avoid problems and better enjoy their business trips or vacations. These rules or principles are:

1. Travel is difficult.

2. Book smartly.

3. Plan for trouble.

4. Learn something.

5. Enjoy perks that pay.

6. Stay loyal.

7. Never check anything you cannot live without.

8. Play the upgrade game.

9. Ask nicely.

10. Be kind to your fellow traveler.

Scott also outlined these rules or principles in a Wall Street Journal article earlier this year that is also well worth reading.

[Power Travel]

From: http://www.moveandstay.com/business-traveler-asia/2009/10/top-10-rules-of-road-for-air-travel.html

Monday, October 19, 2009

Promotion: Singapore Big Surprise - Fly from Bangkok to Singapore

Fly roundtrip from Bangkok to Singapore with Thai Airways for TBH 2,100 + taxes.

Class: Economy
Traveling period: 19 October - 30 November 2009. Last departure date 31 October 2009.
Booking period:  19 October - 31 October 2009

Visit Merlion Park, the lion head with a fish body which became Singapore's icon to the world.
Enyoy the exceptionnal shopping with the latest fashion trends on Orchard Road. Witness the beautiful 360-degree
view of Singapore Island and drifting along the Singapore River on a traditional boat to experience
the colorful and exciting nightlife.

Book now on Thai Airways International Website.


Book a serviced apartment for your stay in Singapore:

Far East Plaza: Good value for money accomodation option in the heart of the shopping belt - From SGD 260 per night
Orchard Parksuites: Awesome location in the heart of Orchard Road - From SGD 270 per night

Check out more serviced apartments on Moveandstay.com


Friday, October 16, 2009

Latest flight deal from Bangkok to Tokyo

Fly from Bangkok to Tokyo with All Nippon Airways for THB 15,330 All-Inclusive, Round Trip

Class: Economy
Traveling Period: 14 November 2009 - 31 March 2010
Booking Period: 16 October 2009 - 31 March 2010

Book Nowon Mox Travel Website / Or Call at +66 2 676 2990

Book a serviced apartment for your stay in Tokyo:

Weekly Mansion Tokyo: Affordable lodging alternative in Japan and great for family traveling! - From Yen 8,700 per night
Somerset Roppongi: Set within Minato-Ku, in the central business district of Tokyo - From Yen 13,320 per night

Check out more serviced apartments on Moveandstay.com







More Direct Flight between Phuket and Hong Kong by THAI Airways

   

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will introduce the new route, Phuket – Hong Kong effective 25 October 2009 to support passenger's demand on this route in early 2010.

The new route Phuket – Hong Kong is expected to earn revenue for THAI in the new upcoming winter traffic program (October 2009 – March 2010), with 3 flights per week operating on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with seat capacity of 305 seats. The return flight routed will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

For reservation, please contact sales office in Phuket, +66(0)76 360 4444  or THAI Contact Center at +66(0)2 356 1111, or www.thaiairwaysphuket.com

From Phuketindex.com

AirAsia’s ‘Phuket Air Hub’ ready for takeoff


Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijileveld presents a model aircraft
to Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop as part of the festivities.


Thai AirAsia flight crew pose for a group photo at the fair.

Thai AirAsia has geared up for the establishment of Phuket as a new regional air hub next month with its "AirAsia Loves Phuket Fair", which ends at Jungceylon today.

Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijileveld visited the fair yesterday, presenting a model AirAsia aircraft to Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop as part of the festivities.

November 15 has been designated as the official launch of the 'Phuket air hub' project, which is hoped will lift the annual number of tourists to Phuket above the six-million mark for the first time.

"In addition to our daily flights to Singapore, Thai AirAsia's Phuket hub will operate direct flights to Hong Kong, Jakarta and many other destinations soon," Mr Tassapon said.

There has also been a strong response to the low-cost carrier's launch of direct flights on its newly-announced Phuket-Hong Kong route, Mr Tassapon said.

AirAsia offered passengers booking online 20,000 deeply discounted seats on the route starting on October 5.

"Passengers have been paying a lot of attention and giving us good feedback," he said.

Special discounts were also offered at the fair, located at Jungceylon's Silang Boulevard.

As part of the Phuket air hub project, two Airbus A320 aircraft with 180-seat capacities will be permanently stationed at Phuket International Airport.

The first will arrive in time for the November 15 launch and the second will arrive in December, he said.

About 200 additional ground staff will also be added to support operations, he said.

