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10 March 2011 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas Subscriber,
Welcome to the March edition of Atlas.
As we all start to see the night's drawing in and realise that winter is not too far away, now is the time to plan that summer holiday getaway. We have some fabulous all inclusive Club Med deals for the whole family in this edition.
Our British Airways sale continues across all cabins to a number of destinations, but hurry as our TTA sale ends 31 March 2011.
I hope you find the content of this newsletter useful, and your feedback is as always very much appreciated.
Best regards,
Sarah Bush
Director |
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QANTAS NEXT GENERATION CHECK IN NOW AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT
Next Generation Check-in, including the ground-breaking Q Bag Tag, has commenced in Melbourne. Next Generation Check-in will dramatically reduce domestic check-in times allowing you to move through the check-in area with speed and ease.
With one touch of your Qantas card on the Q Card Readers, you will be checked in within seconds. The Q Bag Tag means your bags can be dropped at the auto Bag Drop with another touch of the Qantas card.
QANTAS WIN BIG AT THE 2010 CELLAR IN THE SKY AWARDS
Qantas has taken out Best First Class Cellar and Best Business Class Cellar at the 2010 Cellars in the Sky Awards in London.
Qantas also won awards for Consistency of Wines across Business and First Class, Best First Class White (the Wigan Eden Valley Riesling 2004), First Class Red (Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2006) and First Class Sparkling (Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1999), collecting a total of six out of the 15 awards.
Qantas goes to exceptional lengths to ensure its customers are provided with detailed information about what they are drinking by producing the Qantas Inflight Guide to Wine and educating cabin crew via the Qantas Sommeliers in the Sky program. |
... DID YOU KNOW 
Boeing has unveiled its newest plane - the 747-8. This plane will seat 467 passengers - 51 more than the current 747 model. It will burn less fuel and also offer passengers more comfort. Each plane comes with a price tag of AU$316.8million. |
MALAYSIAN AIRLINES INTRODUCE CHEF-ON-CALL
Malaysian Airlines have introduced a new service to their First Class Passengers. This service is called Chef-on-Call First and is available on B747-700 flights originating from Kuala Lumpur, London, Sydney and Amsterdam.
With Chef-on-Call First you are able to preorder your preferred main course from a wider menu selection, menu choices are to be made 24 hours prior to departure time. |
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GHA DISCOVERY CLUB
Join GHA Discovery and instantly receive Gold status to begin your journey. After your first eligible stay at a GHA hotel (including hotel brands such as Pan Pacific and Park Royal), you will earn your first amazing Gold level Local Experience, which can be redeemed on a future stay.
Personalise each stay by completing your membership preference profile. And of course, receive complimentary internet access, bottled water and your choice of newspaper, all to make your stay more enjoyable.
For more information about GHA please contact your Travel Authority consultant today. |
JETSTAR BOOKING AND SERVICE FEE INCREASE
Jetstar have implemented an increase to their booking and service fees for debit and credit card purchases effective now.
The changes will effect all Jetstar group carriers with flights departing from Australia or New Zealand. The Booking and Service Fee is charged per passenger, per journey. It is applicable to new bookings only. Subsequent changes to an existing booking will not attract the Booking and Service Fee, regardless of original payment method.
Fees are as follows:
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Domestic Flights
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Currency |
Fees | |
AUD |
7 | |
NZD |
4 |
Inclusive of 10% GST (AU)
- 15% GST (NZ)
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Short Haul International (A320/A321)
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Currency |
Fees | |
AUD |
7 | |
NZD |
7 |
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Long Haul International (A330)
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Currency |
Fees | |
AUD |
10 | |
NZD |
7 |
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For more information regarding these changes contact us |
VIRGIN BLUE'S NEW BUSINESS CLASS
Passengers travelling Business Class on Virgin Blue domestic flights are set to see a change to the level of service as of April.
The new Business Class will see passengers offered a curbside valet service. Passengers will be ushered directly into an exclusive check-in queue prior to entering Virgin Blue's Lounge. This service will be launched at Sydney Airport.
NAME CHANGE ON THE CARDS FOR VIRGIN
Not only have Virgin Blue introduced changes to their service offering and their uniform, in the next couple of months they will also be dropping the "Blue" from their name.
The airline's chief executive John Borghetti said the airline's research found that Virgin Blue's name was too fragmented and so the carrier has chosen to drop the Blue so "that we don't confuse the market".
VIRGIN BLUE INCREASE BAGGAGE CHARGES
In response to high fuel prices, Virgin Blue have increased their baggage fees which are already in effect.
The new prices are as follows:
Baggage prepaid online
Increase from $10 to $12 for all domestic routes
Baggage fees paid at airport
Increase from $20 to $40 for all domestic routes (Virgin Blue)
Increase from $40 to $60 for all international routes (Pacific Blue)
Excess Baggage fees paid at airport
Increase from $10 per kg to $15 per kg for all Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue routes
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COMPANIES LOOK TO TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES FOR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
 With the steady return of global business travel, corporate organisations are increasingly looking to travel management companies (TMC's) for advice on travel policy.
