Travel-On Travel Industry News
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Friday, November 16, 2012
Events We're Watching

China - Communist Congress Under Way
All travelers to Beijing should carry adequate identification and exercise vigilance, following the commencement of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Chinese authorities are expecting demonstrations and as a result have beefed up police presence in the People’s Republic capital. Travelers visiting Tiananmen Square and nearby precincts can expect more random identity checks. In China, it's mandatory for all travelers to carry their passport at all times. Photocopies are not an accepted form of identification and fines or detention may result.

Caribbean and France - French Staff at Air Caraibes Threaten Strike Action
French unions of Air Caraibes airline employees announced a strike slated for Nov. 15-20. Disruptions to trans-Atlantic flights may occur between Paris Orly Airport and the airline's Caribbean destinations. Disruptions will likely continue even after the strike ends, as the backlog in canceled flights is cleared.

Italy - Airport Staff to Strike at Airports in Milan
Staff at Milan's Linate and Malpensa airports are planning to stage an eight-hour strike 1000-1800 Nov. 19. The industrial action will affect the ground handling company that operates ground services for passenger and cargo flights at the two airports. Air traffic controllers and airline staff are not expected to participate, and Italian law requires that a minimum level of transportation services be maintained during strikes. Expect limited flight and airport service disruptions.

If I purchase my ticket through Travel-On, but reserve a premium seat directly with the airline, do I need to tell you I've done so?

Great question! Yes, it is important to tell your Travel-On agent of any changes you make directly with an airline (hotel, car rental, etc.). Consider this example: At the time of John's ticket purchase with Travel-On he is assigned 34E, the best available seat, and the agent sends the reservation to our automated Seat Checker to look continually for a better seat becoming available. In the meantime John contacts the airline and purchases a premium seat for a fee. Then there is a schedule change and the agent sends John an updated itinerary. Because John changed his seat on his own directly with the airline we don't know about it and the new itinerary still shows 34E. John doesn't notice so nothing is said. The day before departure seat 10C becomes available and Seat Checker cancels John's existing seat and assigns 10C instead - overriding the premium seat John purchased for himself. So, yes, it is very important to advise your travel agent of any changes you make to any aspect of your reservations. Or better yet, just let Travel-On do it for you!

  • The Greenlandic language has more than 40 words for ice, but no past tense verbs
  • The Northeast Greenland National Park is the world's largest national park at 375,289 square miles, and one of the least visited with about 500 annual visitors
  • Greenland, the world's largest island and 85% covered by ice, is actually a desert
  • There are currently four stoplights in all of Greenland
  • Icelanders are listed by their first names in local telephone directories
  • Icelanders drink more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation
  • The Icelandic language has remained virtually unchanged for more than 1000 years
  • Iceland holds the record for most books per capita

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.