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If you cannot view this email properly please click here . |
17 December 2014 |
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Season's Greetings Atlas Subscriber,
This is the last edition of Atlas for 2014 and we have some great news from Qantas to look forward to with confirmation that they will be flying directly to Tokyo's Haneda Airport from Sydney next year. Auto check-in with Qantas is gradually being rolled out across the domestic routes with completion by early 2015, another time saving initiative from Qantas.
There are some important changes to Etihad Chauffeur Service along with an option to purchase passes for their new lounge at Sydney Airport. Please also read about the new domestic fare rule changes on Virgin Australia.
The Qantas Christmas sale ends soon and KLM's Earlybird fares are still on sale until the new year too and don't forget The Travel Authority Gift Voucher can be personalised for the perfect gift this Christmas.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best Wishes,
Sarah Bush
Director
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QANTAS INVITES DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS TO CHECK-IN VIA SMS WITH NEW AUTO CHECK-IN SERVICE
 Qantas' new Auto check-in service is now available and invites passengers via their own device to complete check-in and access their boarding pass.
Designed to streamline travel for domestic passengers, the new technology aims to improve the experience of customers not already taking advantage of check-in via qantas.com or enjoying the convenience of the Qantas app.
This new technology allows passengers to check-in, view or change their seat and flight.
To be able to use this new Auto Check-in service, customers need to supply their mobile number or their email address. On the day of travel or the night before, passengers will then receive a SMS/email asking if they are still planning to take the flight. After confirming that they are not travelling with Dangerous Goods, passengers will then receive their boarding pass on their mobile. Passengers travelling with Dangerous Goods will be referred to a Customer Service Agent at the airport.
Qantas passengers wishing to check-in bags can simply scan their mobile boarding pass at the Bag Drop.
The rollout of the Auto Check-in will be completed in early 2015 commencing with the following routes:
- Sydney-Darwin
- Sydney-Adelaide
- Sydney-Perth
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QANTASLINK REVAMPS NETWORK
 QantasLink is going to unveil significant changes to its network and schedule for the Q400 and Q100 turboprop planes. The "complete rebuild' of the network aims to increase aircraft utilisation, which will see some regional centres with more capacity while others see reductions.
Queensland coastal route between Brisbane and Cairns will see the most cuts with the closure of Gladstone - Rockhampton services, while Rockhampton - Mackay services will be reduced from two daily flights to a single daily service.
Brisbane - Newcastle services will see an increase in seat capacity with a new Q400 deployment, partly offsetting Jetstar capacity cuts.
All QantasLink services departing Adelaide will be operated by Q300 aircrafts. Two A300 aircrafts will be based in Adelaide allowing QantasLink to "look at new route opportunities in the South Australian regional markets".
QantasLink flights departing Perth will also be affected by the changes. Flights out of Perth will be operated by either B717s or F100s belonging to sister carrier Network Aviation.
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QANTAS DAILY FLIGHTS TO TOKYO'S HANEDA AIRPORT FROM AUGUST 2015
 Qantas announced details of a new schedule for flights to Tokyo, Japan, as part of the airline's expansion of services into Japan from August next year. - New direct flights from Brisbane to Tokyo's Narita Aiport to operate four times a week from 2 August 2015
- A new direct daily Sydney-Haneda service from 31 July 2015
- Qantas will also fly to Narita on three alternate days from another Australian port, to be finalised shortly, meaning the airline will offer double daily services to Japan
This is great news for Qantas customers travelling from Australia to Tokyo, with a new direct option for Brisbane customers and the convenience of a direct flight to Haneda which will appeal to business customers.
Downtown Tokyo is approximately 15 minutes by Monorail and 30 minutes by rail from Haneda airport, which makes the airport a convenient option for Qantas customers wanting to get to the city quickly or those wanting to connect seamlessly to services operated by Qantas' partner Japan Airlines (JAL) to other destinations across Japan.
The A330 aircraft that will operate on both the Narita service will be among those gradually refurbished with all new lie-flat Business Suites, upgraded Economy seating and in-flight entertainment. |
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ETIHAD CHAUFFEUR SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS
 Etihad have undergone a change in their chauffeur policy.
