Jetsettersblog

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said new consumer protections for airline passengers are now effect starting today, Aug. 23. Those new protections will make flying more convenient and hassle-free for air travelers nationwide, the DOT said. The new consumer protections, finalized earlier this year, include requirements that airlines refund baggage fees if bags are lost, increase compensation provided to passengers bumped from oversold flights, and provide passengers greater protections from lengthy tarmac delays.

“The Obama administration believes consumers have the right to be treated fairly when they fly,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “The Department of Transportation’s new passenger protections will help ensure that air travelers receive the respect they deserve before, during and after their flight.”

Effective today, airlines will be required to refund any fee for carrying a bag if the bag is lost. Airlines also are already required to compensate passengers for reasonable expenses for loss, damage or delay in the carriage of passenger baggage. Under the new rules, airlines must now prominently disclose all optional fees on their websites, including but not limited to fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advanced or upgraded seating.

The DOT’s new rules also double the amount of money passengers are eligible to be compensated for in the event they are involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight. Previously, bumped passengers were entitled to cash compensation equal to the one-way value of their tickets (up to $400) if the airline was able to get them to their destination within a short period of time (within one to two hours of their originally scheduled arrival time for domestic flights and one to four hours for international flights).

Previously, if passengers were delayed for a lengthy period of time (more than two hours after their originally scheduled arrival time for domestic flights and four hours for international flights), they were entitled to double the one-way price of their tickets, up to $800. Under the new rule, bumped passengers subject to short delays will receive compensation equal to double the one-way price of their tickets (up to $650), while those subject to longer delays would receive payments of four times the one-way value of their tickets (up to $1,300). Inflation adjustments will be made to those compensation limits every two years.

The DOT’s new rule also expands the existing ban on lengthy tarmac delays to cover the international flights of foreign airlines at U.S. airports, and establishes a hard four-hour time limit on tarmac delays for all international flights at U.S. airports. It also extends the three-hour tarmac delay limit for domestic flights, currently in place only at large-hub and medium-hub airports, to flights at small-hub and non-hub airports as well. All carriers subject to the tarmac rule will be required to report lengthy tarmac delays to DOT. In all cases, exceptions to the time limits are allowed only for safety, security or air traffic control-related reasons. Airlines also must ensure that passengers stuck on the tarmac are provided adequate food and water after two hours, as well as working lavatories and any necessary medical treatment.

Additional measures under the new rule are set to take effect Jan. 24, 2012, including: a requirement that all taxes and fees to be included in advertised fares; a ban on post-purchase price increases; a measure allowing passengers to hold a reservation without payment, or to cancel it without penalty, for 24 hours after the reservation is made, if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight’s departure date; a requirement that airlines disclose baggage fees when passengers book a flight; a requirement that the same baggage allowances and fees apply throughout a passenger’s journey; a requirement that airlines disclose baggage fee information on e-ticket confirmations; and a requirement that airlines provide prompt notification of delays of over 30 minutes, as well as cancellations and diversions. The DOT’s final rule, proposed rule and comments are available at www.regulations.gov docket DOT-OST-2010-0140.

American Express Global Business Travel unveiled business travel pricing trends for the second quarter of 2011 from its eXpert insights Business Travel Monitor (BTM), a long-term price trending index for domestic and international trips originating in North America. According to American Express, the BTM data shows continued rate increases for flights and accommodations as suppliers continue to take advantage of the return in demand and other market factors to raise rates.

For the second quarter 2011, average domestic one-way airfares increased to $260, representing an 8 percent increase from $240 in the second quarter of 2010 and a five percent increase over the first quarter of 2011. Average international one-way airfares increased to $1,970 in the second quarter, representing a 9 percent increase from the $1,810 recorded in the second quarter of 2010 and a 6 percent increase over the first quarter of 2011.

American Express’ BTM found that tickets for both domestic and international flights have been consistently higher for companies throughout 2011 compared to each respective month in 2010. Having passed the pre-recession pricing levels last quarter, airfares have continued to rise. But the year-to-date average fare increase has slowed the last two months, suggesting that fares may finally be stabilizing.

“With the on-going supplier consolidation and alliance activity around the world and more businesses looking to aggressively channel volume with fewer suppliers, airlines have a more complete view of supply and demand than ever before and have used this information to determine pricing very effectively this year,” said Christa Degnan Manning, director for eXpert insights research, Advisory Services at American Express Global Business Travel. “Additionally, to some extent they have been able to raise rates in response to increasing energy costs to try to protect the recent profit margins the industry has generated. While rate increases have slowed, it’s highly unlikely average airfares for businesses will decrease in the near future so companies should be preparing to mitigate cost increases through careful contract negotiations, traveler decision support, policy compliance, as well as aligning and defending budgets according to 2012 business plans.”

