Sunday, January 18, 2015

Miles & More Select benefits lounge vouchers and eVouchers for upgrades

   Frequent Travellers, Senators and HON Circle members can now enjoy additional benefits. They will receive these with the new ‘Miles & More Selections’ program component when they reach certain milestones.

A choice of new Select Benefits is available for each status. For example, status customers can get Lufthansa WorldShop discount vouchers worth up to €100 or vouchers for visiting a Lufthansa Business or Senator Lounge. Senators and HON Circle members also have the choice of electronic vouchers, which entitle the holder to upgrade to the next highest travel class, vouchers for the Lufthansa First Class Lounges or an additional Frequent Traveller or Senator partner card for family members or friends.

Reaching the milestones depends on collecting the new Select Miles, which Frequent Travellers and Senators have been doing since the beginning of the year. Select Miles are credited for flights in all travel classes with Lufthansa and the Miles & More airline partners Adria Airways, Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Germanwings, LOT Polish Airlines, Luxair and Swiss. One Select Mile, including a 25 per cent executive bonus, is credited per Status Mile. As with the existing Status Miles, the Select Miles are counted per calendar year and reset to zero at the beginning of the next year.

Frequent Travellers reach the first milestone at 50,000 Select Miles and Senators at 125,000 Select Miles per calendar year.

HON Circle members obtain the Select Benefits with their HON Circle miles. The HON Circle miles are counted for two successive years, as before. The calendar years 2013 and 2014 will be taken into account for this year. HON Circle members reach the first milestone at 650,000 HON Circle miles.

Status customer can check their current number of Select Miles or HON Circle miles and their Select Benefits in their personal status lounge at miles-and-more.com. Select Benefits can also be chosen in the personal status lounge or by calling the service centre.

Lufthansa opens Senator Lounge at london Heathrow

Lufthansa is opening its largest lounge outside Germany offering comfortable seating for 350 guests in 1,600 square metres featuring both a Senator and a Business Lounge. Until now Lufthansa passengers at Heathrow had access to contract or partner lounges to which Frequent Travellers had no right of entry. The new lounge will change this so that Frequent Travellers can look forward to using the new Lufthansa Business Lounge from Wednesday onwards.  As with all Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges, the new London lounge will also welcome Star Alliance Gold Customers as well as those travelling in First or Business Class on any Star Alliance member carrier from Heathrow.

Lufthansa Senator Lounge IAD
All Lufthansa Group airlines will be transferring operations into Terminal 2 in the next two weeks. Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines move in on 1st October, Germanwings on 8th October with SWISS and Brussels Airlines on 15th October. The relocation of all Star Alliance partners will be completed by the end of October and this will reduce the minimum connecting time within the new terminal from 75 to 60 minutes.

Lufthansa, together with the other Group airlines, will be located in Zone B, sharing ticket desks with Austrian Airlines and Germanwings. Premium passengers will have their own check-in and ticket desks within this area. The check-in area has been specially designed for speed and efficiency featuring common use self-service kiosks that can be used by any passenger to check in (if not already checked in on-line) and/or print a bag tag before they proceed to one of the 12 available fast bag drop desks to hand their luggage to an agent.  In addition, 14 full-service traditional check-in desks will be provided, around half of which will be for the exclusive use of First Class, Business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers. This passenger group also has a fast-track option to speed them through the security checks.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Lufthansa new Premium Economy Class

Lufthansa customers will be able to enjoy Premium Economy Class on all flights on the Boeing 747-8 fleet. The “dash-8 fleet” will then offer by far the most cutting-edge and exclusive travelling experience available at Lufthansa.

Premium Economy Class seats will make up some ten per cent of the entire seating capacity on each wide-bodied aircraft. Over the next few months, Lufthansa will thus fit between 21 (Airbus A330-300) and 52 (Airbus A380-800) new seats in each of its aircraft. On board the Boeing 747-8, 32 seats will be modified in line with Premium Economy Class specifications. The airline commissioned a total of 3,600 seats from the manufacturer ZIM. 





Depending on the aircraft type, the seat is up to three centimetres wider and provides greater privacy as well as approximately 10 centimetres more room at the side thanks to each seat having its own wide armrest and a centre console between the seats. The back rest can be reclined further and the seat pitch is a significantly more spacious 38 inches, or 97 centimetres. As a result, passengers have around one-and-a-half times as much room as Economy Class. The head rests can be set to the exact height desired and folded at the sides for added comfort and support. Height-adjustable foot rests from the second row back and – for technical reasons – leg supports with an integrated foot rest in the first row provide extra comfort. Practical features around the seats such as a water bottle holder, electrical socket and lots of storage space for passengers’ belongings also help to ensure a relaxed and pleasant journey.

With a baggage allowance of two items weighing up to 23 kilogrammes each, passengers can take twice as much free luggage with them compared with Economy Class. For an extra EUR 25, passengers can also enjoy the comfort of the many Lufthansa Business Lounges before their departure. Access to the Welcome Lounge in Frankfurt is available for a fee of EUR 50. Check-in and boarding procedures as well as hand luggage regulations are the same as in Economy Class.

On board, an enhanced service awaits Premium Economy passengers. They are greeted with a welcome drink and will find their own water bottle as well as a high-quality amenity kit with practical travel accessories at their seat. Meals are presented on menus commensurate with the new travel class and served on porcelain tableware.

Passengers can navigate the extensive in-flight entertainment programme using their own touchscreen monitor on the seat in front of them. This can also be done using a remote control, which serves as a controller for video games as well. The screens are 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 centimetres), which makes them at least 2 inches bigger than the screens in Economy Class, depending on the aircraft type. Each seat also has a USB socket and an individual plug socket for passengers to use their own devices. A wide selection of magazines and newspapers completes the range of entertainment on offer.

