Travel Conversations

HEI Hotels & Resorts to Acquire Newark Airport SpringHill Suites

2012-01-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

HEI Hotels & Resorts (HEI), a socially responsible investor and employer in the hospitality industry, has announced that the company is under contract to acquire the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport for an undisclosed amount. The hotel will be the tenth acquisition by HEI's Fund III and the 13th hotel in the Marriott brand family in HEI's 42-property portfolio.

The 200-room all-suites select-service hotel is located immediately north of Newark Airport, New York City's second-largest airport with more than 33 million passengers annually, and near Port Newark, North America's third-largest seaport.

The hotel offers three meeting rooms with a total of 1,900 square feet of function space. Additional amenities include lobby lounge with complimentary breakfast, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, fitness facilities and a business center.

The hotel is currently in the process of receiving a substantial interior renovation involving all areas of the hotel seen and touched by guests, as well as, the back-of-house facilities used by the hotel's associates. Upon completion, the hotel will meet all SpringHill Suites by Marriott's most current design features.

Priceline.com "Kills" The Priceline Negotiator

2012-01-23T12:02:00.001-08:00

Priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN) has revealed that it will kill off the popular Priceline Negotiator, a character played by William Shatner, in its new national TV campaign.

Mr. Shatner has been priceline.com's celebrity spokesman for 14 years, and remains under contract to the company. He first stepped into the role of The Negotiator in 2007. Priceline.com said it decided to kill off The Negotiator character in order to focus consumers' attention on its published-price hotel service, which is the fastest-growing segment of priceline.com's hotel business. Priceline.com said it will continue to offer its Name-Your-Own Price® hotel service, which can save traveler up to 60% off published rates.

To see the new spot, visit http://pcln.com/NegotiatorLastDeal.

Cleveland Airport Marriott

2012-01-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

Leave your worries on the runway when you stay at Cleveland Airport Marriott. The Cleveland Hopkins airport hotel is the perfect hotel for guests looking for upscale comforts after their cramped flight. Just a few miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland Airport Marriott offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. Once you arrive, you can sit back, relax, and leave the rest to us.

Cleveland Airport Marriott has it all—from Cleveland airport lodging with guest rooms that surround you in style, to 23 meeting rooms to help you get down to business. Plus, the updated lobby has been designed to include flexible seating, super convenient access to power outlets and free wireless internet, a full sized pool table, restaurant table service to all lobby seating areas, and over 100 different bottles of beer, all so you can work, play or both.

And the critically acclaimed AMP 150 restaurant combines local ingredients with local top chef, Jeff Jarrett, to craft flavors like none other. With award-winning cuisine to specialty craft drinks, AMP 150 creates tastes you won't expect to find in an airport hotel.
Find it all, including your morning cup of Starbucks coffee, right off the runway at Cleveland Airport Marriott.
Discover a revitalized hotel near Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and situated just miles from the airport, as well as downtown, IX Center, universities and sports venues—all at Cleveland Airport Marriott. A recently renovated hotel near Cleveland zoo, the Marriott includes 372 guest rooms that were transformed to include lush carpeting, stylish decor, upgraded bathrooms, refrigerators, 37-inch flat-screen TVs and Marriott Plug In technology. A premier business and leisure destination, this Cleveland, OH, hotel is convenient for travelers, offering a complimentary airport shuttle. After a day of meetings or sightseeing, retreat to this Cleveland, Ohio, airport hotel to recharge for the day ahead or visit the indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center to de-stress. Meetings and social events will feel at home in 16 meeting rooms and banquet halls in Cleveland, spanning 15,500 square feet, complete with on-site catering and certified event planners. Whatever the reason for visiting, the Cleveland Airport Marriott hotel welcomes guests with first-class service and a friendly staff!

For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-228-9290 or visit www.marriott.com/cleap.

United and Houston Airport System Begin Redevelopment Project

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Houston Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston Airport System, in partnership with United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), broke ground on the first phase of a three-phase redevelopment project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Phase one of the project, to be completed in 2013, will create a new Terminal B south concourse dedicated to regional jet operations.

The $160 million south concourse project will replace the existing south side flight stations with a new 225,000 square-foot facility to accommodate United's regional aircraft. At nearly four times the size of the existing space, the new concourse will provide a better customer experience, as it will feature modern and expanded gate lounge areas, concessions and restroom facilities.

Travelers will access the new concourse from the terminal via a 95-foot-wide bridge with 13,000 square feet of food, beverage and retail concessions – a 500-percent increase in concession space over the current facility. The concourse will feature 28-foot-high floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering expansive tarmac views from spacious central passenger lounge areas with durable and modern interior finishes.

New Hawaiian - JetBlue Partnership

2012-01-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

Hawaiian Airlines (NASDAQ: HA), Hawaii's flag carrier, and JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU), New York's Hometown Airline™, has announced a partnership agreement that will make it easy for travelers up and down the East Coast to enjoy the incomparable Hawaii travel experience.

Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, and Dave Barger, president and CEO of JetBlue, signed the agreement at JetBlue's Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport amid a festive Hawaii-themed celebration of Hawaiian music, hula dancing, fresh flower lei and other special gifts from Hawaii for travelers transiting the terminal.

Effective this week, customers will be able to purchase single tickets combining travel on both Hawaiian and JetBlue, allowing for seamless travel between the carriers' networks. Connections are available for immediate travel via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where Hawaiian offers multiple daily departures.
In the near future, Hawaiian intends to codeshare on JetBlue-operated flights, placing its HA code on JetBlue-operated flights

The carriers plan to further expand their partnership on June 5, when Hawaiian launches the only nonstop service between New York City and Hawaii with its new wide-body, twin-aisle Airbus A330-200 aircraft seating 294 customers.

Questex Travel Group Launches ULTRA for the Global Luxury Market

2012-01-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Questex Hospitality + Travel, the world's largest multinational media, event and eCommerce company serving the global hospitality and travel industry, has unveiled ULTRA, an exclusive invitation-only networking event set to launch in the first quarter of 2013. ULTRA is set to be the place where luxury travel trends will emerge and where the world's most elite travel executives will engage through a truly transforming business experience. Attendees will be fully immersed in the world of luxury travel through interactive dialogue with today's top industry decision makers.

ULTRA will be hosted twice a year, once in North America and once in an international venue, and will provide an ultra-luxury experience as well as complete destination immersion. A host venue for the inaugural installment is being solidified, and will be announced shortly.

The two-and-a-half-day event will feature 200 global luxury travel agency owners and managers, that will be hand-selected by the ULTRA Advisory Board and the Executive Editorial Staff of Luxury Travel Advisor, the monthly publication published by Questex Hospitality + Travel for the world's top sellers of affluent travel. An annual listing of the ULTRA 200 Advisors will also be featured once a year in Luxury Travel Advisor. ULTRA's unique format features one-to-one appointments, elegant networking functions and thought-provoking educational content.

Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO Statement Regarding Costa Concordia

2012-01-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

This statement is from Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, parent company of Costa Cruises.

We are deeply saddened by the reports of additional deaths following the grounding of the Costa Concordia. On behalf of the entire Carnival Corporation & plc team, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all of those families affected by this tragedy.

Our immediate priority continues to be supporting rescue and recovery efforts and looking after our guests and crew members, along with securing the vessel to ensure there is no environmental impact. My senior management team and I have been in continuous contact with the Costa executive team in Italy and we have our senior level technical experts on the ground to provide additional support for this tragic and highly unusual incident.

While this is a terribly sad time for everyone involved, we want to recognize the tremendous efforts of Concordia's crew, who along with the Italian Coast Guard and authorities, helped to evacuate more than 4,000 passengers and crew members from the ship in very difficult conditions. And we continue to offer our deep gratitude to the Italian authorities for their support and ongoing efforts.

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

NASA to Hand Over Shuttle Trainer 'Keys' to Seattle Museum

2012-01-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

NASA's Johnson Space Center will officially handover the "keys" to the Space Shuttle Full Fuselage Trainer to the Seattle Museum of Flight in a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. CST Thursday, Jan. 19. News media representatives are invited to attend.

The ceremony will include an official signing of the Space Act Agreement that will transfer ownership of the trainer, which includes both a crew cockpit and shuttle cargo bay area, and was used to familiarize astronauts with shuttle cockpit controls and emergency exit procedures over the life of the Space Shuttle Program.
The museum will accept responsibility for the Full Fuselage Trainer, and its transportation to Seattle. By donating Johnson Space Center's shuttle training resources to outside partners, NASA hopes to find areas of common interest that will foster new technologies that improve life here on Earth, and pave the way for future human exploration in space.

JSC Director Michael L. Coats and Mission Operations Director Paul Hill will welcome guests, including the Museum of Flight's President Douglas King, who will provide remarks on the partnership agreement. The signing ceremony will be followed by a question-and-answer session for media.

To arrange for credentials, contact the Johnson Space Center newsroom at 281-483-5111 by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18.

For more information about NASA's Johnson Space Center, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/johnson
SOURCE NASA

American Eagle Goes All-Jet From Dallas/Fort Worth

2012-01-12T14:13:00.001-08:00

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, is replacing all of its ATR turboprop aircraft operating from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Fourteen markets throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas will have all-jet service beginning Jan. 31. The airline will operate the daily flights with a combination of 37-, 44- and 50-seat jets.
"We are pleased to once again provide jet service to all Eagle destinations from our hub in Dallas/Fort Worth," said Gary Foss, Managing Director – Network Planning for American's regional network. "We know our customers will enjoy the comfortable, quiet ride of these Embraer jets, enhancing their overall travel experience."
These are the cities served from Dallas/Fort Worth that will switch to all-jet service on Jan. 31:

Destination	Daily Departures
College Station, Texas	3
Fort Smith, Ark.	4
Joplin, Mo.	2
Killeen, Texas	9
Lawton, Okla.	5
Longview, Texas	2
Lubbock, Texas	7
Monroe, La.	2
Shreveport, La.	7
San Angelo, Texas	4
Waco, Texas	4
Wichita Falls, Texas	3
Texarkana, Texas	3
Tyler, Texas	4

Marriott Rewards Takes Top Honors at Business Traveler Magazine Awards

2011-12-12T09:28:00.002-08:00

Readers of Business Traveler Magazine have named Marriott Rewards the best hotel loyalty program in their 23rd annual Best in the Business Travel Awards. The winners are selected by registered print, digital and print subscribers of Business Traveler Magazine. For a full list of winners, visit Business Travel Magazine.

Marriott Rewards has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,500 Marriott International hotels around the world. In addition to hotels and frequent flyer miles, members can also redeem points for merchandise, cruises, car rentals and more.

Marriott Rewards points can be earned and redeemed at 13 distinctive brands, including JW Marriott®, EDITION^®, Autograph Collection®, Renaissance® Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott®, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott®, SpringHill Suites by Marriott®, Residence Inn by Marriott®, TownePlace Suites by Marriott® and Marriott Vacation Club®. Members can also earn and redeem points at Marriott Rewards' exclusive luxury hotel partner, The Ritz-Carlton®.
Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program," and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 1-800-450-4442 or visit MarriottRewards.com.
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Cleveland Airport Marriott Offers Guests Luxury Accommodations Right Off the Runway

2011-12-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

Experience luxury and relaxation after your cramped flight when you stay at Cleveland Airport Marriott. The Cleveland airport hotel recently underwent a $22 million renovation to allow travelers to rest in comfort and luxury.

Just a few miles from the airport terminal, Cleveland Airport Marriott offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Once you arrive at the hotel, take in the massive renovations done to every inch of the Cleveland, Ohio, hotel.

Continually ranked as the number one hotel in Cleveland by TripAdvisor.com, Cleveland Airport Marriott has it all—from guest rooms that surround you in luxury to meeting rooms with the latest technology. The new lobby has been modeled to help you work, relax and play with added amenities and technology to suit your every need. The new Amp 150 restaurant combines local ingredients with area top chefs to combine flavors like none other. With award-winning cuisine to specialty craft drinks, Amp 150 creates tastes you might not expect to find in a hotel. Find it all at Cleveland Airport Marriott.

