Travel and Transport | Travel Updates

Travel Updates - Weekly Edition

September 02, 2010

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Airline News | Airport/Destination News | Miscellaneous

American Airlines

American announced it is set to add nonstop flights to Barbados from its Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. hub three times per week beginning on December 16. Flights to Barbados will be leaving Dallas on Thursdays, Saturdays and Monday, departing at 1:30 p.m. and arriving at 9 p.m. Return flights from Barbados will leave on Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays at 11 a.m., arriving in Dallas at 3:30 p.m. The flight will be operated with Boeing 757 aircraft with 22 seats in Business Class and 166 in the Coach cabin.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has introduced a new dining experience at its four Delta Sky Clubs at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport offering made-to-order meals for purchase and expanded beverage options through a full-service café and bar. The new cafes include dedicated seating areas within Delta's award-winning Sky Clubs where customers can enjoy made-to-order breakfast options, sandwiches, salads, small plates and desserts for purchase. The cafés also offer an extensive wine and beer selection, along with premium liquors. In addition to dining at the café, Sky Club members also can order from the menu and dine anywhere in the Club. Delta Sky Clubs continue to offer members complimentary snacks and beverages.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier announce it is adding nonstop service from Omaha, NE. to California and Florida next year. The service will be offered three days a week to San Diego, CA. and Los Angeles, CA. beginning January 15, and seasonal service to Orlando, FL. and St. Petersburg/Clearwater, FL starting February 14.

Frontier Airlines announced plans to expand its international service with the addition of a second Costa Rica destination. Frontier will launch seasonal service to Liberia, Costa Rica beginning February 13, 2011, with weekly nonstop flights to/from its hub at Denver International Airport, CO.

	Virgin America
	Virgin America announced it plans to start service to Los Cabos and Cancun, Mexico from San Francisco, CA. and Los Angeles, CA. this winter. Flights are expected to launch from San Francisco to Los Cabo on December 16. Service from Los Angeles International Airport to Cancun International Airport will start January 19. Service from San Francisco to Cancun will begin January 20.

South Korea

On September 1 South Korean customs and immigration officials will begin scanning the fingerprints of some passengers arriving at airports in a bid to stop criminals from entering the country. Authorities stated that immigration agents will scan the fingers of some "suspicious visitors" and will attempt to match the fingerprints to a global database of wanted suspects. Travelers asked to undergo the scan will be required to do so before they can continue the customs and immigration process. A total of 67 fingerprint scanners have been set up at 22 different airports in South Korea, including the main international transport hub at Incheon International Airport. The identification program was announced earlier this year as part of South Korea's increased security measures to be introduced before Seoul hosts the G-20 Summit on November 5. Critics allege that the South Korean government has not made the selection process clear to the public, which could lead to confusion and frustration for passengers selected to be scanned. Government officials responded to the claims by assuring that the fingerprint scan will only be mandatory for travelers with criminal records in South Korea or passport irregularities, while other travelers may be scanned simply on a case-by-case basis. Transportation authorities have advised visitors to South Korea that fingerprint scans are likely to add additional time to the customs and immigration process.

Worldwide

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan will begin between August 9-11, 2010 and end around September 9-10. During Ramadan, travelers and expatriates should be particularly mindful so as not to offend Islamic sensibilities. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise until sunset during Ramadan; although non-Muslims are not usually required to observe these rules, they should refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public out of consideration. Depending on the location, these rules may be more strictly enforced. Additionally, many businesses and offices may operate on reduced schedules, and many restaurants and cafes may close during the day. The end of Ramadan -- known as Eid al-Fitr and by a variety of other names depending on the location -- is one of the two most important feasts in the Islamic calendar and is observed as a public holiday that can last from two to four days, depending on the country.

State Dept. Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

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

India - On September 1 the U.S. Department of State posted the following Travel Alert: "The U.S. Mission in India alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in India to safety and security issues related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India, between October 3 and October 14, 2010, especially in light of the Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State on August 12, 2010, regarding the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. This Travel Alert expires November 15, 2010.

