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Friday, October 5, 2012
Events We're Watching

Philippines - Multiple Nations Echo US Security Warning for Metro Manila
Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and the UK late Sept. 28 echoed a security alert issued earlier by the US Embassy in Metro Manila. Specifically citing the content of the US alert as the basis for their own advisories, the five countries advised their citizens to be extremely vigilant and increase their personal security awareness through Oct. 10. The US Embassy in Metro Manila issued the security alert Sept. 28 warning US citizens of a potential attack in the metropolitan region. Officials said that the threat was especially high in Pasay City, the site of the Seafront Compound at 1501 Roxas Boulevard, which hosts housing for diplomats and several other facilities. Due to the threat, US citizens are being advised to use caution and consider canceling gatherings of US nationals. The alert will remain in effect through at least Oct. 10. In response to the security threat, Philippine National Police (PNP) are on high alert and have further increased security around US diplomatic compounds.

India - Kingfisher Airlines Grounds Flights
Kingfisher Airlines has grounded all flights amid an ongoing strike by engineers and pilots. The airline has also halted all ticket sales. It remains unclear how long the labor dispute will continue.

Asia - Tropical Storm Gaemi
Tropical Storm Gaemi is strengthening as it travels in the South China Sea. Meteorologists predict that the storm will remain at tropical storm strength as it gradually turns west and passes China's Hainan Island. Landfall is projected in central Vietnam, south of Danang, Oct. 7. From there, the storm will continue into Laos and Cambodia before eventually dissipating.

What is the airline's obligation to me in the event of a strike?

In short - nothing. There are no provisions guaranteeing you anything in the case of a labor disruption. That being said, airlines will usually try to do something for their passengers. In many instances the automatic response is to book passengers on the next available flight on the same airline and waive the change fees. The airlines may also offer some or all of the following options depending on circumstances:

  • If the strike affects all flights –Rebook you on an available partner airline flight at no additional cost
  • If the strike is prolonged and there are no available partner airline flights -Rebook you on an available flight on a non-partner airline at no additional cost
  • If your dates are flexible – Rebook you for later travel dates at no additional cost
  • If cancelling your trip is the best option for you – Provide a full refund with no penalties

The airline response for flights that are delayed, but not canceled also varies. Many will offer the same options if the delay is more than a certain number of hours. Often this number is 2 hours domestically and 4 hours internationally, but it is up to each airline.

View general FAQs for answering traveler questions about a strike

  • Wyoming and South Dakota are the only contiguous states not served by Amtrak
  • Pikes Peak Railway in Colorado is the highest cog railway in the world, traveling from 6,571 feet above sea level and ending at 14,110 feet
  • The first cog railway debuted in 1869 taking as many as 57 train-loads of passengers a day up New Hampshire's Mount Washington
  • Passing through the Chunnel connecting England and France takes only 20 minutes
  • The size of Britain grew by 90 acres from the debris removed to bore the Chunnel
  • The longest possible journey on one train is 5,857 miles on the Trans-Siberian Express between Moscow and Vladivostok
  • The steepest cogwheel railway in the world has a gradient of 48% and is located in Switzerland

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.