American Airlines Brings Holiday Cheer to LaGuardia and JFK International Airports

2011-12-12T09:27:00.001-08:00

Members of The New York Pops orchestra and the High School Performance Choir from the Choir Academy of Harlem will celebrate the holidays by entertaining American Airlines passengers with free performances at LaGuardia and JFK International Airports. Jazz trios, quartets and quintets will represent The New York Pops and up to 25 members of the Choir Academy's Performance Choir will sing.

Throughout the month of December, air travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy festive holiday tunes such as "Jingle Bells," "We Need a Little Christmas," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" performed by The New York Pops musicians. The High School Performance Choir will present its own festive concert with such swinging seasonal favorites as "Carol of the Bells" and "Joy to the World" with special renditions of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night."

The performance schedule is as follows:

LaGuardia Airport: Central Terminal Building, American Airlines Concourse D, Gate D5
Dec. 14, 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.	The New York Pops Jazz Trio
Dec. 20, 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.	The New York Pops Jazz Trio
Dec. 22, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.	The New York Pops Jazz Quartet

JFK International Airport: American Airlines Terminal 8, Concourse B Lobby by Gates 14 and 16
Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.	The New York Pops Jazz Quintet
Dec. 19, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.	Choir Academy of Harlem Performance Choir
Dec. 20, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.	Choir Academy of Harlem Performance Choir
Dec. 22, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.	The New York Pops Jazz Quintet
Dec. 23, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.	The New York Pops Jazz Quintet

Throughout the airport performances, The New York Pops will offer travelers an opportunity to win tickets to an upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall. Visit facebook.com/newyorkpops for more information.

American Airlines has served the New York market for more than 80 years. With a keen understanding of the needs of New York passengers, the airline offers a global route network augmented by its oneworld^® alliance membership and joint business partnerships; its state-of-the-art international terminal at JFK International Airport; AAdvantage^®, the industry's first frequent flyer program; and a long-standing commitment to the Greater New York community.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries

2011-12-12T09:26:00.001-08:00

2012 will bring the Jekyll Island Club Hotel into an exciting new era. The hotel is celebrating 125 years of history and 25 years of hospitality. Celebrate with us as we journey through 2012 with specials and promotions all celebrating our milestone anniversaries. The hotel has partnered with the Jekyll Island Museum to put together an entire year's worth of promotions celebrating the history and heritage of the Jekyll Island Club and its former elite members.

Each month's promotions will include specials on overnight accommodations as well as food & beverage specials for our guests. January's offer brings true excitement- any room; any night is just $125.00, the Jekyll Island museum is offering all tours this month for just $12.50, while all overnight guests in February will receive a 12.5% discount on all food and beverage.

The hotel has commissioned an exclusive oil painting of the exterior of the hotel by local artist, Christophe Goodstein which will be unveiled at the January kickoff event, "An Evening with the Artists". The hotel has also commissioned a book celebrating the 25 years that the hotel has been re-opened, by 2011 Georgia Author of the Year, June Hall McCash. Founder's Day was a special celebration the Club members would commemorate at the end of their season on Jekyll Island. The Jekyll Island Museum along with the hotel, has planned a Progressive Dinner and anniversary gala showcasing the beauty of the Historic District while celebrating the completion of numerous restoration projects that have brought this unique site to life. All events are open to the public. Reservations required.

Take a piece of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel home with you and spend each month re-living history with our 2012 commemorative calendars.

Last-Minute Winter Savings on Holiday Vacations at Real Resorts

2011-12-12T09:25:00.001-08:00

Get out of the cold with warm deals from Real Resorts! Understanding that not all vacations can be booked in advance, Real Resorts is making available some great last-minute deals during the winter holidays at savings of up to 50%. Choose from THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen, an all inclusive, adult-only, all-suite, luxury gourmet hotel on a pristine stretch of the Caribbean and only steps from the town of Playa del Carmen. Or select the family friendly Gran Porto Real also beachfront and in the heart of Playa del Carmen, or the Gran Caribe Real on Cancun's widest stretch of beach and in the heart of the Hotel Zone.

Check out these deals for up to a 50% savings over the holidays beginning December 22nd:

The Gran Caribe Real, Cancun enjoy 7 nights all-suite, all-in-inclusive vacation starting from $999 per person/double occupancy.
The Gran Porto Real, Playa del Carmen: 7 nights all-suite, all-inclusive vacation, starting from $1092 per person/double occupancy
The Royal Playa del Carmen: 7 nights, all-suite, all-inclusive, adult only, luxury-gourmet vacation starting from $1232 per person/double occupancy

And additional dates are available at up to a 25% savings at the Gran Caribe Real through January 31st and at THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen and the Gran Porto Real Cancun after December 20th through January 31st. These special last minute deals can be booked through your preferred travel agent or for more information visit online at www.RealResorts.com.

American Airlines Obtains Interim Stock and Claims Order for Trading Requirements

2011-12-05T07:27:00.003-08:00

On Nov. 29, 2011, AMR Corporation ("AMR") and certain of its subsidiaries, including American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation (collectively, the "Debtors"), filed a motion (the "Motion") with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court") seeking an order (i) restricting certain transfers of interest in AMR Common Stock (trading symbol: AMR), and certain transfers of claims against the Debtors, and (ii) imposing certain notification requirements with respect to substantial owners of AMR Common Stock and substantial owners of unsecured claims against the Debtors (including certain tax-exempt bonds and instruments issued by obligors in leveraged lease and non-leveraged lease structures that represent or subsequently may represent interests in claims against the Debtors). The order is intended to prevent certain transfers of AMR Common Stock and certain transfers of claims against the Debtors that could impair the ability of one or more of the Debtors' estates to use their net operating loss carryovers and certain other tax attributes on a reorganized basis.

On Nov. 30, 2011, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order on an interim basis granting the Motion. All procedures reflected in the interim order currently apply and must be complied with. Accordingly, any acquisition, disposition, or other transfer of equity or claims on or after Nov. 29, 2011, in violation of the restrictions set forth in the interim order shall be null and void ab initio as an act in violation of the automatic stay under sections 105(a) and 362 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A final hearing on the Motion and requested relief is scheduled for Dec. 22, 2011, at 10 a.m. before The Honorable Sean H. Lane at the Bankruptcy Court, Alexander Hamilton Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004.

The requested relief and interim order apply to "Substantial Equityholders," being persons who are, or as a result of a transaction would become, the beneficial owner of approximately 4.5 percent of the outstanding shares of AMR Common Stock. It also applies to "Substantial Claimholders," being persons who are, or as a result of a transaction become, the beneficial owner of unsecured claims in excess of a threshold amount of unsecured claims. The initial threshold amount is $190 million, but the amount may be subsequently increased or decreased under certain circumstances in connection with the Debtors' filing of a chapter 11 plan. A copy of the notice of the interim order, which includes complete definitions of "Substantial Equityholders" and "Substantial Claimholders" and the applicable notification requirements and restrictions, is available on the website of the Company's claims agent: http://www.amrcaseinfo.com/restrictions.php

Opportunity for Travel Agents to Expand into China

2011-12-05T07:27:00.001-08:00

ChinaTours.com, a leading name in the inbound China tour market based in Xi'an, China, which prides itself on excellence of service, is proposing a lucrative business opportunity for small travel agents, especially independent and home-based travel agents, to expand their business in 2012.

It mainly offers private and customized tours to China for small groups of couples, family or friends. The company came up with a new product in 2011 which thrives quickly for its highly competitive price and quality service. It guarantees one departure on every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, even with one person, which ends up to over 800 departures in 2012 in total. The maximum pax in every group is strictly limited to 22 to make sure its clients are taken good care of. Similar products on the market cost more and usually require minimum members and don't limit the maximum.

The product, named Join-in Tours, packages everything essential in China, including domestic air tickets (or trains if necessary), great hotels, ground tours and meals and has unsurpassed value for money. For example, the company uses hotels well rated by third parties and the best Yangtze River cruise ship, which is equipped with a private balcony in every cabin. Travel agents can repackage all 13 tours by offering international air tickets and start to sell tours to China in 2012 with ease.

ChinaTours.com will provide timely and professional expertise to help independent and home-based travel agents market these tours to their potential clients.

Please sign up at its B2B site and apply for membership to have more info on commission rates and recent promotions for agents.

ChinaTours.com is a licensed tour operator with offices in Beijing and Xi'an. We offer superior tours at economical prices! The company also runs Beijingtour.com and Shanghaitour.com which are under construction to offer the best service at the two major destination cities in China.

747-8 Intercontinental Debut in Germany Set for Dec. 6

2011-12-05T07:26:00.002-08:00

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Lufthansa are fast approaching the next major milestone on the 747-8 Intercontinental program with the start of pre-delivery testing of the new airplane at Lufthansa's main operations base at Frankfurt Airport from Dec. 6 to Dec. 9.

Lufthansa will conduct a number of tests to help ensure a smooth integration of the newest member of the 747 family into Lufthansa operations. Lufthansa maintenance and engineering personnel will rehearse ground-handling processes for the 747-8 Intercontinental within the airline's facilities and on its ramps at the airport. In addition, the crews will check how their ground-support equipment accommodates the airplane. These checks will help Lufthansa ensure a smooth entry into service for crews and passengers in early 2012.

The airplane is scheduled to arrive at Frankfurt Airport late afternoon Central European Time (CET) on Dec. 6 after an approximately 9-hour flight from Seattle. Three Lufthansa pilots will join two Boeing pilots on the flight crew for the flight. The airplane will depart early afternoon CET Dec. 9. Lufthansa will release photographs of the airplane's visit to Frankfurt, at its website http://presse.lufthansa.com/de/mediathek/bildarchiv.html.

The airplane that will visit, known to Boeing as RC021, is one of three airplanes that have served in the 747-8 Intercontinental flight test fleet. It was specifically used to test interior systems such as heating and air conditioning, cabin lighting and systems and galleys.

The airplane is painted white with a gray belly and a blue tail fin – a basecoat of the Lufthansa livery without decals – and will be the fifth 747-8 Intercontinental to join Lufthansa's fleet when it is delivered in the third quarter 2012. The first 747-8 Intercontinental destined for Lufthansa is completing construction at Boeing's facility in Everett, Wash.

The 747-8 Intercontinental provides double-digit improvements in fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400. The 747-8 Intercontinental applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that include a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings.

Lufthansa has ordered a total of 20 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes. Boeing and Lufthansa share a strong tradition of innovation and partnership that continues with the new 747-8 Intercontinental.

ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for November 2011 Up 8.3% Year over Year

2011-12-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR) (ASUR), today announced that total passenger traffic for November 2011 increased by 8.3% when compared to November 2010.

All figures in this announcement reflect comparisons between November 1 through November 30, 2010 and 2011. Transit and general aviation passengers are excluded.

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (ASUR) is a Mexican airport operator with concessions to operate, maintain and develop the airports of Cancun, Merida, Cozumel, Villahermosa, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Huatulco, Tapachula and Minatitlan in the southeast of Mexico. The Company is listed both on the Mexican Bolsa, where it trades under the symbol ASUR, and on the NYSE in the U.S., where it trades under the symbol ASR. One ADS represents ten (10) series B shares.

Dunkin' Donuts Launches Holiday "MoMint" Twitter Contest

2011-12-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

This week, Dunkin' Donuts can make your special holiday "MoMints" even more uplifting. To celebrate its new Mint Hot Chocolate, Dunkin' Donuts, America's favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, has brewed a "MoMintous" national Twitter contest that gives fans a chance to win free JetBlue flights and Dunkin' Donuts Cards.

Beginning today and continuing through Friday, December 9, tweet @DunkinDonuts with hashtag #DDMoMint and share your favorite MoMint of the holiday season. Dunkin' Donuts will randomly select one winner per day to receive a $50 Dunkin' Donuts Card to keep themselves running with delicious Mint Hot Chocolate through the holidays. On Friday, December 9, Dunkin' Donuts will also randomly select one grand prize winner from all of the entrants to receive a voucher for two free JetBlue flights so they can create a special MoMint somewhere in 2012. For additional terms and conditions related to Dunkin' Donuts' #DDMoMint contest, please visit: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/promotions/MoMint_Sweepstakes.html

Dunkin' Donuts' new Mint Hot Chocolate is a permanent addition to the brand's famous beverage lineup. Mint Hot Chocolate puts a spin on the classic Hot Chocolate, combining the warmth of Hot Chocolate with a cool, invigorating minty flavor.