Every guest booked in First and Business Class in the fare subclasses F,A,R (First Class) and J,D,C,W (Business Class) will enjoy the Etihad Chauffeur service on all legs of their journey in over 35 destinations.
This replaces the previous restriction of the Etihad Chauffeur service to two complimentary segments per trip. Tickets booked using promotional fares or on any subclasses other than those specified above will not be eligible for the complimentary Etihad Chauffeur service. |
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ETIHAD AIRWAYS FIRST & BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGE AT SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
 In May 2014, Etihad Airways opened its First & Business Class Lounge at Sydney International Airport next to Gate 51. The lounge facilities can be used by all Etihad Airways guests travelling on either Eithad Airways or Virgin Australia aircrafts through to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad is now allowing paid access into their Sydney Lounge:
- $99 per adult (12 years and above)
- $77 per child (3-12 years)
- 0-2 year infants are free of charge
Paid access will only be available if the lounge has availability, should the lounge be at full capacity guests will not be able to purchase entry. Lounge passes can be purchased either at check-in or at the lounge. The lounge will be open from 08.40am - 11.40am, 12.30pm -16.00pm and from 18.30pm - 22.00pm. |
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EMIRATES A380 TO TOUCH DOWN IN PERTH
 Emirates A380 will touch down in Perth on 1 May 2015. This service will be one of Emirates three daily flights connecting Perth with Dubai.
Crammed with features such as a bar for premium classes, showers for first class, one of the most spacious economy cabins in the sky and Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft.
The Emirates A380 that will serve Perth has a three-class configuration, with 398 seats
in economy on the lower deck, 76 fully flat-bed mini-pods in business class and 14 first-class private suites on the upper deck.
The airlines daily Perth A380 service will operate as EK420, departing Dubai at 02.55hrs and arriving in Perth at 17.35hrs the same day. The return flight will depart Perth at 22.15rhs and arrive in Dubai at 05.15hrs the next day.
In addition to the new A380 services, Emirates will also build a new Perth lounge which will be more than 50 per cent bigger than the existing lounge. |
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA BUSINESS CLASS NOW ON SALE ON TRANS-TASMAN AND PACIFIC ISLAND ROUTES
 Effective immediately, Virgin Australia passengers can now purchase Business Class tickets on Trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes.
The first flight from Sydney to Auckland, offering Business Class will take place on 28 February 2015. All other services will be launched on 31 March 2015.
A progressive refit on 10 of the airline's Boeing 737 fleet will see the aircraft reconfigured with the 2-2 business class configuration which feature luxury leather seating and menus designed by resident head chef Luke Mangan, as well as the introduction of priority services including check-in and boarding.
Virgin Australia Business Class features include:
- Luxury leather seating with 38" seat pitch
- Comfort packs with luxurious blankets, pillows and amenity kits
- Coat check-in service
- Newspaper until noon daily
- Exclusive Luke Mangan gourmet full dining experience
- Premium Australian wines, beers and spirit selection
- Gourmet tea selection from Madame Flavour
- Priority baggage service where available
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VIRGIN AUSTRALIA DOMESTIC FARE RULE CHANGES
Effective immedialty, Virgin Australia advises of the following amendments to their Domestic Fare Rules.
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Saver Lite (S) and Saver fares (T, Q, V, N & E) can now be changed or cancelled up to midnight on the day prior to flight departure. -
Flexi fares (L,K & H) must now be changed or cancelled prior to flight departure. -
Flexi fares (B,Y) and Business class fares (D,C & J) now allow changes or cancellations anytime before or after flight departure.
All applicable change and cancellation fees remain unchanged. |
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AMERICAN EXPRESS LOUNGE AT SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NOW OPEN
 American Express has opened its first lounge at Sydney International Airport. In partnership with Plaza Premium, the lounge is a private space for select American Express Card Members across the network, located next to Gate 24.
Frequent air travel is a way of life for many American Express Premium Card Members and this new American Express Lounge benefit will help make for a smoother journey from check-in to boarding, including free Wi-Fi and charging stations for all travelllers.
