I n  T h i s  I s s u e
Greetings from A & I Travel Service.
 


U.S. Passport Services Back to Standard Processing Time - September 7, 2007
  
 Published airfares and hotel rates set to increase in 2008

Northwest allows Domestic Nonrefundable to Refundable Ticket Exchanges

Northwest Airlines Awarded Tentative U.S. Department of Transportation Approval for New U.S.-China Nonstop Service

Skyteam Strengthens Global Network With Addition of Three Associate Airlines

Southwest tweaks boarding pattern

American Eagle Airlines Adds New Nonstop Service to Memphis, Tenn.

Coverages & Waivers - Decline or Accept? Check before leaving

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

Don’t forget your shots before traveling abroad

Battery Restrictions on Passenger Aircraft for the Road Warrior

Leisure Travel Special
Articles of Interest
 
 U.S. Passport Services Back to Standard Processing Time - September 7, 2007
Source: US Department of State
The Department has restored passport service to the standard six to eight week processing time for routine passport applications, and no more than three weeks for expedited service. To date, we have issued over 16 million passports in fiscal year 2007, which ends on September 30, compared to 12.1 million issued in fiscal year 2006. Click Here to continue.

Published airfares and hotel rates set to increase in 2008
 Source: Travel Daily News
Published airfares will increase up to 4 percent next year, while hotel average daily room rates in some markets may achieve double-digit increases, according to the released BCD Travel 2008 Industry Forecast, powered by Advito. Click Here to continue.
Airline News

Northwest allows Domestic Nonrefundable to Refundable Ticket Exchanges
Source: NWA
As part of its continuing effort to improve the overall travel experience for our customers, effective October 1, 2007, Northwest will allow a wholly unused domestic nonrefundable ticket to be exchanged for any Northwest or KLM refundable or nonrefundable ticket. Click Here to continue.

Northwest Airlines Awarded Tentative U.S. Department of Transportation Approval for New U.S.-China Nonstop Service
Source: NWA
Northwest Airlines was notified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that its bid to provide new nonstop service between Detroit and Shanghai has been tentatively approved effective March 25, 2009. Click Here to continue.

Skyteam Strengthens Global Network With Addition of Three Associate Airlines
Source: NWA
SkyTeam  welcomed Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways as the first official SkyTeam Associate Airlines. As of September 1, passengers traveling with Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways receive the same benefits offered to passengers traveling with the 10 current SkyTeam member airlines, including frequent flyer programs and improved access to airport lounges.

Southwest tweaks boarding pattern
Source: USA Today
After 35 years of letting passengers grab the best available seat, Southwest Airlines on Wednesday announced the future of its quirky love-it-or-hate-it way of doing business: It won't change. Not now. Not in the foreseeable future. Click Here to continue.

American Eagle Airlines Adds New Nonstop Service to Memphis, Tenn.
 Source: American Airlines
American Airlines continues to grow and enhance its New York service announcing that its regional affiliate, American Eagle, will begin a new route to Memphis, Tenn., from LaGuardia International Airport on Dec. 13. Click Here to continue.
 

Exceptional Customer Service


Kelley Fife

Dear Ms. Rush,

I am writing you this email because I want you to know how much I personally value the work of Kelley Fife. I have been working with Kelley for the past two years in my role as Treasurer of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC). Kelley is a very helpful person and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that both our AMATYC members and the AMATYC organization itself are well served. She is constantly watching out for the interests of our organization.

Often times we only let supervisors know when we are dissatisfied with one of their employees. We do not take the time to let a supervisor know when one of their employees is doing a great job. This is truly the case with Kelley.

I commend Kelley for her excellent work ethic and the pleasant manner that she exhibits whenever we have a problem.

Sincerely,

Nancy J. Sattler, Ph.D.
AMATYC Treasurer
 
Car News
Coverages & Waivers - Decline or Accept? Check before leaving
Source: BreezeNet
When they get to the rental counter, many renters are unsure about what to do when it comes to accepting or declining an agency's coverages and waivers. This indecision usually results from not knowing what their personal or business car insurance covers while renting a vehicle. In addition, some credit cards cover damages to many basic types of rental cars. It's a good idea to check into your existing coverages before your trip. Click Here to continue.
Did You Know?
Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure. Click Here to continue.

Don’t forget your shots before traveling abroad
Many people are surprised at the number of countries that require immunizations before you travel there. Many countries today have also seen the spread of malaria, yellow fever and now dengue fever. Most of these diseases are caused by mosquitoes so you can often find them in areas with high mosquito infestation. If you are traveling abroad I recommend you take the time to contact a specialist that can tell you what immunizations should be taken for all the countries around the world. Click Here to review CDC recommendations.

Battery Restrictions on Passenger Aircraft for the Road Warrior
Source: By George Kerchner Portable Rechargeable Battery Association
Background
 In 1991, lithium-ion batteries did not even exist. By 2006, more than 2.2 billion lithium-ion cells were manufactured worldwide. These numbers are impressive. But why do battery-industry statistics matter to corporate travel departments and business travelers? The answer is simple: Every tool in the road warrior’s tool belt—the notebook computer, the cellular phones, Blackberries and Bluetooth technology—is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Click Here to Continue.

 
Travel & Leisure

 


The southern Caribbean island of Aruba features the charm and hospitality of a traditional Dutch village with the energy of Latin America. Picturesque, palm-fringed beaches line the southwestern coastline. Shipwreck diving, snorkeling, casinos, nightclubs, golf, and shopping are among Aruba’s highlights. Take advantage of the savings at these premier Aruba resorts

 

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino

  • 5th night free
  • Standard Guestroom

Five nights from $769 per person
SAVE up to $381per couple

Book by 12/15/07
Travel by 12/20/07


 

 Bucuti Beach Resort
  • Daily buffet breakfast for two
  • One bottle of champagne
  • One dinner for two on the beach
  • One snorkel or sunset cruise
  • Superior Garden-View Room

Four nights from $539 per person
Value Added promotion

Book by 12/18/07

 Occidental Grand Aruba
  • All-Inclusive
  • Reduced room rate
  • Deluxe Garden-View Room

Four nights from $789 per person
SAVE up to $534 per couple

Book by 10/30/07
Travel by 12/22/07
*TERMS & CONDITIONS: Except if expressly noted otherwise, sample prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual prices may vary based on travel dates, and availability. Book 5/8/07 through 5/31/07 for travel 5/28/07 through 8/30/07. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and may be changed or discontinued without notice. Pricing may include exchange rate variances. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, seasonal surcharges, taxes, resort fees and other restrictions may apply. Customer is responsible for hotel taxes and fees on free night offers.


Call or e-mail Ashley Henry at A & I Travel for More Information
901-291-1408 or 1-800-467-1182  or ashley@aitvl.com

LINKS TO PAST ISSUES