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09 September 2013
IN THIS ISSUE
TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES
NEWS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY
SPECIALS
QUICK LINKS
SPECIAL OFFERS

 
 

ATLAS NEWSLETTER          
 

Dear Atlas Subscriber,

  

Welcome to the September edition of Atlas.

 

I'm delighted to bring to you some amazing airfare savings this month starting with a special "points and pay" offer from Qantas to Asia as well as an amazing United Airlines fare to Los Angeles and New York in BusinessFirst featuring a fully flat bed across the Pacific.

 

Hot off the press is the news that our very own Uschi Howard (General Manager, Northern Beaches) has been awarded Travel With Kidz Consultant of the year 2013 along with being a finalist for office of the year. Congratulations Uschi and the Northern Beaches team!

 

Our Manager, Claire Winnel located at our Central Coast office has this month provided her "3 of the best" after just returning from New York, it certainly sounds like she made the most of the Big Apple.

 

Lastly, there is some important information regarding Singapore Airlines in this edition, so please read on and enjoy our news and specials. 

  

As always I appreciate any feedback you may have. 

  

Sincerely,

 

Sarah Bush 

Director

 TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES

QANTAS AND EMIRATES OPEN JOINT NEW ZEALAND NETWORK
   
Qantas and Emirates enhanced their joint network as bookings opened for the new schedule between Australia and New Zealand.

Emirates will continue to operate 28 flights a week to New Zealand, with daily flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and daily flights between Sydney and Christchurch. From 2 October 2013, all Emirates flights to Auckland from Australia will be operated by an Airbus A380.

Through the partnership, the Emirates network has now been opened up to include Queenstown and Wellington in New Zealand.

The new Emirates and Qantas schedule offers around 130 services per week from Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown across the Tasman.


QANTAS DOMESTIC RED-E-DEAL CHANGE FEE

Qantas have advised of an increase to the change fee applicable to Red-e-Deal fares.    

The new change fee level applies to changes on all Red e-Deal fares where the ticket is reissued on/after 18 September 2013. 

                                    

All Flexi Saver and Fully Flexible fares retain the ability to change right up until day of departure with nil change fee applicable.

  MALAYSIA AIRLINES FREE 'PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE' OFFER FOR ECONOMY CLASS PASSENGERS  
  
The 'Plaza Premium Lounge' located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a private lounge designed for economy class passengers wishing to stay somewhere during transit time and don't mind paying for the privilege.

However, complimentary 'Plaza Premium Lounge' is provided on a through fare for Malaysia Airlines passengers originating from Australia if there is no scheduled connection.

The lounge includes:   
  • Freshly prepared hot food
  • Coffee, tea and juices
  • Shower with amenities
  • Internet access & WiFi
  • Computers and work stations
  • Movies/TV 
THREE OF THE BEST

Claire Winnel, Manager at our Terrigal office, presents her three of the best.  
 

Airline Product: BRITISH AIRWAYS    

I was very fortunate to fly Business Class with British Airways all the way though to London a couple of years ago whilst visiting my family at Christmas time. The service was wonderful with very spacious seats, which turned into flat comfortable beds, a beautiful selection of meals and drinks and a great variety of movies on the inflight entertainment screen. British Airways have since upgraded their Sydney to London route to a brand new 777 aircraft which is not only more fuel efficient it also emits 23% less CO2 emissions per seat than the older 747-400 aircraft.

 

Destination: NEW YORK  
I have just returned from New York and wow what a city it is, it really never sleeps. We climbed the Empire State Building at midnight and then walked around the city feeling very safe until the early hours. Traffic is chaotic but the subway system is fast and efficient. We bought tickets to see the Yankees and took the subway to the Bronx with all of the other supporters. The Americans really know how to put on a show and had us entertained all night. We visited all of the sights, Central park, Times Square, The World Trade Centre and took the ferry over to Staten Island passing the Statue of Liberty along the way. We only had 4 days in the city and it definitely wasn't long enough and I would love to go back in the future.

