Travel-On Travel Industry News
This newsletter is published weekly. Please click to subscribe to this newsletter.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Events We're Watching

India - Air India Extends Curtailed Flight Schedule

Air India (AI) management has extended its curtailed international flight schedule until July 31 due to an ongoing pilot strike. The airline has been operating 38 out of 45 international flights due to the strike.

United States - Flooding Disrupting Transportation in Duluth, Minn.

Area flood warnings remain in effect for a number of counties in northern and north-central Minnesota due to runoff from torrential rains of up to 10 inches June 19-20. Floodwaters have washed out many roads and inundated some homes in low-lying areas along numerous rivers. Be prepared to evacuate low-lying areas near streams, rivers, and lakes in downstream areas in the affected watersheds. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in counties where serious flooding has occurred.

Taiwan - Flooding and Landslides

Torrential rains from tropical storms Guchol and Talim have exacerbated considerable localized flooding and landslides across much of central and southern Taiwan. Floodwaters have forced the closure of some businesses, schools, and government offices, and have compromised municipal water supplies in many areas. The CWB forecasts additional rain to much of Taiwan at least through June 28.

United Kingdom - Bus Drivers to Strike in London

The Unite union bus drivers in London will strike from 0300 June 22-0300 June 23 despite a court-issued injunction to avert the industrial action at three bus companies. Expect traffic congestion and delays as commuters are forced to drive to destinations. Taxis, rental cars, and other forms of public transit will likely be in high demand. Consider alternate means of transportation and allow additional time to reach destinations. Confirm rental car and taxi reservations.
Q and A

I rent a car a few times a year - is it worth it to join the vendor's frequent renter program?

Obtaining membership in the frequent renter program of your favorite car rental vendor has many advantages, even for infrequent renters! While benefits vary between vendors and may range from reserved cars and partner programs to free days and upgrades, the biggest advantage is the ability to use expedited service lanes, automated kiosks, or even to skip the lines completely and head straight to the lot. Not only does this save you a good bit of time, but also allows you to skip the questions about insurance, GPSs, refueling, and other options, and have the reservation confirmed using the preferences in your membership profile. Status as a member may also convey some "benefit of the doubt" or waivers in uncomfortable situations. To decide which program or programs may be right for you, consider which vendors you use most often and which ones have tie-ins to your frequent flyer clubs or credit card loyalty programs.

  • In 2011 El Al became the first airline to launch a frequent flyer program for pets
  • Morris Airlines was the first to introduce ticketless travel in 1993
  • In 1958 Alaska Airlines offered a piano and a stand-up bar on flights between Seattle and Anchorage
  • TWA was the first airline to offer two classes of service and charge two prices
  • First class was originally in the back of the plane to be further from the propeller noise
  • The first movie shown on an airplane was "The Lost World" as a gimmick aboard an Imperial Airways flight from London to Paris in 1925

Important Reminder for United Mileage Plus Members

If you have not already updated your online profile with your new 8-character United Mileage Plus number, please do so now. The grace period during which United Airlines continues to accept the old numbers is winding down. To ensure that you receive the correct mileage credit for your travel it is important to update your profile. If you don't know what your new number is here is a simple short-cut to find out: Go to www.united.com and enter your old Mileage Plus number in the MileagePlus Sign In area. Leave the PIN/Password blank and click the Sign In button. The system will tell you the sign-in attempt failed - but it will display your new Mileage Plus number! Since no PIN/Password is needed, admins and travel arrangers can use this trick on behalf of their travelers.