In addition to the lounge, American Express offers Card Members:
- $30 statement credit when you spend $250 or more on your registered card in store at Sydney Airport Tax and Duty Free until 31 December 2014
- AU$20 statement credit when you spend $40 or more on your registered card at T1 Pronto Valet (select Card Members only) until 15 June 2015
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WYNDHAM HOTEL MELBOURNE NOW OPEN
 Wyndham Hotel Group has officially opened its doors to its newest apartment property on the corner of William Street and Little Bourke Street in Melbourne.
This property is Wyndham's 15th property in the South Pacific Region and is spread across two towers which accommodates 531 apartments. This much-anticipated hotel located in the heart of Melbourne's business and legal precinct will provide guests with stylish accommodation options ranging from studio apartments, to one and two-bedroom Deluxe apartments, Grand Suites and Presidential Suites. The hotel's fantastic facilities include a rooftop heated pool and barbecue area, 24-hour reception, exclusive lift access for Owners, state-of-the-art gymnasium, library and meeting spaces. Please contact us for availability and rates. |
DOCKSIDE PAVILION - SYDNEY'S LARGEST FLOATING EVENT VENUE
Sydney's largest anchored floating venue, Dockside Pavilion in Darling Harbour held the recent NSW Business Chamber State Awards last month in which The Travel Authority was nominated for the award "Excellence in Business".
Sydney's newest venue has a capacity of up to 1440 guests seated and 2000 standing, offering a gourmet menu, fantastic beverage packages and a front-row dining position, showcasing the spectacular Darling Harbour view.
If you are interested to hold your next Special Event at Dockside Pavilion or another unique location, call our team at The Events Authority on 02 8437 1155 or email us now.
Remember you have one shot to make it a "memorable" experience for your guests.. |
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ONEWORLD ADDS MORE BENEFITS FOR ITS FREQUENT FLYERS
From 2nd December, oneworld added two more benefits for the most loyal customers of its member airlines - priority baggage delivery for Emerald and Sapphire cardholders and an additional checked baggage allowance for Sapphire tier customers.
Both new privileges are in addition to the benefits already offered to frequent flyers with oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status when flying on any oneworld member airline in any class.
Priority baggage delivery for Emerald and Sapphire cardholders is now available for all frequent flyers with the equivalent of oneworld Emerald and Sapphire in any of the alliance member airlines' loyalty programmes when they fly in any cabin class with oneworld member airlines anywhere in the world.
Additional checked baggage allowance for Sapphire tier customers:
Sapphire cardholders will have the following special baggage privileges when travelling on any flight operated and marketed by any oneworld member airline:
- On international or domestic itineraries using the baggage allowance "weight" system - 15 kgs in addition to the ticketed Economy allowance.
- On international itineraries (including domestic sectors flown as part of international itineraries) using the baggage allowance "piece" system - a second bag, weighing up to 23 kgs, when the ticketed allowance is one bag.
- On purely domestic itineraries with flights using the baggage allowance "piece" system - the assurance of at least one piece of checked baggage, weighing up to 23 kgs, even when the regular ticketed allowance has no free allowance.
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THE QANTAS CHRISTMAS SALE
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
SYDNEY - GOLD COAST
ECONOMY CLASS
From $89.00* per person/one way 
(Amex points 8,900** per person)
SYDNEY - BRISBANE
ECONOMY CLASS
From $95.00* per person/one way
(Amex points 9,500** per person)
BRISBANE - PERTH
ECONOMY CLASS
From $239.00* per person/one way
(Amex points 23,900** per person)
MELBOURNE - BRISBANE 
ECONOMY CLASS
From$139.00* per person/one way(Amex points 13,900** per person)PERTH - SYDNEY ECONOMY CLASS
From $229.00* per person/one way (Amex points 22,900** per person)
PERTH - MELBOURNE
ECONOMY CLASS
From $219.00* per person/one way
(Amex points 21,900** per person)
Please contact us today for further information.