Average domestic hotel rates increased to $156 in the second quarter of 2011, representing a 3 percent increase from the $151 recorded in the second quarter of 2010 and a 4 percent increase over the first quarter of 2011. Meanwhile, Average international hotel rates increased to $258 in second quarter of 2011, representing an 11 percent increase from the $232 recorded in the second quarter of 2010 and an 8 percent increase over the first quarter of 2011.

U.S. cities with highest hotel rate increases in the second quarter of 2011 include, up 24 percent to $219; Philadelphia, up 14 percent to $196; Seattle, up 12 percent to $166; Cincinnati, up 11 percent to $163; and Minneapolis, up 8 percent to $143.

Recovery in the hospitality industry continues with many companies paying more for their travelers to book accommodations. “As hotel new development pipeline slowed with the uncertainty in the economy, hoteliers have benefited from more favorable demand to supply ratios by and large in 2011,” Manning said. “In addition, many hoteliers have renewed focus on the business traveler as this more lucrative sector of travel has picked up. As hoteliers have followed the supply trend of offering more fee-based services however, savvy sourcing professionals are getting more of these included in with the higher base rates for the business traveler, which helps businesses have more predictability in travel-related costs. With this backdrop, companies should focus their approach to negotiations with hotel suppliers for 2012 to obtain the best overall value, rather than simply the lowest base rate.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts opened its first property in Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city. Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe, the first of two Hilton properties scheduled to open in Guangzhou this month, is within steps of the city’s East Railway Station and close to Baiyun International Airport.

The property features 504 guest rooms and suites, including one of the largest presidential suites among international hotel brands in Guangzhou, as well as the first eforea: spa at Hilton in the South China region. Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe has six restaurants and bars including the signature Chinese restaurant Sui Xuan; Il Ponte serving authentic Italian cuisine; pan-Asian Café@2 the all-day dining venue; Bar One featuring live music in the evenings; T Lounge & Bar, a social hub and outdoor restaurant Alfresco serving tapas, local snacks and refreshing drinks. Hilton Fitness by Precor on the third floor houses a 360-square meter gym, which is open around the clock.

A 25-meter outdoor pool is temperature controlled for comfortable year-round swimming.

For more information or to make reservations, call 011-86-20-6683-9999, email guangzhoutianhe.info@hilton.com  or visit www.guangzhoutianhe.hilton.com

Sunset Resorts, the trio of all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, Jamaica, is launching a loyalty program to reward repeat guests.

Sunset Resorts also marks September as the celebratory month for returning guests with special rates, discounts and activities.

The Sunsetters Club applies to guests who stay three, 16, 31 and 76 or more paid nights at any of the Sunset Resorts. Members are privy to tiered benefits including priority check-in, free internet access, room upgrades and discount resort coupons.

Membership is free and points will not expire. Sunsetters Club levels and benefits include: Sunset Circle – a stay of three nights or more. Benefits include a welcome letter from the general manager and invitation to a Sunsetters private function.

At the Sunset Gold tier, members receive a stay of 16 nights or more as well as the benefits of the previous tier, plus priority check-in and free Internet access.

Guests achieve the Sunset Platinum tier after staying 31 nights or more and receive all of the previously mentioned benefits as well as a free upgrade to the next room category (based on availability), a bottle of wine in room and a 10 percent discount resort coupon per person (two per year).

At the Sunset Elite, achieved after a stay of 71 nights or more, guests receive the previously mentioned benefits in addition to: priority check-in, free Internet access, free unrestricted upgrade based on availability, a bottle of wine in room, along with juices and sodas,

One 45-minute full body massage per person (two per year), 20 percent discount resort coupon per person (two per year), exchange privileges at two resorts (stay at one, play at another; transfers not included). For the month of September, Sunset Resorts will offer returning guests a series of activities, discounts and a special rate starting at $75 per person per night based on two persons sharing. Guests will be able to partake in special dinners and day trips, receive spa and gift shop discounts, and have the opportunity to experience the other three resorts. For more information, visit www.sunsetresortsjamaica.com

PGA’s President’s Cup will be held in Melbourne, Australia, this year and Visit New Zealand is promoting the country’s golf destinations hoping to lure golfers who are traveling to Melbourne to see the tournament.

The tourism agency is promoting a package that features several stops designed for devoted golfers.

