Author: Laura Schad

Accor Hotels

French hotelier Accor will expand its presence in Latin America under a new agreement to acquire Chilean Atton Hotels, which operates locations across Chile, Peru, Colombia and the United States. The properties will be co-branded with the Accor name before being fully rebranded under Accor’s Mercure, MGallery, Notovel or Pullman brands.  Accor also has another 166 properties under development in Latin America.

Hyatt

A major redesign is on the horizon for Hyatt Place Hotels. Guest rooms will be refreshed with furniture aimed at keeping guests organized and productive. Bathrooms will be upgraded to include more counter space along with improved mirrors and lighting. The lobby will be recreated to provide an energized area where guests can work and socialize. Hyatt Palace will also enhance its breakfast program.

InterContinental Hotels Group

Under a new partnership with Fonciere des Regions, IHG will become one of the leading luxury hotel operators in the United Kingdom. Under the new partnership 13 luxury hotels will be rebranded as either InterContinentals or Kimptons. The plan also calls for the launch of a new upscale brand next year.     

Kimpton Hotels

The Kimpton Social Password is back. When checking in, guests who say “Out of Office” to the front desk team will receive a surprise amenity. This promotion runs through Sept. 3, 2018.

Hilton initiatives target environmental and social concerns

Hilton Hotels recently unveiled companywide initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact across its more than 5,300 properties. The hotelier said it will also boost its support of human concerns programs across the globe.

By 2030 Hilton said it will reduce its carbon emissions by 61 percent through a variety of programs such as sustainable food and supply sourcing along with water consumption and waste reduction plans. Hilton already just announced that it will remove plastic straws at all of its properties across Asia Pacific by the end of the year. It will also transition away from using plastic bottles in its meeting and event spaces. In addition, the hotelier plans to expand its existing soap recycling program in all of its hotels.

To support human concerns, Hilton will contribute 10 million volunteer hours towards local issues such as utilizing its culinary teams to work with local food banks or its housekeeping teams to work with local shelters. Hilton said it will double donations supporting natural disaster relief along with its funding of local initiatives and programs that assist women and children worldwide. Company officials also plan to increase support of local and small minority-owned businesses.

Low airfares still exist despite rising fuel costs

Oil prices have been on the rise. According to statistics released by the International Air Transport Association, jet fuel in North America is 56 percent higher than a year ago. Since jet fuel is one of the two biggest expenses for airlines, carriers will have to adjust. That may mean higher airfares in the coming months. However, analysts say that so far airlines have been unsuccessful at boosting fares citing several failed attempts by various carriers in recent weeks. While ticket bargains are not quite as good as last year, there are still some very good fares to be had in many markets.

So how will airlines make up for the high fuel costs if they can’t raise fares?  Analysts say they will have to consider other ways to balance the books. Some may look at curbing expansion plans, though such moves would probably not come until after the busy summer season. Deep discounters like Spirit and Frontier typically try to match higher fuel costs by adjusting charges for extras such as seat assignments or snacks. United already tried tweaking some of its food and beverage offerings, though some of those changes were rescinded after travelers complained. Officials at American Airlines said it will look at combating high fuel prices with long term solutions such as retrofitting its aircraft with better seating options that will allow for more seats without compromising legroom.

Regardless of the methods airlines choose to employ, travelers will have to expect some changes in airfares or services in the coming months if jet fuel prices continue this upward trend.

O’Hare’s Air Transit System closed around the clock Monday through Friday  

As a reminder, Chicago O’Hare’s Air Transit System (ATS), which transports travelers between terminals and the economy parking lots, is now closed around the clock Monday through Friday as of May 30. This closure will last through winter. During the closures passengers can instead take a shuttle bus that is scheduled to run every 10 minutes. Signage will direct travelers to bus stop locations.

American Airlines passengers can also take advantage of the carrier’s after-security Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB), which will move travelers from Terminals 3 to Terminal 5. The TTB service will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. with pick up locations at Gates G17, K20 and L24.