Dunkin' Donuts is JetBlue's exclusive coffee provider network-wide. Since the two companies' partnership took flight in 2006, JetBlue has served its customers more than 28 million cups of Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

For more information about Dunkin' Donuts, please visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

TripIt Now Available for Amazon Kindle Fire

2011-12-05T07:23:00.001-08:00

Travel-Size Personal Assistant Comes to Kindle Fire and Amazon Appstore for Android

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TripIt , the leading mobile trip organizer from Concur (Nasdaq: CNQR), today announced it's now available for download on Kindle Fire and from the Amazon Appstore for Android.

Now, TripIt can bring peace of mind to travelers who carry a Kindle Fire, by organizing important trip details like confirmation numbers, maps and directions at their fingertips. Plus, the availability from the Amazon Appstore for Android makes it even easier to get TripIt up and running on any Android tablet or smartphone.

In a TripIt survey conducted prior to the launch of Kindle Fire, tablet devices were gaining popularity among TripIt users. At the time, more than 40 percent of travelers who use TripIt to keep their travel plans organized in one place had a Kindle; and another 51 percent owned an iPad.

"The compact size of Kindle Fire and its growing ecosystem of apps make it a solid match for travelers," said Gregg Brockway, Executive Vice President and General Manager of TripIt. "Tablets are becoming a popular choice for life on the road, and we're excited to take part."

TripIt's portfolio of smartphone and tablet apps now includes iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone. For more information, visit http://tripit.com/uhp/mobile.

About TripIt

TripIt®, the leading mobile travel organizer from Concur® (Nasdaq: CNQR), makes it easy for millions of travelers to organize and share their trips. Simply forward confirmation emails from anywhere you book to plans@tripit.com and TripIt automagically creates one simple, smart itinerary to access on a smartphone, calendar, or anywhere online. For even greater peace of mind while traveling, TripIt Pro acts like a personal travel assistant that keeps travelers in the know regarding flight status, alternate flights, and more; tracks all frequent traveler points in one place; and monitors eligible flights for fare refunds. TripIt for Business is an easier way for companies to organize office travel; keep track of who's traveling when and where, and whether travel dollars are being spent wisely. For more information, please visit www.tripit.com and follow @TripIt at http://twitter.com/tripit.

About Concur

Concur® is a leading provider of integrated travel and expense management solutions for companies of all sizes. Concur's easy-to-use web-based and mobile solutions help companies and their employees control costs and save time. Learn more at www.concur.com.

SOURCE TripIt

'Like' Marriott Rewards and Earn a Chance at 1 Million Points

2011-12-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

Marriott Rewards is making dreams come true. For the month of December, Marriott Rewards is giving away five million points to members who 'Like' its new Facebook page, which launches today. There will be daily point giveaways as well as a sweepstakes with a grand prize of one million Marriott Rewards points, enough to stay for free at any of Marriott Rewards 3,500 hotels around the world.

Each day from December 1-31, five instant winners will be awarded 1,000 Marriott Rewards and all members who register for the sweepstakes on the Facebook page will be entered to win five first prizes of 100,000 points and fifty second prizes of 10,000 points as well as the million point grand prize. Sweepstakes winners will be selected in January 2012. For more information on how to enter and official rules, go to www.facebook.com/marriottrewards.

Marriott Rewards new Facebook page offers members a new way to join the conversation and connect with the program and each other. It will also feature rich content from Marriott Rewards experts.

Marriott Rewards has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,500 Marriott International hotels around the world. Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals and more.

Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program" and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 1-800-450-4442 or log onto MarriottRewards.com.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Void in Quebec, outside the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada, and where prohibited by law. Subject to all federal, state, local, provincial, territorial and municipal laws, regulations, and ordinances. Promotion begins on December 1, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET") and ends on December 31, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. ET (the "Promotion Period"). See Marriott Rewards® Sweepstakes Official Rules for full details. (http://scg-marriott-sweepstakes-app.heroku.com/rewards_rules)

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

Travelers Celebrate Holiday Traditions at Central American Resorts

2011-12-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

This holiday season two Central American resorts having a tradition of providing back will offer their guests ways to take part in their charitable efforts.

Travelers to Central America frequently look for methods to provide back to the much less lucky within the communities they go to, particularly round the holidays. This year The Phoenix Resort, a luxury resort located on Ambergris Caye, Belize and Tambor Tropical, a romantic boutique resort on the Pacific Ocean in Tambor, Costa Rica are helping guests celebrate the holidays inside a meaningful and memorable way.

Each holiday season The Phoenix provides toys for much less fortunate kids around San Pedro, where the resort is situated. This year The Phoenix has organized a Toy Drive where guests are invited to contribute gifts. On December 23 guests will probably be invited to a complimentary present wrapping cocktail celebration, where guests and resort staff will wrap the gifts, while sipping on spiced cider with Belizean rum. Presents will then be distributed in the neighborhood on December 24 by members in the neighborhood.

Additionally, guests will appreciate a hot cocoa bar and cookies on the morning of December 25 within the resort's lobby, while the grounds will probably be decorated with lighted holiday trees.

In Costa Rica, for your final 17 years the owners and staff of Tambor Tropical have helped celebrate the holidays by distributing learning toy presents in their neighborhood. Each year several hundred packages of college supplies, Frisbees, marbles, jacks and donated items from Rainforest Publications make their method to the resort. This year guests are invited to bring down comparable products and assist wrap gifts. In anticipation of this annual tradition the kids line the village streets with their parents on the morning of December 25 as the Tambor Tropical staff, wearing elf hats, drive through the town and greet the children.

All through the year Tambor Tropical also gives guests the capability to give back via its volunteer program at the Tambor Bay School, a nearby elementary school founded from the resort's owners. Guests are invited to make and present lesson plans at the school, teaching students about where they're from, a subject they are acquainted with, or another subject, frequently leaving the college students with small gifts from their hometown.

Virgin America Launches First Flights to Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit

2011-12-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Virgin America, the award-winning California-based airline, takes its low-fare, upscale flights south in the border today using the launch of its newest Mexican destinations - with five nonstop flights a week in the airline's house base of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).

The PVR destination offers travelers simple access to each Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. The area will probably be the 15th marketplace within the airline's expanding network. With stylish, mood-lit cabins and award-winning service, Virgin America will be the perfect match for travelers looking to obtain away this winter to some of Mexico's top resort destinations. Puerto Vallarta was recently voted best Mexican vacation location by U.S. News & World, and its northern neighbor Riviera Nayarit was named the newest global celebrity "hot spot" by Harper's Bazaar magazine. To kick-off the airline's new service these days, Virgin America hosts a gate-side fiesta at SFO for its inaugural flight guests, complete with margaritas and mariachi band. The airline's SFO-PVR flights start from $119,* with taxes, restrictions and fees applying.

Joining the first commercial guests onboard Virgin America's inaugural flight to PVR are finalists of Virgin America's Viva la Vacacion Video Challenge powered by Squabbler, who faced off online with 30 second videos sharing their "best, boldest or most bizarre holiday stories." The social media-driven video challenge attracted submissions from those acting out their most entertaining holiday memories, in order to compete for the ultimate getaway. The finalists scored a spot on the inaugural PVR flight and a luxury hotel stay. The grand prize winner will also have their vacation tale immortalized: as a video on the Red™ in-flight entertainment system onboard Virgin America fleetwide.

Upon touchdown, many in the invited guests onboard Virgin America's first flight to PVR will enjoy first class treatment at the Marival Residences & World Spa (an all inclusive luxury hotel located in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera de Nayarit) and the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (4 Diamond luxury resort located at the exclusive Marina Area nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay).

"Virgin America offers guests an unparalleled flying experience, just as Puerto Vallarta provides visitors a vacation unlike any other," said Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz, Mayor of Puerto Vallarta. "Puerto Vallarta will be the ideal location for their newest warm-weather location. We look forward to complementing Virgin America's excellent service."

Located on the Pacific Coast where the states of Jalisco and Nayarit meet, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's hottest destinations with a rich cultural tradition, a historic cobblestone downtown, family-friendly attractions and world-class resorts. Puerto Vallarta was named "Friendliest City" by Conde Nast Traveler - and it is estimated that over three million travelers visit annually. Nearby Riviera Nayarit, Mexico's in vogue location, stretches along 192 miles of Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of PVR. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit and includes the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta in Banderas Bay, the historic colonial town of San Blas , exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages and one of California's favorites: the surfing village of Sayulita .

"We are thrilled to welcome the new Virgin America flights from San Francisco," said Marc Murphy, Director in the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Guests of Riviera Nayarit will discover and enjoy a unique vacation experience complemented by pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations and outstanding service."

SFO-PVR fares start from $119* (restrictions, taxes and fees apply). Tickets are now available for purchase at www.virginamerica.com and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474).** The carrier's new PVR schedule (below) will operate daily except for Mondays and Thursdays***:
SFO-PVR 0930-1510
PVR-SFO 1610-1815

Connecting flights are also available from PVR to Seattle Tacoma International Airport.

Known for friendly service, beautifully designed cabins and innovative amenities, Virgin America has been winning over consumers and travel awards since its 2007 launch, including being named "Best Domestic Airline" in both Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure's World's Greatest Awards. In four years flying, the airline has expanded to 15 destinations (including PVR) and created 2,100 new jobs. The carrier offers mood-lit cabins, custom-designed leather seating, WiFi fleetwide,****power outlets and also the most advanced entertainment system within the skies. The Red™ platform offers each guest their own touch-screen with 35 films, live TV, Google Maps, videogames, seat-to-seat chat, music videos, 3000 MP3s and an on-demand menu that allows guests to order a cocktail or meal from their seat any time during a flight.

Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Cabos, Cancun, Chicago, and as of today - Puerto Vallarta. On December 15, the airline will launch new service to Palm Springs.

Photos and video of Virgin America's unique cabins can be found at: http://www.virginamerica.com/about/airline-photos/virgin-america-pictures.html

Broadcast b-roll can also be downloaded at: http://www.virginamerica.com/about/airline-company.html

Winter Travel is Twice as Rewarding with Airline Miles + Choice Privileges Points at Choice Hotels Properties*

2011-12-01T08:07:00.001-08:00

Holiday travelers out around the road this winter season can get twice the rewards when staying at Option Hotels properties with Airline Miles + Option Privileges Factors!*

Starting now, when consumers register at ChoiceHotels.com, they will have the ability to make either airline miles plus Choice Privileges rewards points or double Choice Privileges points when booking at ChoiceHotels.com or 800-4CHOICE for each qualifying remain with arrival in between December 1, 2011 and February 29, 2012. Elite Diamond and Elite Platinum Option Privileges members can book their stays via any channel.

Choice Privileges members will have the choice to make from a variety of participating airline frequent flyer programs like American Airlines AAdvantage®, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®, United MileagePlus®, amongst other participating Choice Privileges airline partners.

"With this offer, we're helping our clients get double the rewards for their stays," stated Greg Brown, vice president of loyalty, promotion and relationship marketing for Choice Hotels. "Airline miles are appealing incentives for leisure and company travelers and this promotion gives all travelers the freedom to select their preferred promotion rewards."

This promotion is available to U.S. and Canada residents who stay at any in the close to 5,000 Option Hotels properties nationwide, which includes Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, High quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Remain Hotel, Econo Lodge, and Rodeway Inn brand hotels also as Ascend Collection member hotels. For more information, visit www.ChoiceHotels.com.

Doubletree Tarrytown Selects American DG Energy as Clean Energy Provider

2011-12-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

American DG Energy Inc. (NYSE Amex: ADGE), a top On-Site Utility, offering clean electrical energy, heat, hot water and cooling solutions to hospitality, healthcare, housing and athletic facilities, has reached an agreement to provide clean power towards the Doubletree Hotel Tarrytown, situated in Tarrytown, New York. Under the terms in the agreement, the Doubletree, will quickly receive a substantial portion of its power from a one hundred kW mixed heat and power (CHP) program, that will be owned and operated by American DG Energy. The hotel will receive a discount on the energy created by the CHP program and reduce its emissions by 403 tons of carbon dioxide yearly. The worth of the agreement towards the Business is $2 million over the fifteen-year term.