"The U.S. government has no information on any specific threat of attack that any individual or group is planning to coincide with the Games. In the event the U.S. government receives information of any specific threat, the Department of State would provide information on that threat to the public immediately. U.S. citizens planning on traveling to India during the Commonwealth Games should carefully read the State Department's Country Specific Information for India and check www.travel.state.gov for up-to-date Travel Alerts or Travel Warnings on safety and security issues. All U.S. citizens in or traveling to India are urged to enroll with the U.S. Mission in India to receive these alerts as quickly as possible. "Indian authorities will be responsible for security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.

"A sizable number of tourists, athletes, and VIP visitors are expected to be in New Delhi for the Games. Due to large crowds and security screening measures allow plenty of time for travel to game venues. "Transportation: U.S. citizens are advised to take care when traveling within Delhi. While many of Delhi's roads and public transport systems have been upgraded for the Games, some roads remain poorly maintained, which can cause traffic delays and accidents. The Delhi Metro Network has been extended for the Games and all ticket-holding spectators are entitled to free transport to and from the game venues on the Delhi Metro and on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses on the day of the event for which their ticket is valid. Special care should be taken when using public transportation or driving at night.

"Crime: Indian police and security forces will increase their presence in Delhi during the Games, particularly around game venues. However, U.S. citizens are advised to be on guard against petty crime, pickpockets, and the theft of personal property on trains or buses. Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors. Beware of touts who solicit travelers with 'come-on' offers of cheap transportation, hotels, guided tours, or even Commonwealth Game tickets. Tickets for Game events can only be purchased online, via phone, or at designated retail outlets. Please see www.tickets.cwgdelhi2010.org for details. ..." "U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Mexico - On August 27 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Mexico in regard to the security situation in the country; the text of the warning can be viewed at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_4755.html.

On August 28 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert: "The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens that Mexicana Airlines (Nuevo Grupo Aeronautico, S.A. de C.V.) has announced that, effective at noon, Saturday, August 28, 2010, Mexicana Airlines has suspended all flight operations until further notice. The suspension applies to all Mexicana, MexicanaLink, and MexicanaClick flights. All flights scheduled to depart after this time have been cancelled indefinitely. "In a press release on the company's website, www.mexicana.com, the airline pledged to assist passengers to the best of its abilities. Passengers who have already flown a leg of their journey are advised to consult the company's website for further information. The company notes that priority assistance will be provided to 'minors traveling unaccompanied, passengers traveling with children under age 3, and special needs passengers.' Individuals who have not yet begun their journey on one of the Mexicana airlines are recommended to make alternative travel arrangements.

"The Department of State advises all travelers with reservations on Mexicana, MexicanaLink or MexicanaClick to consult the company's website for additional guidance and contact information for the airline. Passengers who may become stranded in the middle of their journey and who require assistance beyond that provided by the airline should contact their nearest Embassy or Consulate."

South Africa - On August 31 the U.S. Consulate in Cape Town issued the following Warden Message: "This message is to inform U.S. citizens that previous restrictions on U.S. government employees and contractors staying at the Westin Grand Cape Town hotel have been lifted. The hotel is located at Convention Square on Lower Long Street, Cape Town. U.S. government personnel had previously been directed not to stay at the hotel because of security concerns arising from multiple theft reports from employees visiting the hotel. The U.S. Mission in South Africa investigated these incidents in coordination with the hotel administration. The hotel has taken measures to prevent similar incidents in the future."

Taiwan - On August 31 the American Institute in Taiwan issued the following Warden Message: "The American Institute in Taiwan wishes to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Taiwan that the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau is tracking Tropical Storm LIONROCK. This storm may affect Taiwan over the next several days. The current projected track of the storm is towards the southern coast of Taiwan. Taiwan's Central Bureau is also tracking Typhoon KOMPASU, which is projected to pass north of Taiwan but could affect travel in the region for the next several days.

"U.S. citizens should monitor the progress of the storms on Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau website http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm (in English) and through local media and make appropriate provisions for food, water and shelter. International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) also provides regular weather bulletins in English. ICRT broadcasts at 100.7 FM in the Taipei and Kaohsiung areas and at 100.1 FM in Taichung. ICRT also offers streaming audio over the internet: www.icrt.com.tw/en/D01.php. "Taiwan airports and public transportation services may suspend operations as a result of the storm. U.S. citizens should confirm that transportation facilities are open and operating before traveling."