 

Hotel/ Resort: JEAN MICHEL COUSTEAU RESORT 

A couple of years ago I visited the Northern Island of Fiji, which is a short 40 minute flight from Nadi airport in a 12 seater plane. We stayed at the award winning Jean Michel Cousteau Resort and it is a truly magical place. All of the delicious meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the room rate and each child visiting receives their own nanny to look after them during their stay. The Bures are gorgeous and very private. I was very lucky to be able to stay in the Villa which had its own pool and spa. The resort grows a lot of its own food by traditional Fijian agricultural methods. The spa overlooks the beach and ocean as does the restaurant and bar. For a special occasion you can dine on the jetty in candle light.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA WIRELESS IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT  
 
Virgin Australia have commenced the roll out of their new wireless in-flight entertainment system across their domestic and international short-haul fleet. This state-of-the-art technology provides guests with complimentary access to hundreds of hours of movies, TV shows and music, all available on the passengers own phone, tablet or laptop.

Following  a successful trial, the system will now be progressively installed on Virgin Australia's Boeing 737-800 and Embraer 190 aircraft over the coming months.  

Passengers using an iPad, iPhone touch or Android phone or tablet can download Virgin Australia's free in-flight entertainment App from the App Store or Google Play Store prior to travel.

Guests using a Windows laptop simply need to have the correct version of Microsoft Silverlight software loaded on their laptop.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES INTRODUCES NEW KRISFLYER MILES PAYMENT OPTIONS  

      

 

Singapore Airlines is introducing a new payment option for airfares booked through singaporeair.com as part of a significant enhancement to the KrisFlyer frequent flyer programme.  

 

Members will be able to use their KrisFlyer miles to pay for Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights booked through the Singapore Airlines website.   

 

Passengers can choose to mix miles and cash to pay for their next airfare, including payments for fuel surcharges and taxes.   

 

Together with existing award redemptions, KrisFlyer members will now have more choice in using their miles on any available seat and flight on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir. KrisFlyer members can also use their miles to pay for air tickets for any of their five redemption nominees.   

 

 

  TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SILVERKRIS LOUNGE AT SYDNEY AIRPORT

   

 

Singapore Airlines will redesign all of its airport lounges worldwide investing more than $20 million in the redesign of the new SilverKris Lounges for the next five years to enhance the travel experience of their passengers.  

    

The new design concept will be rolled out progressively and the SilverKris Lounge at Sydney Airport will be the first to be fitted out with the new design concept.  

 

As a result Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounge at Sydney Airport will be temporarily closed for renovation until mid November 2013. 

 

In order to minimize inconvenience to customers during the renovation period, arrangements have been made for Suites, First Class and Business Class customers, as well as PPS Club, KrisFlyer Elite Gold and eligible Star Alliance Gold to use the Air New Zealand Lounge, located in Terminal 1 International Terminal.

 

ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORISATION

International travellers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now subject to enhanced security requirements and are required to pay an administrative fee. All eligible travellers who wish to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorisation and then pay the fee using the following process:



Please be aware there are some websites that are not the "official" ESTA approval site and charge more than the associated fee US$14 as well as possibly not processing your visa at all! The official website is www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. If you have any queries, please speak to one of our expert travel consultants.

 NEWS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY

  FANTASTIC OFFER FOR MEETINGS & EVENTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PRAGUE  

  

The cooler months of autumn and winter are the most wonderful time of the year to visit Prague - indeed, this is when the "City of a Hundred Spires" really comes to life. Mandarin Oriental, Prague invites you to plan your next event in the fairy-tale city in the heart of Europe.

 

Special Autumn and Winter rates range  

From EUR149.00 per room per night from October 2013 to March 2014. 

 

This offer includes:  

  • One guaranteed room upgrade per 10 paid rooms
  • Complimentary in-room internet access

 

Please contact us for further information.

 

 

 

*Conditions apply: Terms and Conditions apply. 

SPECIALS
QANTAS ECONOMY CLASS ASIA SALE ON NOW
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES


POINTS PLUS PAY
        
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE
From $643.56 per person + 25,000 Qantas points

SYDNEY - HONG KONG
From $662.26 per person + 25,000 Qantas points

SYDNEY - SHANGHAI
From $712.56 per person + 25,000 Qantas points


PAY IN FULL PRICES
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE
From $819.00 per person + 15,632 Qantas Points earned

SYDNEY - HONG KONG
From $838.00 per person + 18,324 Qantas Points earned

SYDNEY - SHANGHAI
From $888.00 per person + 19,564 Qantas Points earned


*Conditions apply: Sales ends 10 September 2013. Singapore travel dates: 30 September 2013 till 20 November 2013 and 02 February 2014 till 03 April 2014 and 25 April 2014 till 26 June 2014. Hong Kong travel dates: 08 October 2013 till 28 November 2013 and 06 January 2014 till 31 January 2014 and 10 February 2014 till 31 July 2014.Shanghai travel dates: 14 October 2013 till 20 November 2013 and 06 January 2014 till 01 February 2014 and 12 February 2014 till 31 July 2014.  
** Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. 
 UNITED AIRLINES BUSINESSFIRST SEAT LIMITED DURATION SALE
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES

  

  

SYDNEY - LOS ANGELES     

From $5580.00* per person   
(Amex Points 558,000** per person) 


SYDNEY - NEW YORK

From $6080.00* per person
(Amex Points 608,000** per person)


 

Please contact us for more information.