Lufthansa to launch Frankfurt to Tampa nonstop flights

Lufthansa continues to expand its network in the United States. For the very first time in its history, Lufthansa will offer service to the Tampa Bay area, the gateway to the West Coast of Florida. The new nonstop service from Frankfurt will begin on September 25, 2015. The airline will be operating five weekly flights in summer and four weekly in winter on the Airbus A340-300 on the route between Frankfurt and Tampa. Tampa Bay joins Miami and Orlando as Lufthansa’s third destination in Florida.
Flight LH 482 will leave Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub and arrive in Tampa in the afternoon (local time) after a flight of nearly eleven hours. The return from Florida is a night flight, which will depart in the early evening and touch down at Frankfurt Airport in the morning of the following day. The A340-300 seats a total of 298 passengers in Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class offering the comforts and quality that Lufthansa is known for, with the newest cabin layout in all traveling classes: Seats in the new Business Class extend horizontally at the touch of a button into a flat and comfortable bed 1.98 meters (6.5 feet) in length, and the recently introduced Premium Economy Class offers more personal space and more legroom. In all classes, passengers will enjoy an individual inflight entertainment system with a plethora of offerings, along with fast broadband Internet connectivity via the FlyNet Wi-Fi hotspot onboard.


The return trip to Tampa can be booked from 739 euros. Further information and details on booking Lufthansa flights are available on the LH.com website, or by phoning the Lufthansa Service Center at +49 (0) 69 86 799 799 (landline rates). Flight reservations can also be made at Lufthansa travel agency partners as well as at Lufthansa airport ticket counters. Flights to Tampa can be booked together with hotel accommodation at lufthansaholidays.com.

Lufthansa to begin service from Munich to Umbria

 Lufthansa is launching a new route between Munich and Perugia at the start of the 2015 summer schedule. From 29 March 2015, the Number One airline operating out of Munich will offer twice-weekly flights to the capital of Umbria with an Embraer 195 aircraft. The new MUC – PEG service will take off from Munich on Sundays and Tuesdays under flight number LH 1924. Departures – at 10:45 hrs (Sundays) and 15:00 hrs (Tuesdays) – are conveniently timed to provide excellent connections with all domestic German and most European airports.  

Munich – Perugia
Airports/
Three-letter code/
Time zone (winter)
Munich, Terminal 2 (MUC); UTC + 1 hour
Perugia (PEG); UTC + 1 hour
Schedule
(all times are local times)
MUC-PEG twice-weekly (Sundays and Tuesdays)  LH 1924MUC 10:45 hrs – 12:05 hrs PEG (Sunday)
LH 1924: MUC 15:00 hrs – 16:20 hrs PEG (Tuesdays)
LH 1925PEG  13:15 hrs – 14:40 hrs MUC (Sundays)
LH 1925: PEG  17:00 hrs – 18:25 hrs MUC (Tuesdays)
Flight duration
(on average)
Munich – Perugia 1hour 20 minutes


The return fare to Perugia starts at 149 euros, and the service will be open for bookings shortly. More information about how to book Lufthansa flights is available online at LH.com or via the Lufthansa Service Center on +49 69 86 799 799 (land-line rate). Flights can also be booked through Lufthansa’s travel agency partners as well as at the Lufthansa ticket counters at airports.

Delta Launches SkyMiles MasterCard for Germany

Delta has partnered with Landesbank Berlin (LBB) and MasterCard Worldwide to launch the airline’s newest European credit card. The Delta MasterCard with Business package is now available and offers cardholders a range of benefits.

Cardholders will receive two miles for every Euro spent on Delta purchases and one mile for every Euro spent on all other purchases with Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer programme. Miles can then be redeemed for Award Travel with Delta and other airline partners, mileage upgrades and Delta Sky Club memberships. Card holder can also use miles to pay for all or part of the fare.

Card holders will also receive 10,000 bonus miles when spending €1,000 in the first three months of the card being issued. The Silver Medallion status will be given to cardholders free of charge for the first year of the credit card, which provides elite benefits such as Priority Check-In, baggage fee waivers, and Priority Boarding when flying with Delta.

With 2,8 million cards issued LBB is the largest issuer of fee-charging credit cards in Germany. For over 20 years, LBB has established itself as an authority on the co-branding market for credit cards and focuses on marketing premium products through the strong, trusted brands of their partners. LBB controls the entire value chain in card business, thereby securing a high level of quality combined with flexibility, fast reaction capability and short decision-making paths.
 

Delta Upper Class Wing service at London Heathrow

 On arrival at London Heathrow Terminal 3, Delta Air Lines BusinessElite customers can now enjoy a seamless and stress-free transfer from car to lounge in less than 10 minutes via the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Wing.

Delta passengers arriving at the airport by private car will be met by Virgin Atlantic’s concierge staff who will provide printed boarding passes and swiftly handle any checked luggage.  Passengers will then be whizzed through the Private Security Channel, beating the queues and leaving more time to enjoy the Clubhouse. The service will provide BusinessElite customers with the same experience Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class customers currently enjoy through the Upper Class Wing service.

“This is another step in offering an improved product to our joint customers and taking the best that each airline has to offer,” says Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The Upper Class Wing and the fast transfer to the Clubhouse is a unique benefit offered by no other airlines at London Heathrow, ensuring that our customers have an enjoyable and relaxed airport experience.”

BusinessElite customers will be able to request access to The Upper Class Wing by contacting Delta’s Upper Class Wing support team on 0808 145 3742 (UK) or 1-800-985 8706 (USA) no longer than one month or less than 14 hours before a flight. Customers must provide full passenger, flight, checked baggage, vehicle and arrival details when requesting access.

Notes to editors: The Delta Upper Class Wing support centre is open 24/7. BusinessElite customers will receive email communication from Delta on the process to request Upper Class Wing access. Passengers will need to provide the following information:

Full flight details for the Delta marketed flight, including unique locator reference or ticket number
The names of all the passengers in the vehicle, and whether or not they're flying
The full passport details of flying passengers and the address of their first night stay if travelling to the U.S.
The car registration, make, model and colour
The driver's name
A mobile number of the driver or passenger
The number of bags to be checked in for each customer
An email address for the confirmation
An estimated time of arrival

Delta new First Class and Delta Comfort+ offer premium experience

delta is redefining the products it offers customers to further distinguish the choices available to them.Customers will have five products to choose from, including Delta One, First Class and Delta Comfort+ which offer premium amenities. Main Cabin and Basic Economy service will offer value options with Delta's high standards of service.




