Travel-On Travel Industry News

Travel-On/ Travel Place offices will be closed on
Monday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas Holiday Day.
Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, December 27.

For emergency travel service only, you may contact your
designated after hours Travel Helpline or call 1-877-858-3254.
Again, this is for emergency service only.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Events We're Watching
Friday, December 23, 2011

France - Airport Security Workers Continue to Strike

Airport security workers continue to strike after launching an ongoing industrial action on Dec. 16 at airports across the country to protest working conditions and wages. Airports most severely affected by the strike were Paris Charles de Gaulle, particularly operations in Terminal 2, and Lyon Saint-Exupery, where officials have canceled around 30 percent of flights. Authorities are employing external security personnel to try to reduce the impact of the industrial action. Expect lingering flight delays nationwide.

Korea - Death of Kim Jong-Il

The unexpected death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has sparked unease about stability on the Korean Peninsula. Although the situation has so far remained calm, concern exists that North Korea could stage some type of provocation as a show of force by designated successor Kim Jong-un. Consequently, South Korea's military has gone on heightened alert and increased response readiness, as is normal protocol during periods of high tension. The likelihood for a major confrontation remains low, however, in the near term. Preparations for Kim Jong-il's Dec. 28 funeral in Pyongyang will be a priority in the days ahead. The closed event will be carefully planned and it will probably draw hundreds of thousands of mourners.

Russian Federation - Krasnoyarsk Airport Closed

Officials closed Krasnoyarsk Cheremshanka Airport in the Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia after a large fire destroyed the airport's main terminal building on Dec. 19. All flights scheduled to and from Cheremshanka are being routed through Yemelyanovo. The airport is not slated to reopen in the near future.

Peru - Air Traffic Controller Strike Dec. 22-25

The Peruvian air traffic control union, Sucta, has announced a 72-hour strike beginning at 0700 Dec. 22. The strike will affect all major airports around the country, including Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, the country's principal airport, and Cuzco's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Significant flight cancellations and delays are likely. Delays could linger for days after Dec. 25 as backlogs are cleared.

Philippines - Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) Prompts Humanitarian Disaster

Tropical Storm Sendong (International name: Washi) caused severe damage in parts of the southern Philippines, prompting a humanitarian disaster. Over 1000 people are confirmed dead, while hundreds more are believed to be missing. Flooding and landslides also affected other areas along the eastern coast of Mindanao. Nearly 143,000 people have been affected by the flooding and landslides, with approximately 45,000 people seeking shelter in quickly overfilling evacuation centers. Expect localized power, telecommunications, and transportation disruptions in hard-hit areas. The flooding presents multiple health risks. Warnings against leptospirosis, a deadly water-borne bacteria, were issued in early December and flooding may greatly exacerbate this pathogen. Dengue, a mosquito borne virus, is also present and cases may increase as floodwaters recede. Multiple other diseases can be spread through contaminated waters.

Portugal - Pilot Strike Cancelled, Rail Strike On

Pilots of state-owned TAP Air Portugal (TP) have called off their strike originally scheduled for Jan. 3-6. Flights will operate normally. Rail unions have called for strikes Dec. 23-25 and Jan. 1 Unions representing multiple airport and airline workers intend to launch a nationwide indefinite strike beginning 1800 Dec. 22 to demand a salary increase. Ongoing negotiations between employers and some of the unions reached an agreement late Dec. 20, but unions representing pilots and several other groups were not involved in those talks. Severe flight cancellations and delays are likely nationwide during the busy holiday travel period if the strike goes ahead. The strike could be averted by a last minute agreement or intervention by the court.

Brazil - Airport/Airline Workers Strike

Unions representing multiple airport and airline workers intend to launch a nationwide indefinite strike beginning 1800 Dec. 22 to demand a salary increase. Ongoing negotiations between employers and some of the unions reached an agreement late Dec. 20, but unions representing pilots and several other groups were not involved in those talks. Severe flight cancellations and delays are likely nationwide during the busy holiday travel period if the strike goes ahead. The strike could be averted by a last minute agreement or intervention by the court.

Los Angeles - Santa Ana Winds Dec. 22-23

Meteorologists predict strong Santa Ana winds will begin Dec. 22 in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Forecasters have issued a wind advisory for the coast of Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph may occur intermittently through late Dec. 23, causing potential transit delays along Interstates 10, 15, 210, and state highways 60, 91, and 210. The winds may cause delays at Los Angeles International Airport and other regional airports, including Burbank, Ontario, and John Wayne International Airport.

Q and A

Do All Airlines Have Economy Plus Seating and Is There A Standard To What This Means?

"Economy Plus" is the trademark name for United’s economy seating with extra legroom located at the front of the coach class cabin and available for an extra cost. Not all airlines offer this service. With the proliferation of “paid for” seating on many airlines it is especially important to understand what you are paying for so you aren’t disappointed. For example, while United’s Economy Plus gets you a seat at the front with several inches of extra legroom, Continental’s Preferred Seating is just seating at the front with no extra room while its Extra Legroom seating is bulkhead and exit rows. Programs on other airlines vary and may include priority boarding, beverages, increased reclining, etc. For more information about the seating options on your specific trip please contact your Travel-On agent.

video

That snow globes are not permitted through the TSA security checkpoints?

Snow globes are popular this time of year, as gifts, decorations, or souvenirs. However, TSA does not permit snow globes through the security checkpoint because they contain an undetermined amount of liquid. Snow globes are permitted in checked baggage.