American DG Power will create clean energy within the type of electricity, space heat and domestic hot water in the Doubletree and offer it towards the hotel at a cost lower than the local energy utility. Because the hotel opted for your Company's On-Site Utility energy solution, the Doubletree will spend only for the power used and will avoid all capital, installation and operating costs. The power will probably be created with small-scale, mixed heat and energy gear, located in the property site but owned and operated by American DG Energy. The Company will also handle all service, upkeep and repair; consequently, Doubletree won't have to offer manpower to support the power equipment.

CHP systems provide considerable environmental advantages when compared with bought electricity and on-site-generated heat from a boiler. By capturing and using heat that would otherwise be wasted from the production of electricity, CHP systems require less fuel than equivalent separate heat and energy systems to produce the same quantity of power. Because less fuel is combusted, greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, also as air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, are decreased. In the Doubletree Hotel Tarrytown the CHP system to become installed is anticipated to reduce the property's emissions by 403 tons of carbon dioxide each year. This reduction is equal to getting rid of the carbon emissions of 67 vehicles each year.*

*Figures were calculated using the EPA CHP Partnership emissions calculator.

The CHP program planned for the Doubletree will probably be comprised of a 100 kW InVerde program which has back-up power capabilities and has recently been granted the new air emissions certification in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This certification eliminates the procedure of applying for pre-construction operation certification and air permits before installation that will save time and money on implementing tasks.

Cambria Suites Says It's OK to Declare "No Vacancy" at Your Home This Holiday Season

2011-12-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

Altering sheets in the guest space, inflating the air mattress and placing out additional towels for visitors - does this scenario provide you with the chills? According to a research by Cambria Suites, about one in 3 American adults (33 %) have lied to relatives in the past to prevent getting them as a house guest throughout the holidays. This year, Cambria Suites comes to the rescue and can make you love your loved ones much more - by providing you the opportunity to win present cards to accommodate them in a Cambria Suites modern, upscale all-suite hotel at no cost. This way, you can appreciate the business of family members and friends without the stresses of getting overnight guests.

Beginning today, take part in the Cambria Suites "Little White Holiday Lies" promotion on Facebook for a opportunity to win a Option Hotels gift card that you can redeem at any Cambria Suites property or other Choice Hotels franchise, and a VISA gift card to add some fun to your holiday shopping. If you dare to share your small white lie on how you avoid home guests with Cambria Suites, you can win a grand prize. The most inventive, suitable, and original lie will probably be rewarded with a $500 Option Hotels present card along with a $1,000 VISA present card. Want to keep your best excuse a secret? You are able to still enter to get a opportunity to become 1 of six fortunate winners chosen at random to obtain a $250 Choice Hotels gift card and $250 VISA gift card. The promotion ends December 16.

According to the Cambria Suites survey carried out this time final year, probably the most well-liked excuse to stay guest- and worry-free more than the holidays include pretending to go out of town (36 %), followed by being sick (34 percent), not having an extra bed (34 %), hosting other visitors (22 percent), and renovating the house (14 percent).

Getting family members and friends stay at a hotel is not only an excellent gift for yourself, but for your loved ones. Rather than sleepless nights on an air mattress, Cambria Suites guests enjoy spacious suites which are bigger than most hotel rooms. All 19 Cambria Suites hotels within the U.S. function Reflect, a casual dining and gathering region serving a dinner menu, liquor, wine, beer, freshly prepared grab-and-go gourmet salads and sandwiches, a barista bar featuring Wolfgang Puck® coffee, Cheesecake Factory® desserts and a hot breakfast buffet; Refresh, a 1,200 square foot, state-of-the-art fitness center with an elegant pool and hot tub/spa area; and Refill, a 24-7 comfort store that provides energy drinks, snacks and sundries.

No buy essential. A purchase of any type won't increase your chance to win. Starts 12/1/11 and ends 12/16/11. For complete details, please read the Official Sweepstakes Guidelines and the Official Contest Guidelines.

Inspirato Named One of America's Most Promising Companies by Forbes

2011-12-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Inspirato, the new lifestyle standard in luxury travel, has been acknowledged as a part of Forbes' list of America's Most Promising Companies.

"This affirms our position as not only a fast-paced, quickly developing private business but also the fastest growing location club within the world," stated Brent Handler, CEO and founder of Inspirato. "Today, I celebrate this news using the whole business and my fellow founders Brian Corbett, Martin Pucher and my brother, Brad Handler. We are honored by Forbes' recognition of Inspirato as a high-growth, private company."

Forbes‘ list of America's Most Promising Businesses features 100 privately held up-and-comers with compelling business models, powerful management teams, notable clients, strategic partners and valuable investment capital.

"Sizing up younger, privately held businesses is difficult: Their fortunes can change extremely rapidly and there's a dearth of public data," stated Forbes Executive Editor Brett Nelson. "We took a much more complete approach to evaluate their well being and possible."

To sharpen its search, Forbes teamed up with CB Insights, a Manhattan-based data firm that tracks investment in high-growth private companies. With $650,000 in grants from the National Science Foundation, CB has created complicated software program known as Mosaic that mines myriad on-line sources (from press releases and social networks to job boards and court filings) to come up with one, algorithmically derived score that measures a private company's health. Forbes married Mosaic's data-crunching with old-fashioned reporting to assemble a list of increasing stars with vibrant development prospects. To view the total the list, please visit www.forbes.com/ampc.

Primarily based in Denver and launched in January 2011, Inspirato was ranked No. 94 around the list. Among its noted milestones and accomplishments was its current $17.5 million in equity funding, led by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB). The luxury travel brand boasts much more than 85 residences in 25 destinations, and more than 900 memberships sold to date.

To view Inspirato's entry within the America's Most Promising Businesses list, please go to http://www.forbes.com/lists/2011/28/most-promising-companies-11_Inspirato_TEFN.html.

Designed specifically for today's economic reality, Inspirato offers the best of location club consistency and service, while incorporating the value and flexibility of villa rentals. The company's mission is to revolutionize the way luxury travelers spend quality vacation time with their family and friends. By leasing its vacation properties (rather than owning), Inspirato is able to keep membership fees low, offer up to 80 percent off market rates, and easily add homes and destinations as demand increases. The company's innovative company model has led to rapid growth since its January 2011 launch, placing Inspirato at the forefront of the "luxury for less" movement.

Access to Inspirato's personalized travel services and advisors, club-managed portfolio of much more than $150 million in vacation homes, and exclusive discounted everyday rates, is available for an Initiation Fee of only $15,000 and a small Annual Membership Fee of $2,500. There are no complicated restrictions; members travel as much or as little as they like. Inspirato residences are outfitted using the highest quality amenities and located in popular destinations including Italy, Mexico, Hawaii, California, South Carolina, the Caribbean and Colorado. Beyond luxury residences there is Inspirato Metropolitan, a collection of select fine hotel and resorts in the hottest destinations around the globe, and Inspirato Experiences, offering expertly curated vacation adventures.

For much more information about Inspirato, go to www.inspirato.com.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Associates Rally to Build More Than 100 Homes for Those in Need

2011-12-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

From hotel to home, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is extending the power of hospitality into the local community, one new house at a time. This fall, more than 1,500 Fairfield Inn & Suites associates from across the U.S. and in Canada went out into their local communities, rolled up their sleeves, and helped build more than 100 homes for those in need. As part of the brand's longstanding commitment to Habitat for Humanity International, Fairfield Inn & Suites associates nationwide joined together for the brand's second annual Rally to Serve month-long event, helping to build more than 100 homes in 44 states and Canada.

Fairfield Inn & Suites associates from 150 hotels across the country rallied together in support of Habitat for Humanity. Hotels participated by building homes, donating products and volunteering countless hours at local Habitat ReStores. Additionally, hotels volunteered by helping at the Habitat for Humanity pumpkin patch, helping to open several new Habitat ReStores across the US, participating in a Habitat 3K fun run and serving up the Fairfield breakfast on house builds.

"We were overwhelmed by our associates' passion for the Rally to Serve - Hospitality at Home® program and the remarkable level of participation this fall," said Shruti Buckley, vice president, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. "With the help of individual properties and associates like these, we are able to extend the hospitality and service we're known for into our local communities to provide these families with a brighter future."

The Fairfield Inn & Suites brand supports the Habitat for Humanity organization through Hospitality at Home, a program combining cash, in-kind and volunteerism to benefit local affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International. Through house sponsorships, volunteer hours at local Habitat ReStores, product donations from renovations, or through financial donations, the national Hospitality at Home program engages Fairfield Inn & Suites associates, owners, franchisees, and customers to help Habitat for Humanity continue its work in providing decent, affordable housing for families in need.

"We have a long history of giving back to the communities where we work and live. Since we began our relationship with Habitat in 1995 with the grand opening of our 200th Fairfield Inn hotel, we have grown to more than 670 hotels and contributed numerous volunteer hours and financial support towards the completion of more than 250 homes," said Bruce Reed, Account Executive, Select Service and Extended Stay Hotels, Marriott International, Inc. "With the Hospitality at House program, we not only have the chance to help make various families' dreams of house ownership come true, but we are also able to help them provide a better and safer environment for their children."

In addition to home builds, participating Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels donate items from hotel renovations to Habitat ReStores, retail stores that sell quality used and surplus building materials and furnishings to raise money for local Habitat builds. The Hospitality at Home program aligns with Marriott International's focus on shelter and food as part of its five global social issues represented by the letters in "SERVE" - Shelter and Food, Environment, Readiness for Hotel Careers, Vitality of Children, and Embracing Global Diversity and Inclusion.

With more than 670 properties throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, guests can rely on Fairfield Inn & Suites to deliver outstanding service so travel is easy, comfortable and productive, wherever their travel may take them. Fairfield Inn & Suites participates in the company's award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent guest program. Members earn their choice of points toward free vacations or frequent flyer mileage for dollars spent at nearly 3,000 Marriott hotels worldwide. For more information or reservations, visit the web site at www.fairfieldinn.com or call the Fairfield Inn toll-free number at 800-228-2800.

Flight Attendants at ExpressJet Are Ready to Unify in the Association of Flight Attendants

2011-11-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

Today, the voting procedure starts for almost 2,300 Atlantic Southeast Airlines and ExpressJet Flight Attendants in an election to figure out union representation. Voting instructions had been mailed by the National Mediation Board (NMB) today and Flight Attendants in the new ExpressJet are excited to unify in the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) in just 3 weeks when the voting results are announced on December 21, 2011. AFA already represents approximately 1,200 Flight Attendants at Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

"Today is an exciting day for Flight Attendants in the new ExpressJet and throughout our Flight Attendant union," stated Veda Shook, AFA International President. "Flight Attendants are extraordinary individuals and our work is unique. The biggest Flight Attendant union, run by and for Flight Attendants, AFA promotes our function as initial responders, negotiates industry-leading contracts, lobbies Congress and policy makers for secure, secure and healthy air travel and creates a network of Flight Attendants assisting Flight Attendants all through the globe. We've the experience and sources to negotiate the very best contract in the new ExpressJet. Flight Attendants may have peace of thoughts with our guaranteed seniority protection policy. With AFA they have a union operating 24/7 on supporting our function lifestyle and home life as Flight Attendants."

"AFA sought this election to unite Flight Attendants as quickly as possible to take advantage of the opportunities created from the merger and is uniquely positioned to advance the priorities of Flight Attendants. Built by Flight Attendants and run by Flight Attendants, our union has programs that improve every region of our work lives. Unified in AFA, we'll make sure Flight Attendants are full partners in the advantages of our new super regional airline," stated Lindsay Gardner, president of AFA at Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

The representation election isn't a vote to get a contract. Each contracts remain in location after the election. When it comes time to negotiate a single contract for your mixed Flight Attendant group, the best contract provisions from each contract will offer the floor for negotiations. AFA negotiates according to the priorities set by Flight Attendants via surveys, meetings and direct member feedback to elected Flight Attendant leaders.