Providing an easy-to-recognize range of products and a high level of service is the latest step in Delta's strategy to offer differentiated experiences to customers seeking to tailor travel to their specific needs.

Starting March 1, 2015, Delta customers can choose between:

Delta One, formerly BusinessElite, is offered on long-haul international routes; also between New York-JFK and Los Angeles or San Francisco*
First Class is offered on short-haul international and domestic routes**
Delta Comfort+ offers an upgraded experience on all two cabin aircraft around the world
Main Cabin experience is provided everywhere Delta flies offering a high standard of customer service
Basic Economy offers Main Cabin service with fewer flexibility options available in select markets.
Newly designed Delta One, First Class and Delta Comfort+ seat covers will be installed on aircraft through mid-2015. Customers can learn more about Delta's branded products at delta.com/firstlook or watch a video of the upcoming changes on YouTube

 
SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members will continue to enjoy complimentary upgrade eligibility to First Class and will also receive complimentary access to Delta Comfort+ seats at booking. On March 1, 2015, Gold and Silver Medallion members will continue to enjoy complimentary upgrade eligibility to First Class as well as complimentary access to Delta Comfort+ seats starting 72 hours and 24 hours prior to departure, respectively.

delta arrivals lounge at lhr terminal 3

Delta has opened new Arrivals Lounge at the arrivals hall of London Heathrow Terminal 3. All of Delta's BusinessElite passengers and SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members arriving from the United States have complimentary access into the new facility.

Delta Arrivals Lounge Reception Area
The Arrivals Lounge offers a number of amenities tailored to suit customers arriving in London from overnight flights. Customers are invited to freshen up in one of eleven private showers featuring amenities by New York's Malin+Goetz and take advantage of on-site butler services including clothes press and shoe shine.

Meanwhile, multiple breakfast offerings are available including Starbucks Coffee, lighter fare such as fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt and cereals and prepared to order a la carte items. Wi-Fi is available throughout the Arrivals Lounge, plus a business center and a selection of the day's newspapers. Staff are also on hand to assist with any future Delta travel plans.

"The Arrivals Lounge is a unique offering in the Delta portfolio and re-affirms the importance we place on London Heathrow," said Perry Cantarutti, senior vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. "This new arrivals facility, when combined with multiple premium departure areas, Delta Sky Clubs and shower facilities offered throughout the Delta system, reinforces our commitment to London and the premium traveler."

BusinessElite customers also have private car access to the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Wing on departure at Terminal 3, which enables them to go from car to Clubhouse in less than 10 minutes. The pre-booked service allows passengers to use the Private Security Channel, beating the queues and leaving more time prior to boarding.

Last month, Delta announced it will begin flying nonstop between Philadelphia and Heathrow in April 2015, alongside its new flights from Seattle and Los Angeles to London Heathrow.

The Delta Arrivals Lounge will be open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

delta offer flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on Brasilia-Atlanta route

Delta airlines celebrates its 5th anniversary of service in Brasilia city, highlighting its continuous growth in the market and the introduction of its new 767-300 aircraft featuring full flat-bed seats in the BusinessElite cabin on the Brasilia-Atlanta route. Delta’s growth is evidenced by the increase in customers who prefer and rely on the airline’s enhanced travel experience and the benefits that come from its strategic alliance with GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes.

Delta Air Lines
Delta recently announced a significant upgrade to its service between Brasilia and the United States with the introduction of full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite cabin on flights to and from its international hub in Atlanta. The full flat-bed seats have a 180º recline and oversized personal entertainment screens, allowing travelers to increase productivity, rest and enjoy the on-demand in-flight entertainment system to its fullest. Delta has invested billions of dollars since 2010 in improving customer experience on its aircraft and in upgrading its technology and facilities, including the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal F in Atlanta and the new Terminal 4 at New York-JFK.

Brazil is a key market for Delta’s growth strategy in Latin America, and the investments in the country are one of Delta’s key global initiatives. The company currently operates 42 non-stop round-trip weekly flights between Brazil and the U.S., including Atlanta (twice a day), Detroit, New York- JFK to Sao Paulo, Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro and Atlanta to Brasilia.

delta update BusinessElite in-flight meal on JFK to europe flights

Delta has expanded the menus offered by its celebrated New York restaurant partner Blue Smoke on routes across Europe from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The move continues the airline’s focus on bringing regional fare to the in-flight experience.
Delta Air Lines
The exclusive creations by Executive Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois are being served in the BusinessElite cabin on flights to Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris Charles De Gaulle and Zurich. These routes join New York-JFK to London Heathrow, on which the partnership was launched in February this year.

“Unique in-flight dining is something our customers look forward to,” said Brian Berry, Delta’s Director of Onboard Services Strategic Planning. “Partnering with Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois’ team at Blue Smoke allows us to deliver an innovative menu offering that customers do not expect to find on an aircraft.”

The seasonal menus will be refreshed every three months and with four choices per flight, frequent fliers will be able to choose a different dish each time they travel. Current options for the winter menu include a root beer braised beef short rib, smoked chicken, baby back pork ribs, and root vegetable skewers served over toasted faro. These are served with the signature cocktail of the season and finished off with a selection of ice creams and toppings from the specialty Blue Smoke sundae bar.

Union Square Hospitality Group, which owns Blue Smoke, is the creator of some of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants and helmed by James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Danny Meyer.

Chef Bourgeois and Blue Smoke are part of a renowned culinary team, hand-picked by Delta, to design menus highlighting regional cuisine. Other chefs working exclusively with Delta include Linton Hopkins, Michelle Bernstein and Michael Chiarello. All menus from these chefs are complemented by wines selected by the airline’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. In October this year, the menus of Californian chef Chiarello debuted on Delta’s new flight from Los Angeles to London Heathrow.