All airport users should allow extra time to transit between the economy parking lots and all terminals during this long-term closure. More information can be found at http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/services/Pages/ATS.aspx.

Tourists no longer need to pay entry fee at the Dominican Republic airport

Visitors traveling to the Dominican Republic by air will no longer have to pay the $10 cash entry fee upon arrival at the airport. In a move aimed at making things more convenient for tourists while expediting airport arrivals, the Dominican government is instead working with airlines to collect the fee as part of the ticket price. Travelers arriving via cruise ports will continue to follow the existing entry requirements.

American Airlines

Officials at American Airlines said the carrier plans to focus future growth at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) because these airports’ charge less for gates space thus offering better value compared to other airports. American will add 15 gates at DFW’s Terminal E and seven gates at CLT.  One of the newest destinations to be serviced from DFW is Reykjavik, Iceland. The daily service will commence on June 7.

Delta Air Lines

Delta will launch or relaunch service on 11 routes this summer. New flights will be available from Atlanta to Lisbon and from New York’s JFK to the Azores, Portugal. Delta will bring international service from Indianapolis to Paris while also relaunching flights to Paris from Pittsburgh and Detroit. It will also begin new flights to Paris and Amsterdam from Los Angeles.

Delta will resume seasonal service from Minneapolis to Reykjavik and from JFK to Copenhagen, Glasgow and Malaga. Delta will also restore service to Dublin from Atlanta and Boston while increasing frequencies from those airports to Amsterdam, Athens and Rome.

Finally, Delta said after a three-year hiatus it plans to reestablish service to Mumbai next year pending government approval. Delta also plans to increase its offerings to other Indian destinations through expanded code-sharing with Jet Airways. This too is subject to government approval.

United Airlines

Matching Delta and American, United said it will offer basic economy-type fares on select European destinations for travel starting June 5, 2018. Consumers must remember that these rates come with extra fees for services that otherwise come standard with regular economy fares along with heavier restrictions. 

Off the beaten path: Discover two of Europe’s captivating hidden gems

Europe-bound travelers looking for something different should consider Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia. These historic capital cities offer visitors enchanting architecture and culture along with cutting-edge museums, chic bars and sophisticated restaurants.  Adelman’s Diana Wray had the opportunity to explore both Ljubljana (pronounced Loo Bla Naa) and Zagreb on a recent trip and found both to be wonderfully interesting cities to visit.

Ljubljana’s picturesque Old Town dates back to the 11^th Century. Diana discovered the area’s many charms on a fascinating walking tour through the pedestrian-only streets. “Ljubljana has canals similar to Amsterdam where you can take a leisurely boat ride, which was also a great way to see the most interesting sites while learning more about the city,” Diana said. “A trip to the local farmers market is another great experience in Ljubljana, and I did my part to stimulate the economy. Translation…shoes!”

Zagreb, Croatia is a lively modern city but also features a charming medieval town full of colorful buildings, Austro-Hungarian architecture and Gothic churches. The cobbled streets are lined with enticing restaurants and cafes, along with ton-notch galleries and museums. Diana took a walking tour through the old town of Zagreb in order to get a closeup look at the area’s intriguing sites.

Both Ljubljana and Zagreb serve as great base locations for visitors who want to experience the scenic countryside in Slovenia and Croatia. From Ljubljana travelers can experience snow-capped mountains, mysterious caves and some of world’s oldest vineyards.  Outside Zagreb, travelers can visit Croatia’s captivating coastline that offers alluring beaches and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

For more information on these emerging travel hotspots, contact Diana Wray at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Marmara Park Avenue

Located in a historic building dating back to 1927, just north of Madison Square Park on a quiet corner in the up-and-coming Nomad Neighborhood, the Marmara Park Avenue provides guests with a convenient yet discrete place to call home during their stay in the Big Apple.

