Jetsettersblog

Clients will save up to 35 percent when they book a 2009 winter getaway with Spirit Vacations to a Couples Resort in Jamaica. Clients enjoy free value-added inclusions such as off-site excursions, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours and more. Sample deals to the all-inclusive Couples Resorts with Spirit Vacations include Couples Tower Isle, where guests receive 35 percent off all-inclusive rates in a deluxe garden room on Monday departures, March 16 through 30. A three-night stay is priced at $991 from Fort Lauderdale; $1,009 from Orlando or Tampa; and $1,048 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

Couples Negril guests will get 25 percent off in a deluxe garden room on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb 23 through March 30, on three-night stays of $1,016 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,034 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,073 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

At Couples Sans Souci, guests will receive 25 percent off an ocean suite on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 through March 30, on three-night stays: $1,046 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,064 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,099 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National. At Couples Swept Away, guests will receive 20 percent off a garden suite on Monday departures, Jan. 5 through Feb. 9 and Feb. 23 through March 30, on three-night stays: $1,098 from Ft. Lauderdale; $1,116 from Orlando or Tampa; $1,155 from Atlanta, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, New York/LaGuardia or Washington, D.C./Reagan National.

Spirit Vacations offers complete vacation packages to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Central and South America, Mexico and the United States.

Delta Air Lines customers flying business class between the U.S. and London’s Heathrow Airport will enjoy the comfort of a 180-degree full flat bed on every flight beginning summer 2009. Delta customers also will have the convenience of a third daily nonstop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London-Heathrow, operated by joint venture partner Air France. The service will complement Delta’s two existing flights between New York and Heathrow and one flight between Atlanta and Heathrow and will give customers the scheduling flexibility of a morning, early evening or late evening departure. “The introduction of full-flat service onboard the Delta 767 fleet will enhance our position in the highly competitive U.S.-to-Heathrow market,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president-network planning and revenue management.

Effective summer 2009, Delta’s flights between the United States and Heathrow will be upgraded to feature Boeing 767-400ER aircraft with 40 new 180-degree full flat beds in the aircraft’s BusinessElite cabin. The seats, designed by Thompson Aerospace and engineered and manufactured by Contour Premium Aircraft Seating, recline to 77-inch-long beds in a one-two-one configuration giving every BusinessElite customer direct aisle access.

Delta is reconfiguring seven of its 767-400 aircraft with the full-flat beds.

In total, Delta and Air France plan to offer customers four daily nonstop flights between the United States and London-Heathrow next summer – one from Atlanta and three from New York-JFK. Delta also currently offers service between London’s Gatwick Airport and Atlanta twice daily and between London-Gatwick and Cincinnati once daily. Air France has announced that it intends to discontinue service between Los Angeles and Heathrow as it adds the new nonstop Heathrow flight from New York.

American Express Travel is partnering with Royal Caribbean International for the unveiling of the final “neighborhood” aboard RCI’s Oasis of the Seas, which the cruise line will launch in November 2009. The cruise ship’s design features “neighborhoods,” which will provide an array of experiences to cater to guests’ personal style, preferences or moods. The unveiling of the final neighborhood, available exclusively to American Express cardmembers, customers and travel agents, will take place Oct. 21 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, via a live WebEx webcast.

The webcast will be co-hosted by Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, and Lynne Biggar, senior vice president and general manager of the American Express Consumer Travel Network. Oasis of the Seas’ neighborhoods already announced include Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center.

 For more information, call 800-297-2977 or visit www.americanexpress.com/travel

Chevy Vettefest rolls into Chicago Nov. 23-23. Organizers Championship Auto Shows have secured presenting sponsor Bill Stasek Chevrolet and as part of the deal, special pre-sale tickets will be available for $10 each, a $5 per ticket saving. Discount tickets are available only at Bill Stasek.

Championship Auto Shows, Inc. is always looking for ways to make their shows more attractive to you and your family. With all the talk of rising prices on day-to-day goods and services and expensive gas, they figured it was time to team up with their presenting sponsor, Bill Stasek Chevrolet, to make you “an offer you can’t refuse.”

Between now and November 20, Bill Stasek Chevrolet will be offering advance Pre-Sale Adult admission tickets for the November 22-23, 2008 Chicago Chevy Vettefest in Rosemont, IL for just $10 each. This is a $5 savings off of the regular box office admission price of $15, and is offered exclusively through Bill Stasek Chevrolet. This offer can not be combined with any other offer or coupon and is available ONLY at the dealership. (Remember…kids under 12 always get in free, so be sure to bring the whole family). This is a great way to spend quality time with the family and see the very best Chevy cars and parts and people, all under one roof!

