DCAir_header
 June 2010
It's all about the journey.
In This Issue
Still time to name the badger
Know your rights: New air traveler protections
Are you satisfied? A new survey shows customer satisfaction with airlines improving
Celebrating cheese and chocolate
Food for thought: Should peanuts be banned on flights?
Baby on board: conveniences for families on the go
Travel deals
Frontier's New Badger TailStill time to "name the badger" and win $1000 in Frontier Flybucks
 
He has been known to strike fear in the hearts of his colleague, Jack the rabbit, who has proclaimed himself "Purina Badger Chow",  and he is a proud reminder of Frontier Airlines' new non-stop service from the Dane County Regional Airport to Denver, but Frontier's new spokesanimal still needs a name. Frontier is taking entries in its name the badger contest until July 4, and will pick the top three suggestions on July 5. The winner will receive $1000 in Frontier Flybucks  to be used to purchase travel on the airline. Given Frontier's already low fares, that's a lot of travel.  Just follow this link for official rules and to enter your idea.
 
Frontier Airlines began its daily, non-stop service to Denver from Madison on May 3.  The flight departs Madison at 6:55 p.m., and arrives in Denver at 8:30 p.m., with connections to points further west. The return flight departs Denver at 3:10 p.m. and arrives in Madison at 6:20 p.m.
Know your rights! New air traveler protections are on the books
 
Just in time for the busy summer travel season, new rules to protect consumers in the event of extremely long tarmac delays are now in place.  The rules by the federal Department of Transportation put a three-hour limit on airline tarmac delays for domestic flights, and also require U.S. carriers to adopt contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays at large-hub and medium-hub airports, and to publish those plans on their web sites.  The rule is expected to eventually include small and non-hub airports, and foreign airlines that operate at U.S. airports. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood praised the new guidelines and said, "These rules strengthen consumer protections and raise the bar for airlines when it comes to treating passengers fairly."
Are you satisfied?  A new survey finds customer satisfaction with airlines is improving
 
Despite add-on fees that nearly all airlines have imposed, J.D. Powers and Associates has found that customer satisfaction with the airlines serving North America is growing.  A spokesman for the marketing and consulting company believes customers are more or less becoming resigned to the reality of the extra charges.  The agency also attributes the rise in satisfaction to low fares, improved in-flight services, fewer fliers, and fewer mishandled bags.  J.D. Powers surveyed more than 12,300 travelers who flew on North American airlines between April 2009 and April 2010.  Satisfaction was based on fare and fees, flight crew, in-flight services, aircraft, boarding/de-planing, baggage, check-in and reservations.  Overall, the airlines scored 673 out of a possible score of 1000.  That's 15 points higher than last year, and the best score since 2007.
chocolate
Celebrating cheese and chocolate
 
June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin, but did you  know that it's also "National Sweet Tooth Month"? That makes this month a great time to indulge in some of the new treats available  at the Wisconsin Marketplace! Just arrived are bagged Ghiardelli and Lindt chocolates, which we are told make a great gift--if they make it that far.

On the dairy side of the equation, the marketplace's cheese cheese maybecooler now carries beef stick and cheese snack packs from Country Meats,  produced right here in Wisconsin.  Or, if your tastes run to the organic, the Wisconsin Marketplace has also just added new lines of organic chips, candy, and snacks, including Terra Chips and Dagoba chocolate.

So, celebrate June Dairy Month in Wisconsin, and National Sweet Tooth Month, with treats from the Wisconsin Marketplace--a delicious way to celebrate.
Food for thoughtpeanuts
Nearly two million Americans are allergic to peanuts, and now federal regulators are considering restrictions--if not an all out ban--on serving peanuts on commercial airline flights. The U.S. Transportation Department is currently seeking information from medical experts, the food industry and the public on whether or not to forbid or restrict in-flight peanuts.
babyonboardTraveling with small children can be fun and sometimes challenging, but the Dane County Regional Airport prides itself on doing all it can to make it easy and convenient for families on the go.  All airport restrooms (both men's and women's) have baby changing tables.  Plus, there are three Mother's Lounges available for breastfeeding.  These lounges are equipped with a soft leather chair, side table, sink, baby changing station, and electrical outlets. You will find them located in the Family Lounge area on the first floor of the terminal, and past the security checkpoints between gates 5 and 6, and across from gate 8.  But what about where you're headed?  To find out what accommodations are available at your destination, visit byebyewithbaby.com 
Non-stop to 12 cities - Connections to the world

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HELPFUL LINKS

TRAVEL DEALS


Need a summer getaway?  Check these current travel deals from Madison as seen on airfarewatchdog.com 
 
 
Louisville, $158 RT

Tampa, $168 RT

Branson, $178 RT

Ft. Lauderdale, $218 RT

Denver, $224 RT 
 
and more...

If your travel dates are flexible, you'll have an easier time finding seats at these fares. Inquire soon, as fares may change. The fares are on various airlines.
 
Check each airline's 
website regularly for special offers.


 

 


 
Stress free summer travel 
 
Whatever your summer vacation plans include, we know waiting in a long line at a security checkpoint doesn't top the itinerary.  But, with a little advice from the Transportation Security Administration, getting through the line and on your way should be a breeze.
 
 1.  Get to the airport early to allow extra time for parking, check-in, and going through security.
 
 2.  Remember the 3-1-1 rule for carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols through the security checkpoint.
(3 oz. or smaller containers of liquid, gels, and aerosols placed in a 1-quart clear, plastic zip-top bag, and 1 bag per passenger placed in a plastic bin for screening.)
 
 3.  Before leaving for the airport, take the time to go through your carry-on bags to make sure you don't have liquids, gels or other prohibited items.
 
 4.  Don't overstuff your carry-on or checked baggage.  It may be too difficult to repack if it's opened for inspection.
 
 5. Firearms, ammunition, and knives are prohibited at the passenger checkpoints, as are pocket knives, self-defense sprays and other potential weapons.  For a complete list of prohibited items, go to the TSA web site at www.tsa.gov .
 
  • Get to the airport early to allow extra time for parking, check
But what about the dog?
Doggie Relief Area
 
Traveling with a pet can present as many challenges as travelling with a small child. Perhaps more! The service dog relief area located just outside door 7 near the taxi stand is a discrete place for your furry companion to do its duty and get a little exercise in the bargain.
 
By the way, did you know Frontier Airlines allows certain pets to fly in the cabins of their aircraft for a nominal fee.  Check out the details at

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