"AFA is 100 % focused on Flight Attendants. As a super regional carrier, Flight Attendants in the new ExpressJet will benefit tremendously from AFA's excellent expertise more than nearly seven decades. We need a union that understands how to negotiate for our unique careers. AFA is the union that regularly negotiates higher spend for Flight Attendants with protections that pay us for all of our time on the job and away from home. We're prepared to be unified at the new ExpressJet with the concentrate on our careers that only comes with the world's biggest Flight Attendant union," said Roy Rodriguez, ExpressJet Flight Attendant. "Together we're better."

The Association of Flight Attendants is the world's biggest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 % on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for more than 65 many years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants within the workplace, within the aviation business, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Almost 60,000 Flight Attendants at 24 airlines come together to type AFA, a part of the 700,000-member powerful Communications Employees of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. More election information at www.yourafa.org.

New Marriott Mobile App Speaks Your Language -- App for iPhone, iPod touch, and AndroiDevices Now Available in Five Languages

2011-11-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

Reflecting Marriott International's (NYSE: MAR) growing focus on global markets, the company is now offering its successful mobile app for iPhone, iPod touch, and Android devices in Chinese, Spanish, German and French. Initial introduced in English 3 months ago, the app has currently been downloaded greater than 500,000 occasions. Travelers were so eager for the new Marriott mobile booking app that in under two days following introduction it became probably the most downloaded totally free travel app and also the fourth most downloaded totally free app within the iTunes App Store.

Do not have an iPhone, iPod touch, or Android device? No issue. The business also announces the launch of its all new "app-like" Marriott mobile website in Chinese, Spanish, German and French, also as English, that may be accessed from any web-enabled mobile gadget -- the site even has an "app like really feel," from taps to finger-swipes.

"As the Marriott International portfolio of hotels expands and diversifies globally, we are placing a premium on investing in our eCommerce channels, which includes mobile," said Shafiq Khan, senior vice president, eCommerce for Marriott International. "The launch in the app and new mobile web site in 4 extra languages demonstrates Marriott's commitment to serving our clients by speaking their language whilst they are around the go."

The new Marriott Mobile tools enable time-crunched travelers to quickly discover nearby hotels, book a space, verify their upcoming reservations and get details about their hotel, including photos. Using the app and mobile web site, travelers may also enroll in Marriott Rewards, check their point balance, as well as discover what is happening in the nearby area.

To download the totally free Marriott app in Chinese visit www.marriott.com.cn/marriott/mobile-apps.mi , in Spanish go to www.espanol.marriott.com/marriott/mobile-apps.mi , in German visit www.marriott.de/marriott/mobile-apps.mi , and in French visit www.marriott.fr/marriott/mobile-apps.mi . The English version is available at www.marriott.com/marriott/mobile-apps.mi .

As further validation of Marriott International's long-term mobile technique, Internet Retailer predicted in September that Marriott Mobile would be the third largest mobile commerce revenue platform on the planet in 2011, behind only Amazon.com and Apple. The success of Marriott Mobile builds on the good results of Marriott.com. In 2010 according to property-level sales, Marriott.com ranked amongst the top ten customer retail websites in the world.

Marriott's mobile app for smartphones and its upgraded mobile website were provided and created by Kony Solutions, which provides unique Create Once, Run Everywhere platform technologies using its work with Kony Solutions. The platform leverages a single application definition so applications are created and developed just once, which means Marriott will be in a position to deliver richer content to its guests much more quickly. Marriott's mobile web site and apps are hosted and managed by AT&T and include quality control testing to ensure probably the most positive user experience.

Ring in the New Year with Great Rates from Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

2011-11-30T09:19:00.001-08:00

Book a spa appointment to relax and renew yourself for the new year

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Start your New Year's resolutions right away when you stay at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. The Halifax hotel is excited to offer a great package for guests who would like to welcome the new year in luxury and relaxation.

Book the New Year's Eve Package at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel for December 31, 2011, and receive:

Halifax accommodations with nightly room rates starting at just $319 CAD
Two flutes of sparkling wine and fruit ganache truffles to celebrate the new year
Dinner for two at 44N restaurant with live music and entertainment

Be sure promotional code ER5 appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 1-800-228-9290 in the U.S. and ask for promotional code ER5.

Start the new year in the luxurious Interlude Spa right inside Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Treat yourself to an hour-long massage, facial, manicure and pedicure package, body wrap or spa hairstyle with make-up application. To schedule an appointment at Interlude Spa, please call (902) 469-2700 or visit interlude.com.

For more information about this package and to secure your dinner reservations, please call Jennifer at (902) 428-7813. Bring in the new year looking and feeling your best with a weekend getaway to Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel.

About Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

Discover a sparkling, waterfront hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia, boasting an ideal location connected to Casino Nova Scotia, overlooking the harbour. Positioned in the heart of downtown, this Halifax, NS, hotel is steps from the business district, World Trade and Convention Center and numerous attractions. Travelers delight in deluxe accommodations and abundant amenities while marveling at this AAA 4-Diamond Halifax, Nova Scotia, hotel's upgraded business facilities. Indulge in exquisite cuisine in one of the hotel in Halifax, NS, restaurant choices: 44 North Restaurant – highlighting scenic waterfront views of Halifax Harbour – or the lively Fife & Drum – a traditional Scottish Pub. For meetings and events at this Halifax meeting hotel, take advantage of 17,000 square feet of flexible space and skilled event staff. Plan your next trip or vacation at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel today!

For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-943-6760 or visit www.HalifaxMarriott.com.

Closed Captioning Now Available for Live Television Onboard Continental Airlines

2011-11-30T09:18:00.003-08:00

MELBOURNE, Fla., Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LiveTV is proud to announce that, for the first time in the history of inflight entertainment, closed captioning is now available for live television content onboard an aircraft. This system enhancement is a major step forward in delivering the excitement of inflight entertainment to those passengers with hearing disabilities and continues to drive towards LiveTV's goal of a fully realized "At Home in the Air" experience for each of its end-users.

The Closed Captioning enhancement will initially be offered to passengers on all LTV3-equipped Boeing 737NG aircraft operated by Continental Airlines, a subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, thereby putting each customer in control of the feature while interacting with the 100+ channels of DIRECTV-provided satellite television available onboard. Continental will be the first airline in the world to provide this feature to its passengers.

About LiveTV

LiveTV is the world's leading provider of live in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems for commercial airlines. Founded in 1998 in Melbourne, Florida, LiveTV has installation and maintenance locations around the world to support the more than 700 aircraft equipped with its products. Current customers include JetBlue, Continental, Frontier, AirTran, Alitalia, Virgin Blue, WestJet and Azul. For a full listing of products and partners, or for more information, please visit www.livetv.net. LiveTV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways.

SOURCE LiveTV

SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts Announces the Addition of More Services

2011-11-30T09:18:00.001-08:00

OBERURSEL, Germany, November 30, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts is expanding its holiday portfolio, with more services on offer from the start of the summer 2012 season.

Four hotels will feature new facilities for families with children: a SENTIDO hotel Crete [http://www.sentidohotels.com/hotels/overview/greece/crete ], a SENTIDO hotel Rhodes [http://www.sentidohotels.com/hotels/overview/greece/rhodes ], the SENTIDO hotel Kos [http://www.sentidohotels.com/hotels/overview/greece/kos-kardamena ] and the SENTIDO hotel Lanzarote [http://www.sentidohotels.com/hotels/overview/spain/spain-lanzarote ]. The package price includes services such as babysitting and children's buffets. 'Baby cosy' packages can also be booked in the family hotels and offer the benefit of reducing holiday packing as the packages include a pushchair, a cot, a baby phone and baby bouncers.

Six other hotels are expanding their offering for the target group of adults and will be labelled 'Adults Hotels'. Guests have a choice of many different sporting activities and a weekly evening event called the White Night. Each hotel has a SENTIDO Blue Bar with a stylish atmosphere and cocktails.

There are also optional extras in the Adults Hotels. Under the 'Man's World' package, male guests can include a WiFi console and an iPod docking station in the hotel room and a sporting wellness treatment, while The 'Lady's Home' package includes a cosmetic treatment and a massage.

Alongside the 11 new partner hotels for summer 2012 that have already been announced, one more hotel has joined the SENTIDO chain. The holiday resort Kenzi Menara Palace is a ten-minute drive from the centre of Marrakesh, Morocco and is therefore perfect for guests who want to combine a relaxing holiday with discovery tours. The resort offers two restaurants, an indoor and an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a spa and several golf courses are located nearby. The hotel can be booked in combination with a beach holiday in the Agadir region.

About SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts:

SENTIDO Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel brand founded in 2009. In summer 2012 it will offer 40 hotels in 10 countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Kenya, Morocco, Montenegro, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia and Turkey), as well as two cruise ships on the Nile. The hotels are in the Four-Star-Plus segment and are operated under franchise contracts. The concept is aimed mostly toward discerning singles, couples and small families, who, besides quality and service, also value a health-conscious cuisine and wellness facilities along with a wide-ranging sports and entertainment programme. Travellers can book the hotels directly online through http://www.sentidohotels.com. In addition, the hotels are offered in all renowned international tour operator programmes. The company is part of the Thomas Cook Group. The head office is in Oberursel, near Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Advantage Rent a Car Opens Eight New Locations Across Europe

2011-11-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

Advantage Rent a Car, which provides vacation travelers with quality autos at extremely competitive prices, is continuing its fast expansion in Europe by opening at eight additional airports in Europe in just 3 months, bringing its total number of locations in the region to 26 across eight nations. The new places include Amsterdam Schiphol (Netherlands), Bergamo (Italy), Brussels (Belgium), and Luton (UK). Advantage will also open in the Grenoble, Lyon and Orly airports (France) on December 1st and at Hamburg airport (Germany) on December 15th. Clients can book European destinations online from uk.benefit.com.

Having a fleet of 20,000 vehicles worldwide, Advantage also operates from 57 places within the US and provides a service throughout Latin America, bookable from the U.S. web site www.benefit.com. In Europe, Benefit (uk.advantage.com) offers a wide range of vehicles in Mini, Economic climate, Compact, Intermediate and Premium categories at extremely competitive prices across eight nations. The European web site also functions ongoing top employ automobile offers as well as travel guides for Spain, France and Italy to make probably the most of holiday getaways.

The Advantage locations in Europe consist of:

Belgium - Brussels airport*
France - Bordeaux, Grenoble (open 1 December - 30 April annually), Lyon*, Marseille, Orly, Toulouse, and Paris Roissy airports
Germany - Frankfurt and Hamburg airports
Italy - Bergamo, Bologna, Cagliari*, Catania*, Rome Fiumicino*, Milan*, and Pisa airports
Netherlands - Amsterdam Schiphol airport*
Spain - Alicante, Malaga, Seville, and Valencia airports
Switzerland - Geneva airport
UK - London Heathrow* and Luton airports and London Victoria (central London)

Giant MoonPie to Fall from Sky in Downtown Mobile

2011-11-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

The sounds of "Joy to the World" will be flowing via the streets of downtown Mobile on New Year's Eve. But do not get your vacation songs confused. Legendary music group 3 Dog Evening will probably be headlining the free Mobile celebration leading to the giant MoonPie Drop at midnight.

Along with listening towards the leading hits of Three Dog Evening and the opening acts, revelers will appreciate a Mardi Gras-style parade, a laser light display and magnificent fireworks. Whether you choose RC Cola or perhaps a glass of champagne, ring in the New Year in downtown Mobile.

This year's free celebration will probably be located around the corner of Government Boulevard and Royal Street. The new stage place will allow for bigger crowds and great views of the MoonPie and the fireworks shows. The 12-foot-tall electronic MoonPie will descend from the 34-story RSA BankTrust skyrise as the city welcomes 2012 and the beginning of Mardi Gras season.

"Downtown Mobile is going to be the place to become this New Year's Eve," said Mayor Sam Jones. "Last year we had greater than 40,000 people attend MoonPie Over Mobile and we hope to create it even bigger this year." First began in 2008, MoonPie Over Mobile provides locals and tourists an opportunity to experience New Year's Eve having a bit of Mardi Gras flavor. "It is time to 'Celebrate,' just such as the Three Dog Night song."

Why a MoonPie?