Thai AirAsia Phuket station manager Arun Lilapantisitti said the first aircraft will service Hong Kong and Jakarta routes, while the second will service Medan in Indonesia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Flight crews will initially be stationed in Phuket on two-week revolving schedules, but could be permanently stationed in Phuket in the future, he said.

From Phuket Gazette

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Free Shopping Voucher up to THB 3,000

FREE Central Department Store Shopping Voucher* up to THB 3,000 can be yours by simply purchasing KLM tickets online to Europe at www.klm.co.th during October 12th - November 30th, 2009 for departure during December 1st, 2009 - January 15th, 2010!

1 Business Class ticket will receive a Shopping Voucher worth THB 3,000
1 Economy Class ticket will receive a Shopping Voucher worth THB 1,500

Buy online for the best price guaranteed fares so don't leave it too late to make your booking.

Economy Class to Europe starts from THB 33,875**

Business Class to Europe starts from THB 100,805**


*Terms and conditions apply.

**Taxes and surcharges included.


Buy online now

Hong Kond and Shanghai airports sign joint venture agreement

Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) signed this week the cooperation agreement upon establishment of an airport management joint venture with a total registered capital of CNY 100 million.

The Shanghai and Hong Kong sides will separately account for 51% and 49% of the JV, and their 20-year partnership is scheduled to start from 2010. Upon the development strategy, the to-be-built JV will manage two aviation terminals of the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and related retail businesses.

Because of the learn and introduction of Hong Kong's advanced management experience, technologies, and brands, the Shanghai-based airport is expected to further improve its operation efficiency and service, satisfying the demand during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

The Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, founded in 1921, has grown into one of Mainland China's busiest aviation hubs. Last year, it aggregately served 22.88 million passengers, and total cargo throughput reached 415,700 tons. Notably, the airdrome's passenger carrying capacity is predicted to foot up to 30 million in 2015.



Top 25 business travel blunders

The reality of business travel recently inspired Embassy Suites to run its first "My Business Travel Blunder" essay contest. The serviced apartment group had invited business travelers to share their biggest business trip blunders and within just 4 weeks, they had over 500 entries for a chance to win airfare for four plus five nights at the Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk. The top 25 entries were evaluated on three criteria (humor, uniqueness, and relevance to business travel) and they are included in a slideshow on Business Week’s website plus (along with a video segment) and some of these top entries included:

  • The wife who called her husband's boss by a none-too-flattering nickname her husband has for him.
  • The businessman who ended up wearing a stranger's suit to the job interview after the airline delivered him the wrong luggage.
  • The woman business traveler who thought that a well-known CEO was leering at her until she realized that her blouse had come undone.

However, the overall winner of the contest? Someone referred to only as pant-less from New Jersey.

Lesson learned: Remember to bring an extra pair of pants on your next business trip!

Photo Illustrations by Laurel Daunis-Allen and David Foster

From: http://www.moveandstay.com/business-traveler-asia/2009/10/top-25-business-travel-blunders.html

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Special flight offer from Bangkok to London



Cathay Pacific won the ‘Best Airline - Business Class’ award

Cathay Pacific's Sales and Marketing Manager, Thailand and Myanmar Yongyut Lujintanon receiving the award from TTG Asia Media Managing Director Darren Ng
















Cathay Pacific won the 'Best Airline - Business Class' award in the 20th Annual TTG Travel Awards Ceremony held last week in Bangkok. This is the second consecutive year that the airline has won the award under this category.

Presented by TTG Asia, a leading travel trade publication, the awards recognize luminaries of the travel industry and are determined by votes cast by TTG Asia readers across the Asia Pacific. Cathay Pacific's Sales and Marketing Manager Thailand and Myanmar Yongyut Lujintanon received the award from TTG Asia Media Managing Director Darren Ng.

Speaking at the ceremony, Yongyut said: "It is once again our great pleasure to receive this award as it demonstrates our strong and continued effort to develop premium products and services to delight our passengers. We are very proud to win the 'Best Airline - Business Class' again this year."


Flight innovations you’ll love

 Smart, practical ideas that point toward a better future

Image: Personal Rapid Transit












    A test design for Personal Rapid Transit, driverless pods to replace airport shuttles.
It's all the rage to criticize the airlines. But we found some smart, practical initiatives that point the way to a better future.

Roll out driverless pods at airports
Someday, driverless pods may be zipping passengers between an airport and its parking lots. Fully automated, pods are more convenient than shuttle buses driven by humans. Currently, 18 pods are being tested at London Heathrow's Terminal 5. They let you board when you want to, rather than wait for a bus on a fixed schedule. Punch in your destination, such as a parking lot, on a touch screen. Then leave the driving to the machine, which glides on rails at speeds of 25 mph. A bonus perk: The pods are battery powered, so they don't spew out environmentally destructive exhaust.