*Conditions apply: Sale ends 17 December 2014. Travel dates from 28 April 2015 - 24 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. |
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ETIHAD AIRWAYS BREAKING DEALS
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
PERTH - DUBLIN 
ECONOMY CLASS
From $1617.00* per person
(Amex Points 161,700** per person)
BRISBANE - ISTANBUL
ECONOMY CLASS
From $1659.00* per person
(Amex Points 165,900** per person)
MELBOURNE - ROME
ECONOMY CLASS
From $1678.00* per person
(Amex points 167,800** per person)
SYDNEY - PARIS From $1719.00* per person (Amex points 171,900** per person) MELBOURNE - LONDON ECONOMY CLASS From $1886.00* per person (Amex points 188,600** per person)
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Return airfares: Sales and ticketing until 23 December 2014 for travel between 01 February2015 - 24 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 fares. |
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KLM EARLYBIRDS 2015 TO EUROPE
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
BRISBANE - AMSTERDAM
BUSINESS CLASS
From $5673.00* per person 
(Amex Points 567,300** per person)
PERTH - AMSTERDAM
BUSINESS CLASS
From $5941.00* per person
(Amex Points 594,100** per person)
SYDNEY - AMSTERDAM
BUSINESS CLASS
From $6009.00* per person
(Amex points 600,900** per person)
MELBOURNE - AMSTERDAM
BUSINESS CLASSFrom $6523.00* per person (Amex points 652,300** per person)
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Return airfares: Sales and ticketing until 15 January 2015 for travel between 20 January 2015 and 31 October 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. |
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12 DAY CRUISE FROM AUCKLAND TO SYDNEY WITH PRINCESS CRUISES
AUCKLAND TO SYDNEY CRUISE
12 DAYS
From $1449.00* per person/land only
(Amex points 144,900** per person)
This special includes: 
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Price based on departure 15 February 2015. Please note that prices are listed per person and based on double occupancy. Third and Fourth guest fares apply to the 3rd and 4th guests booked in the same stateroom as the First and Second guests. Prices are subject to change based on availability. Prices shown in AUD. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are subject to change and Princess reserves the right to collect any increases in effect at the time of sailing even if the fare has already been paid in full. Prices are subject to change based on availability. Stateroom views are considered unobstructed unless noted otherwise.
**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. |
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SKI OBEREGGEN, ITALY
Enjoy a skiing holiday in the heart of sunny South Tyrol and relax in a traditional feel-good atmosphere at The Gasserhof in Eggen in the Eggental Valley. This family owned village inn is still managed by the owner and his family and has all the luxury of a 3 star hotel. The owner likes to cook himself and his famous "Schlutzkrapfen" can definitely be recommended. Let them spoil you.
GASSERHOF 
WHITE WEEKS SPECIAL
From €580.00* per person
This Ski package includes:
- 7 nights in a Romantic Room at Gasserhof
- Daily breakfast buffet
- Daily three course dinner
- Communal sauna and hammam
- Free ski shuttle
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Valid for travel 10 January 2015 - 30 January 2015 and 14 March 2015 - 11 April 2015. Subject to availability. |
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CRUISE EUROPE FROM SOUTHAMPTON TO COPENHAGEN
SOUTHAMPTON TO COPENHAGEN
12 DAY ABOARD NAUTICA
From $3240.00* per person/cruise only
(Amex points 324,000** per person)
This special includes:
- Cruise onboard Oceania Cruises' Nautica
- Accommodation in an Inside Stateroom
- All meals and entertainment onboard
- Departure Port: Southampton, UK
- Arrival Port: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Ports of call:
Bruges, Belgium
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stockholm, Sweden
Helsinki, Finland
St. Petersburg, Russia
Tallinn, Estonia
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Gdansk, Poland
*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Departure date 07 July 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. |
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THE TRAVEL AUTHORITY CHRISTMAS TRAVEL VOUCHER
The perfect Christmas Gift is in the form of a voucher. Have a beautifully packaged Travel Authority Group Christmas Travel Voucher available in your nominated denomination for that special someone to select to put towards a holiday, flight or accommodation anywhere in the world.
Click here to order your TTA Travel Voucher. |
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CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669) |
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