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Travel Updates - Weekly Edition

May 06, 2010

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American Airlines

American announced it was unable to acquire what it deems to be "appropriate" slots at Beijing Capital International Airport. American Airlines said it is postponing the launch of service to that airport from Chicago until May 25. American Airlines initially planned to launch the service on April 26, but extended the launch to May 4, pending the resolution of problems in securing the slots. The carrier, however, has thus far been unsuccessful. American continues to work with Chinese aviation authorities to acquire appropriate landing and take-off slots at Beijing Capital International Airport, and is in contact with its customers.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines announced it has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate twice-weekly service between its Detroit Metropolitan Airport, MI and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The new service, which will begin Oct. 21, is currently available for purchase. Delta will operate the flights using 216-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with 35 seats in BusinessElite and 181 seats in Economy Class. Delta's award-winning BusinessElite service features new bedding with a full-size pillow and quilted duvet comforter, Chef Michelle Bernstein's cuisine featuring larger entrée portions and Sommelier Andrea Robinson's upgraded wine program. BusinessElite customers also enjoy a full-menu pre-departure beverage service, PC power and state-of-the-art, on-demand entertainment system, priority check-in and baggage claim.

	Porter Airlines
	Porter Airlines now offers an enhanced New York schedule, increasing to nine daily roundtrips from eight. Weekend service also improves by one daily roundtrip to six on Saturday and eight on Sunday. Flights connect Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Ontario, Canada with Newark Liberty International Airport, NJ.

	United Airlines
	United and Continental Airlines announced that they have agreed to combine in a merger of equals. The combined company will create the world's leading airline, providing unmatched benefits and service for business and leisure travelers and enhanced opportunities for our clients in corporate and retail travel. In coming weeks we will provide more details as they become available.

Virgin America

Virgin America announced it will postpone its start of service to Orlando International Airport, FL due to delays in the airline's aircraft delivery schedule. The airline previously announced that it would launch daily nonstop flights from both Los Angeles International Airport, CA and San Francisco International Airport, CA to Orlando beginning August 19. Due to an unexpected delay in its aircraft delivery schedule, Virgin America will postpone its start of service to Orlando until at least October 2010. In the coming weeks, the airline will release a new Orlando start date in the fourth quarter of 2010.

State Dept. Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see http://http://travel.state.gov/

Georgia - On May 3 the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning for Georgia which reads in part as follows: "The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to certain areas of Georgia. This Travel Warning replaces the one dated April 9, 2009, and updates advice to U.S. citizens in Georgia. "American citizens are urged not to travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and to be aware that the potential exists for gunfire, increased risk of crime, and ongoing potential for violence in these and areas adjacent to these regions.

"The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi has limited travel for its employees in areas adjacent to the region of South Ossetia, to include all roads north of the M-1 (East/West Highway) that lead to the region of South Ossetia; areas adjacent to the region of Abkhazia, including the Tsalenjikha District of the Samegrelo Region; and the region of the Pankisi Gorge, north of the city Akhmeta, up to the border with Russia. Unexploded ordnance continues to pose risks in the areas where fighting took place in August 2008, including around the city of Gori in the direction of the administrative boundary with South Ossetia. Travel risk in some parts of western Georgia remains unpredictable.

"American citizens currently in Georgia are urged to take appropriate action to ensure their safety. Demonstrations can occur without notice and even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. The U.S. Embassy advises all Americans in Georgia to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens are encouraged to remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tbilisi for more detailed information."

India - On May 1 the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, issued an updated Warden Message regarding the potential for a terrorist attack in New Delhi. The text of the Warden Message issued by the U.S. Embassy reads in part: "There are increased indications that terrorists are planning imminent attacks in New Delhi. Terrorists have targeted places in the past where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Markets, such as those located in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and Sarojini Nagar, can be especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. If you are in an area where unattended packages are spotted, you should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities."

Jamaica - On April 30 the U.S. Embassy in Kingston released the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy in Kingston alerts U.S. citizens of a possible continuing threat of robbery while driving, from persons on motorcycles in Kingston. "The British High Commission reports that a spouse of one of its staff was leaving Losushan Supermarket Thursday, April 29 at 10:15 a.m. when she noticed a male described as having long grey dreadlocks on a small dark colored motorbike riding behind her as she passed Azan's to rejoin East King's House Road. The male was riding his motorbike aggressively and made several attempts to stop her by overtaking her car closely on both sides and coming to a halt. When she rejoined the main road, Trafalgar Road via Ardenne Road, the male then gestured to the vehicle occupant and sped off down Knutsford Boulevard. "Police believe this incident is linked to the males on motorbikes reported in the Embassy's April 21, 2010 warden message and is likely to be one and the same team operating in the Barbican area. The Police are confident they are closing in on the team."

Yemen - On May 1 the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa released the following Warden Message: "Due to increased security concerns regarding specific areas frequented by Western tourists and residents, all U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised to avoid the Movenpick Hotel in Sana'a until further notice. Please consult our Country Specific Information page on Yemen for details regarding suggested security practices. The U.S. Embassy urges Americans to remain vigilant regarding their personal security."