Friday, January 16, 2015

delta to begin LAX PVG nonstop flights

Delta will begin daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport and Shanghai-Pudong Airport on July 9, 2015, pending U.S. Department of Transportation and foreign government approval.


Delta's Los Angeles-Shanghai flight will connect customers to more than 25 cities in China, while the LAX PVG flight will offer connections to 40 markets throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Delta's new service will support several established and emerging fields of business, including entertainment, technology, healthcare and professional services. The route will operate using a 291-seat Boeing 777-200LR aircraft with 37 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite, 36 seats in Economy Comfort and 218 seats in Economy class.

Daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Shanghai:
Flight
Departs
Arrives                                             
Flight Time
DL 56
Los Angeles at 1:15 p.m.
Shanghai 6:15 p.m. (the next day)
14 hrs.
DL 57
Shanghai at 8:55 p.m.
Los Angeles at 6:15 p.m.
12 hrs., 20 mins
From Los Angeles, Delta currently operates 154 peak-day departures to 48 destinations and has continued expanding both international and domestic service over the past few months, including London-Heathrow in October; Monterrey, Mexico*; Dallas* and Austin, Texas* in November; as well as Mazatlan, Mexico and Vancouver, Canada* in December.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

amex Qantas Corporate Card offer double Aquire Points

Australian businesses can now choose the rewards they receive with the American Express Qantas Corporate Card.

All Australian Businesses with an ABN are eligible to join Aquire and can earn Aquire points from eligible Qantas flights. Those who hold an American Express Qantas Corporate Card can join the program and earn double Aquire Points on top of the rewards and benefits they already receive.

In addition to the Aquire Points members could earn on eligible Qantas flights, businesses with an American Express Qantas Corporate Card will have the exclusive ability to choose one of the following benefits:

- The Qantas rebate which allows businesses to receive 2-5% in savings annually on eligible Qantas domestic & Trans-Tasman flights up to the value of $50,000 per annum; or

- Double Aquire Points when flying on eligible Qantas domestic and international flights, meaning Qantas will match the number of points earned under the Aquire program for flying, up to a total of 2 million Aquire Points per annum.


Qantas Domestic Executive Manager Customer and Commercial Relationships, Steve Limbrick said he welcomed the ability for customers to be generously rewarded when they fly with Qantas.

“The American Express Qantas Corporate Card empowers businesses to choose the reward that enables them to best manage their corporate travel and expenses,” he said.

The American Express Qantas Corporate Card is designed specifically for mid-sized companies now provides greater choice, savings and rewards.

To enquire for an American Express Qantas Corporate Card, visit www.americanexpress.com.au/corporate

Bankwest Qantas Transaction Account 10000 bonus points offer

 Qantas Frequent Flyers now have even more reasons to enjoy ‘happy banking’ at Bankwest following the launch of Australia’s first and only everyday transaction account that allows members to earn Qantas Points.

The Bankwest Qantas Transaction Account is the result of an agreement between Qantas and Bankwest which gives customers an opportunity to earn Qantas Points on their account balance as well as on eligible purchases. Customers can earn five Qantas Points per eligible everyday purchase as well as earning additional Qantas Points based on their bank balance 365 days of the year.

New customers will be offered a bonus 10,000 Qantas Points if they deposit $2,000 into their Bankwest Qantas Transactional Account per month for the first three months.

Qantas Loyalty Chief Executive Officer Lesley Grant said the new transaction account is yet another way Qantas Frequent Flyers can be rewarded.

“From flying and hotel bookings, to grocery shopping and daily banking transactions, our strategy has been to give Qantas Frequent Flyers lots of different ways to earn Qantas Points in the air and on the ground,” said Ms Grant.

This new product expands on the existing relationship between Qantas and Bankwest, which allows customers to earn Qantas Points on the Bankwest Qantas MasterCard credit card.

Customers earn Qantas Points in two ways:

1. 5 points per eligible purchase with Debit or Platinum Debit MasterCard, and

2. Points accrue on balances, 365 days a year at the rate of 0.4 points per day per $100.

Qantas Points are calculated on whole $100 amounts. For example: If the end of day balance on an account is $3,056, this balance includes 30 whole amounts of $100 (being $3000). No Qantas Points accrue on the $56 remainder. On that day, the Qantas Points accrued are 30 x 0.4 = 12.

About Bankwest

Bankwest provides personal and business banking solutions for more than 1.2 million retail and business customers across Australia. Bankwest customers enjoy access to an extensive network of stores and business centres, direct and third party distribution channels, agencies and electronic banking facilities, as well as 24-hour telephone and internet banking. In 2013, Bankwest was named Business Bank of the Year in the AFR Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Awards. Bankwest is a division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Manaia Lounge at Queenstown Airport

Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) has signed an agreement with aviation ground-handling company PlaneBiz who will fit out and manage a new premium airline lounge prioritised for Qantas, Jetstar and Emirates customers.

The Manaia Lounge - which translates to Protector of Land, Sea and Sky in Maori - will be located on the first floor of the terminal and cater for up to 75 guests offering uninterrupted views of Queenstown’s world-famous Remarkables mountain range.

Features will include comfortable and stylish furnishings, dedicated bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, newspapers, hot and cold beverages including bar service, and freshly prepared food.

The new lounge comes at an opportune time for customers as Qantas increases its three flights per week Sydney to Queenstown service, with daily flights during the ski season.

The additional* services will be operated by Qantas’ fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft and offer inflight entertainment, food and wine and checked luggage as part of our full service offering.

The additional services will finish on 24 October 2014. The amended schedule as follows:

6 June - 2 July 4 per week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

4 July - 31 August Daily

1 September - 24 October 5 per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Qantas customers eligible to access the lounge include Qantas Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers, Qantas Club Members and customers travelling in Business.

Qantas offer Aurora Spa in the Sydney and Melbourne First Lounge

Qantas customers visiting the Spa in the Sydney and Melbourne First Lounge will experience a new range of luxury spa treatments and products by Australian-owned spa provider, Aurora Spa.

