Articles of Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretzels and pillows take a back seat to first-class perks
These days
 As they make cuts in coach, airlines use amenities to retain higher-paying fliers. These days, sitting in coach can put pretzels and pillows out of reach. But step into first class, and things are as comfortable as they've been in years. On certain domestic United Airlines flights, passengers get portable DVD players, hand-dipped chocolate truffles, fully reclining seats, and Kir Royale cocktails. Click Here to continue.

Chicago Bans Hand-Held Cell Phones
The city of Chicago has told drivers to hang up! The city has approved a ban on using hand-held cell phones while you're behind the wheel. The ban on cell phones is specifically aimed at the hand-held phone. Drivers can talk on the phone if it's a hands-free device. Otherwise, drivers are required to pull off the road to chat. The fine for driving in Chicago while using a hand-held cell phone will be $50 as of July 8, 2005, unless the driver's involved in an accident. Then the fine would be $200.
   Exceptional Customer Service

 

 


People are Talking About A & I Travel
 
 (Letter to Mary McCormack of A & I Travel from Mechelle Donaldson, one of our corporate clients)

Dear Mary McCormack,

I want to express my sincerest appreciation to you for assisting me with my flight July 1- July 9. You exhibited great customer service by taking the time to ensure that my flight was reinstated. Your level of customer service is invaluable.

Mechelle Donaldson, PHR

Send your exceptional service experiences to ashley@aitvl.com, we would love to hear from you.
   Airline News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Possible Northwest Strike Update
We were invited to a breakfast this week by Northwest Airlines to update us on the contingency plan for Northwest should a strike occur. I have to admit that Rebecca, Vicki and I were very pleased with the outcome and feel much more comfortable about their 'transformation plan" as they called it. Click Here to continue.

Analysts Eye Northwest On The Brink
 Stakes are high as weekend mechanics strike looms. Despite the multiple risks that Northwest Airlines faces, Morgan Stanley upgraded the carrier's shares to overweight on Tuesday, propelling them as much as 14% higher. They traded lately at $4.62, up 45 cents, or 10.8%.

"We believe that a mechanics' strike on Aug. 20 is likely, but that NWAC can weather a strike without significant operational disruptions," wrote Morgan Stanley analyst Douglas Runte. "We expect that equity and debt will ultimately move upwards from current levels." Click Here to continue.

United tags curbside check-in with fee
 United Airlines, in its constant, desperate search for ways to save money, will end a venerable service: the free skycap. Starting next month at curbside at O'Hare International Airport, passengers turning over their baggage to a porter for check-in will be charged $2 a bag. Until now, it has been a free service, though tipping is customary. Click Here to continue.

New Zealand Air Introduces dedicated service For San Francisco (SFO)/Auckland (AKL)/San Francisco (SFO) starting August 7, 2005
 New Zealand Air's first refitted Boeing 747 commences dedicated service on SFO/AKL/SFO, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005. SFO/AKL will be the first dedicated route with the new Business Premier lie-flat beds, Pacific Premium Economy and newly enhanced Pacific Economy with in-seat on-demand videos. The next dedicated route will be AKL/Los Angeles (LAX)/ London-  Heathrow (LHR) – LHR/LAX/AKL starting in Nov. 2005. Click Here to access a newly created sheet highlighting the features of these newly refurbished aircraft. Additionally, New Zealand Air's new fleet of Boeing 777’s begin entering the New Zealand Air fleet in Oct. 2005, and will have these new products on-board right off of the assembly line.
   Hotel News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Did you know the Radisson Downtown is now the DoubleTree Hotel Memphis Downtown?
 The Radisson Hotel Downtown has been renovated and renamed as of August 16, 2005. The hotel has undergone an 8 million dollar renovation. Everything from the meeting space, guest rooms and lobby to the TGI Friday's has received a complete facelift. The hotel will host its grand opening in September. We will send more information when the date is finalized. Click Here to take a peek at one of the newly designed guest rooms. The frequent stay program will be Hilton Honors along with a special floor dedicated to Hilton Honors members. Be on the lookout for the grand opening date in an A & I Travel newsletter to come.
 
   Car Rental News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Car Rental Cos. Raise Published Rack Rates
For the first time in years, the major rental car companies last month succeeded in increasing published rates across the board. Many industry insiders contend the hikes will stick or even increase as rental firms and industry insiders anticipate tighter fleet supply and higher vehicle costs from auto manufacturers. The nearly unanimous move among car rental suppliers puts further pressure on buyers heading to iron out contracts.
"Virtually every one of the car rental companies put price increases in place three or four weeks ago," said Ron Nelson, president and CFO of Budget and Avis parent Cendant Corp., during a Morgan Stanley investors conference on June 29. "For the first time in a long time they have held, and they were broad-scale. It was all companies across virtually all markets." Click Here to continue.
   Travel Tip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Your Bags At Your Front Door
Singapore airlines continues to set the standard in airline service by being the first international airline to offer BaggageDirect from Los Angeles. Your bags are picked up at your home or office, taken to the airport and processed through security to arrive at your destination. No more waiting in baggage screening lines or straining your back with heavy luggage.

Three Easy Steps
1. Schedule pick-up with BaggageDirect by calling 1-800-959-4424 or by visiting
    baggagedirect.com.
2. A BaggageDirect porter arrives at your home (or office) to pick-up your luggage.
3. Collect your bags in the baggage claim area at your final destination.

Having Trouble Deciphering Airport Codes?
A & I Travel has just the right tool for you. Click Here to find airport codes, abbreviations, runway lengths and other useful airport information.
   Meeting & Incentive Management


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You only get one shot at making a good impression!

Meetings & Incentives are time-consuming and require endless attention to detail- from site selection to contract negotiations to logistics. One small oversight can sabotage the success of your event.

From Conception to Realization, our professionals will ensure your event makes a lasting positive impression.

For your complimentary consultation please contact:
Karen Young, CTC
Meetings and Incentives Manager
Impressions Corporate Meetings & Incentives (a division of A & I Travel)
901-291-1440 or 800-467-1182
 karen@aitvl.com
  Travel & Leisure

 

 

Browse our unique collection of captivating trips handpicked from our world of cruises and land tours. Every Ensemble Vacation includes complimentary Ensemble Exclusives, prepaid gratuities, VIP guest amenities and upgrades plus substantial savings! Ensemble Vacations is your key to exciting new realms of adventure and service! Click on the picture link below and discover your dream vacation.

Once you have located the vacation you are interested in, call your A & I Travel leisure travel specialists to make your reservations!
Joan, Joye, Lourdes or Rhonda
@
901-291-1400 or 1-800-467-1182
vacation@aitvl.com

A & I Travel Service, Inc.
5124 Poplar Avenue
Suite 101
Memphis, TN  38117
www.aitvl.com

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