I know the commercials seem hokey and the literature you get online or in the mail is full of lovey, dovey couples that can make even the most romantic want to puke. However, as cliche as it sounds, Sandals does have the market on the adult only all inclusive market. This company has been doing it longer and better than all the others and can provide destinations from the Bahamas and Jamaica to St. Lucia that will accommodate any budget or traveler.
Who wouldn't like an escape from kids without hearing the words "Mommmyyyy" from a crying child while you are trying to nap by the pool? It may not be your child, but nonetheless wouldn't you feel better not hearing at all? If you are like me the gnawing guilt begins as soon as I see or hear another child when I'm trying to vacation alone with my husband. Just this week my client pointed that out as she was trying to decide between a trip to Punta Cana and the Sandals St. Lucian Grande.
Sandals has even extended their fall sale, offering 50% off rates, stay several nights and get a few for free and up to a $250 spa credit. The St. Lucian Grande has rates as low as $2854 for a 7 night stay all inclusive for 2 adults and as much as $3854 for six nights for the Penthouse Concierge Suite. These were for trips planned in the Spring of 2010.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bumped Passenger Compensation
Have you ever checked in for a flight and not been able to assign yourself a seat? Or realized when printing your boarding pass it was actually a confirmation pass that allowed you through security?
Many times its not a big deal as airlines reserve a portion of seats for airport control only. This is so it can accommodate families with children, passengers with disabilities, children flying alone, etc. Yours truly found out the hard way when travelling with my two sons last month. I made the mistake of grabbing the last two available seat assignments thinking we would get them moved around the airport. Well, we couldn't do it at the ticket counter (you know the airlines hate that face to face interaction with the passenger) and were sent out to the gate. I was the first one in line at the gate and waited patiently as the gate agent signed in. She was actually very nice considering it was summer and we were in Atlanta's airport, which is not really known for its Southern hospitality and charm. But she gave me some insight into the gate agent's job.
She said oh, I wish you hadn't of grabbed those seats because I would have known how many you needed together. Since I was the first in line, it didn't matter as she had plenty of seats to still assign. Apparently, all the passengers without seats are flagged in their system and each agent has their own pseudo priority system for assigning seats.
However, there is always that case where you can't get a seat because the flight is oversold and there are no seats to assign. It is a wonder that the airlines oversell their flights, but its no different than showing up for a hotel reservation and realizing the hotel is overbooked.
Airlines must first ask for volunteers. If that doesn't work and you don't get on your plane, the airline is required to pay you the price of a one way ticket up to a limit of $400. This is if you reach your destination within one to two hours of your original ticketed arrival time. If it takes longer, then the limit can go as high as $800. The airlines will also try to put you on another flight. Make sure you are given a confirmed ticket with seat assignment!
Most importantly know your rights, if you are bumped due to mechanical, crew no show, anything at all related to the airline - it is up to that carrier to make it right. Weather unfortunately, does not count. There is also no requirements that the airlines provide you with food or hotel reservations if you are delayed by more than a day. But if you negotiate, it always better to do so with a polite smile and not make scene. Trust me the gate agent will be much more willing to help you.
You can also always ask for a refund. I sat on the phone for an hour and half last Friday as I was passed between Northwest, Delta, Northwest and back to Delta again trying to negotiate a refund for passenger. His flight was cancelled and Delta had put him on a flight the next day. He was a business traveller and had to be home that night. While I was on the phone with Delta, we purchased him a ticket on Southwest. Delta ultimately agreed to issue a refund but its not always easy to get money back from the airline.
Many times its not a big deal as airlines reserve a portion of seats for airport control only. This is so it can accommodate families with children, passengers with disabilities, children flying alone, etc. Yours truly found out the hard way when travelling with my two sons last month. I made the mistake of grabbing the last two available seat assignments thinking we would get them moved around the airport. Well, we couldn't do it at the ticket counter (you know the airlines hate that face to face interaction with the passenger) and were sent out to the gate. I was the first one in line at the gate and waited patiently as the gate agent signed in. She was actually very nice considering it was summer and we were in Atlanta's airport, which is not really known for its Southern hospitality and charm. But she gave me some insight into the gate agent's job.
She said oh, I wish you hadn't of grabbed those seats because I would have known how many you needed together. Since I was the first in line, it didn't matter as she had plenty of seats to still assign. Apparently, all the passengers without seats are flagged in their system and each agent has their own pseudo priority system for assigning seats.