Aurora Spa in the Qantas First Lounges will offer customers exclusive signature spa treatments, massages, facials and hand and foot therapies prior to their international flight.

The Aurora Spa Rituals (ASPAR) product range including handwash, hand cream, body cleanser, shampoo and conditioner is on offer in the bathrooms of the Qantas Sydney and Melbourne International Business Lounges, Hong Kong and Singapore Lounges, and will roll out to all other International and Domestic Business Lounges over the next 12 months.

Aurora is also developing an exclusive bespoke product range for Qantas International First Lounges (Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles), which will be available towards the end of the year.

“Lounges are important to our most frequent domestic and international travellers, which is why we have drawn on the knowledge of a leading Australian expert in spa products and services to provide the most luxurious pre-flight experience.

“We know our customers who visit the First Lounge want to unwind and the Aurora Spa treatments have been specifically tailored to address our customers’ pre-flight needs to ensure they are relaxed before their flight.”

Aurora Spa Founder Lyndall Mitchell said the Aurora team was excited to provide an exceptional spa experience to Qantas’ customers travelling through the First and Business Lounges.

“Our focus is to deliver exceptional spa treatments and product formulations to Qantas customers. A pre-flight spa treatment is the perfect way to begin a trip or experience the ASPAR range of products in the international and domestic lounges,” said Ms Mitchell.

“Since our early beginnings in 1997, we have dedicated ourselves to creating high performance formulations and offering results focused spa treatments. These have been enjoyed by over 30,000 clients every year from business people to Hollywood celebrities. Now we can extend our offering and expertise to benefit Qantas customers.”

The Qantas First Lounge in Sydney set a new global benchmark in airline lounge design and service when it opened in May 2007. It is a signature element of Qantas’ focus premium travel and is the beginning of a seamless travel experience for Qantas premium customers – from airport to aircraft.

QF, CX and BA open new LAX business lounge

Managing airline Qantas, together with joint owners and oneworld partners Cathay Pacific and British Airways, officially unveiled the new stylish and spacious Los Angeles Business Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport.



The Los Angeles Business Lounge offers a new standard of luxury for customers travelling with Qantas, Cathay Pacific and British Airways from Los Angeles.

Eligibility
– Qantas, Cathay and British Airways Business and First* customers;
– Qantas Chairmans Lounge, Platinum One, Platinum Frequent Flyers* ;
– Marco Polo Club Diamond and Executive Club Gold members* ;
– Executive Club Gold* and Silver members;
– Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers, Marco Polo Club Gold and Executive Club Silver members;
– Oneworld Emerald* and Sapphire customers; and
– Qantas Club members


 Location The Los Angeles Business Lounge is located on Level 5, in the newly renovated Los Angeles International Terminal.

 Lounge features – Designed by award-winning global studio, Woods Bagot reflecting Californian culture and signature elements of each airline;
– Warm and relaxing ambiance in combination with a contemporary and premium design aesthetic;
– Iconic mid-century American designed furniture;
 – New dining area;
– Seating for 400 customers, increasing to 600 in early 2015;
– Cocktail bar offering signature cocktails and premium wines;
– Circular fireplace to relax and socialise around;
 – Central glass atrium providing natural light and space
– Business facilities including new workstations and faster WiFi; and
– Nine shower suites with Aurora Spa amenities. Dining experience
– Qantas Chef Neil Perry has designed new menus based on signature Qantas Lounge favourites, with influences of multicultural Los Angeles including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean and US West Coast street food.

Renowned Qantas Chef Neil Perry has designed the new menus based on signature Qantas Lounge favourites, with influences of multicultural Los Angeles including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean and US West Coast street food.

Californian food carts similar to the pop-up dining concept offer freshly prepared dishes such as crumbed cod tacos with red cabbage slaw and lime chipotle mayo and Asian-spiced chicken wings. Customers can also enjoy a variety of hot and cold dishes from an enhanced buffet.

Qantas has partnered with Sofitel to offer a service experience consistent with the standards across its Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Singapore lounges. The service includes a hosted experience for customers travelling in First, Platinum Frequent Flyers and oneworld Emerald members with exclusive services including shirt pressing, shoe shining and priority access to showers.
Upon completion the Business Lounge will also include seven additional shower suites bringing the total to 16, a Family Zone and a dedicated dining area. Customers in the dining area will be offered a daily plate choice with matching premium wine or beer and able to enjoy Qantas signature dishes from an additional buffet area.

A new world class Qantas First Lounge accommodating over 200 customers will open in Los Angeles in line with the completion of the Los Angeles Business Lounge. While the new Qantas First Lounge refurbishment is in progress, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and British Airways First and premium tier Frequent Flyers will use the new Los Angeles Business Lounge.

Cathay Pacific Airways flies four times daily from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and beyond, including over 22 destinations in Mainland China. Cathay also offers daily flights from Chicago – increasing to 10 flights per week on August 2, 2014 – four times daily from New York (JFK), daily from Newark Liberty, double daily from San Francisco and Vancouver, 10 flights per week from Toronto; and cargo flights to 15 cities across the Americas.

British Airways, part of International Airlines Group, is one of the world's leading global premium airlines and the largest international carrier in the UK. The carrier has its home base at London Heathrow, the world's busiest international airport and flies to more than 70 different countries. British Airways carries almost 40 million customers a year and has a fleet of more than 280 aircraft. It operates twice daily A380 services from Los Angeles to London Heathrow’s Terminal 5.

Qantas Sydney Connect from Santiago to Asia

Qantas customers travelling from Santiago to Asia via Sydney will now be provided complimentary accommodation in Sydney as part of the airline’s new Sydney Connect service.

Sydney Connect means South American travellers can enjoy connections to six destinations in Asia with just one stop, now with the added benefit of a night’s stay in Sydney.*

Qantas operates three non-stop return services per week between Santiago and Sydney, operated by a B747 aircraft, reconfigured with lie-flat beds in Business and a Premium Economy cabin. Qantas also has a long-standing partnership with LAN, codesharing on their daily flights on the Santiago-Auckland-Sydney route.  Together, Qantas and LAN offer 10 weekly flights between Santiago and Sydney.