Improve the design of coach seats
Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways has reinvented the economy-class seat: As the seat reclines, the bottom slides forward, but the back stays in place. So the passenger sitting behind doesn't have to endure a seat hovering inches from his or her chin. The new seats are especially welcome on long-distance hauls — which happen to be routes Cathay Pacific flies regularly. American Airlines is among the other carriers reportedly interested in installing similar, slide-forward seats. 


Try in-cabin mood lighting
Poor cabin lighting on a long flight may worsen jet lag. For instance, exposure to bright light at an hour when you are ordinarily asleep can confuse your body's internal clock. But smart cabin lighting may actually help your body adjust to a new time zone — and beat back jet lag. Virgin America has an in-cabin lighting system that subtly shifts through 12 shades of violet, including a welcoming, bright blue-purple during the day, a softer violet hue after dusk, and a deep, calming near-black on red-eyes when it's time to sleep. Elsewhere in the world, Air Canada, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways offer mood lighting on many long-haul flights.

Let passengers check bags before they get to the airport
Schlepping your bags isn't fun. It's also not necessary — at least not in the many capital cities where you can drop checked luggage at bus or train stations and forget about it until you land at your destination. Many passengers can check bags at London's Paddington station (for Heathrow flights), Vienna's Wien Mitte station, Moscow's Kievsky Station, and Hong Kong Station. In the U.S., the best advance luggage-check option is at Walt Disney World: Guests staying at Disney lodging can check bags at their hotel before hopping on the free Magical Express ride to the Orlando airport.

Ditch the paper boarding pass (once and for all)
Boarding passes printed on flimsy paper seem almost as outdated as paper airline tickets. Now, cell phone check-in is allowed at many airports, such as Chicago O'Hare and Los Angeles's LAX. Punch in your phone number at check-in and a bar code appears on your phone via e-mail or text message. Security officers and gate agents scan your phone's screen, making for an entirely paperless process. Some airlines, including American, Continental and Delta (plus its sister unit, Northwest), plan to adopt the new technology at every airport gate nationwide.

Give more power sockets to the people
Sometimes it's the simple things that count. Virgin America not only became the first airline to offer Wi-Fi on every flight, but it did so in an especially sensible way, with standard sockets (no adapter necessary) at every seat on the plane. Because while Wi-Fi is nice (even when there's a fee for it), it's even nicer to know that you won't run out of juice in the middle of a flight. Sockets obviously work with portable DVD players and cell phone chargers, too.



Replace outmoded radar-tracking systems
Radar is outdated. Locating a plane's position can take up to half a minute, a long time when planes are traveling at speeds over 500 mph. To play it safe and avoid accidents, planes fly extremely far apart from each other. They also fly routes that zigzag rather than go straight. The reason? Aircraft need to remain within signal range of radar beacons, which are irregularly spaced around the country. To shave flight times — and improve safety — the FAA is rolling out NextGen, a GPS-based air traffic control system that provides real-time plane locations to pilots and air traffic controllers. Using GPS technology (already in trial use by Alaska Airlines), planes will be able to fly straighter, more efficient routes while maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft. But we may have to wait until 2025 to see this technology adopted nationwide. Sigh.

Make upgrades easier
With most airlines, upgrading is an esoteric process that may involve loyalty program points, elite status, or just dumb luck. But when you check in at the airport for a Spirit Airlines flight, the kiosk presents a simpler formula. The screen may inform you that one of Spirit's Big Front Seats (the carrier's version of business class) is available for as little as $35 extra. The roomy seats are often dispensed on a first-come, first-served basis close to departure time. Depending on how you're feeling that day, you may very well decide that an upgrade to a more comfortable seat is money well spent.

From Newsweek Budget Travel, Inc.



Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Thai Airways appoints new President


Thai Airways International announced the appointment of a new President following its Board of Directors Meeting held last week.

Taking up the position of THAI President will be Mr Piyasvasti Amranand from 19 October 2009.

Mr Piyasvasti was the former energy minister and was one of 11 candidates contending for the position according to The Nation.

The company also announced the appointment of Mr. Chokchai Panyayong as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development Department effective from 9 October 2009.

Panyayong was previously THAI's Asset Management Department Vice President.

Directors at the meeting, which was chaired by Mr. Ampon Kittiampon, also approved the Framework of the Corporate Strategy Plan for the next 5 years. 