It includes three nights at the Farm at Cape Kidnappers, home of the PGA affiliated tournament The Kiwi Challenge. Cape Kidnappers offers five star luxury lodge accommodation in Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s popular wine regions. The Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, designed by golf architect Tom Doak, measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters).

Also included is Queenstown, a resort town in New Zealand’s South Island, where clients will stay at the Remarkables Lodge, a boutique luxury hotel, and play golf at Jack’s Point Golf Course, with a backdrop of the razorback Remarkables mountain range.

They can also play at Arrowtown Golf Club, Queenstown Golf Course or Millbrook Resort.

In Melbourne clients will stay at the centrally located Grand Hyatt Melbourne and attend the final two days of the President’s Cup at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, with tickets included in the package.

The price is from $9,999, per person double based on departing Los Angeles on Nov. 9. Gateway add-ons are available.

To book, contact Down Under Answers at 800-889-1464. For information about New Zealand’s vacation options, visit www.NewZealand.com

Southwest Airlines will start new service to Atlanta (ATL) on Feb. 12. Introductory fares for nonstop travel start at $79 one-way, the first Southwest flights to and from Georgia will also mark a milestone in the carrier’s acquisition of AirTran Airways.

The new routes and introductory fares are: $99 each way between Atlanta and Austin – two daily roundtrips; $79 each way between Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington- four daily roundtrips; $99 each way between Atlanta and Denver – two daily roundtrips; $99 each way between Atlanta and Houston Hobby – three daily roundtrips and $79 each way between Atlanta and Chicago Midway – four daily roundtrips.

The new schedule also brings, for the first time, one-stop/no change-of-plane service between Atlanta and Dallas’ Love Field on Southwest Airlines.

In addition, top-tier members of both carriers’ frequent flyer loyalty programs – A-List Members of Southwest’s All New Rapid Rewards and elite A+ Members of AirTran’s A+ Rewards – now have limited reciprocal benefits. A-List benefits include extra Rapid Reward points, Priority Boarding, access to priority security lanes, and more.

On the flip side, Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred Members booking on AirTran will get free business class upgrades, no baggage fees, and all other benefits that AirTran’s elite members get.

For more information, visit www.southwest.com

Windstar Cruises is offering three itineraries and 42 shore excursions in the upcoming Caribbean season on Wind Surf and Wind Spirit.

The Wind Surf’s seven-day “Flavors of the Caribbean” itinerary sails round-trip from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and visits Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St. Barts. Departure dates are Dec. 31, Jan. 14, Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 10 and March 24. Cruise fares start at $2,299 per person, double occupancy.

The Wind Surf also operates the seven-day “Yachtsman’s Caribbean” round-trip from Philipsburg to Soper’s Hole, Tortola; Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, BVI; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Les Saintes, Guadeloupe; and Gustavia, St. Barts. Overnights are scheduled in Jost van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Departure dates are Dec. 24, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Feb. 18, March 3 and March 17. Cruise fares start at $2,299 per person, double occupancy.

The Wind Spirit’s seven-day “Jewels of the Windward Islands” sails round-trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, and visits Pigeon Island; Bequia, Tobago Keys and Mayreau, The Grenadines; and St. George’s, Grenada.

An overnight is planned in Tobago Keys. Departure dates are Dec. 31, Jan. 7, Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, March 10 and March 17. Cruise fares start at $2,399 per person, double occupancy.

Thailand’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival will be held in Phuket Sept. 27-Oct. 5 showcasing a wide variety of vegetarian food, such as the diversity of tofu, and all the dishes that can be made from it, even “sushi” made completely without meat. Thais eat very little meat, and many will never eat beef.

The vegetarian festival is a time of cleansing, purity, abstinence and refraining from all vices. This includes the killing of animals; hence, during sacred, religious periods and ceremonies, no animals will be killed and no meat eaten. The body can then be cleansed of impurities and refreshed through the eating of vegetables. This festival showcases the bounty and abundance of vegetables, and encourages people to eat less or no meat, and perhaps become vegetarians themselves.

The origins of the festival date back to when a Chinese opera troupe fell ill while traveling and performing in Thailand, with an illness many believe to have been malaria. The troupe then kept to a strict vegetarian diet and performed various rituals to two of their emperor gods. They were soon healed, greatly impressing the local population, who embraced the faith, the ceremonies, and the rituals, which have become increasingly popular over the years.