Sydney Connect will be available for booking at qantas.com from Monday, 23 June 2014, for travel on/after 30 June 2014.

To coincide with the launch of Sydney Connect, fares are on sale from today until 6 August 2014, for travel from Santiago to seven destinations across Asia.^ Qantas will also operate a fourth weekly return service to Sydney to cater for additional demand over the holiday period. The supplementary services will operate on Fridays, from 21 November to 13 February 2015**.

Sydney Connect will also be available for Qantas customers in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, with connections to Santiago available with oneworld partners in the LATAM Airlines Group - LAN Airlines, LAN Colombia and TAM Airlines.

* Sydney Connect is available for Qantas operated international flights from Sydney to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Shanghai and Jakarta. Customers will need to obtain an Australian Transit Visa prior to travel.

For full terms and conditions, visit http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/sydney-connect/am/en

Qantas updates Sydney to Honolulu service to A330 aircraft

Qantas has announced an increase in capacity on services from Sydney to Honolulu from 20 December 2014.

Qantas will increase services from three to four per week and upgrade the service from a B767 to an A330 aircraft, adding 253 seats per week on the route.

Additionally, during subsequent peak holiday periods such as school holidays and Easter when demand is at its highest, Qantas will make seasonal adjustments and increase the service to five per week.

Previously announced, from 14 September, the three per week B767 services will also be upgraded to an A330.


The additional services will be made possible through the transfer of one of Jetstar’s A330s to the Qantas fleet, which also enables the progressive retirement of our B767s as previously announced earlier this year.

The new service will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from both Sydney and Honolulu.

Australian visitor numbers to Hawai‘i reached record levels last year, with over 300,000 travelling to the island destination, an increase of 24.3 per cent on the previous year. In 2012 visitor numbers increased by 33.9% and in 2011 they increased by 33.6% and indications suggest it is set to continue.

The Qantas A330 offers customers travelling in Business an award-winning Skybed with in-seat video screens, two complimentary self-service bars, as well as an International Business service including Neil Perry-designed menus, inflight amenities and pyjamas. Customers in Economy enjoy a comfortable seat with an enhanced adjustable winged headrest, contemporary menus and a continuous refreshment service. All customers can enjoy over 500 on-demand entertainment options and premium Australian wines.

Qantas has recorded the best on time performance in departures and arrivals

Qantas has recorded the best on time performance in departures and arrivals for every month for the financial year 2013/14, ahead of any other major domestic airline.

According to data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), it is the fifth consecutive year the airline has succeeded its competitors in both arrivals and departures and the eighth consecutive year more Qantas passengers have enjoyed arriving on time.

Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Lyell Strambi said punctuality is one of the leading reasons customers choose to fly with Qantas, so the airline is committed to reaffirming that decision every time they board a Qantas plane.

“We celebrate results like this not because it looks great on paper and we’re ticking boxes but because it means we’re delivering a premium reliable service for our customers.


“A record like this comes from the efforts of so many people right around Qantas from baggage handlers, catering, engineers, pilots, cabin crew and more. It is their determination to deliver a service customers can rely on that makes Qantas the number one choice.”


Mr Strambi said that while the company is facing a number of pressures the airline continues to focus on its customers.


“Our operational performance has never been stronger. We will continue to put our customers first and invest in their experience as we always have.”

Qantas’ on-time arrivals for financial year 2013/14 was 4.7 per cent above its nearest rival equating to over 5,000 more on-time flights for its customers. The airline also experienced the least amount of cancellations.

Qantas saw success on its key east-west routes too (Sydney-Perth, Melbourne-Perth and Brisbane-Perth routes), achieving a result of 84.0 per cent in departure performance and 84.1 per cent in arrival performance compared to the nearest competitor 82.9 per cent and 81.2 per cent.



The same leading trend occurred on competitive east coast services between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with Qantas leading 86.4 per cent in departures and 82.8 per cent in arrivals to the nearest competitor’s 83.3 per cent and 78.7 per cent.

more benefits for Qantas Platinum One tier

Qantas Frequent Flyer today announced it will introduce a suite of new benefits for members of its elite “Platinum One” flying tier.

The launch benefits were based around providing additional services and support to the most frequent flyers and included access to 24/7 support from a dedicated Platinum One team, early points upgrade processing, additional access to Classic Awards seats, complimentary exit row seating, Qantas epiQure membership and invitations to “money can’t buy” experiences ranging from intimate private concerts and backstage tours by world class performers to personal chef dinners and Qantas flight simulator sessions.

Following its successful launch and based on feedback from existing members, Platinum One members will receive additional perks from today including:

Platinum membership for a spouse or de facto domestic partner. Platinum One members can nominate a partner to receive complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum status which includes benefits such as access to the Qantas International First Lounges and Domestic Business Lounges

Waivers for any fare differential that might be payable at the airport to move to an earlier Qantas domestic flight when travelling on a flexible fare

Booking fee waivers for new eligible commercial bookings when you book via telephone with Qantas

Complimentary Qantas Golf Club Premium membership, with the Qantas Golf Club planned for launch this coming summer

Double points earn with Qantas Restaurants


Other new benefits for Platinum One members include a bonus of 75,000 Qantas Points when they reach 5,000 Status Credits in a membership year flying with Qantas and Jetstar and a further 100,000 Qantas Points when they reach 7,000 Status Credits in a membership year flying with Qantas and Jetstar. The use of these points are at the members discretion. They can redeem them for flight upgrades, transfers to family members, flight and hotel bookings, wine from Qantas epiQure, or to buy gift vouchers, items or experiences from more than 3000 options available on the Qantas Store.

The additional benefits will be communicated to members today and also by Lesley Grant and the Qantas Loyalty leadership team in person to selected members as they embark on a national roadshow.

Over the next four weeks, the executives will travel around Australia providing a selection of members of Qantas Frequent Flyer and Aquire with a face-to-face update about the programs, with a dual objective to communicate recent program developments such as the launch of qantaspoints.com and the Qantas Golf Club, as well as seeking member feedback on what they would like to see from the programs.