 

 

*Conditions apply: Book by 12 September 2013. For travel between 02 September 2013 and 30 April 2014 ( Monday - Thursday only) 

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.

TRAVEL WITH KIDS - HOT FAMILY SPECIALS

 

MELIA BALI

From $2,299.00* per family/ land only  

(Amex Points 229,900** per family)   

 

This 7 Night package includes:

  • Return airport transfers
  • 7 Nights in a 2 story family room
  • Daily breakfast
  • 1 ice cream per child per stay
  • 1x 45 minute Balinese massage for 2 adults

 

Please contact us for further information.

 

 AND THE WINNER IS.....  

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Uschi Howard, General Manager Northern Beaches for winning Travel with Kidz Consultant of the year 2013.

 

For expert travel advice and knowledge for the whole family, contact us or call 02 9999 5533. 

   

 

 

 

 

*Conditions apply: Valid for travel 1 October 2013 till 23 December 2013 based on 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 12 years. Price is land only.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
MONDRIAN LOS ANGELES UNVEILS SLEEK NEW LOOK AND PUBLIC SPACES

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR AUSTRALIAN GUESTS
STAY AT THE MONDRIAN LOS ANGELES 
From USD275.00 plus local taxes 
 
This special includes:
  • American Breakfast for two daily
  • Two drink vouchers per stay
  • Wireless high-speed internet access
  • 2pm late check out
  • One Hollywood Movie
  • Daily Newspaper 
   
Please contact us for further information.

 

 

*Conditions apply: Terms and Conditions apply.
**Amex Membership Reward points redemption available upon request.
AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES - FREE FLIGHTS ON SELECTED ASIA VOYAGES
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
 

VIETNAM & THAILAND VOYAGE 

From 21 January 2014 - 03 February 2014 

From $3,699.00* per person  

(Amex Points 369,900** per person) 

 

This 5 STAR boutique cruise includes:   

  • 13 Nights on board the Azamara Journey in a Oceanview or Verandah stateroom 
  • Standard spirits, international  beers and wines
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, coffees and teas
  • Shuttle to and from the airport
  • Complimentary self-service laundry  

 

 

Please click here for more Cruises.

 

 

*Conditions apply: Prices are per person in Australian Dollars, based on double occupancy and inclusive of all taxes, fees and onboard gratuities. Prices and exact cruise itineraries are subject to change without notice. Free Flights offer is valid for new individual bookings made between 1 June 2013 - 14 September 2013 on select Azamara Journey departures; 25 November 2013, 9 & 23 December 2013, 6 & 21 January 2014, 3 & 17 February 2014, 3 & 17 March 2014. Offer is per person, based on the first two passengers in a stateroom, including booking fees and all taxes (which are subject to change) on airline, dates and times determined by Azamara Club Cruises - supplements may apply for any deviations. Flights are return economy class from Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth to Asia. Free Flights offer does not apply to 3rd/4th passenger in a stateroom. Pre/post-cruise hotels are not included. Transfers are included if flight arrival/departure is on day of embark/debark.

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.  

DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL HUA HIN WITH ASIA ESCAPE HOLIDAYS

HYATT REGENCY HUA HIN  

From $1358.00* per person 

(Amex Points 135,800** per person) 

 

 

This package includes:    

  • Return airfares from Sydney to Bangkok
  • 7 Nights at the Hyatt Regency 
  • Daily breakfast  

 

 

 Please contact us for more destinations. 

 

 

*Conditions apply: Prices are per person based on twinshare accommodation, return airfares ex Sydney to Bangkok with Thai Airways and on sale until 31 October 2013. Valid for travel 14 September 2013 - 15 December 2013. High season airfare surcharge will apply for travel 20 September 2013  - 06 October 2013 and 06 December - 15 December 2013. Accommodation surcharges will apply for travel 01 November - 15 December 2013 at all hotels. 2 persons must travel together on all flights.

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.

 

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