The Marmara Park Avenue pairs impeccable style with absolute comfort while honoring the history of New York City through its curated art collection and intriguing interiors, which were inspired by local artisans and craftspeople. The hotel’s 128 well-appointed, spacious suites and guest rooms boast unparalleled views of the New York Skyline.  Forty suites even feature a private terrace. Inside, guest accommodations offer roomy beds capped with plush pillows, wet-bars/fully-equipped kitchens and more. 

Adelman customers will receive added amenities such as complimentary access to the Wellness Center, Wi-Fi and non-alcoholic beverages in room. Plus, now through Sept. 3, 2018, Adelman clients will also receive 15 percent off the Best Available Rate. For more information contact your Adelman travel consultant.

Pack the right smartphone accessories to help ensure a smooth trip

Smartphones provide us with a wealth of information, and we heavily rely on them on a daily basis.  Therefore, when traveling, it’s important to prepare and pack the right accessories to avoid running out of power or discovering the smartphone doesn’t work as expected. 

• An external battery pack: Many travelers user their phones significantly more while away from home compared to a normal day. This will drain your phone battery more quickly, so bringing a small lightweight external battery pack is essential.
• Extra power cables: Consider one phone power cable that stays in the hotel room and a second one that can connect to your backup battery pack. A third cable is useful for recharging the external battery pack.
• A multi-port wall charger. Instead of packing multiple power bricks, you can travel lighter by bringing a multi-port wall charger that can power/charge all your devices at the same time.
• Noise cancelling headphones: While not mandatory for maintaining full function of your phone, noise-cancelling headphones can truly enhance sound quality while drowning out background noises.

If traveling abroad, consider the following items:

• A plug adapter: Because different countries use different styles of power outlets, check to see if the power outlets at your destination are compatible with your plugs. You can purchase a kit that has adaptors for every type of outlet.
• Foreign SIM Card: Using a foreign SIM card may be cheaper than paying for international roaming. You can order a foreign SIM card in advance or purchase one in the airport or local cellphone store at your destination. Note that your phone needs to be unlocked in order to use a foreign SIM card. While many newer smartphones come automatically unlocked, you may need to contact your carrier to verify the status of your phone.
• SIM card ejector: If you are going to use a foreign SIM card, you will want to bring something to eject the SIM card. You likely received a small metal pin-like device when you purchased your phone. However, if you lost it, you can try using a safety pin or paperclip.

Don’t forget to prepare your content

• Download crucial apps, maps and other information or content ahead of time. Another location’s cell service can be slow, spotty or even non-existent, so it is highly recommended that you download to your device important media ahead of time.
• Have a backup plan for logging into important services or apps. Many people use a two-factor authentication system that requires entering a special code that is texted to their phone number. However, if you are using a foreign SIM card, you won’t have access to your usual phone number so you may need to set an alternative way to log in to a particular service or app.

More enhanced dining options coming to some airlines

American Airlines has launched an initiative to enhance its dining service across the entire travel experience. Upgraded menu items including pasta dishes and sliders are being trialed at several Admirals Club lounges. A new wine program is expected to be unveiled this summer along with other enhancements, which will be introduced later this year.

American is also upgrading its catering onboard its aircraft. The airline is working with two new celebrated chefs and a wine ambassador who will consult on the premium meal service. American said it will look to refresh its main cabin food for sale menu in the coming months.

American’s new strategy seems to be in line with many of its competitors including Delta, which upgraded its international Main Cabin and Delta One menu offerings. United, however, appears to be bucking the trend as it has dialed back some of its menu options on shorter-haul flights, reduced portion sizes and reduced the number of meals its serves. This strategy may be backfiring though as loyal passengers were unhappy over United’s decision to cut tomato juice from the onboard beverage cart. United has since said it will be bring back the juice this summer. United also said, based on customer feedback, it would reverse some of the other modifications made to its premium cabin menu.

