UP IN THE AIR

AA installing regional wi-fi

American Airlines by 2016 will install Gogo inflight wireless services on all two-class regional jets, the carrier announced Thursday. AA currently has Gogo service installed on 70 regional jets and in the next few years will have it on a total of almost 250 regional jets. The service is part of the more than $2 billion in planned improvements the carrier announced earlier this week.

 

American adds domestic routes from Miami

Tickets are on sale for four new American Airlines routes from Miami. The airline will launch daily service to Kansas City, Salt Lake City, and Austin and San Antonio, Texas on March 5 using Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the routes.  

No Cap on moving Amex miles to Delta
Amex sent this message out to cardholders: "We are writing to make you aware that the previously published Delta�SkyMiles� program update, which would have limited the number of Membership Rewards� points that could be transferred into a SkyMiles account beginning January 1st, will not take effect. As part of American Express' continued partnership with Delta, there will be no annual limit on point transfers from the Membership Rewards program to the Delta SkyMiles program. You will continue to enjoy your Membership Rewards benefits and the ability to transfer Membership Rewards points to the SkyMiles program as you do today."

Delta rebrands business and economy
Delta Air Lines is dividing its fare products into five categories and is rebranding three of those products, effective March 1. The five categories are Delta One, which replaces Business Elite; First Class; Delta Comfort Plus, which replaces Economy Plus; Main Cabin, which replaces Economy, and Basic Economy. Delta said it is rebranding business class because with its lie-flat beds, Westin Heavenly bed linens, menus designed by celebrity chefs and other improvements, it is a much different product than Business Elite, which was introduced 17 years ago.

Ritz-Carlton: book with Protravel for free wi-fi
As of January 1, 2015 all guests booking their stay through a STARS agency member (including Protravel International) will automatically enjoy complimentary basic wi-fi at all Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bulgari and EDITION hotels. STARS agencies are their most valued customers, and Ritz-Carlton wants to ensure our clients receive every advantage.

Hyatt, Starwood open Japan hotels in 2015
A new Hyatt Regency Naha in Okinawa is being built under a Hyatt affiliate's franchise agreement. The 294-room hotel will have four F&B outlets, meeting space, a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. The property is expected to be open by the end of 2015, and will be Hyatt's first hotel in Okinawa.Ratnesh Verma, SVP, real estate and development, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, told hoteliers recently: "Japan continues to see a rise in inbound tourism..." As evidence of this interest in Japan, Starwood Hotels & Resorts will be opening its first Luxury Collection hotel in the country in March 2015. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto will have 39 rooms and is being developed on part of the grounds of the Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site. The Japan News reported that a weakened yen and looser visa restrictions are helping boost the number of foreign visitors to Kyoto, which is opening up more opportunities for foreign hotel operators in the region.

Cam Card: Business travelers, say goodbye to the piles of cards you collect on the road. This app lets you scan business cards with your phone's camera and verify the info in the app. The new contact immediately syncs to all of your devices.
Download CamCard

Mobile Passport Control: Ever wished you could skip the never ending lines at Immigration for Customs and Border Protection? Now you can! With Mobile Passport Control you can create your own profile, fill out custom forms, skip the queues and head straight to the Mobile express lane. It's easy as that and you'll be able to store your information for your next trip.
Download Mobile Passport Control 

 

Been: How well traveled are you? Check all the countries and US states that you've traveled to in an easy-to-visualize map. The app then calculates the percentage of them you've visited. Feel free to share your map to make friends jealous.
Download Been app  

YOURLIFE

Business traveler new-year's resolution tips

• Pack like a champ: Buy two of everything you need (toiletries, chargers, etc.) and leave your bag packed between trips. Put all your essentials in your carry-on.
• Be a great travel citizen: Learn local etiquette of your destination; tip generously for good service
• Boost your productivity: Reserve shorter tasks for in-transit or wait times; always carry a portable charger for your devices; load up on time-saving mobile apps
• Stay fit and healthy: Find time to stand up, stretch and walk around at least once every two hours; Pack healthy snacks to nibble on; wash your hands a lot; use the hotel's fitness facilities, even if just for 20 minutes between meetings
• Keep in touch: Your loved ones miss you when you're on the road-keep in touch via video chats, e-mail, social media or even an old-fashion postcard

Why travel agents are not passe

Travelers may understand the value of agents more than ever now because they've tried other methods of booking travel-including booking themselves-and discovered it's not as easy as it looks to get a great price and a great experience.

Read the full article 

 

Survey: kids drive trip decisions

According to a new study by Preferred Hotel Group, kids are the big drivers of decisions on multigenerational trips, which is still one of the fastest and sustained growing segments in the travel business. 40% of both grandparents and parents say their kids "actively participate in or influence" vacation planning, specifically with respect to daily activities and deciding which destinations to visit. Almost half  of all travelers say their grandchildren influence the selection of the hotel or resort. Multigenerational travelers also tend to use the services of traditional travel agents. Over the past year, 38% used the services of a traditional travel agent to plan a multigenerational vacation, while 41% say they intend to do so over the next two years. The study found the same motivation is now amplified by the fast pace of contemporary life and a sense of guilt that many parents feel about not having enough time to spend with their children. Travelers who have taken a multigenerational trip previously also are "likely" or "very likely" to plan another domestic (86%) or international (48%) multigenerational vacation over the next two years.  Read the full article

Belmond: exceptional experiences worldwide

Belmond (formerly known as Orient-Express), a global collection of 45 iconic hotels, trains and river cruises brings together some of the world's most thrilling journeys and destinations. From the Americas to Europe, Africa and Asia, stay at some of the most remarkable locations in the world including the entrance to Machu Picchu, the national park surrounding Brazil's Iguassu Falls and beside Rio's Copacabana beach. Journey across the Andes, through Italy's most famous sights or the magical temples of Cambodia and Laos. Belmond offers exceptional venues for every gathering from grand conferences to intimate retreats. Protravel's three-decade special relationship with Belmond entitles our clients to unique and valuable VIP amenities you cannot get on your own. Browse a selection of our favorite hotels, be inspired and contact your Protravel agent to make it a reality:

 

Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello  

Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, San Miguel de Allende  

Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston SC  

Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice  

Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro  

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu National Park  

Belmond Grand Europe, St Petersburg, Russia  

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina  (Pictured below)

Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca 

Belmond La Samanna, St. Martin (pictured above)

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu  

Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya 

Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima  

Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco  

Belmond Mount Nelson hotel, Cape Town