The first event will be hosted in Sydney this evening, with a selection of members based in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra and Adelaide also invited to offer their opinions and insights on the Qantas Frequent Flyer and Aquire programs when the team visits their city.

For full details and terms and conditions on the new Platinum One benefits, go to qantas.com/platinumone.

Qantas to open new Domestic Business Lounge at Perth Airport


From today Qantas will begin construction on its new Domestic Business Lounge at Perth Airport to coincide with the airline’s move to a dedicated Qantas precinct in 2015.



The new lounge will add 30 per cent more lounge capacity into the Perth market and will be available to Qantas business class customers, Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers.

The lounge will provide convenient access to Terminals 3 and 4 - where the Qantas Group will soon have exclusive use for Domestic and Regional services.

Qantas Domestic Head of Customer Strategy Philip Capps said the new precinct will deliver a better travel and airport experience for Qantas customers as a result of improved gate access, faster security screening, quicker check in and now more lounge facilities.

“The new lounge will ensure our business customers receive the same high level of service on the ground as they receive in the sky,” said Mr Capps.

“At 1,365 square metres, the lounge will have capacity for over 350 customers and will be equipped to give them the space, state of the art facilities, quality service and luxuries that Qantas Business lounges are renowned for.

“From a dedicated work zone with meeting room and conference facilities to a dedicated dining area offering a ‘dish of the day’ and all day barista service, the business lounge will give our most frequent flyers the ability to work or unwind in luxury.

“Combined with the latest in design innovation and service delivery the new lounge will also offer a number of exciting new food and beverage initiatives raising the bar in both product and service, across not only our network but the entire domestic market.”

Other features of the lounge include new furniture, wireless internet, newspapers, magazines, Foxtel and a full service bar and buffet offering a selection of food and beverages.

The addition of a Qantas Business Lounge will complete Qantas’ suite of domestic lounges at Perth Airport with a Chairman’s lounge and Qantas Club already in operation.

Qantas currently operates four Business Lounges (Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne) which are a unique product in the domestic Australian market and provide competitive differentiation.

Qantas unveil new business suites on A330

Qantas customers are set to enjoy a new standard of luxury on international flights to Asia, Hawaii and key domestic routes, with the airline unveiling the final design of new Business Suites to feature on its A330 fleet, to be progressively introduced from later this year.



A330 BUSINESS SUITE
– Designed in collaboration with
Marc Newson and Vantage XL Seat manufactured by Thompson Aero Seating;
– Additional storage and functional
workspaces to offer comfort, flexibility and privacy;
– Seats recline into a fully-flat bed and offer direct aisle access (1–2–1 configuration);

– Seats can be in recline position and fitted with the mattress from take-off right through to landing, maximising the opportunity for rest;
– A sizeable console next to the seat and the design of the meal tray means customers can dine while they work;
– New cotton duvet, mattress, increased pillow size and pyjamas (International);
– Qantas is the first to introduce a fully-flat bed for domestic business travellers on east-west flights, with beds that are the widest on the market;
– Do Not Disturb function; and
– Larger 16” inflight entertainment screens.



“The design was based on a real understanding of what Qantas customers needed on longer domestic flights and overnight international flights from Asia, with practicality, comfort, privacy and style in mind to create a relaxing environment to work, dine or sleep,” said Mr Newson.

The Economy cabins on all international A330s will be fitted with a next-generation model of the award-winning Recaro seat, an earlier version of which has been extremely popular with Qantas customers on the A380 and refurbished B747 aircraft. Economy seats on the A330-200s for Qantas Domestic will also be refreshed.

Customers in both cabins on the international A330 aircraft will be able to enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 inflight entertainment system, with larger seatback touchscreens in addition to Q Streaming technology, enabling them to stream content from an extensive entertainment library directly to their own devices.

Domestic Business Class customers on A330 aircraft will also enjoy the same Panasonic eX3 system, while Economy customers will have an individual inflight entertainment experience through either seatback touchscreens or devices provided by Qantas in every seat.

The work to refresh the aircraft interiors – which will take about one month for each – will start at Qantas’ heavy maintenance facility in Brisbane next month. The first of the domestic refurbished A330 aircraft will take to the skies in late December from the east coast to Perth, and the first international A330 will commence flying in January 2015.

Qantas yesterday announced the construction of a new Domestic Business Lounge in Perth due to open in the third quarter of 2015, which combined with the A330s will set a new benchmark in domestic travel for customers travelling from Perth, both on the ground and in the air.

International and domestic routes currently serviced by Qantas A330s^

·         Sydney-Melbourne

·         Sydney-Brisbane

·         Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Perth

·         Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Singapore

·         Melbourne/Brisbane to Hong Kong

·         Sydney-Bangkok

·         Sydney-Jakarta

·         Sydney-Manila

·         Sydney-Honolulu

·         Sydney-Shanghai

* Subject to final CASA certification.

^ Business Suites and Panasonic eX3 entertainment systems to be progressively introduced on A330 aircraft from December 2014.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Ciao Bambino

Ciao Bambino is a webstie for family travel. it offer travel advice and great reviews of the best hotels and resort for stays with kids.website address is http://www.ciaobambino.com there are many travel reviews written by parents, the comprehensive guide covers all topics related to traveling with kids including reviews of the best family-friendly accommodations, destination-focused activity tips, and articles covering how to make travel easy and enjoyable with children of all ages. If you have one go-to resource for where to stay with your kids, this should be it. The properties on this site are carefully reviewed by parents with an eye for what makes them great places for families. Hotels and resorts are rated by age, so you can find places to stay whether you have a toddler or a teen. Reviews are designed to be quick and relevant, with all of the information provided in clear bullet points. And you can book your stay right on the site.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

regal princess photos



Princess Cruise’s “Regal Princess” at the St. Thomas USVI Cruise Port.