Senate bill would provide for increased security outside TSA-screened areas

A new bill in front of the U.S. Senate would provide a new funding option to airports so they can update their security infrastructure. The funding, which would come from fees collected via the Federal Aviation Administration passenger facility charge, would allow airports to add new security features such as fencing or barricades, ballistic protective podiums and active shooter location technologies in areas outside TSA-screened zones. According one of the bill’s sponsors, Gary Peters (D-MI), “In recent years, we’ve seen a rising number of attacks that take place outside of TSA-screened areas. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will give airports flexibility to address security vulnerabilities in public areas and safeguard passengers, visitors and staff.” The bill is being supported by a number of organizations including the Airports Council International and the Security Industry Association.

TSA adds British Airways to PreCheck

The Transportation Security Administration approved British Airway’s inclusion in the PreCheck trusted traveler program making it the 53^rd participating airline. Vetted members of PreCheck will now be eligible for expedited screening when departing on British Airways flights at U.S. airport locations that support the PreCheck program.

Airport shifts and construction updates

Chicago O’Hare recently opened five new gates as part of a $78 million extension of American Airlines’ facilities in the L Concourse in Terminal 3. In addition to the new gates, the expansion provides more concession choices and other amenities for American Airlines’ passengers. Also, beginning on June 12, 2018, Alaska Airlines will be located in the L concourse at gates L1 and L3.

In other news, O’Hare’s Air Transit System (ATS), which currently closes nightly from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., will close around the clock Monday through Friday starting on May 30 and lasting through winter. The (ATS) transports travelers between terminals and the economy parking lots. During the closures passengers can instead take a shuttle bus, which is scheduled to run every 10 minutes. Signage will direct travelers to bus stop locations. More information is also available at http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/services/Pages/ATS.aspx.

As New York LaGuardia’s massive reconstruction project continues, passengers arriving in the Central Terminal B will now have to go to the second level of the new parking garage to access all car services including Uber, Lyft, and black car. A walkway connects the new parking garage, which opened a few months ago, to Terminal B. New signage will direct passengers accordingly. 

San Francisco International Airport officials announced that nighttime closures of its Airtrain internal light rail system will continue beyond June as originally announced. During the nightly closures, which are now expected to last through August 15, passengers can take a shuttle bus to transit between terminals.

Air France-KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic

Definitive agreements relating to a planned three-way transatlantic joint venture are now in place between Air France-KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic. As part of this triple partnership, Air France-KLM will purchase 31 percent of Virgin Atlantic. Earlier this year Delta acquired a 10 percent share of Air France-KLM and a seat on the company’s board. Delta already has a joint venture in place with Virgin Atlantic. Airline officials said, “Air France-KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic will now coordinate efforts to secure the appropriate regulatory approvals.” Barring any regulatory delays, the carriers hope to launch the expanded joint venture in 2019.

Lufthansa Group Airlines

Mimicking the strategy of other major airlines such as American, British Airways and Delta, Lufthansa Group Airlines will offer new low but highly restricted “Economy Light’ fares on transatlantic routes starting with its summer service. Airline officials note, “The new fares will be the least expensive option for price-conscious travelers only traveling with carry-on luggage and who do not require any ticket flexibility.” Lufthansa Group Airlines include Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS.

Scandinavian Airlines

SAS is rolling out in-flight Internet service on medium- and short-haul flights between Scandinavia and other European destinations. So far 28 aircraft are outfitted with the new service. SAS officials said that number will increase to 40 by September. Most SAS aircraft will be equipped by early 2020. Gate-to-gate access will be powered by Viasat.

United Airlines

As part of a reorganization of its offerings at its main East Coast hubs, United announced that it will adjust the schedules of about two dozen of its flights. In addition to make room for new offerings at Newark, United will move to Washington Dulles its service to Chattanooga, Ithaca and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In October United will discontinue non-stop service from Newark to Baltimore, Des Moines, Fort Wayne and Hartford. Newark-Sacramento will become seasonal only.