Travel-On Travel Industry News
Friday, April 27, 2012
Events We're Watching

  • Bahamas - Immigration and Customs Workers Begin Indefinite Strike

    Members of the Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union are on indefinite strike countrywide. The union has claimed that air traffic controllers and others are taking part in the strike via sickouts and work stoppages, but the effect on travel and freight has apparently been limited.

  • Italy - Nationwide Transport Strikes Planned

    Various Italian trade unions have called for nationwide strikes in air, ground and maritime transportation. Demonstrations in cities across Italy could also coincide with the strikes. April 22: Rail unions are calling for four-hour strikes in freight transport at various times throughout the country. April 23: Pilots for Alitalia SkyLiner are planning to stage a four-hour strike starting at 1200.

  • Mexico - Eruption Possible at Popocatepetl Volcano near Capital

    The Popocatepetl Volcano, located approximately 60 km southeast of Mexico City, has emitted ash, water vapor, and gas since late April 13, prompting authorities to issue a "Yellow Phase 3" alert for possible eruptions in coming days. The alert is third highest on a seven-scale alert system. Officials from Mexico's national disaster prevention agency say the volcano is likely to produce intense explosions that may cause projectiles of incandescent fragments, ash clouds, and landslides of volcanic material. While there are no evacuation orders, authorities are urging residents to avoid the immediate vicinity of the volcano. All flights at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport are operating normally, though flight disruptions may occur in the wake of an eruption.

  • United Kingdom - Tube Workers Strike in London for Pensions

    London Underground (Tube) workers belonging to the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union have announced plans to strike from 1600 April 24 to 1600 April 27. The labor action will result in severe overcrowding on alternate mass transit services and may paralyze road traffic in some areas during peak travel hours. Disruptions are possible on the entire network, including on the Piccadilly, Northern, and Jubilee lines.

Q and A

Do I Need to Enter My Global Entry Number in My Profile?

Yes, if you are a member of any of the Trusted Traveler programs (Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS), please enter your Pass ID number in the "Known Traveler" box found at the bottom of the Travel Preferences page of your online profile. Entering it here will automatically include it in all air reservations booked through Travel-On regardless of whether you have also included it in your frequent flyer profiles with the various airlines (MileagePlus, AAdvantage, SkyMiles, etc.). This information is then passed by the airline to TSA as part of the Secure Flight program and will be embedded in the barcode of your boarding pass. TSA will read the barcode at designated checkpoints and may refer you to an expedited screening lane, though random checks will continue to be a part of the screening process.

  • Australia has the lowest annual precipitation of all the continents.
  • About 25% of Australians have at least one ancestor who was a convict.
  • Australia has the world's largest wild population of single hump camels.
  • The Australian Alps receive more snow than Switzerland.
  • The Great Barrier Reef is the largest organic construction on earth.
  • Melbourne has the second largest Greek population in the world.

Amtrak is Going Gourmet for a Day

On May 12, as part of a celebration honoring the railways, chefs will be setting up shop in some of Amtrak's busiest stations to dole out free regionally-inspired food to riders and other passersby. Visit www.nationaltrainday.com for more information.