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15 September 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES
FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
SPECIALS
QUICK LINKS
 
 

ATLAS NEWSLETTER             

      

 

Dear Atlas Subscriber,     

 

 

Welcome to the September edition of Atlas.

 

The Travel Authority are extremely honoured to have been chosen as the recipient of the NSW Business Chamber Excellence in Business Award 2014 for the North East at the awards ceremony which took place on Friday, 12th September and are excited at being considered for the top State Award.

 

It's spring and earlybirds have sprung, we have some exciting fares on both Etihad and Finnair at exceptional prices on offer. Qantas are now on sale with their Autumn Moon fares, but hurry as these expire soon.

 

We also have some great bonus point news in our frequent flyer section and a reminder that The Travel Authority can join or renew your Qantas Club application at a specially reduced rate on your behalf, all part of the TTA service of course.

  

I do hope you find our newsletter informative and interesting and as always, I appreciate any feedback you may have.   

  

      

Sincerely,

 

Sarah Bush
Director 

 

 TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES

QANTAS BOOSTS SERVICES TO THE USA AND SOUTH AMERICA

From early 2015, Qantas will boost services between Melbourne and Los Angeles and between Sydney and Santiago. These changes will see an increase in the frequency of Qantas services to the USA and South America.

From 21 January 2015, Qantas will increase its Melbourne to Los Angeles services from daily to ten services per week. Sydney to Santiago services will increase from three to four services per week from 20 February 2015.

Qantas will be the only airline to offer customers the option of a morning, midday and evening departure from Australia to the USA onboard its A380 and refurbished B747 aircrafts.

Summary of schedule changes: 
  • Melbourne to Los Angeles will increase from seven to ten return services per week, including a new evening departure. 
  • Sydney to Los Angeles adjustments to offer ongoing morning and evening services.
  • A one-stop service from Brisbane to New York via Los Angeles, which will continue to provide seamless connections with Qantas early morning arrivals into Los Angeles from Sydney and Melbourne.
  • Sydney to Santiago to increase from three to four return services per week.

Please click here to see a full summary of the schedule. 

URGENT - MAJOR CHANGE TO ALL INDIAN VISAS   

The government of India is rolling out biometric data collection for Indian visas globally.

The Travel Authority will no longer be able to submit Indian visas on our customers behalf from 1 October 2014. All visa applications will require an appointment to be made online at
http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia/ together with the online application process.

From 15 October 2014, biometric data collection, including fingerprint data and facial imagery, will be a mandatory requirement for all visa applications.  Therefore all visa applicants will need to be physically present at the visa application centre, by appointment, for submission of visa application and biometric data enrolment. 
SHANGRI-LA SYDNEY: HORIZON CLUB REFURBISHMENT 

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney has announced the refurbishment of their Horizon Club Rooms and Club Lounge. The refurbishment will take place until mid November 2014.

The refurbished rooms will offer guests new enhancements and innovative features to enrich their experience at the hotel. All renovation work will take place in the lobby and on level 30-35 during normal business hours.

During this time however, the hotel will remain operational and accessible to all guests including Cafe Mix, Altitude Restaurant and Blu Bar on level 36.  

  

NEW VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ONLINE CHECK-IN 

Virgin Australia have launched a new Mobile and Web Check-in platform for their domestic network called the Online Check-in.

The new Mobile and Web Check-in platform will provide the following benefits for Virgin Australia passengers:
  • Ability to purchase additional baggage and extra legroom seating, change seats, add Velocity numbers and change contact details
  • Detailed information regarding the boarding, departure and arrival times of their flight.
  • A concierge experience including weather and articles on their destination
  • Responsive web designs that allow the same product display across mobile, tablet and desktop services.

The new online platforms also includes enhanced Group Check-in services.

 

Online Check-in is available 48 hours prior to a Virgin Australia's passenger departure time and closes 40 minutes prior to departure.  

FINNAIR REVEALS NEW CABIN DESIGN FOR AIRBUS A350

Finnair has revealed the new cabin design of its next-generation Airbus A350 XWB (extra wide body) aircraft. The new cabin design features comfortable seating arrangements with large panoramic view windows in both economy and business class. 
 
Gradual changes in the dynamic ambient LED lighting will help to create a calming and fresh atmosphere to ease passengers into a relaxing flight experience. All A350s will be equipped with Wi-Fi for greater passenger enjoyment and connectivity.