Companies along with their TMC's, have been focusing on consolidation as well as streamlining their accommodation programmes.
The Travel Authority Group has been helping companies with contracted hotel rates analyse their hotel expenditure and traveller buying behaviour to prevent out of policy bookings and leakage of room nights to properties that may not be preferred.
Companies also have been working closely with their Account Manager to analyse travel spend data as a way of identifying where additional savings or cost reductions could be made.
The enforcement of tighter travel policies by companies will be used to reinforce traveller safety and security, as well as to contain expenditure and non-compliant traveller behaviour.
To find out how The Travel Authority can assist with your business travel, please contact us by clicking here. |
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP FOR HILTON MELBOURNE AIRPORT
The Hilton Melbourne Airport will be changed to Park Royal Melbourne Airport - managed by Pan Pacific Hotels as of 31 March 2011.
Pan Pacific is highly committed to maintaining excellent service quality and standards, and will ensure a smooth transition of management. |
SYDNEY HOTELS UPDATE
Shangri La Sydney
This hotel will be undertaking a soft refurbishment from April to September. By refurbishing floor by floor starting at the top of the property there is not expected to be any impact on guests from noise. Park Hyatt Sydney Park Hyatt Sydney is set to undertake its largest renovation in the hotel's 20-year history. The extensive transformation is set to commence in April 2011 with the hotel closing its doors for seven months. The multi-million dollar project involving the addition of three luxury rooftop suites as well as a complete redesign of the hotel's guest rooms. In addition, the hotel's restaurants, bars, private dining rooms, day spa, and recreational facilities will be improved to both reflect and reinforce the hotel's premier position. The renewed Park Hyatt is expected to reopen in October 2011 |
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BRITISH AIRWAYS SALE LAST CHANCE TO SECURE YOUR SEATS!
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
Do not delay, this sale will not continue beyond 31 March 2011
"BUSINESS CLASS" PROMOTIONAL FARE
UK / EUROPE FROM:
$7,854.00* per person
(Or 785,400 Amex Points)
Date changes allowed free of charge (subject to availability)
Economy/World Traveller Plus and First Class exclusive fares are available on demand to Asia/UK and beyond click here NOW for a quote!
*Conditions apply. Departures to 30 November 2011. Tickets must be issued by 31 March 2011. Fares advertised on a return basis ex Sydney and include fees and taxes. Advertised fare to Barcelona, other ports available. No minimum stay. Maximum stay 12 months. Fares subject to change without notification. Fares subject to availability at the time of booking. |
CRUISE AUSTRALIA IN STYLE ON THE QUEEN MARY 2
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 Join the 22 night 'Royal Circumnavigation of Australia' aboard the Queen Mary 2 from Sydney, Australia. Package includes all meals and entertainment.
Departure Date: 14 February 2012 22 nights from $8789.00* per person (or 878,900 Amex points)
* Conditions apply: prices are in AUD pp,twin share,subject to change & availability at the time of booking. Offer is capacity controlled & can be withdrawn without notice from the cruise line. Deposit & cancellation fees apply.
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CLUB MED ASIA FAMILY SPECIAL
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
Travel with Kidz is offering great ALL INCLUSIVE packages to a number of Club Med Resorts in Asia.
Book now to receive 3 nights FREE (also available during school holidays!)
All inclusive family package for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years):
Club Med, Nusa Dua Bali 
from $7,138.00*
Club Med, Cherating Beach, Malaysia
from $7,566.00*
Club Med, Phuket, Thailand
from $7,752.00*
Club Med, Bintan Island, off Singapore's Coast
from $7,830.00*
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions Apply: Offer valid for Australian residents. Offer valid for all ages. Min 7 nights consecutive stay at Club Med is required. For sale from 30Jan 11 - 02 Apr 11. Travel dates: 30 Jan 11 to 21 Jan 12. Black Out Dates: Bali and Phuket: 29 Dec 11 -01 Jan 12. Bintan and Cherating: 02 Feb 11 - 09 Feb 11. Further black out dates may apply. Prices based on Superior Twin Share.
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WOLGAN WEDDINGS
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa near the Blue Mountains in NSW has introduced 'Just the Two of Us' wedding package.
Packages include:
- The services of a wedding coordinator & celebrant
- Marriage licence and certificate
- Wedding cake
- Bridal bouquet
- Overnight accommodation in a Heritage Suite
Priced at $2,965.00*
Phone 02 9290 9733 or
* Conditions apply
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STAY 3 PAY 2
AT THE BEAUTIFUL SHERATON MIRAGE PORT DOUGLAS
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
 Sparkling blue lagoons with pure white sandy shores will greet you at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort.
A haven of 5 star luxury, the resort is uniquely nestled between two UNESCO World Heritage sites-the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Rates from $164.50* per person per night
PLUS:
- Purchase one full priced buffet breakfast and receive one free
- 15% off food and beverage in the Resorts Restaurant for lunch and dinner
- Kids eat free in resort restauarant.
*Conditions apply: Valid for sale and travel until 30 June 2011. Rates based on double/twin occupancy in a Deluxe Garden View Room. Minimum 3 night stay.
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CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669) |
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