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12 June 2014 |
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Dear Atlas Subscriber,
Welcome to the June edition of Atlas.
Firstly, may I thank everyone for your good wishes and congratulations on our 10 year anniversary, we were very excited to celebrate this special occasion and are looking forward to another 10 years and beyond!
In this edition of Atlas we have some excellent fares on British Airways on offer across all cabins as well as some great domestic airfares on Qantas. Whether it's a relaxing cruise, time away with the family at an all inclusive resort or an adventure on the slopes, there are some great packages to suit all tastes.
Please read about some exciting news on Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways new aircraft fit outs as well as a guide to upgrades using your Qantas and Virgin frequent flyer accounts.
Lastly, please take a moment to look at our latest corporate video below and see why more and more customers are turning to The Travel Authority as their one stop shop for all their corporate, leisure and events business.
I do hope you find our newsletter informative and interesting and as always, I appreciate any feedback you may have.
Sincerely,
Sarah Bush
Director
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NEW SYDNEY - DALLAS/FORT WORTH A380 SERVICES ON SALE
 Qantas passengers travelling from Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth will soon be able to enjoy the luxury of the Qantas A380 aircraft on the world's longest route.
From 29 September 2014, Qantas will operate six A380 services per week on the Dallas route, with the return services to operate direct to Sydney rather than via Brisbane.
The change to the A380 from a B747 will allow Qantas to increase capacity on this popular route as well as providing a truly premium inflight experience including Qantas First Class suites. Tickets for the new A380 services are now available for sale.
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QANTAS MELBOURNE - LONDON SCHEDULE CHANGES
Qantas will re-time its A380 services between Melbourne and London Heathrow as part of broader network plans to unlock more flying time which enables the A380 aircraft to be used on the popular Sydney - Dallas/Fort Worth route.
The re-timed schedule is effective for all Qantas flights departing Melbourne on/after 20 July 2014 and London Heathrow on/after 21 July 2014.
The new arrival time in Dubai will offer improved connections for customers travelling from Melbourne to destinations across Europe, with access to 17 round-trip connections within four hours of landing, compared with 4 under the current timings. Round-trip connections for Melbourne customers are:
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ETIHAD REDEFINES LUXURY IN THE SKY
 Abu Dhabi based carrier Etihad Airways has pushed luxury to a new level with the unveiling of its residence class on board its Airbus A380 superjumbos.
The three-section private cabin features a lounge area, a bedroom and a bathroom with shower. There is also an onboard butler to service passengers in the "residence" trained by the Savoy Butler Academy in London. Each of Etihad's A380s will feature one residence, which can be occupied by two passengers. It will be located at the front of the upper deck onboard the airlines double-decker superjumbo. The residence bedroom features a double bed, joined to the living room by a short corridor. The living room features a two-seat leather couch, a dining table and private minibar. Both the living room and bedroom feature LCD television screens for inflight entertainment. The residence covers almost 12 square metres on the aircraft and is unprecedented in commercial airline travel. The design of the residence is to provide an experience more like flying a private jet than flying in first class. |
EMIRATES FREE DUBAI 2014 SUMMER STOPOVER
 Emirates has announced an incredible summer stopover offer, providing passengers with a free 24 hour Dubai stopover package to explore the vibrant city. To take up the special offer, passengers simply need to book an eligible Emirates-coded itinerary from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth to any point on the network beyond Dubai. The package includes transfers, a 36 hour United Arab Emirates entry visa, and a 24 hour hotel stay including breakfast. Emirates' Economy Class passengers will receive coach transfers and complimentary accommodation in a Standard Room at the Howard Johnson Bur Dubai, including bed and breakfast for two. Business and First Class passengers will receive a complimentary night in a Deluxe Room at the JW Marriott Marquis, including bed and breakfast for two, and Emirates' complimentary chauffeur transfer between hotel and airport. The 24 hour summer stopover package is available with new bookings only and offered on the outbound sector of eligible flights.
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SINGAPORE AIRLINES REVEALS PREMIUM ECONOMY FOR AIRBUS
Singapore Airlines will launch premium economy on its Boeing  777-300ER and Airbus A380 superjumbo fleet, as well as forthcoming Airbus A350 jets.
The new premium economy seats and cabin will be launched in the second half of 2015.
The product which is positioned between economy and business, has proven popular with higher-end leisure travellers and small and medium enterprises.
Singapore Airlines premium economy class would be a competitive offering with more space, amenities and convenience.
The focus will be on adding it to long-haul routes, although it will also be offered on prime medium-haul routes.
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PLAZA PREMIUM TO OPEN PAID ACCESS LOUNGES AT SYDNEY AIRPORT
 Sydney Airport will get its first 'pay-in' lounges this year with Plaza Premium opening two lounges in Sydney's Terminal 1 International Terminal.
The lounges will be aimed at passengers on airlines which have no lounges or lounge-sharing agreement at Sydney Airport, as well as travellers in premium economy or economy class who lack sufficient frequent flyer status to gain entry to an airline's own lounge.
