Travel-On Travel Industry News
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Friday, November 09, 2012
Events We're Watching

Aer Lingus - Possible Strike Nov. 19th
Staff at Irish airline Aer Lingus will strike for two hours on Nov. 19th in a dispute over a pension fund shortfall. Unions representing administrative staff as well as cabin crew estimated on Tuesday that up to 3,000 workers might join the first of what could be a series of stoppages to force the airline to stump up more cash. Ryanair, which launched its third takeover bid for Aer Lingus earlier this year and is its largest shareholder with a 30 percent holding, has offered to lease aircraft to its rival to enable it to avoid flight disruptions during the Nov. 19 strike.

Portugal - Possible Strike Nov. 14th
In crisis-hit Portugal the more radical of Portugal's two main trades union groups, the CGTP, has called a general strike for 14 November.

Italy - Catania Airport Closes Temporarily
The Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), Sicily's busiest airport, is closed Nov. 5-Dec. 5 due to renovations. During this time, passengers will still check in at CTA and then be transported via shuttle bus to the nearby Sigonella military base (NSY). Departing travelers must check in three hours prior to take-off; check-in will close 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow for the transfer. Arriving passengers will reach CTA approximately 60 minutes after landing at NSY. The airport will operate a decreased number of flights during the renovation period, but has implemented larger aircraft to offset the change.

Guatemala - Earthquake Causes Damage
A strong earthquake, which struck off the coast of Guatemala at approximately 1035 Nov. 7, has killed several dozen people. The quake registered a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicenter located off the Pacific coast of Guatemala, about 118 miles southwest of Guatemala City. Much of the damage is concentrated in the San Marcos Department, where numerous buildings are destroyed, clean water is scarce, and there are widespread telecommunication and power outages. In addition to the damage in San Marcos, landslides have blocked of a portion of the Pan American Highway in Solola Department.

Canada and United States - Powerful Winter Storm to Hit Northern Midwest, Alberta
The National Weather Service (NWS) and Environment Canada have issued winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories for a strong low-pressure system forecast to bring heavy snowfall to southern Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, Montana, western Wyoming, and western North Dakota Nov. 8-11. Snowfall amounts of 10-16 inches are forecast with up to 3 feet is possible in mountainous areas. Strong winds will likely cause whiteout conditions throughout the region. Expect serious transport problems along interstates 15, 90, and 94, as well as all US highways and state routes in the NWS warning/watch areas. Flight delays and cancellations are likely at regional airports in Jackson, Wyoming, and Great Falls, Helena, Bozeman, Missoula, and Butte in Montana. Some mountain passes may close during the storm. Lengthy power outages are possible, particularly if accidents and/or road closures prevent repair crews from reaching downed power lines. In Alberta and Saskatchewan, heavy snowfall could affect traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway. Warning areas will likely shift eastward as the storm advances toward the north-central part of the US. Watches and advisories may also be upgraded as the system tracks eastward.

United States - Severe Weather in Northeast
A strong nor'easter has brought strong winds, heavy rain, and snow to much of New Jersey, southeastern New York, and Connecticut. The storm has complicated power restoration efforts from Super Storm Sandy throughout the region and caused new outages. The nor'easter prompted lengthy delays and the cancellation of hundreds of flights along the Eastern Seaboard and has caused additional delays and service disruptions on heavily used commuter rail lines. Allow considerable extra time to commute if using Amtrak, MTA, PATH, NJ Transit, or Shore Line East services. The Brooklyn-Battery tunnel remains closed due to hurricane damage. The Queens Midtown Tunnel is only open to bus traffic and the Holland Tunnel is closed to tractor trailers. Power outages are causing fuel shortages throughout the region, especially in New Jersey. Very long lines have been common at open gas stations, often necessitating increased police coverage to prevent disputes among motorists. A gas rationing order is in effect in 12 New Jersey counties until fuel shortages ease.

I need to travel several times this winter - what can I do to protect myself from weather delays?

Winter can be a great time to travel both for business and pleasure. To lessen the chances of weather events adversely impacting your trip, consider these tips:

  • Select a flight early in the day
  • Choose an airline with multiple flights and routes to your destinations
  • Pick a non-stop flight if possible
  • If you must connect try to route through a city in the south
  • Pack as light as possible and take everything you need for an unplanned overnight with you on board
  • Consider shipping your luggage ahead
  • Fully charge all electronics (especially your cell phone) before heading to the airport
  • Dress comfortably in layers and pack some snacks
  • Allow extra times to get to the airport, and from the airport to your destination
  • Provide the airline and Travel-On with your cell phone number
  • Reconfirm your flight status before heading to the airport
  • Take advantage of airline offers to change your plans without penalty in advance of an anticipated storm
  • If your flight is cancelled, avoid the lines at the airport and call Travel-On immediately to rebook
  • Know your rights - airlines are not required to compensate travelers for weather delays, but may provide a meal and a cot
  • Reconfirm your flight status before heading to the airport

Consider these hotel firsts:
  • First to have electricity in all rooms: Chicago's Palmer House Hilton in 1873
  • First to have a telephone in each room: Chicago's Palmer House Hilton in 1879
  • First to have radios in each room: Statler Hotel Boston in 1925
  • First to have air conditioning in all public rooms: Statler Hotel Detroit in 1934
  • First to have TVs in all guest rooms: Hilton Hotels in 1951
  • First to have free ice machines in corridors: Holiday Inns in 1952
  • First to have 24-hour room service: Westin Hotels in 1969
  • First US hotel to have mini-bars in each room: Four Seasons Washington DC in 1978

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.

Book Now for Holiday Travel

Consider these tips:

  • To get the best fares book early, be flexible, and consider alternate airports
  • Remember that busy travel days mean full parking lots and longer security lines - arrive early to allow the extra time
  • Allow plenty of time for connections and take typical weather patterns into account when selecting your flights and connection city
  • It's a busy, often stressful time for everyone - a smile and kind word for the ticket and gate agents are much appreciated
  • Save the wrapping for when you arrive and carry all gifts unwrapped in case they need to be inspected

Contact your Travel-On/Travel Place agent today for assistance with your holiday travel plans.