April 2002 Newsletter

Agency Services

Are You Taking Advantage of Us? We Want You To!
Click here to review a partial list of A & I Travel's value-added services and make sure you are taking advantage of them.

Travel Agents - Obsolete or Essential?
Naturally, we have an opinion. However, we wanted to share with you the opinion of independent travel writer/advocate David Rowell who explains in his most recent article "the real reason the airlines hate travel agents". Hopefully, David is preaching to the choir, but please pardon us for not taking any chances! Click here to view David's article.

Airline News

IMPORTANT - Add 5 Minutes to Your Gate Check-In Time on Northwest & Delta
Northwest Airlines announced new minimum check-in time requirements for its domestic customers. Beginning April 6, domestic customers, with the exception of those traveling to or from Hawaii, will be required to be checked-in and at the departure gate at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time of their flights. Previously, customers were required to be at the gate and checked in 10 minutes prior to departure. Customers traveling to or from Hawaii will be required to be checked-in and at the departure gate at least 30 minutes before departure, a change from the previous policy of 60 minutes. Click here for the complete article.

Delta now recommends that customers arrive at the airport at least one hour prior to flight departure. Wait times can vary significantly by time of day and airport location. Please check the estimated airport wait times at your departure airport to allow adequate time for check-in and security screening.
New Check-In Times
Beginning April 15, customers must be checked-in and at the gate for domestic flights at least 15 minutes prior to departure. The extra five minutes will help Delta maintain on-time departures for its customers in light of new security requirements.
Delta may cancel your reservations and seat assignments if you do not meet the following minimum check-in requirements: Click here to view the time requirement table.

Northwest Airlines Increases Memphis Flights
Beginning June 7, 2002, Northwest Airlines will restore its evening schedule of nonstop service from Memphis.
Northwest will offer travelers evening flight choices to 54 destinations throughout the United States. The restoration of the evening schedule will also create late afternoon and evening connection opportunities across the U.S.
Flights in Northwest's last bank at Memphis will arrive between 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and depart between 9:00 p.m. and 9:40 p.m.

Northwest Airlines Modifies Guaranteed Day of Purchase Policy
One of the unique services performed by professional travel management firms in general and, we happen to know, by A & I Travel Service in particular, is the monitoring of all tickets for fare reductions between the purchase date and the travel date and the facilitation of recouping spent dollars on behalf of our customers when and where ticket prices have decreased.
Please click here for the complete article.

Northwest Modifies Ticket Validity Policy
Effective March 14, 2002, Northwest has extended the ticket validity period on wholly unused tickets for travel in the United States and Canada. The ticket must be exchanged and the new travel must commence within one year of originally scheduled outbound travel date on the original ticket. Previously, travel was required to commence within one year of the original ticket issuance date.
Click here for the complete article.

Delta Air Lines Offers Bonus Miles, Special Fare for Travel to London. SkyMiles Members Can Earn 25,000 Miles for Round-trip Flights from Atlanta; $428 Fare Offered Until April 10th
Delta Air Lines announced SkyMiles bonus and special fare for travel from Atlanta to London.
SkyMiles members will earn 25,000 bonus miles if they purchase a round- trip ticket and travel on a Delta nonstop flight from Atlanta to London- Gatwick from April 1 through June 15, 2002. In addition, for purchases by April 10, 2002, Delta is offering a special fare of $428 round-trip. The sale fare is good for travel through June 15, 2002. Click here for other important restrictions.

United & American Reach Electronic Ticketing Pact
United Airlines said that it has reached an agreement with American Airlines to allow passengers to use a single electronic ticket for itineraries that include travel on both air carriers.
Previously, a passenger could not book a single electronic ticket for itineraries that included both of the airlines. The agreement also will allow passengers to change flights from one airline to the other electronically if necessary, United said.

Car Rental News

Bask In Great Rates From Hertz
Hertz is making it a little easier for you to get up and go. Whether you are planning a quick one night retreat or a longer vacation, Hertz Freedom Rates give you the maximum flexibility to pick up and drop off whenever you want, as long as you include a Saturday night keep in their travel plans. Weekend rentals are available for pickup from Wednesday through Saturday. And with over 700 suburban locations nationwide, Hertz is almost everywhere under the Sun. Rates available for pick-up between 01/10/02 - 04/26/02.
Click here to view rates

Especially For You From Avis
Hit the highway with a little help from Avis and your travel agent! Reserve an Avis Intermediate through Full Size 4-Door car in the U.S. or Canada and you can receive a one-car group upgrade at no extra charge.
Request the upgrade coupon through your A & I travel agent
An Advance reservation with request for upgrade is required. Offer valid on a weekend, weekly or monthly rental. Subject to complete Terms and Conditions. Rental must begin on or before April 30, 2002. For information and reservations, contact your travel agent.

Travel Tips

A Special Gift Offer from Holiday Inn & American Express
Now there's another great reason to stay at Holiday Inn Express hotels. American Express and Holiday Inn are pleased to present a bonus offer for you - a FREE 50 minute AT&T phone card upon check-in at participating Holiday Inn Hotels.

In order to receive your free phone card, you must present a copy of the bonus offer upon check-in.
The offer is valid thru April 30, 2002, or while supplies last, whichever comes first.
Only one phone card per person per stay.

Click here to print your copy of the bonus offer

Great New Benefits from Marriott Rewards
This spring, take two great benefits that make your travels more convenient and more rewarding
Earn two free weekend nights PLUS Silver elite status in Marriott Rewards when you make three paid stays at any of more than 2,100 Marriott hotels (10 brands) from March 14, through June 15, 2002. Your two free weekend nights are redeemable at over 2,000 category 1, 2, 3, or 4 hotels through December 31, 2002. Terms and conditions apply. Click here for the complete details.

Inter-Continental Announces Double Business Options Program
Customize your stay at Inter-Continental Hotels around the world
Guests staying at participating Inter-Continental Hotels and Resorts worldwide can now enhance their stay with Double Business Options.

For a limited time, when you select the Double Business Options program at the time of reservation, you can choose two of the following value-added amenities: Click here for the complete details.

Travel & Leisure

April is Holland America Cruise Month!
This April, book a Holland America cruise with us, and receive up to $150 in American Express Gift Cheques.
Holland America's Oceans Apart difference is in the details.
Cruise Five-Star-style on ships that blend elegant touches, priceless antiques and original artwork with contemporary amenities. Be pampered by Holland America's award-winning "tipping not required" service. Savor a variety of dining options. Be dazzled by spectacular floorshows.

Click Here for locations you can cruise to for as little as $599.00

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