Plaza Premium operates lounges at 26 airports around the world, mostly Asia. Guests typically pay a one-off entry fee for up to a two-hour stay which includes free wi-fi, food and drinks, usually with an additional fee for use of the showers.
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QANTAS BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE GUIDE
There are plenty of myths and misinformation on how to get a free upgrade. The most reliable way to get an upgrade from economy class to business class is to use your Qantas Frequent Flyer points. The number of points you'll need depends on the fare you've purchased and the distance you are travelling. Premium economy tickets and flexible fares in economy class require fewer points, while the cheaper tickets require more. Upgrade requests can be made through the Qantas website, over the phone and even at the airport lounge.
Qantas domestic business class
Even the cheapest Qantas economy class ticket can be upgraded to business class on flights within Australia. Qantas limits the numbers of upgrades that are available to ensure a maximum number of business class seats remain available to fare-paying passengers. The upgrade works on a first-come, first-served basis.
As soon as you have purchased your Qantas economy ticket, visit the 'Manage my booking' section of the Qantas website to lodge your request. This can be done online up to 24 hours before departure. If there is an upgrade available you'll usually have it confirmed straight away, otherwise you will be given the option to register your interest and will automatically get an upgrade if more seats are made available.
If you hold an economy class ticket and have access to a Qantas lounge on the day you fly out, you can approach the staff at the service desk for an 'on departure upgrade'. These upgrades are available between three hours and 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If there is an upgrade available you will usually have it confirmed right away and the necessary points immediately deducted from your account.
Qantas international business class
A business class upgrade on an international Qantas flight is very different to how it works on the domestic front.
To be able to get an upgrade passengers will need to have bought one of the more expensive standard or flexible economy fares.
Economy to business class upgrades are limited to flights operated by Qantas only and are a request only. The upgrade is not locked in until closer to the flight, when Qantas begins to process all upgrades requests against the number of business class seats available on that flight.
Those upgrades are then allocated based on your Qantas Frequent Flyer status.
Platinum One flyers are at the top of the list, followed by Platinum One elites for family members on separate tickets.
Qantas Platinum members upgrade request will be processed up to 48 hours prior to departure, whereas Gold, Silver and Bronze frequent flyers upgrade requests will be processed within 24 hours.
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VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE GUIDE
If you normally travel on Virgin Australia's economy flexi fares, business class upgrades are one of the best ways to use your Velocity Frequent Flyer points.
Upgrades are available on all Virgin Australia domestic and international flights. Cheaper economy saver tickets need the most points to upgrade, while Flexi fares and premium economy bookings can be upgraded for less.
Upgrades aren't available when travelling on Virgin Australia's partner airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand, even if you're booked on a codeshare service with a VA flight number.
Domestic business class upgrades
If you are travelling on a Saver fare, upgrades with Velocity points can be requested from the time of booking up until three hours before departure.
Virgin Australia's upgrade policy is very generous and allows you to upgrade colleagues, friends and family members - whether travelling together or even if you are not travelling at all.
The number of points needed for an upgrade to business class from pricey Flexi fares is considerably less than their Saver fares counterparts.
The upgrade can be requested over the phone until three hours before departure. Otherwise, Flexi fares can also be upgraded from three hours until 40 minutes before take-off by asking the staff in Virgin Australia's lounges, or at priority check-in counters in Hobart and Darwin.
Velocity Platinum members receive four free upgrade certificates each year, and can turn a Flexi fare into a business class seat.
International business class upgrades
Passengers travelling on a Flexi fare to New Zealand, Fiji, Phuket or any of the airline's destinations closer to home can use their points to upgrade to either premium economy or business class. Saver or Saver Lite tickets are not eligible for an upgrade.
As Virgin Australia does not have its own international lounges, upgrades can only be requested over the phone until three hours prior to departure. Like domestic flights, passenger points can be used to upgrade anyone on short international flights.
Business class upgrades to Los Angeles or Abu Dhabi are reserved for the Gold and Platinum frequent flyer only. Gold and Platinum members of Velocity enjoy confirmed upgrades on all flights, including longer sectors if an upgrade seat has been made available. Passengers can also upgrade other travellers to business class on Abu Dhabi or Los Angeles flights, however Gold and Platinum member must also be travelling.
As with other international routes, upgrades can only be requested over the phone, until three hours prior to departure.
