Travel Update-Weekly Edition
December 5th, 2007
Airline
News
Aeromexico - Aeromexico will begin flying to China in
March, a few months before the Summer Olympics kickoff. The flight from Mexico
City to Shanghai will connect through Tijuana.
American Airlines - American Airlines has
announced that it is offering complimentary Wi-Fi service powered by
T-Mobile to Admirals Club(R) members visiting club locations in the United
States and Puerto Rico, as well as to individuals visiting the lounges with a
one-day Admirals Club pass. Members can access
the complimentary Admirals Club Wi-Fi service by inputting their Admirals Club
membership number at the login page, while one-day pass visitors can access the
service using a co-branded Access DayPass. Domestic lounge visitors not using an
Admirals Club membership card or one-day pass will continue to have access to
high-speed Wi-Fi through a subscription to T-Mobile. High-speed Internet also is
available internationally, although Internet service providers vary by
location.
Singapore Airlines - Singapore Airlines said it
will increase its fuel surcharge on all flights, including those operated by its
unit SilkAir, beginning Dec. 4 because of rising jet fuel costs. The surcharge on routes
to Southeast Asian countries will rise to $26 per flight from $24, and the levy
on flights to the U.S. and
Canada will rise to $123 from $104,
the company said. For all other flights,
the charge will rise to $75 from
$67.
United Airlines - United Airlines is introducing daily
nonstop service to Frankfurt, Germany from Los Angeles. Beginning Dec. 15,
United will offer the only nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Frankurt. Travel
by March 31, 2008 and earn up to 7,500 Mileage Plus bonus miles on select
fares. Visit united.com/lax frabonus for terms and conditions and
to register.
US Airways - US Airways will add Daytona Beach, FL.
to its route network with three daily roundtrips from Charlotte, NC. The service
is set to begin on Feb. 1, 2008. US Airways Express carrier
Republic Airlines will operate the route with 86-seat Embraer 175 regional jet
aircraft.
Airport/Destination News
Denver
International Airport - Travelers at Denver International Airport (DIA) who have previously had to
pay for wireless Internet access are getting an early Christmas surprise: The
service is now free. DIA has been quietly testing a free wireless facility, or
Wi-Fi, system since early November, officials said.
DIA, is offering the service across the airport terminal and
concourses.
Hotel
News
The Hotel
Washington - One of Washington, D.C.'s oldest hotels, The Hotel Washington -
which has been operating continuously for 90 years - will close Jan. 1 and
re-emerge as a Starwood-operated W Hotel in 2009. The hotel, built in 1888,
offers views of the White House and National Mall from its rooftop restaurant.
Renovations will include refurbished rooms, added amenities and an increased
number of suites.
Miscellaneous
State Dept
Travel Warnings and Public announcements - For the full announcements or
further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see http://travel.state.gov/travel
Bangladesh - The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka released
the following Warden Message on 30 November 2007: "The U.S. Embassy has been
informed by police in the cyclone-affected regions that there is an increase
in petty street crimes, including muggings, particularly in Barisal. This is
not an unexpected development given the economic impact of this disaster. The
Embassy reminds all American citizens to remain aware of their surroundings
while working and living in the affected regions of Bangladesh.
Suriname - The U.S. Embassy in
Paramaribo issued the following Warden Message on 30 November 2007: "This
Warden Message is to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in
Suriname of frequent small scale public demonstrations, strikes, and increased
police activity in the capital city of Paramaribo, which have the potential to
continue through the first week of December 2007. "Over the past few days,
strikes in the transportation, education, and other sectors in Suriname have
caused disruptions to travel throughout the country. Police activity and
visibility has increased, and police operations may take place throughout the
country. The Embassy advises all U.S. Citizens traveling or residing in
Suriname to keep abreast of developments when planning travel. U.S. citizens
in Suriname should remain vigilant and avoid large crowds and political
demonstrations. "Recent student demonstrations in Paramaribo continue to be
peaceful. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S.
citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise
caution in the vicinity of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of
marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should
monitor local media sources for new
developments."
The Department of Homeland Security
and the State Department are reminding the traveling public that as of Jan. 31,
2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of
citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such
as a driver's license, when entering the U.S.
through land and sea ports of entry. DHS will be issuing a notice in the Federal
Register formally announcing the change. The change is a necessary step to
prepare travelers and ease the transition to the future requirements of the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. WHTI proposes to establish documentation
requirements for travelers entering the U.S. who were previously exempt, including
citizens of the U.S.,
Canada and Bermuda.
U.S. travelers who don't
have proof of citizenship - either a birth certificate or passport - will face
secondary screening and delays at border stations while their citizenship is
checked, officials said.
November 29, 2007
November 21, 2007
November 15, 2007
November 8, 2007
November 1, 2007
October 25, 2007
October 18, 2007
October 11, 2007
October 4, 2007
September 27, 2007
September 20, 2007
September 13, 2007
September 6, 2007
August 30, 2007
August 23, 2007
August 16, 2007
August 9, 2007
August 2, 2007
July 26, 2007
July 20, 2007
July 12, 2007
May 31, 2007
May 17, 2007
May 10, 2007
May 3, 2007
April 27, 2007
April 26, 2007
April 19, 2007
April 12, 2007
April 9, 2007
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