Please see Bill Stasek Chevrolet’s Certified Corvette Manager, Scott Wiscomb, between now and November 20. While you’re there, be sure to check out their stock of more than 50 new and used Corvettes along with a fine selection of other Chevrolet products. Ask Scott about the new ZR1 and also the upcoming 5th Generation Camaro!

The 2008 Fall Chevy Vettefest is Nov. 22-23 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL (5555 N. River Rd.).

For more information about the event, please visit http://www.chevyvettefest.net

In Addition to the More Than 175 Films to be Screened, Appearances by Rachel Weisz, Darren Aronofsky, Mike Leigh, Sidney Poitier, Common, Charlie Kaufman, and Colin Hanks are Expected in the Windy City, October 16-29

Announces Roster of Films From More Than 45 Countries

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival, October 16 - 29, 2008, presented by Cinema/Chicago, will offer moviegoers the best new films from around the world, with several exciting additions, including a “Festival Village” and the launch of Green Screen, a program celebrating our natural environment, the power and artistry of filmmaking, and the intersection between the two. In its fifth decade, the Festival continues to present special appearances by legendary international actors and directors, along with the impressive film line-up for which the Festival is known. Audiences this year will be captivated by 116 feature films, 38 short and student films, and 18 documentaries from more than 45 countries, showcasing both established and promising new filmmakers.

“For 44 years, we’ve been committed to taking you all across the globe to discover some of the most exciting cinema the world has to offer, right here in Chicago for two weeks only,” said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival. “This isn’t your typical Saturday night out at the movies - these are once-in-a-lifetime events. And this year we’ve set up camp in a new Festival Village to create an even stronger sense of community where you can come out, see the films, meet the people who make them, mingle with your fellow film fans, and most importantly see the world in a whole new way.”

SCREENING LOCATIONS

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival will screen films at four locations. The majority of films will be shown at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois Street, and AMC 600 N. Michigan 9, 600 N. Michigan Avenue. Both the Opening Night (October 16) and Closing Night (October 29) screenings take place at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive. Screenings of films in the Rediscovered and Restored Series will be held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, on October 26, 27, and 28.

TICKETS

Film Festival passes are on sale now. Individual tickets for the 44th Chicago International Film Festival screenings and events will go on sale the beginning of October. Passes and tickets can be purchased by visiting

http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com or

The ticketmaster banner ad to the right for instant ticket purchases. 

 or by calling 312-902-1500.

ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO
Cinema/Chicago, a not for profit, tax exempt cultural and educational organization, presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s oldest competitive international film festival, organized to encourage better understanding between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. Subscribers to Cinema/Chicago’s membership program form a loyal core audience for the organization and are granted access to more than 15 free film screenings and sneak previews throughout the year. Cinema/Chicago also offers year-round educational programs designed for students and the deaf and hard of hearing to provide new film experiences and offer insight into other cultures, languages, and ideas. These programs include the Educational Outreach Program, the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Black Perspectives Program.

For up-to-date and detailed Festival information, call 312-332-FILM or visit http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com

Marriott Golf announced that Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott has joined Marriott Golf Links, a golfer loyalty program that enables Marriott Rewards members to both earn and redeem points for golf. Now, anyone booking golf instruction at three premiere Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott locations has the opportunity to earn Marriott Rewards points for golf schools, golf lessons, and golf retail merchandise purchases.

With the introduction of Marriott Golf Links, golfers can now earn 10 Marriott Rewards points for every dollar spent on golf instruction and golf retail merchandise purchases at Faldo Golf Institute, which has three locations throughout the country, including Marriott’s Grande Vista in Orlando, Fla.; Marriott’s Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, Calif.; and Marco Island Marriott Resort & Spa in Naples, Fla.

The points will be earned based on individual purchases, as well as group purchases. For example, if a guest spends $300 on a golf school, they would earn 3,000 Marriott Rewards points.

Existing Marriott Rewards members can enroll in Marriott Golf Links at any Faldo Golf Institute simply by providing their Marriott Rewards number when calling to book a lesson or golf school. Individuals that are not currently enrolled in Marriott Rewards can join Marriott Golf Links by visiting www.MarriottGolfLinks.com and becoming a Marriott Rewards member.

Once registered for Marriott Rewards, members can enroll in Marriott Golf Links by providing their Marriott Rewards number when calling to book a lesson or golf school. In addition, existing Marriott Rewards members can also enroll in Marriott Golf Links when scheduling a tee time or checking into the golf shop at any participating Marriott Golf Club.

