Travel-On Travel Industry News
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Friday, January 27, 2012

Iberia Hit Be More Strikes

Iberia has cancelled some of its scheduled flights between Heathrow and Madrid over the next week as it is hit by another wave of strikes by its pilots. Pilots are set to walk out on Wednesday, Friday and next Monday (January 25, 27 and 30) in an ongoing dispute about the setting up of a new Spanish no-frills airline Iberia Express by parent firm International Airlines Group, which also owns British Airways.

China - Tibetan Unrest Spreads in Sichuan

Increasing unrest could prompt a heavy security crackdown in Tibetan-populated areas of Sichuan and adjoining provinces. Anticipating further protests during Tibetan New Year celebrations in late February or on the fourth anniversary of violent protests in March 2008, the Chinese government has reportedly instructed travel agencies not to allow foreigners to travel in Tibet from Feb. 20 to March 31.

Belgium - Significant Transport Disruptions Expected During General Strike

Significant disruptions to public services and air and ground transport will occur during a nationwide general strike Jan. 30 in Belgium. The country's four major public transportation networks have all warned of service interruptions throughout the day. International rail operators Eurostar and Thalys have cancelled all passenger trains scheduled to operate in Belgium (including international services transiting the country) from 1000 Jan. 29 to 2359 Jan. 30. Delays on the international rail networks are likely to continue through Jan. 31 due to backlogs. The participation of unions representing Belgian pilots and flight crews will also result in significant air travel disruptions during the industrial action. Charleroi Airport will close on Jan. 30, and all flights have been cancelled. The Brussels and Liege airports have not yet announced any details, but delays and cancellations, as well as reduced services, are likely at these facilities.

Q and A

How do the new DOT consumer protection regulations affect my travel purchases with Travel-On?

The majority of the provisions in these new regulations apply to purchases made directly from the airlines or from public internet sites and leisure travel companies. The affect of the new regulations on corporate travel management companies such as Travel-On is minimal. In fact, the only outward change you will notice is the addition of a baggage information link near the bottom of your final confirmation allowing you an easy way to check the baggage fees for your flights.

It is worth noting that two of the new consumer protections bring the airlines and public internet sites into line with the way travel companies like Travel-On have done business for many years. 1) We always quote the "full fare" inclusive of all unavoidable taxes and airline surcharges. Our service fee is a contractual agreement with each client company and therefore does not appear on your company’s private booking site. 2) In the vast majority of situations travel agencies have always been able to "void" a ticket without penalty within 1 business day of purchase. The new regulations require that the airlines and public internet sites also provide this service.

For more information about the new regulations please go to: http://www.travelagentcentral.com/government-regulations/dot-new-airline-passenger-protections-take-effect-33261

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  • Juneau, Alaska, has a population of only 31,000, but is nearly as large as Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
  • Atlanta was originally named "Terminus" because it sat at the end of a railway line.
  • London had the world's first subway, with the original 6km span opening in 1894. Budapest followed in 1896 and Paris in 1900.
  • Guests at the new Hotel de L'Orangerie Versailles can sip champagne and stroll in the Versaille gardens for the first time in 300 years.
  • There is less noise and turbulence when sitting in front of the engines on an aircraft

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