The Vegetarian Festival, called Prapheni Kin Jay or Prapheni Kin Phak in Thai (The Festival for Eating Vegetables), is now one of the major annual events on the Chinese and Phuket calendars. Many visitors travel north from Singapore and Malaysia to participate in this cleansing ceremony, to pay their respects to the gods, to enjoy the music, the fireworks, the spectacle, and of course, the food. Visitors are likely to see people piercing and puncturing their cheeks with virtually any object imaginable: knives, swords, spikes, machetes, axes, silverware, and the odd rubber snake.

Why in the world are they sticking all these strange things through their faces, as well as walking across hot coals, climbing 20-foot bladed ladders, soaking in hot oil, and going into hypnotic trances, you might wonder? There must be some reason behind this apparent madness. And indeed there is.

The local ethnic Chinese population, about one-third of Phuket residents, believe that these sacred rituals will draw the evil away from the community and onto themselves, thereby bestowing good luck and fortune on those who religiously and enthusiastically participate in these practices, and follow the ten commitments, which include: abstaining from meat, sex, alcohol, and tobacco; wearing white; behaving properly both mentally and physically; and keeping the body clean and pure throughout the festival. People in mourning, and pregnant and menstruating women are not to attend or participate in the events as well. The “ma song (entranced horses),” as the active participants are called, claim to feel no pain and hardly bleed despite what they are inflicting upon their bodies. They are truly in a state of religious ecstasy, and the evil spirits are said to see this and are frightened away.

The main temple for the event is the Jui Tui Shrine, located near the Fresh Market in Phuket Town, although it is now held in areas around the six Chinese temples on Phuket Island. The TAT prepares an excellent brochure each year with a schedule of events you would be well-advised to consult. There is also important advice on etiquette, which should always be observed, such as wearing white, and maintaining exceptional personal cleanliness. The festival is really a time of renewal, rejuvenation, and the refreshing of one’s mind and body. With the absence of meat, and the great reduction of the vices of alcohol and tobacco, one could almost view it as a detox festival — with no need to pay for a spa.

For more information about Tourism Authority of Thailand, visit www.tourismthailand.org

Crystal Cruises in 2012 is offering 20 new ports of call, a dozen new itineraries, more shorter cruises, and an almost 50 percent increase in overnight port stays.

Most 2012 cruises begin with a shipboard overnight in port, while 86 percent of the voyages include at least one two-day call. Together, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will visit 182 ports of call in 59 countries on 60 itineraries worldwide in 2012.

The mix of overnight destinations includes both large cultural capitals like Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Istanbul and New York, and smaller locales with appeal, like Bordeaux, Edinburgh, Tahiti, and Sorrento.

Cruise lengths vary from seven to 19 days, not including the three-month World Cruise.

Seven-day voyages are sprinkled throughout the year, with half in the Mediterranean and half in North America.

New options include the 94-day Australasian immersion World Cruise departing Jan. 18; the May 21 “Europe’s Western Coast” cruise that visits Spain and France’s northern coasts; the Sept 6 Black Sea cruise with an overnight in Odessa and stops in Yalta, Ukraine and Sochi, Russia; and a holiday cruise through New Zealand and Australia with two nights in Sydney over New Year’s Eve.

Also of note are two sailings in November and December that, when combined, sail from Los Angeles to New Zealand and stop in places such as Hawaii, Moorea, Papeete, Bora Bora, the Cook Islands and Fiji.

Beginning with its spring trans-Atlantic voyages (March 19 and May 8 on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, respectively), all Crystal cruises will include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff, including at Nobu Matsuhisa’s complimentary Silk Road and other onboard gourmet dining destinations.

Promotional offers, available for a limited time, include two-for-one fares, bonus savings on select sailings, as well as fare reductions for repeat guests, families and friends traveling together, new-to-Crystal passengers and early payment.

Savings also are offered for booking select back-to-back cruises.

Fares, starting at $2,755 per person, double occupancy, include free airport/ship transfers and round-trip air from two dozen North American hubs or air credits.

Royal Caribbean International and Universal Orlando Resort are expanding their land-and-sea package to include Jewel of the Seas, which will seasonally homeport in Tampa starting in November.

The vacation packages combine a three- or four-night stay at Universal Orlando Resort with a three- or four-night Bahamas cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas, a four- or five-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Jewel of the Seas, or a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas.

The package includes hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, complimentary admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and the ship at port.

Guests who stay at one of Universal’s three on-site hotels also will get Universal Express ride access to skip the regular lines at both theme parks.

The on-site hotels are Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel.

On-site hotel guests also get complimentary water taxi rides to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. Additional Orlando area hotels near the theme park are also available.