Mobile is the home of America's first Mardi Gras celebration, and also the MoonPie will be the favored "throw" of the countless Mardi Gras maskers riding the floats throughout the substantial Mardi Gras parade season. MoonPies had been first thrown from Mardi Gras floats in 1952. Today, Mobile consumes more than 4 million MoonPies yearly, and has adopted the delicious treat as an informal emblem. For your MoonPie More than Mobile celebration, this southern city has teamed up with Chattanooga Bakery, the maker in the iconic MoonPie marshmallow sandwich, to create the largest electronic MoonPie because the featured attraction for its New Year's Eve celebration. This is actually the third year an electronic edition of the scrumptious treat will light up downtown Mobile.

Mardi Gras was first found within the New World in 1703 at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, the very first settlement in Mobile. The very first masked parading society, the Cowbellion de Rakin society, was formed in 1830. Mobile presently has more than 50 parading and non-parading organizations. An estimated 850,000 individuals attend parades, parties and other organizations associated with the carnival festivities. This number will likely increase with the enhanced MoonPie Over Mobile celebration.

MoonPie Over Mobile Timeline - December 31, 2011

7:30 p.m. - New Year's Eve Parade, Mardi Gras Design.
8:30 - 11:00 p.m. - Live entertainment on the Primary Stage.
11:00 p.m. - Three Dog Evening performs around the Main Stage.
11:30 p.m. - Light show starts downtown.
11:59 p.m. - Countdown starts because the giant MoonPie descends from atop the RSA BankTrust Building.
Midnight - Laser and fireworks display over downtown Mobile.
12:30 a.m. - 3 Dog Evening performance concludes. Crowds enter downtown bars, restaurants and hotels to continue celebrating the New Year.

For particulars on MoonPie More than Mobile, visit www.mobilenewyear.com. Info on going to Mobile and pictures can be discovered at www.mobile.org. More info on 3 Dog Night is available at www.threedognight.com. B-Roll and pictures are available upon request.

FAA Gives Single Operating Certificate to United Airlines and Continental Airlines

2011-11-30T09:10:00.001-08:00

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for a single operating certificate, marking an additional substantial achievement in the integration of United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

This regulatory milestone, whilst substantial from an operational policies and procedures point of view, does not alter how clients interact with the airline. Customers of United and Continental will continue to store for flights, acquire seat assignments and verify flight standing on every carrier's respective website till the company migrates to a single passenger service system within the first quarter of 2012. At that point, from a customer's perspective, the two carriers will function as one airline.

"I would really like to thank the teams at United, Continental, the FAA, the Division of Transportation and the numerous regulatory authorities round the globe who place tremendous time and work into our attaining a single operating certificate," said United's president and chief executive officer, Jeff Smisek. "While we have much work ahead of us as we integrate these two excellent carriers, this is a substantial milestone."

The two carriers went through a rigorous 18-month process of aligning operating policies and procedures to obtain a single operating certificate from the FAA. A group of more than 500 employees from both carriers worked collectively to evaluate closely each pre-integration plan, procedure and operating specification from both airlines to determine the very best choice for your new United. The group streamlined more than 440 operational manuals, programs and procedures down to approximately 260 manuals for your new United - a procedure that involved roughly 2,000 modifications.

Effective these days, air traffic manage communications will refer to all United and Continental flights as "United." United and Continental announced their merger in May 2010 and closed the transaction on Oct. 1, 2010.

American Airlines Unveils 777-300ER Aircraft Interior Selections

2011-11-30T09:08:00.001-08:00

Functions Designed to Modernize and Improve the Onboard Travel Experience; Integral Piece of American's Fleet Renewal Plan During Time of Restructuring

American Airlines these days announced particulars of the interior choices for its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, including totally lie flat First and Business Class seats, seating plans which will give the airline the opportunity to offer a premium item in the primary cabin, and Wi-Fi capability to keep customers linked while traveling internationally.

Throughout its time of restructuring, today's announcement demonstrates a continuation of the airline's efforts to improve its fleet and become more fuel efficient. American is scheduled to take delivery of ten state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300ERs in 2012 via 2013, with London dedicated like a first marketplace for this aircraft, and more markets to become announced. American is the first U.S. airline to order the 777-300ER and can be the first U.S. airline to take delivery of the 777-300ER.

"American Airlines continues to remain focused on offering a differentiated consumer expertise via various efforts, including the execution of our fleet renewal plan," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Industrial Officer. "The addition of 777-300ER aircraft will additional modernize our fleet through the integration of unique customer comforts, which are created to create more inviting interiors and enhance the travel experience."

Arranged inside a three-class cabin configuration, the new 777-300ER will offer the airline with much more passenger and cargo capability than any other aircraft in its fleet today. Customers will be welcomed in to the aircraft by distinctive mood lighting. American will be the very first carrier to make use of a dramatic archway and ceiling therapy on the 777-300 to create a feeling of spaciousness. A walk-up bar stocked with snacks and refreshments within the premium cabin will probably be a first for any U.S. airline and adds another distinctive element of luxury to the 777-300. Entertainment choices which includes up to 120 films, more than 150 Tv programs and greater than 350 audio selections will be offered all through the aircraft. Also, each and every seat will function individual 110 volt AC power outlets and USB jacks for charging personal electronic devices.

The first Class cabin will offer new Flagship Suite seats. Regarded as 1 in the most comfortable and popular First Class seats within the business, the 777-300 will function an updated and enhanced edition of the customer-favorite Flagship Suite seat that transforms into a totally lie flat six-foot, eight-inch bed with drop-down armrests that allow for easier access and more sleeping area. Each suite offers aisle access and permits clients to individually modify any element in the seat for ultimate comfort. All suites will function privacy dividers, two universal AC power outlets, one USB outlet, two large tray tables, a swivel seat along with a host of other comforts, including Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headsets, created to improve the travel expertise. A 17-inch touchscreen keep track of will provide an array of entertainment along with a touchscreen video handset will serve like a remote that allows customers to easily select programming without touching the keep track of and watch extra video applications, like the moving map, whilst viewing the 17-inch monitor. The first Class cabin will use updated interior trim and finishes to attain a comfy, contemporary really feel throughout the cabin.

The Company Class cabin will also be outfitted with totally lie flat seats - all with aisle access. The totally lie flat seat has 3 motors that offer extensive flexibility and comfort. Clients can individually adjust any component of the seat, which includes the seat back, head rest, and leg rest. The seats function a big tray table in addition to a function surface. Each seat offers a water bottle holder and headset stowage - as Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headsets will be offered inflight. Seat controls boast a much more intuitive style for optimum customer comfort and simplicity. Entertainment will be available on a 15.4-inch touchscreen monitor positioned in each Company Class suite along with a touchscreen premium handset will serve as a remote which will permit customers to effortlessly choose programming without touching the keep track of.

Seats throughout Economy Class may have a higher recline pivot, providing increased knee room. The seat bottom will articulate, producing an revolutionary cradling motion to much better distribute weight whilst increasing the recline angle of the seatback, leading to improved overall customer comfort while guarding the personal area for clients within the following row. Every Economic climate Class seat holds a 9-inch touchscreen Panasonic Eco Keep track of, specially designed for your primary cabin for inflight entertainment. The Panasonic Eco Monitor is lighter weight and much more energy efficient than most standard monitors.

American will also offer an Economy Class premium seat product, which will include extra legroom for seats within the forward portion of the cabin, allowing greater personal space and convenient access when boarding and deplaning.

The 777-300ERs will complement American's fleet by providing extra network flexibility in the long term, and providing elevated efficiency due to better seat mile economics and efficiency traits.

FlyersRights.org Steps As much as Cover "Diverted Flights" Loophole for 3-Hour Rule

2011-11-30T09:06:00.001-08:00

Airports Ought to Have the Discretion to Disembark Stranded Passengers from Diverted Flights, Contingency Plans Should be in Place for Stranded International Passengers

On October 29th, 2011, 28 international and domestic flights had been diverted to Bradley Airport in Hartford, CT due to inclement weather, stranding a big number of passengers, one for over ten hours. This was because of the fact that airports aren't held accountable under the stipulations of the current three-hour tarmac rule. International flights are also held to a different standard because of customs requirements. These days, FlyersRights.org proposed additional enhancements towards the DOT Rule to close the "diversion" loophole.

"Local airports must have the authority to permit passengers to disembark to secured areas inside the facilities, according to a set of accepted guidelines during exigent circumstances this kind of as inclement climate," said Kate Hanni, President and Founder of FlyersRights.org. "Additionally, ought to international passengers be stranded due to diversions, arrangements should be made to deplane them following 4 hours to a secure area if resources aren't accessible on the ground to clear them via customs effectively."

"We are operating using the Department of Transportation, the Transportation Security Administration, business stakeholders and other people to safely and effectively close this loophole as soon as feasible," additional Hanni.

The issues at Bradley caused from the diverted flights were not unique. In 2006, 138 American Airline flights, each domestic and international, were diverted to 24 different airports across Texas. At least 67 of those flights were forced to sit for more than four hrs around the tarmacs, with a few of them sitting in excess of 9 hours. In April 2007, 92 flights had been diverted to the exact same airports, with similar stranding wait times. These had been regularly occurring occasions that affected countless thousands of unsuspecting passengers.

In 2008, a Task Force representing the airlines, airports, the TSA, CBP and FlyersRights.org, was produced for "developing contingency plans for lengthy on-ground delays." The TSA made a recommendation for your airports to deplane international passengers into a "sterile" space with out getting to go through normal customs procedures. Passengers would happen to be escorted to and in the secured area by airline or airport workers and permitted to re-embark for your continuation of their trip. To date, no airports have taken any actions to adopt that policy.

FlyersRights.org has sent out a number of Freedom of Information Act [FOIA] requests to all major and medium hub airports that frequently obtain diverted flights. Although results have not yet been finalized, preliminary figures indicate at least half of all airports haven't implemented any contingency plans for the management of passengers diverted to their facilities. Many in the airports contacted have responded by saying that it not their responsibility to have a plan, but is solely the responsibility of the airlines to handle this problem. The complete results in the airline and airport readiness study will be released to the media by December 30th.

Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition Brings High Fashion to the Mile High City

2011-11-29T14:19:00.003-08:00

DENVER, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paris. Madrid. Denver. The internationally acclaimed exhibit Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective will make its only North American stop at the Denver Art Museum, March 25 – July 8, 2012. This sweeping retrospective of the designer's 40 years of creativity features a stunning selection of 200 haute couture outfits along with numerous photographs, drawings, and films that illustrate the development of Saint Laurent's style and the historical foundations of his work.

Organized thematically, the presentation melds design and art to explore the full arc of Saint Laurent's career, from his first days at Dior in 1958 through the splendor of his final runway collection in 2002. Highlights include:

The Gender Revolution galleries, where visitors will see how Saint Laurent bent (and sometimes broke) the rules of what women were expected to wear crafting the wardrobe for today's modern woman;
The Yves Saint Laurent and Women section, displaying the clothing of the historic women who wore and supported Saint Laurent, including Catherine Deneuve, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Paloma Picasso;
The Last Ball section, featuring exquisite evening dresses from the glory days of haute couture complete with a red carpet;
and the Colors of Yves Saint Laurent gallery, where guests will enjoy vibrant examples from his collections and hundreds of fabric samples.