 

Finnair's A350 will have a total of 297-seats, 46 seats in business class arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration to ensure direct aisle access to all business class passengers. The new seats will convert to fully flat beds with a 16 inch touch screen inflight entertainment system with a wide selection of films, TV shows, music and other digital content.  

 

The economy class seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration with a 31-inch seat pitch. At the front of the economy class cabin are 43 Economy Comfort seats with comfier headrests, high quality headphones and four extra inches of legroom. Each economy class seat includes an 11 inch touch screen inflight entertainment system.    

 

The new A350 will start flying to Shanghai, Bangkok and Beijing in the second half of 2015 with services to Hong Kong and Singapore to follow in 2016.

Please move down further to view our special Earlybird fares on Finnair.
FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
QANTAS CLUB MEMBERSHIP PRICE INCREASE

 

Recently, Qantas increased the cost of the Qantas Club Membership scheme. Qantas Club Members have access to airport lounges, priority check-in and extra baggage allowance.

New membership rates for Qantas Club:

1 year - $510.00
2 years - $925.00
Joining fee will be $240.00.

The Travel Authority preferred corporate rates:
1 year - $420.00
2 years - $750.00
The joining fee will be $240.00.

Please click here to download The Travel Authority membership form.

40,000 BONUS POINTS FROM QANTAS

Now is the time to join the American Express Qantas Corporate Card program. This membership comes with referral benefits via Partner Plus. Apply and get approved before 31 March 2015 and make a transaction with Qantas in the first three months after joining the program, you can also be rewarded with 40,000 Bonus Points from Qantas. 40,000 Points are enough for two return Qantas flights between Sydney and Brisbane or Melbourne. 

Click here for more information on this offer.


EARN BONUS VELOCITY POINTS

Earn 1,000 Velocity Points when booking any rate or package online at tfehotels.com.
Minimum 1 night stay is required until 30 October 2014. This offer is available until 30 October 2014 at Adina Apartment Hotels, Medina Serviced Apartments, Vibe Hotels and Rendezvous Hotels.

Click here for more information.
SPECIALS
 QANTAS AUTUMN MOON SALE
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED

 
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE  
ECONOMY CLASS

From $708.00* per person  

(Amex Points 70,800** per person)   

    

SYDNEY - BANGKOK   

ECONOMY CLASS  

From $789.00* per person

(Amex points 78,900** per person)

 

SYDNEY - HONG KONG 

ECONOMY CLASS    

From $809.00* per person      

(Amex points 80,900** per person)     

  

SYDNEY - SINGAPORE

BUSINESS CLASS 

From $2998.00* per person

(Amex points 299,800** per person)

SYDNEY - BANGKOK
BUSINESS CLASS    
From $2999.00* per person
(Amex points 299,900** per person)

  

Please contact us today for further information.  

 

*Conditions apply: Return Fares. Sale ends 16 September 2014. Travel dates to Singapore and Bangkok  in Economy class from 10 October 2014 to 13 November 2014 and 02 February 2015 to 26 March 2015. Travel dates to Hong Kong in Economy class from 14 January 2015 - 19 February 2015, 03 March 2015 - 20 March 2015 and 20 April 2015 - 19 June 2015. Travel dates to Singapore in Business Class from 10 October 2014 - 13 November 2013 and 01 December 2014 - 16 June 2015. Travel dates to Bangkok in Business class from 10 October 2014 - 13 November 2014  and 16 January 2015 - 26 June 2015.   

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above fares.

 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SPRING TAKE OFF FARES
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED

 

SYDNEY - SINGAPORE

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $924.00* per person  

(Amex Points 92,400** per person)

 

SYDNEY - AMSTERDAM

ECONOMY CLASS   

From $1736.00* per person 

(Amex Points 173,600** per person)

 

SYDNEY - ROME

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $1746.00* per person  

(Amex Points 174,600** per person)

 

PERTH - MILAN

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $1612.00* per person  

(Amex Points 161,200** per person)

 

  

Please contact us for more information.

 

*Conditions apply: Return airfares. Sale ends 30 September 2014. Fares are seasonal - please apply within.  

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above fares.  