THAI said in a statement it would "look into the analysis on the future of aviation business, market need and consumer preference to enable suitable product and service development."

Asia’s biggest low-cost carrier AirAsia of Thailand has become the first of its kind in the industry to offer direct flights between HCM City and Jakarta, Indonesia.



The service, which is operated by its associate PT Indonesia AirAsia, marks the first route to Viet Nam by Indonesia AirAsia.

There are four flights weekly from Jakarta to HCM City and vice versa on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

For the promotion period until October 15, bookings for the travel period between October 18 and July 31 will be taken for a one-way ticket, priced from VND696,000 (US$38.5).

"The Government highly welcomes AirAsia's non-stop passenger service connecting HCM City and Jakarta," said La Quoc Khanh, Deputy Director for HCM City's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

"We believe that the outcome of establishing faster connectivity between the two countries will lead to more strategic co-operation in the socio-economic, cultural and tourism areas.''

AirAsia is operating routes between Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Bangkok (Thailand) to Ha Noi and HCM City.

The airline has a network of 130 routes covering 65 destinations and was awarded the 2009 World's Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax.



Monday, October 12, 2009

Thai Airways keen on expanding its route network in India

Thai Airways, the flag carrier of Thailand is keen on expanding its route network in India in the coming year. Currently operating from Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad; the carrier is keen on starting services from Amritsar and improving frequencies from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Apart from enhancing the route network in India, it is also considering promoting the Golden Triangle route of Thailand which consists of Chiang Saen, Sop Ruak and Mai Sai. The airline organised 'Thai Seminar' yesterday in Mumbai to update the travel trade about the latest offerings of the airline and the introduction of 'Royal First Class Service' on Mumbai – Bangkok route effective October 26, 2009 along with an additional service from Mumbai.

Yutthanai Piamprom, General Manager – Western India, Thai Airways said, "India is one of the most important and potential markets for Thai Airways. With the increasing number of travellers on India – Thailand route, we might witness an increase in demand from early next year. Currently we are operating ten flights a week from Mumbai and are going to operate an additional service from Mumbai effective October 26, 2009. We are just waiting for the right time to increase services from Hyderabad and Bengaluru, which are fast becoming important business centres in India. By late next year, we might consider to start services from Amritsar, which we think is a potential Tier II city in India for Thailand. But all these plans rely on the market conditions and demand rate."

At the seminar details about the new promotional fare starting from October 16, 2009 – January 15, 2010 along with information on Royal Orchid Program (Loyalty Program) were also revealed, Participants at the seminar were also briefed about various airport services in India and Thailand offered by the airline and also the multiple benefits for passengers travelling in various class (Economy, Premium Economy, First and Business class) of the carrier.
 

Stay in Singapore for $1


Nicky Loh/Reuters Residents sit on the waterfront with a view of the Singapore skyline.
Have a long layover in Singapore? Spent the night, courtesy of Singapore Airlines and its Fabulous Singapore Stopover Holiday deal, which offers one-night in a hotel, airport transfer and attractions — starting at just $1.
The $1 package is for a twin-share in the lowest category hotel, which includes the Hotel Royal @ Queens. Want a Ritz-Carlton or Shangri-La instead? Upgrade to a Category "F" hotel, which starts at $132 for a twin-share. You can also extend your stay; additional nights range from $51 to $254.
The package includes airport transfer to the city, free rides on the SIA Hop-on Bus, which loops around Singapore, and admission to several attractions, including the National Orchid Garden, Singapore River Cruise, and Singapore Zoo.
The package is available to passengers traveling on Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights enroute to another destination beyond Singapore. Book by Nov. 15 for travel through March 31.To reserve this package, visit singaporeair.com/ssh and select your hotel and dates.
From The New York Times

Friday, October 9, 2009

Etihad Airways Enhances Thailand Services with Free Rooms and Transfers

Etihad Airways, the rapidly growing Abu Dhabi-based airline which currently operates twice daily flights to Bangkok, is now offering its passengers even greater perks and conveniences when arriving and departing Thailand.

Free Pattaya / Eastern Seaboard - Suvarnabhumi Transfers

The airline has launched a luxury limousine service for Pearl Business Class guests, and a comfortable van service for Coral Economy Class guests traveling from Pattaya and Thailand's Eastern Seaboard to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

For Business Class passengers, the luxury limousine service provides a stress free way of travelling to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport, and features small luxuries like refresher towels, fresh water and daily newspapers.

For Coral Economy Class passengers departing on EY407, 3 guests, or more, traveling together can book the free Etihad van service from Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi.