Denver Hotels Create Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective VIP Packages
A dozen Mile High City hotels are offering Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective VIP packages, many of which are now available to book online on the YSL Denver website. Guests who purchase the VIP hotel packages will receive two tickets valid for any date and time along with an audio guide for the stunning exhibition for each room booked. The tickets also allow guests to enter the exhibit at the next available time slot, completely bypassing any lines. Participating hotels include: The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa; the Comfort Inn; Four Seasons Hotel Denver; Grand Hyatt Denver; Hilton Garden Inn – Denver Cherry Creek; Hotel Monaco Denver; Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center; JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek; The Ritz-Carlton Denver; Sheraton Denver Downtown; The Curtis; and the Westin Downtown Denver.
Each hotel offers additional fashionable amenities with their Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective VIP package, such as:

The Four Seasons Denver's Parisian Pampering Package includes two VIP tickets to see the exhibit, a $40 credit toward brunch or lunch at EDGE Restaurant and a $100 credit to be pampered at The Spa at Four Seasons, not to mention a special YSL Beauty sample courtesy of Neiman Marcus.
The JW Marriott Denver's Cherry Creek Couture Getaway includes two VIP exhibit tickets, a $100 Cherry Creek North shopping gift card, a $25 credit at the JW's Second Home Kitchen + Bar and complimentary valet parking.
The Ritz Carlton Denver's Haute Heights Package includes two VIP tickets, a choice of four fashion-inspired spa treatments and a YSL-inspired amenity upon arrival – a sweet chocolate stiletto or Sultry 'LBD' cocktail (Champagne/Chambord/St. Germain garnished with a black grape)

Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective is organized by the Fondation Pierre Berge – Yves Saint Laurent in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum. Funding is provided by the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and the generous donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign.
About The Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is a private, nonprofit, educational resource for Colorado. The mission of the museum is to enrich the lives of Colorado and Rocky Mountain residents through the acquisition, preservation and presentation of artworks in both the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, and by supporting these works with exemplary educational and scholarly programs. The Denver Art Museum is located on 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Streets in downtown Denver. Open Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. General admission for Colorado residents: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $3 for visitors 6-18, free for children 5 and younger. Admission for non-Colorado residents: $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $5 for visitors 6-18, free for children 5 and younger. For information in Spanish, call 720-913-0169. For more information, visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000.

About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Celebrating more than 100 years of promoting the Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. A record 12.7 million visitors stayed overnight in Denver in 2010, generating $3 billion in spending, while supporting nearly 50,000 jobs, making Tourism the second largest industry in Denver. Learn more about Denver on the VISITDENVER website and at TOURISMPAYSDENVER, on Twitter @visitdenver and the VISIT DENVER Facebook page, or by phone at 800 2 DENVER.
http://www.ysldenver.com/

America's Promise Alliance and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Announce Grad Nation Partnership

2011-11-29T14:19:00.001-08:00

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Promise Alliance (America's Promise) and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company (The Ritz-Carlton) today announced a partnership to host a series of events in 2012 that will bring together local and national business, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to learn information and align support for the Grad Nation campaign. These events include:

Powell Leadership Circle Meetings: Powell Leadership Circle is an elite group of foundation, corporate and individual philanthropists who have donated $1 million or more per year to support the work of America's Promise.
Grad Nation Business Collaborative Meetings: These meetings will be held across the country and bring together local, regional and national business leaders to facilitate collaboration to support youth, schools and communities. Details and locations for these meetings will be announced early next year.
Convening of the America's Promise Alliance Board of Directors: Three annual meetings of the America's Promise Board of Directors.

As part of this partnership, The Ritz-Carlton will donate all meeting space at one of their properties in the designated cities to host the event, along with providing all catering and other logistical support.

"The quality of our education system directly impacts our economy, which is why we must all join together to end the dropout crisis," said Marguerite Kondracke, president and CEO, America's Promise Alliance. "We're proud to partner with a company like The Ritz-Carlton whose hospitality reaches beyond their properties into building stronger communities and young people."

The Ritz-Carlton has been a longtime partner of America's Promise, supporting the work to improve the lives of young people through its highly regarded Succeed Through Service program. At Ritz-Carlton properties worldwide, hotel employees engage young students through career exploration modules designed to reveal the career benefits of continuing education, and life skills training such as social skills, etiquette and presentation skills that are aimed at boosting self-confidence. The students also play an active role in each hotel's Community Footprints projects to learn the importance of contributing to their community.

"We focus our employees' efforts on engaging and mentoring young students," said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer. "As the name suggests, Succeed Through Service is all about inspiring young people to do their best. Our aim is simple - to instill in the students the vision of a successful future if they remain in school."

Grad Nation is a 10-year campaign to end the dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. It is the second phase of the highly successful America's Promise Dropout Prevention Campaign launched in April 2008. Between 2008 and 2010, America's Promise sponsored and helped co-convene 105 Dropout Prevention Summits in all 50 states bringing more than 40,000 policy, business, education, community and faith leaders together with nonprofits, parents and young people to discuss the dropout crisis in their communities and begin a dialogue on solutions around it.

Each year, more than one million students drop out of high school—about 7,000 each school day. Research by the Alliance for Excellent Education found that cutting the nation's high school dropout rate in half would generate $7.6 billion in increased earnings in an average year and would likely result in $19 billion in increased home sales and $741 million more in auto sales. Together, the increased earnings, additional spending, and investment by new graduates would equate to 54,000 new jobs and $9.6 billion in economic growth for the nation.

About America's Promise Alliance

America's Promise Alliance is the nation's largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. We bring together more than 400 national organizations representing nonprofit groups, businesses, communities, educators and policymakers. Through our Grad Nation campaign, we mobilize Americans to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, America's Promise believes the success of young people is grounded in Five Promises: caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others. For more information, visit www.americaspromise.org.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Maryland, currently operates 77 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

Details of The Ritz-Carlton Succeed Through Service program may be viewed here: www.succeedthroughservice.com

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

France Continues to Outshine Spain as Destination of Choice for the British

2011-11-29T14:18:00.003-08:00

LONDON, November 29, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

France has again beaten Spain to the top European spot and destination of choice for Britons leaving the UK to live permanently abroad. Some 18,000 Britons are estimated to have moved to France during 2010, nearly a third more than moved to Spain, according to data released this month by the UK National Statistics office.

At the same time, average house prices have continued to rise in value during the twelve months to the end of June, with values increasing by an average of 7.8% across the country. Prices in the capital rose by 22.5% in some parts, whilst in other areas popular with British expatriates such as Nice and Cote D'Azur, the rise was a healthy 8.4% over the same period, according to independent data produced by the Notaires de France,

Commenting on the new figures, Tim Harvey managing director of French mortgage specialists Offshoreonline.org [http://www.offshoreonline.org ] said, "The French lifestyle has always appealed to the British and now those who want to move to France but who may have been putting off the decision due to the adverse publicity surrounding the Euro area can see that property market has been a good investment for many Britons too."

Unlike in the UK market, French mortgages are widely available with interest rates varying from 3.40% to 3.80% for basic variable rate repayment products. Homebuyers should budget on having at least a 15% deposit whilst for those with more, interest rates costs are likely to be lower. In this respect, the French market compares favourably with the UK market where overseas property buyers currently need to find a 30% deposit in many cases.

Useful contacts:

http://www.offshoreonline.org

http://www.newfrenchrivierahomes.com

Take off Faster with the Marriott Rewards® MegaMiles Promotion

2011-11-29T14:18:00.001-08:00

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott Rewards® MegaMiles has soared to new heights, giving members the opportunity to earn 2,000 bonus miles with every stay, beginning with the second stay, up to a total of 50,000 bonus miles during the promotion. Members will also earn their usual base miles with every stay. Stay between January 1 and April 30, 2012, at any of over 3,500 participating hotels in 70 countries.

Participating frequent flier program airlines include: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air China, Alitalia, Asiana Airlines, Avianca-TACA, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta, Emirates, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL), Jet Airways, JetBlue, Kingfisher Airlines, KLM/Air France, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, TAP, United, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Enrollment in the Marriott Rewards program and registration for the promotion are required. Members can register for the promotion any time between now and April 30, 2012. For more information, terms and conditions or to register, visit MarriottRewards.com/MegaMiles or call 800-411-0862 in the U.S. and Canada. See offer Terms & Conditions below.

Choose from 13 distinctive brands: JW Marriott®, EDITION®, Autograph Collection®, Renaissance® Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott®, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott®, SpringHill Suites by Marriott®, Residence Inn by Marriott®, TownePlace Suites by Marriott® and Marriott Vacation Club®. Stays at Marriott Rewards' exclusive luxury hotel partner, The Ritz-Carlton®, will count toward achievement.

Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program" and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 1-800-450-4442 or log onto MarriottRewards.com.

* A "stay" is defined as consecutive nights spent in the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit marriottnewscenter.com.

AMR Corporation and American Airlines Announce Leadership Transition

2011-11-29T14:15:00.002-08:00

Thomas W. Horton Named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AMR Corporation and American Airlines; Succeeds Gerard Arpey Who Decided to Retire

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of AMR Corporation (NYSE: AMR) (the "Company"), the parent of American Airlines, Inc. ("American"), has named Thomas W. Horton chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, succeeding Gerard Arpey, who yesterday informed the Board of his decision to retire. Horton will also succeed Arpey as chairman and chief executive officer of American. Horton will continue to serve as President of AMR and American.

"Today, we entered a new phase in the evolution of this great company with a talented and experienced new leader, Tom Horton, succeeding Gerard Arpey, who skillfully led our company through some of its most challenging times," said Armando M. Codina, lead independent director of AMR. "With more than 22 years at American, Tom is ideally suited to guide the company through this next important period. Tom's experience in a different company and industry gives him a unique blend of experience and objectivity that will serve the company well as we work through this process to achieve a competitive cost structure. The Board has great confidence that, together, Tom and the industry's best workforce and management team will reaffirm American's position of pride and leadership among global airlines.

"For 30 years Gerard Arpey has given his all to this company, especially during the last decade," Codina continued. "Gerard is a person of exceptional integrity, intelligence and commitment, and he helped our company to achieve amazing things against sometimes staggering odds. Although we had asked that he continue to lead American, we understand and respect his decision to retire and entrust the company he loves to a new leader for a new time. This Board will always be grateful for Gerard's unwavering commitment to what is best for the company."

"It is a privilege and an honor to lead this company and I intend to do everything in my power to help restore its position of leadership in the global airline industry," said Horton. "This is a difficult business in the best of times, and I cannot think of anyone I would rather have worked with or had as a friend for over two decades than Gerard Arpey. He is not only a great business leader; he is also a man of honor. With characteristic selflessness, he decided it was time for a new leader to take the company forward and I am grateful for his – and our Board's – confidence. I know we can all count on Gerard's friendship and encouragement as we work to reaffirm American's place among the world's premier airlines."

"The process launched today will no doubt require far-ranging and sometimes difficult change, but it represents an opportunity to rebuild American in a way that assures its ability to compete in a changed world," Arpey said. "I appreciate the Board's confidence in me, but I also believe that executing on this plan requires a new leader for a new time. That is why I informed the Board of my decision to retire and, with my enthusiastic support, the Board decided to appoint Tom as CEO. It has been an honor to serve this company alongside the men and women of American Airlines who have met challenge after challenge with perseverance, skill, determination, and grace. I know they will continue to do so."

AMR, American and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation ("American Eagle"), announced earlier today that in order to achieve a cost and debt structure that is industry competitive and thereby assure long-term viability and ability to continue delivering a world-class travel experience for customers, the Company and certain of its U.S.-based subsidiaries (including American and American Eagle), filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Thomas W. Horton Background

Thomas W. Horton was named as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer AMR and American Airlines in November 2011. He was named President of AMR and American in July 2010. Previously, Horton served as Executive Vice President – Finance and Planning and Chief Financial Officer of AMR and American. He was named to that position in March 2006 upon returning to American from AT&T Corp., where he had been Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer.

Horton initially joined AMR in 1985 and held a range of senior financial positions with AMR, including Vice President and Controller. From 1998 to 2000, he was vice president responsible for the airline's Europe business, based in London.

In January 2000, Horton became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AMR.

In 2002, Horton joined AT&T, where he served first as Chief Financial Officer and then as Vice Chairman and CFO. In 2005, Horton led the evaluation of strategic alternatives, ultimately leading to the combination with SBC, which formed the new AT&T.

Horton holds an MBA degree from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and graduated with a BBA degree, magna cum laude, from Baylor University. Horton serves on the Board of Directors of Qualcomm, Inc., a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and data solutions. He also serves on the Executive Board of the Cox School of Business at SMU.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,300 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

Current AMR Corp. news releases can be accessed at http://www.aa.com

SOURCE AMR Corporation; American Airlines

Flight Attendant Union Prepared to Protect American Eagle Flight Attendants Through Airline Bankruptcy

2011-11-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) International President Veda Shook issued the following statement today after AMR, the parent company of American Eagle and American Airlines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization:

"As details emerge regarding the restructuring of American Eagle and American Airlines, AFA is prepared to represent the best interests of the American Eagle Flight Attendants. The AFA leadership at American Eagle is fully engaged in responding to the bankruptcy filing and, along with our financial and legal advisors, will monitor developments closely. We also are committed to working closely with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, coordinating efforts as we protect our Flight Attendant careers.

