All posts filed under: News

WestJet introduces Plus

Airline now offers full list of amenities for Plus fare guests CALGARY, Aug. 19, 2013 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced the market launch of Plus, an important part of the airline’s fare bundle roll-out, offering additional flexibility, comfort and convenience to guests looking for more options. Plus includes: complimentary flight change and cancel options extra baggage allowance (two free checked bags) extra legroom (36-inch seat pitch) a complimentary food item and alcoholic beverages from our inflight menu advance boarding and overhead bin space priority security screening at available airports “Plus is the answer for a growing market of travellers who have asked for more choice and flexibility at lower fares than exist today,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. “The introduction of Plus allows us to offer guests the same guest experience they have always enjoyed while providing additional features to meet their needs. What WestJet includes in Plus is offered at a price much lower than what competitors have made available to date and I am proud that WestJet continues …

iloho Unveils Innovative Social Travel Website & App

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

Completely Redesigned With Stunning User Interface & New Features HONG KONG, Aug. 13, 2013 /CNW/ – Social travel startup iloho.com today unveiled a revamped website (www.iloho.com) and iOS app, the most significant product milestone this year, featuring a new user interface. The site is completely redesigned with an elegant visual interface for users to discover people, events and places around the world. It also features flight booking for global travelers eyeing the cheapest fares, backed by iloho’s commitment to “never knowingly undersold,” by partnering with India’s leading airline consolidator, Mystifly. The website offers social discovery between travelers and locals, and the iOS app lets users chat, share photos and location, and discovering nearby users to connect with. The app debuted in July with users from 61 countries and is free to download from Apple’s AppStore. “There is a sensational feeling about meeting interesting people that you can actually connect with, especially when you’re traveling. To stumble upon serendipitous meet ups that fate would not likely have arranged otherwise. Our users love the new design and …

Pin.Pack.Go: Four Seasons Harnesses the Power of Pinterest, Transforming Trip Planning One Pin at a Time

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2013 /CNW/ – As more and more travellers take to Pinterest to plan their next adventure, Four Seasons introduces Pin.Pack.Go, a new trip planning service that re-imagines the way travellers share and receive travel recommendations. An industry first, Pin.Pack.Go leverages the power and popularity of Pinterest to connect guests with Four Seasons local experts worldwide. Knowing the thrill of travel adventure begins long before a guest ever sets foot on a Four Seasons property, Pin.Pack.Go provides new opportunity to engage guests early on in their trip planning process, making Four Seasons a part of the adventure from the very first pin. Whether guests dream of star-gazing in the Serengeti or martinis on Mumbai’s highest rooftop patio, Four Seasons local experts will point them in the right direction, transforming their dream itineraries into reality. To receive personalized recommendations from Four Seasons local experts, upcoming guests are encouraged to:

FlipKey.com Launches “Book Now” Feature on More Than 90,000 Property Listings

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

Travelers automatically receive $10,000 peace of mind guarantee when booking online. Boston, MA (PRWEB) July 25, 2013 FlipKey.com, a leading vacation rental marketplace, today launched a new “Book Now” feature enabling travelers to book more than 90,000 property listings worldwide online. Creating an even more seamless experience, this feature makes it much easier for travelers to book properties on FlipKey. “We want to help more travelers find the best vacation rental and make the booking process straight forward and secure,” said Jeremiah Gall, FlipKey’s COO and Co-Founder. “By expanding the ‘Book Now’ feature to over 90,000 properties, we’re taking a major step forward towards simplifying the vacation rental shopping process.” In a FlipKey survey, 85% of travelers said that being able to book online is influential when choosing a vacation rental. Unlike the back-and-forth messaging experience of traditional vacation rental shopping sites, FlipKey’s Book Now feature makes it simple for travelers to get an instant rate for their stay and pay online. All of these transactions are handled through a secure payment system, which automatically …

Reducing Baggage Fees Still The Most Important Factors, According To Suitcase.com 2013 Travel Survey

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

Less is more according to Suitcase.com 2013 Travel Survey (PRWEB) July 25, 2013 Suitcase.com released the results of its annual travel survey and the outcome clearly shows that travelers continue to search for ways to lower baggage charges. According to the survey, 72% of the responders stated that baggage fees were an important factor when they selected an airline. Travelers are packing lighter as well. When planning for a weeklong vacation, 52% mentioned that they would only pack one bag ranging from 15-25lbs. Luggage consumers are undoubtedly looking towards convenience and portability over style. The survey showed that 68% of consumers choose Lightweight luggage wheeled luggage over a particular recognizable brand or luggage that comes with additional conveniences such as easy to identify colors, hard case or luggage with warranties. Two wheeled luggage is still the preferred carry on however 40% of responders preferred four wheeled spinner luggage. This was a significant increase over the 2012 survey. One of the most intriguing items the survey uncovered was the use of TSA approved locks where 53% of …