Mr. Florian Preuss, Country Manager Thailand and Mekong region, Etihad Airways said, "Etihad has established a reputation for offering customers the very highest standards of hospitality on the ground as well as in the air, and these complimentary services are a further example of our constant service quality."

The Etihad transfer services are available until 31 December 2009 and need to be booked in advance.

Free Hotel Rooms in Bangkok

In addition to the complimentary transfers featured above, Etihad Airways is also offering its customers (with tickets issued in Thailand and traveling on the Etihad morning flight to Abu Dhabi - EY407) one night's complimentary accommodation in Bangkok.

For Business Class passengers on Etihad Airways morning flight EY407, one night's accommodation and a luxury limousine service transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport is available free of charge.

 For Coral Economy Class passengers on this morning flight to Abu Dhabi, one night's complimentary accommodation is also available, but passengers need to make their own way to the airport.

Etihad's complimentary accommodation offer, which is available at either the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit or Novotel Suvarnabhumi, is available until 31 December 2009, and is only valid for passengers whose tickets are issued in Thailand. Other terms and conditions apply.

Asian airports top punctuality charts

Asian airports top punctuality charts
Asia was one of the world's most efficient regions in aviation terms last month, according to new statistics.

FlightStats released research showing that Tokyo Haneda was the most punctual airport in the world in September, with 95.88% of its flights arriving on time, followed by Seoul Incheon at 91.46%.

European hubs also performed fairly well, with Paris Orly (91.42%) and Amsterdam (90.42%) both in the region's top five, along with Phoenix (90.07%) in the US.

Airlines were also monitored, with SAS the highest-ranked major European carrier with an on-time performance of 93.39%, followed by KLM (90.9%).

In America, United Airlines (87.44%), US Airways (87.32%) and Continental (87.19%) featured in the top five of the country's most punctual major carriers.

Japan Airlines (94.49%), Singapore Airlines (90.58%) and Thai Airways (86.39%) made it into the top ten of the list covering the biggest operators in Asia.

FlightStats releases punctuality figures every month after tracking the performance of over 150,000 daily flights.

Asia's best travel brands: Airlines & airports

Singapore_Airlines(1)

Smarttravelasia.com, an independent online travel magazine dedicated to Asia, has just released the results of its 2009 Best Travel Brands readers’ poll and you may or may not agree with all of the results.

Here are some of the top picks for airlines and airport related categories as reported on CNNgo.com - which also noted that Singapore and Hong Kong, the two major English speaking destinations in Asia, were generally rated in top place (a readers' bias perhaps?):

Best World Wide Airlines

1. Singapore Airlines

Best Airports Worldwide

1. Singapore Changi Airport

2. Hong Kong International Airport

3. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

Best Business Class World Wide

1. Singapore Airlines

Best Cabin Service World Wide

1. Singapore Airlines

Best Budget Airlines Asia

1. AirAsia

From: http://www.moveandstay.com/business-traveler-asia/2009/10/asia-best-travel-brands.html

Please lighten your load before boarding

Here is an odd story from several newspapers (including Daily Mail, The Independent and the Toronto Star) that is also being picked up by several aviation and travel blogs, including the Wend blog and the Dallas Morning News’ Airline Biz blog. Apparently, All Nippon Airways (ANA) is now asking passengers to use the toilet before boarding the aircraft so that they will weigh less and help to cut carbon emissions (and cut the overall cost for fuel as well). The theory behind the request is simple: empty bowels and bladders will mean lighter passengers and hence lighter aircraft and lower fuel usage (and not to mention some additional cost savings for the airline). For now though, the experiment is intended to last for only one month and it will be implemented on 42 flights but if the results are positive and are well received by passengers, the trial may be extended for a longer period of time.

Will this idea work? According to the Toronto Star:

Here's how it works: The average human bladder holds up to a litre of fluid, which weighs roughly one kilogram. All Nippon's most popular aircraft, a Boeing 777, holds 247 people. So, in theory, if 247 passengers all go to the washroom before boarding, they could lighten the plane by up to 247 kilograms - the weight of three average men.

However, the authors of the Airline Biz blog also point out that a “thinking person would then question why airlines serve drinks on airplanes, since that would require visits to the rest room.”

Either way, passengers will find that All Nippon’s idea is a MUCH BETTER one than Irish carrier Ryanair's idea of charging passengers to use their on-board lavatories.

Sign
From: http://www.moveandstay.com/business-traveler-asia/2009/10/please-lighten-your-load-before.html