Travel-On Travel Industry News
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Friday, September 28, 2012
Events We're Watching

Japan, Philippines and Taiwan - Typhoon Lawin
Typhoon Jelawat (Philippine name: Lawin) continues to track northward through the western Philippine Sea towards Japan's Ryuku Islands. Jelawat will remain off the coast of Taiwan before veering northeast toward Okinawa and other islands in the Ryuku chain. Landfall is possible on Okinawa or nearby islands Sept. 29. The storm is forecast to remain a typhoon, but it should weaken by the time it reaches the Ryuku Islands. Current projections have the system making landfall as a typhoon or strong tropical storm near the Kii Peninsula south of Osaka, Japan, on Sept. 30, although the extended forecast is subject to change. Although the enormous system has remained well offshore of the Philippines and Taiwan, it enhanced the southwest monsoon and brought heavy rains to many parts of the Philippines, where flooding prompted the declaration of a state of calamity Sept. 25. The threat of flash flooding and landslides will persist in the Philippines until the system completely exits the region. For Taiwan, there is a warning of Extremely Heavy Rain. In Japan, a Storm/High Waves warning is in effect for Yaeyama Islands, and Okinawa Prefecture. Torrential rainfall of up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) will affect much of Taiwan Sept. 28-29, and localized flooding is highly likely with flight disruptions possible. Storm-related disruptions are likely on Okinawa and nearby islands, regardless of whether the system strikes land there.

China, Taiwan and Vietnam - Transport Disruptions Possible
The Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays will cause major transportation disruptions in China Sept. 30-Oct. 7, as millions of people travel to celebrate the holidays. Major road congestion is expected as more vehicles are anticipated on the national highway system due to a recently enacted policy that exempts travelers from paying tolls during national holidays. Chinese expressways such as G4 (Beijing to Hong Kong), G6 (Beijing to Tibet), and G45 (Hebei-Beijing-Henan) will be most affected, though very high volume is also likely on regional expressways. Disruptions to bus, air, and train travel are also likely. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also observed in Taiwan and Vietnam on Sept. 30. Localized travel disruptions are possible, but widespread transport delays are unlikely.

Portugal - Rail Unions Call for Rolling Strikes Nationwide
Rail unions have called for rolling strikes Oct.1-6. The severity of the disruptions will vary, and both local and regional rail services will be affected. The most significant disruptions are likely to occur on Oct. 5, which coincides with a Portuguese national holiday. International rail connections should operate normally. State rail operator Comboios de Portugal (CP) is unlikely to provide alternative means of transportation. During previous strikes, approximately 25-50 percent of regional rail and commuter services were available.

Zimbabwe - IATA Suspends Air Zimbabwe
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Sept. 27 suspended Air Zimbabwe after the company failed to comply with acceptable safety standards. According to Zimbabwe's Transport and Communications Minister Nicholas Goche, the organization gave the company an ultimatum to comply by Nov. 31, or face further action.

Thailand - Flooding Continues in Bangkok and Other Areas
The nation will continue to experience flooding, as heavy rainfall is predicted for much of the country through Sept. 30. Rainfall will be heaviest in southern and central Thailand, eastern provinces, and the upper south region, and is highly likely to strain drainage systems that are already experiencing problems. Rainfall is expected to continue in the southern and central regions of the country along the Adaman Sea until at least Oct. 7.
Q and A

Is there a way to gain membership in Global Entry for free?

Global Entry is a "trusted traveler" program run by the U.S. Custom and Border Protection that allows low-risk, pre-cleared travelers to enjoy an expedited Customs experience when entering the U.S. Global Entry kiosks are currently found at more than 20 major international airports throughout the U.S. The program is open to U.S. citizens, Dutch and South Korean citizens, and Mexican nationals. Members use the kiosks to scan their passports and fingerprints, answer a few questions on the screen, and then proceed into the country. The fee is $100 every five years. However, one credit card and two loyalty programs are currently offering waivers or reimbursements for the fee.

  • United Airlines provides a waiver code to all 1K and Platinum Elites members
  • Loews Hotels reimburses the fee for YouFirst Platinum members
  • American Express Platinum card-holders receive a $100 credit for the fee

Submit a question

  • Rome's popular Spanish Steps were a gift to the city from the French and were so named because of their proximity to the Spanish Embassy
  • In addition to Rome, a number of other famous cities were built on seven hills, including Amman, Edinburgh, Istanbul, Kampala, Lisbon, Macau, and Prague
  • Rome's Trevi Fountain is fed by spring water brought to the city on the Agua Virgo, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 B.C.E.
  • About 3,000 Euros a day are thrown into Trevi Fountain
  • Italy has more hotel rooms than any other European nation
  • Purple is believed to spell theatrical disaster in Italy and is never used for theater decor or actors' clothing and is generally not worn by theater patrons
    • At 47, Italy has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any nation

Inaugural Travel

The Presidential Inaugural will be held on Monday, January 21st. Hotels in D.C., suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia are expecting higher than normal occupancy rates during the period of January 18-23. If you anticipate needing hotel rooms for business travel within the region between these dates, it is recommended that you block space now. Talk to your Travel-On account manager now to discuss your needs.

Fast Park

The Fast Park family of off-site airport parking companies, with 16 facilities in 12 markets, launches its 4th annual Canned Food Drive from September 5th through the 29th in support of National Hunger Action Month. Market specific collections will benefit local food bank members of Feeding America, the largest food bank network in the country. In addition to collecting food, Fast Park will donate one dollar for every pound of non-perishable food donated by customers. See Fast Park participating locations