Regal and the Royal Princess are the new Royal - Class cruise ships built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone Italy. The Regal Princess was delivered to Princess Cruises on May 11 2014 at the Fincantieri shipyard. The new ship has ( 19 ) decks with the capacity of 3560 passengers and 1346 crew.
regal_princess Regal Princess 119 Regal Princess 066 2014_06_17_Europe Vacation_Princess Regal and sail away_000

Saturday, January 3, 2015

princess captain's circle levels and benefits

  Princess Cruises has created a tiered membership program for frequent traveler in which many unique benefits are offered.

Princess Captain’s Circle is one of the richest loyalty program at sea. As Members, you enjoy special offers and an array of incredible rewards – from preferred pricing and priority embarkation to complimentary laundry services and Internet packages, depending on your level of membership.

Registration is effortless – it requires no membership fees and passengers are enrolled automatically upon completion of
their first Princess cruise.  To become a Member of the Captain’s Circle, passengers need to meet the following criteria:
•  Complete at least one voyage with Princess Cruises
•  Must be 18 years of age or older

Membership Tiers — Four Levels of Benefits
Gold Membership Tier achieved with automatic enrollment after 1th completed cruise.

Ruby Membership
   
Members sailing on their 4th or 5th cruise or on their next cruise
after the one on which they completed their 30th cruise day.
Platinum Membership
Platinum benefits are given to Members sailing on their 6th
cruise or on their next cruise after the one on which they
completed their 50th cruise day.

Elite Membership
Elite benefits are given to Members sailing on their 16th cruise or on their next cruise after the one on which they completed their 150th cruise day


  Passengers who  book a full suite (mini-suites excluded) receive credit for two
cruises.*
•  Passengers who  pay exclusive occupancy fares receive credit for two cruises
for categories up to mini-suites and receive credit for three cruises for full
suites!


Gold Members enjoy the following benefits:
•  Special  Launch Savings/Reduced Deposit
•  Preferential  pricing offers
•  Princess  Cruises Captain’s Circle magazine and eNewsletter
•  Access to  the onboard Captain’s Circle Host and the shoreside Captain’s Circle Help Desk phoneline.
•  Members-only  onboard events
•  Princess  Passport and Gold Member pin
•  Circle  Center Online
•  Member  Profile
•  Standby  Program
•  Referral  Rewards*
•  Circle  Savings Account


The Captain’s Circle Help Desk can be reached by calling 1-800-PRINCESS and pressing 7.


Ruby Members enjoy the following benefits:
•  All Gold  Member benefits plus:
•  Exclusive  shoreside access to the
Captain’s Circle Help Desk phone line
•  Upgrade to Princess Platinum Vacation Protection
•  10%  Discount off the purchase of Reflections DVD onboard
•  Ruby  Member Pin

Platinum Vacation Protection provides twice the coverage of the standard Vacation
Protection.
•  $25K  increases to $50K – Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation
•  $10K  increases to $20K – Accident/Medical
•  $1500  increases to $3000 – Baggage
Future cruise credit increases to 100% of cancellation fees with Platinum
Vacation Protection under our “cancel for any reason” benefit!


Platinum Members enjoy the following benefits:
•  All Ruby Member Benefits plus:
•  Platinum Member pin
•  Preferred Check-In
•  Credit towards Internet Café Packages
•  Platinum Disembarkation Lounge
•  Complimentary Cruise Atlas

 Members can use the shoreside Preferred Check-In Desk to expedite embarkation.
•  Available to Platinum Members and their family and/or guests.


Platinum Disembarkation Lounge is an onboard lounge offer Light refreshments and reading materials for members awaiting disembarkation


Elite Members enjoy the following benefits:
•  All Platinum Member Benefits
•  Elite Members receive three unique
benefit packages while onboard
-  Preferred Services
-  Elite Discount
-  Preferred Amenities

 Complimentary services include:
•  Professional cleaning
•  Laundry services
•  Shoe polishing
•  Priority Ship to Shore Tender Embarkation
•  Elite Members simply present their Elite Card at the tender embarkation area
and are then directed to board the next available tender.
•  Priority Disembarkation
•  Elite Members may select from a disembarkation group most convenient to them.


Elite Discount Package
•  10% off all boutique purchases onboard
•  Members  simply present their cruise card to receive the discount – there are no restrictions on purchases.
•  Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting*
•  Elite Members  will receive an invitation to this special event.
•  A $9.50 value per person

Preferred Amenities Package
•  Complimentary one-time mini-bar setup in their stateroom.*
•  The mini-bar  will be set up at embarkation with a variety of miniature bottles of liquor,cans of beer, soda and bottled water.
Members who wish to exchange items in the standard mini-bar may contact Room
Service onboard to determine their options.
•  Complimentary deluxe canapés.
•  An exquisite  selection of deluxe canapés
are created by the Chef and can be
requested on formal nights.
•  Upgraded Stateroom Amenities
•  Regardless  of stateroom type, Elite Members’ stateroom bathrooms are
stocked with the upgraded amenities normally reserved only for Suite guests.
•  Complimentary Traditional Afternoon Tea
•  Members  can sit back, relax and enjoy a soothing cup of tea and accompaniments.
•  Served  upon request in the Member’s stateroom between 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

princess referral program

 members can refer friends and relatives to princess captain circle and get the rewards.

As an exclusive benefit for Princess Captain's Circle loyal Members, When you refer new passengers to Captain's Circle, your referral can receive a discount off their first cruise, and you can get the same savings!


Be sure that those you refer have not previously booked or sailed with Princess. We regret that we are not able to accept any referrals for current Princess customers. This includes those who have previously booked, booked and cancelled, or sailed with Princess.
Please note that in order to qualify for Referral Rewards a successful referral must be made prior to your friend or relative making their booking.
There is no limit to the number of friends/family that you can refer for this discount program.

To refer someone please go to princess.com and click “Sign In” (top right of the page), Type in your e-mail address and then your password and click “Sign In”, then Click "My Princess"(on the top right of the page), Click "My Profile" in the gray box on the right side of the page (next to the picture), Click "Referral Rewards" on the top of the page (under the blue bar).

 Referrals Rewards program is not available for Captain Circle members living outside of the United States and Canada.