However, there is always that case where you can't get a seat because the flight is oversold and there are no seats to assign. It is a wonder that the airlines oversell their flights, but its no different than showing up for a hotel reservation and realizing the hotel is overbooked.
Airlines must first ask for volunteers. If that doesn't work and you don't get on your plane, the airline is required to pay you the price of a one way ticket up to a limit of $400. This is if you reach your destination within one to two hours of your original ticketed arrival time. If it takes longer, then the limit can go as high as $800. The airlines will also try to put you on another flight. Make sure you are given a confirmed ticket with seat assignment!
Most importantly know your rights, if you are bumped due to mechanical, crew no show, anything at all related to the airline - it is up to that carrier to make it right. Weather unfortunately, does not count. There is also no requirements that the airlines provide you with food or hotel reservations if you are delayed by more than a day. But if you negotiate, it always better to do so with a polite smile and not make scene. Trust me the gate agent will be much more willing to help you.
You can also always ask for a refund. I sat on the phone for an hour and half last Friday as I was passed between Northwest, Delta, Northwest and back to Delta again trying to negotiate a refund for passenger. His flight was cancelled and Delta had put him on a flight the next day. He was a business traveller and had to be home that night. While I was on the phone with Delta, we purchased him a ticket on Southwest. Delta ultimately agreed to issue a refund but its not always easy to get money back from the airline.
Southwest Announces Bid for Frontier Airlines
Southwest announced last week they had entered a bid to purchase Frontier Airlines. The bid potentially worth at least $113.6 million would be over the $108 million bid Republic Airlines had offered the suffering carrier. Frontier Airlines, known for years for their beloved animals on the tails of the aircraft, has been in bankruptcy court for the past year. Southwest said if successful, they would keep both names for several years before merging the two companies. The move would also make Southwest the second largest carrier in terms of passenger amounts in Denver. Questions remain if Southwest could keep their point to point flight system and low fares if such a deal is finalized.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ritz Carlton's New "Meetings Within Reach" Promotion
Ritz Carlton just announced a new "Meetings Within Reach" promotion available at most of their properties. Ten or more room nights must be blocked and the benefits include daily continental breakfast, a general session meeting room, high speed Internet access in one meeting room, up to a 20% discount on AV and select suite upgrades. To qualify for the promotion, meetings must be booked by September 30th for events scheduled through December 31.
If you have a meeting scheduled at the Ritz, it would be worth a call to see if any of the inclusions could be added to your contract. Never hurts to ask!
If you have a meeting scheduled at the Ritz, it would be worth a call to see if any of the inclusions could be added to your contract. Never hurts to ask!
Greenbrier to add a Casino
M&C just reported that the prestigious Greenbrier resort in West Virginia is announcing plans to build a $25 million underground casino on the property that will open in 2010. The property's new 3880 lounge that is opening in September will offer temporary game for the gambling crowds with limited slots and table games.
It will definitely be compelling to follow this new addition at the grande dame of all hotels. I'm both a little surprised and shocked, considering the historical significance of the property combined with a casino. It seems a bit odd to me, but I guess anything goes in a recession. I can't wait to see the feedback from guests, travel agents and meeting planners.
It will definitely be compelling to follow this new addition at the grande dame of all hotels. I'm both a little surprised and shocked, considering the historical significance of the property combined with a casino. It seems a bit odd to me, but I guess anything goes in a recession. I can't wait to see the feedback from guests, travel agents and meeting planners.
Fountainbleu Las Vegas Cancels Meetings
The famed Foutainbleu chain seems to be suffering a bit in Las Vegas. They have been in bankruptcy even before opening but professed to many meeting planners during the Incentive Travel Exchange that things would be normal soon. Apparently, not so much. Just yesterday, Travel Weekly posted an article stating that Foutainbleu has ceased construction activities and requested to cancel conventions and meetings that were booked through June 2010. In addition, current employment contracts were also requested to be cancelled. Spokesperson for the property said it fully plans to be opening by 2010 just the timing will depend on renewal of financing options.
It is a beautiful property and a great addition to the resorts along the strip. Hopefully things will work for them as it did for MGM's City Center.
It is a beautiful property and a great addition to the resorts along the strip. Hopefully things will work for them as it did for MGM's City Center.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Have you tripped lately?
The title is a bit misleading, but if you haven't taken a trip - you should. I know the recession is affecting everyone but the deals are pretty amazing. A trip for 2 with airfare and lodging for 3 nights to Las Vegas can be found for as little as $620 total. If you need a little pick me up for a little less cash it can certainly be found!
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