"AFA will continue to defend the jobs, pay and benefits for the over 1,500 Flight Attendants at American Eagle. We are committed to protecting American Eagle Flight Attendants, ensuring the long-term success of the airline and working swiftly through the bankruptcy process with as little disruption as possible. Today's filing does not change pay, benefits or working conditions for Flight Attendants as their contract remains intact.

"Flight Attendants will continue our work as the safety professionals we are proud to be. We will work closely with all of our fellow front-line workers and their unions throughout the bankruptcy. As members of AFA, American Eagle Flight Attendants remain proud of the contributions they make daily to the airline. Chapter 11 is not an excuse to lay failed business decisions on the backs of the hard-working Flight Attendants. Pure and simple: Flight Attendants and other front-line workers are the airline's greatest asset and they should be recognized and respected as such.

"AFA will ensure Flight Attendants play an integral role in the reshaping and rebuilding of American Eagle. AFA and our team of bankruptcy experts will work tirelessly to see that creative solutions are utilized throughout this process. We know -- and management knows -- what happens when a carrier fights with its workers in bankruptcy. The key to successful bankruptcy reorganization is commitment to working together toward a strong future.

"AFA has vast experience in restructuring and we have been successful in preserving our profession along the way. With AFA's legal and collective bargaining experience, American Eagle Flight Attendants have industry-leading resources at their disposal."

The Association of Flight Attendants is the world's largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for over 65 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants at 24 airlines come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

SOURCE Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)

What American Airlines Bankruptcy Means for Passengers

2011-11-29T14:14:00.001-08:00

What American Airlines Bankruptcy Means for Passengers

NAPA, Calif., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today AMR, American Airlines' parent corporation, announced it was seeking chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to significant losses over the last few years, leaving many passengers to ask what protections they have in the event American Airlines fails.

There is risk that your ticket will not be honored by AA should their restructuring fail.
If you have frequent flyer miles, book your trip now, preferably on a code-share partner of AA that is not at risk of bankruptcy.
Ticket holders are unsecured creditors, last on the list of creditors, so if AA shuts their doors there will be little to NO relief for affected ticket holders.
Reciprocity rules, under which airlines were required to honor other airlines' tickets in cases such as this, expired in 2007. Ticket holders will be left holding the bag if AA does fall.
Some airlines may have insurance to guard against passenger loss in this situation, but we don't know if American Airlines has insurance that would cover the kind of volume that AA would have to cover if they fail entirely.
American Airlines' refusal to take bailouts was admirable. They wanted complete management control with no government intervention, but it appears that need for control was fatal.
It appears that they filed bankruptcy because of high labor costs and extremely large management bonuses. FlyersRights hopes that other air carriers will take note.

FlyersRights.org is the largest non-profit airline passenger rights organization in the world with 50k members and a toll free hotline 1-877-359-3776.

SOURCE FlyersRights.org

Online Travel Bookings to Argentina Going Up

2011-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Maybe it is a sign of the times, but according to Expedia, online travel bookings to Argentina are going up. Way, way up.

Expedia, Inc., the world's largest on the net travel enterprise, discussed newly-released data today in the annual Feria Internacional de Turismo (Fit) displaying constructive growth in bookings produced to Argentina on the company's over 100 Expedia®-brand and Hotels.com®-brand travel booking websites worldwide this year.

Expedia has a hotel market place management team devoted to operating with hotels in Argentina who want to supply their property on Expedia and Hotels.com web pages throughout the globe, and attract international travelers. Expedia market place managers provide strategic counsel and market place insights to their hotel partners, Current suggestions for regional hoteliers contain:

-- Incorporate a mobile booking channel into your property's distribution tactic. Expedia has seen solid continued growth in bookings created by way of its mobile channels, specifically in metropolitan locations as a lot more shoppers round the globe use mobile devices to book their hotel stays.
-- Search to international travelers as a supply of new, incremental demand. Based on Expedia, some of the strongest demand for travel to Argentina is coming from Europe and Asia-Pacific, with each and every area increasing between 50 to 125 % above the previous year.

Furthermore, local tourism boards this kind of as Inprotur have partnered with Expedia Media Remedies, to advertise Argentina as a tourist destination to international travelers. Expedia's cost-per-click item TravelAds has also been particularly beneficial in extending visibility for hotels, with participating properties experiencing normal returns of ten instances their investment.

Expedia executives, which includes Tagliatti, are in Buenos Aires this week to attend Fit, in which the enterprise will meet with regional tourism officials and members with the Argentine hospitality neighborhood to go over approaches for promoting Argentina as a best travel location to Expedia's worldwide audience of travelers.

Thursday evening representatives from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Expedia Media Remedies will host a companion appreciation event for more than 200 members on the regional hospitality neighborhood, in which Expedia executives are expected to understand a number of outstanding Buenos Aires hotel partners across three categories:

Top Producers 2011
Unique Luxury Park Plaza
Caesar Park Buenos Aires
Hollywood Suites

Top Producing Hotel Chain 2011
Unique Hotels Collection

Fastest Growing Hotel 2011
Vista Sol Buenos Aires

"Participating at Match gives us the chance to celebrate the achievements of our local hotel partners, who by partnering with Expedia are prosperous in bringing international travelers to Argentina, and rising their small business inside the practice," said Rafael del Castillo, Expedia director of market place management for South America. "We're very encouraged to find out the growth Expedia has delivered to Argentina hotels above the past year, and we stay confident that by operating closely with local properties we are able to continue to produce strategies for effectively promoting Argentina as a best location to the practically 60 million travelers that stop by our sites every month."

Featured Hotel: The Olsen Hotel – Boutique South Yarra, Melbourne Accommodations

2011-05-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our featured hotel right now is the Olsen Hotel, in South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia.

The Olsen Hotel offers travelers premier South Yarra accommodation with 229 elegant five-star suites that are infused with the lyrical works of revered Australian Landscape artist Dr John Olsen.

Summer Travel to The Breakers Palm Beach

2011-03-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

This summer, discerning travelers are vying for the most memorable vacation they can get for their investment, at a convenient, stateside location. On the island of Palm Beach, Florida, The Breakers is that iconic oceanfront destination and luxury Florida escape, made compellingly affordable with an enticing summer vacation promotion.

From June 1 – September 30, 2011, rates start at just $269 per room per night based on superior accommodations, and added value abounds with a variety of exceptional amenities either free or priced at a significant savings: complimentary weekday incentives such as continental breakfast, kids' meals, kids' camp and valet parking; complimentary daily benefits such as unlimited tennis and fitness classes, as well as savings on golf, dining, spa, bungalow/cabana rentals, on-site shopping and more.

Complimentary weekday benefits include:

* Continental breakfast buffet: Monday - Thursday mornings (special pricing Friday - Sunday)
* Access to Spa & Oceanview Fitness Center: Monday - Thursday (special pricing Friday - Sunday)
* Kid's meals ordered off children's menus, ages 12 and under with paying adult: Monday - Thursday (special pricing Friday - Sunday)
* Kids camp: Monday - Thursday (special pricing Friday - Sunday)
* Overnight valet parking: Sunday - Wednesday nights; $20 per night Thursday - Saturday

Complimentary benefits, seven days a week:

* Unlimited tennis
* Unlimited fitness classes
* WiFi & Internet access, local calls

Special summer savings:

* Unlimited golf on the Ocean Course and The Breakers Rees Jones® Course, at specially priced greens fees (including cart), starting at $60 per person, per day:
o $60 per person, per day, from June 20 – September 30, 2011;
o $130 per person, per day (18 holes); $80 per person, per day (9 holes) – from June 1-19
* Dining
* Spa Services
* Bungalow Rentals
* Shopping

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Passes High-Speed Taxi Tests

2011-03-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental has successfully completed its high-speed taxi tests. This is the last in a series of functional tests planned in preparation for first flight.

During the testing, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 90 knots (103 mph, 167 kph), and the pilots lifted the nose gear from the pavement.

The 747-8 Intercontinental is the only jetliner in the 400- to 500-seat market, stretched 5.6 m (18.3 ft) from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats in a three-class configuration and a 14,815-km (8,000-nmi) range. Using 787-technology engines, the airplane will be quieter, produce lower emissions, and achieve better fuel economy than any competing jetliner. The 747 Intercontinental will provide nearly equivalent trip costs and 13 percent lower seat-mile costs than the 747-400, plus 26 percent greater cargo volume. Operating economics will offer a significant improvement over the A380. The 747-8 is more than 10 percent lighter per seat than the A380 and will consume 11 percent less fuel per passenger than the 555-seat airplane. That translates into a trip-cost reduction of 21 percent and a seat-mile cost reduction of more than 6 percent, compared to the A380. Both the 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter can use the existing infrastructure and ground equipment at most airports worldwide.

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/747-8_facts.html

American Airlines Statement in Response to Sabre's Actions

2011-01-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

American Airlines today received notice from Sabre that it has taken a set of punitive actions against the airline and its customers, despite the fact that American has met all its obligations and continues to work in good faith with Sabre.

The actions, which include biasing its shopping displays, are anti-consumer, anti-competitive and harmful to its subscribing agents.

Sabre's actions are discriminatory and patently inconsistent with both its contractual obligations and its professed goal of ensuring full transparency for the benefit of consumers and travel agents. In contrast, the actions only serve to protect Sabre's market position and attempt to force airlines and travel agencies to rely exclusively on its legacy systems that only lead to higher fares and fewer choices for consumers.

American is committed to working with all efficient distribution channels, including traditional travel agencies, online travel agencies and global distribution systems

American Airlines and American Eagle fares and schedules – including all international and domestic classes of service – are widely available through a number of outlets, including American's own website, AA.com, which features our Lowest Fare Guarantee, as well as through American's reservations agents, thousands of travel agencies in locations worldwide, online travel agencies such as Priceline.com and metasearch engines such as Kayak.com.

Current AMR Corp. (NYSE: AMR) releases can be accessed on the Internet.

The address is http : // w w w . a a.com

SOURCE American Airlines

Orlando Rewards Travelers With Vacation Makeovers

2011-01-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

Just in time to ring in 2011, Visit Orlando is launching its first-ever 'Vacation Makeover' search where any traveler in America could be selected to receive the Orlando dream trip of a lifetime that only the country's most visited vacation destination can deliver.

Beginning today, travelers can submit stories to VisitOrlando.com/makeover of their memories of their most challenging vacation planning issues, most exhausting excursion, nerve-wracking retreat, or the time a holiday went haywire. Their entry will put them in the running to receive a one-of-a-kind Orlando vacation that solves their previous vacation challenges and comes complete with airfare, accommodations, attraction admissions, ground transportation, and more.

Virgin America New Year's Resolution

2011-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

Virgin America has announced a New Year's fare sale, featuring even slimmer fares on the airline that's reinventing flying as we know it.

Virgin America is encouraging flyers to ring in the new year by experiencing its award-winning service and see for themselves why the carrier was named "Best Domestic Airline" in both the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler's Annual Readers' Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure's Annual World's Best Awards readers' survey for the third consecutive year. Virgin America is now offering low 14-day advance purchase fares to all of its destinations.

Vacation.com Acquired by Travel Leaders Group

2011-01-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Travel Leaders Group has acquired Vacation.com® from Amadeus Americas, Inc.

Vacation.com is a leading leisure travel marketing organization powered by real travel agents. It easily ranks as North America's largest vacation and cruise selling network in terms of locations with more than 5,100 travel agencies throughout the United States and Canada.

Travel Leaders Group has total travel sales in excess of $6 billion, and owns well-known agency brands such as Travel Leaders, Tzell, Results! Travel, Nexion, Cruise Holidays and Cruise Specialists.

First blog post on AA Conversation

2011-01-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

I thought I would start blogging and start a conversation about my favorite hotels and my travels around the world.

So, I reserved this new blog here on Blogger and will be chatting and posting about my experiences. Hopefully you'll find it all interesting. Stay tuned!