For a list of participating golf clubs, and to take advantage of special offers and golf packages, please visit www.MarriottGolfLinks.com

The Wii experience is just beginning for Marriott and Renaissance guests, who can now choose from 20 games, including the popular Mario Kart Wii, Super Mario Galaxy and Wii Sports as well as the revolutionary fitness game, Wii Fit.

Marriott International, Inc. is piloting a new specially built Wii hotel game system from Nintendo in select guest rooms and lounges. Wii systems are available at six Marriott and Renaissance properties: New York Marriott Marquis, Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square, Boston Marriott Cambridge, Bethesda Marriott Suites, Annapolis Marriott Waterfront and JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix (lounge only).

The new Wii hotel game system allows hotel guests to select from a library of games without inserting game discs. With the intuitive games menu, guests can just point the Wii remote at a game and begin playing immediately. Additional new Wii games will be added to the menu as they become available. The Wii guest room packages include unlimited Wii access for the entire stay.

There is a small premium for a room with a Wii hotel game system over the standard guest room rate.

The American Girl phenomenon continues to invade Chicago with the Oct. 4 grand opening of the Water Place Tower American Girl Place.

To celebrate, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers provides moms, girls and doll with a Windy City getaway.

 Valid throughout 2008, rates for the American Girl package start at $149 per night, based on triple occupancy (adult, child and American Girl doll) and include an American Girl travel bed for the child’s doll to use during her trip and to take home; customized American Girl-themed dessert for girls and a special version for their dolls created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef, Omar Martinez; valet parking; complimentary Club Room accommodations upgrade ($75 value) including complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, coffee, seasonal fruit and evening hors d’oeuvres; high-speed Internet; and health club access.

 For more information or reservations, call 312-464-1000 or visit www.sheratonchicago.com/americangirl and reference AMGIRL3 booking code.

It is now possible to book flights for children under 12 years of age traveling alone on the Air France website.

Air France is the first airline to offer the possibility of online reservations for these passengers on all its flights and on those of its franchised airlines.

Once the booking has been made, the mandatory form for all unaccompanied children will be automatically filled out according to the details given at the time of reservation. This form mainly includes the child’s itinerary and the contact details of the adults accompanying them or picking them up at the airport on arrival.

To make things even easier, at the end of the booking process, a link to the form will enable customers in France or in the French Overseas Departments to print it so that they can hand it in to the Air France ground staff at the airport.

This link will also be included in the confirmation email after the booking has been made. Any sections which are still blank should be completed by hand.

For parents who prefer to make their child’s booking calling the customer care department, at an Air France ticket office or a travel agent, a blank form can be downloaded online, on the website’s Planète Bleue section, and it is always possible to fill in one on arrival at the airport.

Since July 2008, a dedicated lounge in Terminal 2E at Paris CDG has been opened for unaccompanied children with short connections to enable them to play with the latest Playstation 3 video games or watch a DVD on a flat-screen TV.

The lounge has been decorated with an attractive mural painting about travel and is furnished according to the designs of the children’s furniture company MondoMio. Board games, magazines and coloring books enable children to relax and keep amused while waiting for the flight, in a pleasant environment under the supervision of a member of Air France staff. Every year,

Air France carries 390,000 children traveling alone (up to the age of 12) to join their family and friends. As part of this service, children are always supervised by a member of Air France staff, from check-in to their handover to an adult on arrival at their destination, as well as during a flight connection. For children from 12 to 18, this service is also available at their parents’ request.

Virgin America has announced two new travel options — Main Cabin Select service and the introduction of fully refundable fares.

Fully refundable fares are available for purchase only at 877-FLY-VIRGIN (877-359-8474).

The previously announced Main Cabin Select class of service is now available for sale on Virgin America’s website and toll-free number. Main Cabin Select travel is available for booking now for travel from Nov. 3. Virgin America’s fully refundable fares apply to one-way main cabin fares and provide the following options: fully refundable up to time of departure; transferable with name changes up to time of departure; and changes or cancellations permitted without fee until the time of departure, with the difference in fares either collected or refunded.

There are no blackout dates, no minimum or maximum stay requirements (as with all Virgin America fares), and no advanced purchase required.

“No shows,” or reservations not changed or cancelled prior to departure, will be turned into a credit valid for travel on Virgin America for one year from the date of issuance.

Main Cabin Select class offers guests the greatest available legroom within the existing seating configuration — at 38 inches of seat pitch in the exit row and in the bulkhead — as well as a host of perks.

 Main Cabin Select offers many of the upscale features and amenities of Virgin America’s award-winning First Class cabin at competitive fares.

For more information, call 877-359-8474

 or visit www.virginamerica.com