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QANTAS DOMESTIC FARES
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
From $145.00* per person (Amex Points 14,500** per person)  SYDNEY - BRISBANE From $146.00* per person (Amex points 14,600** per person) SYDNEY - CANBERRA From $149.00* per person (Amex points 14,900** per person) SYDNEY - ADELAIDE From $159.00* per person
(Amex points 15,900** per person)
SYDNEY - PERTH
From $305.00* per person
(Amex points 30,500** per person)
Please contact us today for further information. *Conditions apply: One way Economy Class fares. Fares are for departure 12 June 2014 to 29 May 2015. Subject to availability. **Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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BRITISH AIRWAYS WORLD ON SALE
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
SYDNEY - LONDON  ECONOMY CLASS From $1900.00* per person (Amex Points 190,000** per person) SYDNEY - SINGAPORE ECONOMY CLASS From $758.00* per person (Amex Points 75,800** per person) SYDNEY - LONDON  PREMIUM ECONOMY From $3551.00* per person (Amex points 355,100** per person) SYDNEY - SINGAPORE PREMIUM ECONOMY From $1254.00* per person (Amex points 125,400** per person) SYDNEY - LONDON 
BUSINESS CLASS
From $7652.00* per person
(Amex points765,200** per person)
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE
BUSINESS CLASS
From $3690.00* per person
(Amex points 369,000** per person)
SYDNEY - LONDON 
FIRST CLASS
From $10852.00* per person
(Amex points 1,085,200** per person)
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE FIRST CLASS From $4390.00* per person (Amex points 439,000** per person) Please contact us for more destinations. *Conditions apply: Sales ends 15 June 2014. Return Economy class fares are for departure 01 September 2014 - 30 November 2014 and 16 January 2015 - 24 March 2015. Blackout dates apply. Premium Economy fares are for departure 04 October 2015 - 30 November 2014 and 16 January 2015 - 24 March 2015. Blackout dates apply. Business Class fares are for departure 30 June 2014 - 24 March 2015. First class fares are for departure 05 June 2014 - 24 March 2015. **Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BURMA WITH INTREPID TRAVEL
Travel to Burma and discover a country of mythical landscapes, ancient treasures and some of the friendliest folk you'll ever meet. From golden-gilded Buddhas in Yangon and the magical temples of Bagan to the tranquility of Inle Lake, Burma will excite, impress and intrigue you.
15 DAY LAND PACKAGE LAST MINUTE SPECIAL DEAL  From $1961.00* per adult (Amex points 196,100** per adult) This package includes: - Group of maximum 16 travellers
- Start: Yangon, Burma
- Finish: Yangon, Burma
- 13 nights accommodation
- Transport
- Meals: 14 Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Explore the magnificent temples of Bagan
- Relax on a riverboat cruise to Mandalay
- Discover Burma's 'Jewel City'
- Trek through rarely-visited highlands villages
- Delve into the underground at Pindaya
- Admire Yangon's golden Shwedagon Payamy.
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: For travel 12 July 2014. Subject to availability. Booking has to be paid in full at time of confirmation.The land price includes: all accommodation, all transport, sightseeing and meals as specified on itinerary. Price does not include international or internal flights (unless specified). Airport transfers, taxes ,excess baggage charges, meals other than those specified ,Visa and passport fees, travel insurance, optional activities, gratuities and all personal expenses are all at passengers expense. .
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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FIJI ADVENTURE CRUISE
If you have never been to Fiji, you're probably picturing friendly locals and coconuts, beautiful beaches and colourful markets. But you can also look forward to freshwater rivers, soaring mountains, lush green forest, and local growers selling fruit roadside. This is the perfect adventure for well... everybody really.
CRUISE ONLY
DEPARTS 07 NOVEMBER 2014
From $1749.00* per person  (Amex points 174,900** per person)
This Cruise includes:- Cruise onboard P&O's Pacific Pearl
- Accommodation in an Inside Stateroom based on twin share
- All main meals and entertainment
- Departure Port: Sydney
- Arrival Port: Sydney
- Ports of call:
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Mystery Island, Vanuatu
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Port Denarau, Fiji
Suva, Fiji
Dravuni Island, Fiji
Noumea, New Caledonia
*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Deposit is required to secure booking. Final payment is due 75 days prior to cruise departure. Full refund for cancellation 181 days prior to departure. Once Cruise is booked, fare changes are only subject to increased taxes, fees and port expenses.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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RELAX AT CLUB MED BINTAN ISLAND
The Island of Bintan to the south of Singapore is full of history, marked by fallen empires and the spices trade. It's tranquil bays were long used by the Orang Loaut pirates as a refuge. This is where Club Med Bintan Island, a haven of tranquility and refinement combining modernity with Asia tradition, now nestles.
7 NIGHT LAND PACKAGE 
(Amex Points 141,500** per adult)
(Amex Points 54,000** per child)
This special includes:
- Everything included in one simple price
- Accommodation
- Sports activities
- 3 gourmet meals a day
- Wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails
- Gourmet meals prepared by international chefs
- Unwinding facilities for sheer relaxation
- Excellent family facilities
- Kids under 4 stay free
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: SPECIAL OFFER: Book by 18 September 2014 and save up to 30%. Subject to availability.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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SKI FALLS CREEK WITH YOUR FRIENDS
QT Falls Creek Hotel sits snugly at the base of main ski runs, uninterrupted views of which can be taken in from fresh 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartment offers.
SKI FALLS CREEK
QT Falls Creek Resort
From $1239.00* per person/ quad share (Amex Points 123,900** per person)
This package includes:- 5 nights quad share in two bedroom
apartment with Hot Tub - 5 day Falls Creek Ski Pass
*Conditions apply: Valid for travel 6 - 27 June 2014. Please enquire other travel dates. Prices subject to change and availability. Based on 5 night midweek package checking in on a Sunday. Subject to availability.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669) |
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QANTAS PLATINUM MEMBER
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