 FINNAIR EARLYBIRD SPECIAL FARES
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED

 

SYDNEY - HELSINKI  

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $1502.00* per person  

(Amex Points 150,200** per person)

 

SYDNEY - PRAGUE 

ECONOMY CLASS   

From $1536.00* per person 

(Amex Points 153,600** per person)

 

SYDNEY - HELSINKI

BUSINESS CLASS 

From $5829.00* per person    

(Amex Points 582,900** per person)

 

SYDNEY - LONDON

BUSINESS CLASS 

From $6233.00* per person  

(Amex Points 623,300** per person)

 

  

Please contact us for more information and destinations.  

 

 

*Conditions apply: Return airfares on sale until 16 November 2014 for departure 16 January 2015 - 31 October 2015. Blackout dates apply.  

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above fares.  

 ETIHAD EARLYBIRD FARES 
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED

 

SYDNEY - AMSTERDAM  

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $1537.00* per person  

(Amex Points 153,700** per person)

 

SYDNEY - PARIS

ECONOMY CLASS   

From $1567.00* per person 

(Amex Points 156,700** per person)

 

SYDNEY - MADRID  

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $1669.00* per person  

(Amex Points 166,900** per person)

 

  

Please contact us for more destinations.

 

*Conditions apply: Return Airfares are on sale until 31 October 2014. Valid for travel from 01 February 2015 - 31 October 2015. Blackout dates apply.  

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above fares.  

TAKE A HOLIDAY IN BALI

The Breezes Bali Resort & Spa is centrally located in the heart of the island's most vibrant holiday scene. The golden sands of Seminyak Beach has one of the best sunsets in Asia and is only a five minute walk away.

THE BREEZES BALI RESORT AND SPA  

From $979.00* per person 

(Amex points 97,900** per person)   

 

This special includes:  
  • 7 night packages ex Sydney or Brisbane with Virgin Australia
  • Accommodation in a Superior Room
  • Includes 2 FREE nights

    

Please contact us for more information.   

   

  

*Conditions apply: Valid until 30 September 2014. Subject to availability. Valid for travel 01 October 2014 - 23 December 2014 and 10 January 2015 - 31 March 2015.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.  

CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK WITH QUEEN MARY 2

This once in a lifetime holiday starts in London and ends with Christmas in New York and Transatlantic cruising on the Queen Mary 2.  

CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK 
 
DEPARTURE 10 DECEMBER 2014
From $6599.00* per person
(Amex points 659,900** per person) 

This Cruise package includes:
  • 4 nights pre-cruise accommodation in London
  • London City Tour, Discover Windsor and Oxford & Stonehenge Tour
  • Cruise 7 nights onboard Queen Mary 2
  • Accommodation in an Inside Staterooom
  • 4 nights post-cruise accommodation in New York
  • New York Hop on Hop off Tour with the Statue of Liberty
  • Includes flights from Australia to London and New York to Australia

Please contact us for more information.    

   

*Conditions apply: Prices are per person twin share. All prices are subject to availability and subject to change. Economy Class airfares.
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.
FIJI FOR FAMILIES - STAY 6 NIGHTS PAY FOR 3 NIGHTS

FIJI FOR FAMILIES
AT WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA 
From $625.00* per adult/land only
(Amex points 62,500** per adult)

 

This family package includes:
  • Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa
  • 6 nights accommodation in a Garden View Room
  • Includes 3 FREE nights
  • Breakfast daily
  • Kids stay, play and eat FREE!
  • Return coach transfer
  • Fruit platter on arrival

Please
contact us for more information.     

  

*Conditions apply: Book by 30 September 2014. Travel dates until 22 December 2014 and 04 January 2015 - 31 March 2015
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.
SKI ASPEN, USA  

THE LITTLE NELL, ASPEN
STAY 7 NIGHTS, PAY 6 NIGHTS 
From $4329.00* per adult
(Amex Points 432,900** per adult)   

This special includes:
  • 7 nights twin share in a Town View Hotel Room at the Little Nell
  • Return Aspen airport transfers
  • 6 day Ski Pass
 
Please contact us for more information.     
   
*Conditions apply: Conditions apply. Book by 17 November 2014. Valid for travel 1 January 2015 - 10 February 2015 and 16 February 2015 - 4 April 2015
**Higher Amex Member Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.

CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669)


  
 
               
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