Get Ready For An “Extremely Active” 2013 Hurricane Season – Travel Protection Insurance Advised

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

(PRWEB) July 25, 2013 – Hurricane season began June 1 and runs through November 30. It generally peaks in August and September, not including Superstorm Sandy’s destruction late last October. With the hurricane season already upon us, climate experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advise of an “active or extremely active” hurricane season this year. NOAA scientists have predicted a 70 percent chance of between 13 to 20 named storms this year, with 7 to 11 that could develop into hurricanes, and of those, 3 to 6 could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher, with top winds of 111 mph or greater. The average number of storms during hurricane season is 12 named storms and 6 hurricanes, with 3 developing into major hurricanes. Extreme weather conditions are prone to causing trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions. The US Travel Insurance Association advises that, in addition to inconvenience, hurricanes and storms can cost travelers unforeseen expenses. Expenses including meals and transportation, unexpected hotel stays, lost or delayed baggage, and lost prepaid …

Travelzoo Celebrates 15th Birthday: Gives Away 15 Dream Vacations

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

NEW YORK, July 22, 2013 /CNW/ – Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company, today marked its 15th birthday by launching a “Golden Giveaway” campaign on social media in the United States and Canada. The giveaway, one of a number of events planned to celebrate the company’s 15th birthday, offers travelers the chance to win one of 15 dream vacations, including a luxury seven-night Tanzania safari, a five-night Cook Islands break, a vacation to Paris with a posh chateau stay in the French countryside, and an all-inclusive St. Lucia beach getaway. “We’re excited to kick off our 15th birthday celebrations by offering travelers a chance to win one of 15 dream vacations,” said Chris Loughlin, chief executive officer for Travelzoo. “Since 1998 we have inspired millions of travel and leisure experiences and saved our subscribers billions of dollars. Our brand is trusted by our subscribers because we deliver on our promise of high-quality deals. We look forward to welcoming many more subscribers as we continue to grow.” Travelzoo is giving away 15 vacations …

10-Year ePassport Now Available For Canadians

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

CALGARY, July 2, 2013 /CNW/ – Canada’s new and more secure 10-year ePassport is now available to Canadians, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. “The new, 10-year ePassport provides more convenience for Canadians, and facilitates safe, secure travel which, in turn, helps create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians,” said Minister Kenney. “The Canadian passport is not only a privilege of citizenship, but a reflection of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.” ePassports are the international norm in travel documents. They contain technologically-advanced features, including an embedded electronic chip, to prevent fraud. The chip stores the same personal information as that which is recorded on the second page of the passport (except for the signature) as well as a photo and a digital security feature that proves that the passport was issued by the Government of Canada. To combat fraud, once the personal information is stored on the chip, it cannot be modified without invalidating the passport.

SafeHarness – The First And Only Portable Seat Belt For Coach Buses

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

SafeHarness is all about saving lives and providing a safer environment for those engaging in motor coach travel—particularly the safety of our children and those with special needs. Although new regulations have been envisioned requiring all new motor coach buses to be outfitted with seatbelts in the future, these regulations will not be fully implemented until 2017 at the earliest. Note, these are merely regulations and not laws. In addition, these regulations do not include the addition of seat belts on older models of coach buses. These older buses, estimated to be on the road, in some instances for as many as 10 to 15 years, don’t have an option for basic seatbelt safety…until now. SafeHarness, the first and only personal, portable seatbelt for motor coach buses, has launched a 50-day campaign on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo.com. The creators hope to raise $50,000 to help bring these innovative products to market in order for all to have a choice in basic motor coach safety. Donate to the cause and receive your very own SafeHarness as a thank you!! Read More..

Aeroplan Transforms Program – Listens To Customers

Published by TravelBloggers.ca

Aeroplan Transforms Program to Deliver Outstanding Loyalty Experience MONTREAL, June 27, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ – Aeroplan, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program, announced today groundbreaking enhancements to the program that will be implemented on January 1, 2014, including: The launch of Distinction, a new tiered recognition program that rewards top accumulating members, earned across all coalition partners, with preferential mileage levels for redemption, bonus mile offers and exclusive privileges; New Market Fare Flight Rewards to replace ClassicPlus Flight Rewards, offering significantly improved value, with all members having access to mileage levels reduced by up to 20%, and Distinction members enjoying reductions of up to 50%; and The Cancellation of the seven-year mileage redemption policy, with Aeroplan Miles no longer expiring for members active in the program each year. “The enhancements we’re announcing today are the most significant changes we’ve made in the Aeroplan program’s history,” said Vince Timpano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada, Aimia. “2014 will mark a new era for Aeroplan as we take the program to a whole new level, providing members with …