Taiwan – Runway Closure
Flight delays are possible at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei starting Feb. 19, when authorities close one of its two runways for a major overhaul. Airport authorities said the southern runway will be closed until Jan. 15, 2015, which could delay landings and takeoffs up to 15 minutes during peak hours, and even longer during unfavorable weather conditions.
U.S. – New shoe Bomb Threat
On Feb. 19, the US Department of Homeland Security issued a warning to airlines regarding potential shoe and liquid bomb threats on international flights bound for the US. The advisory did not mention any specific plot to detonate explosives on aircraft. It also did not provide a time frame for possible attacks, details about what airlines might be at risk, or information about countries where targeted flights could originate. The perceived threat could prompt lengthier passenger screenings, which could cause moderate delays at security checkpoints at foreign airports that handle a large volume of flights to the US.
Istanbul – Anti-Government Protests Feb 22
Several activist groups plan to stage an anti-government demonstration at Istanbul’s Taksim Square starting at 1900 Feb. 22. Participants will likely first gather near the Galatasaray School before marching northeast along Istiklal Avenue to Taksim Square. Authorities will almost certainly deploy heavy security in the area. Clashes between activists and security forces are possible.
France – Air France Pilots’ Strike
Air France pilots have threatened to stage a three-day strike Feb. 22-25. It remains unclear how many workers will participate in the action, as only one union has called for the work stoppage; regardless, at least some delays are possible on Air France flights. There is a chance the strike could be averted if negotiations progress.
India – Hyderabad Airport Threats
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has been put on Red-Alert after an anonymous letter threatening that explosives will be used and transported through a flight which may take-off or land at the airport, was received at the facility. The letter states that the flight may come or go to Delhi. Security has been tightened with bomb squads and sniffer dogs deployed, and frisking and scanning has been intensified.
Ukraine – Civil Unrest
Ukraine’s President and opposition leaders agreed to a deal meant to end the country’s political crisis and bloody fighting that has left parts of Kiev’s city center a war zone. U.S. citizens advised to defer all non-essential travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing political unrest and violent clashes between police and protesters. U.S. citizens in Ukraine, and those considering travel to Ukraine, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of the escalating violence, particularly in Kiev.
Israel – Protests and Roadblocks
Protests are possible in ultra-Orthodox areas of Jerusalem and other cities Feb. 21-24 after a bill mandating enlistment of some ultra-Orthodox men was approved by a Knesset committee. Previous political moves regarding the draft have driven ultra-Orthodox protesters to block roads or clash with security forces.
What causes hotel rates to vary so much depending on time of day or day of week?
It’s all a matter of supply and demand! New York City is immensely popular in the weeks leading up to Christmas so hotel rates are highest during that time. Seattle peaks from May-September due to the popularity of Alaskan cruises leaving from there. Phoenix is lowest in the summer when the heat keeps tourists away and rises in the winter when the moderate weather attracts people looking for a mid-winter escape. In addition to the obvious factors there are some that may not be so clear. For example, if there is a “city wide” convention (i.e. really, really big) in town one week that has a large portion of the rooms reserved there will be more competition for the remaining rooms and higher prices. A hotel that caters to business travelers will almost always have lower weekend rates when occupancy is down, and a hotel that gets most of its business from leisure travelers taking long weekends will offer lower rates for Monday-Wednesday nights.
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- Five independent countries have no airport: Leichtenstein, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City
- Since 2006 the UK has forbidden naming airports after famous people
- Dallas-Ft. Worth has the most runways of any airport in the world with 7
- The first runway lights were used in 1930 at the Cleveland Airport
- Some countries, including Norway, Finland, and Japan, use yellow runway markings for better contrast against snow
- The hub-and-spoke system was first used by Delta in 1955, more than 20 years before it was widely adopted by most major airlines following deregulation in 1978
- The northernmost permanent airport in the world is Alert Airport in Alert, Nunavut, Canada, located 520 miles south of the true North Pole
- An airstrip is an airport that consists only of a runway, and perhaps refueling equipment, but no other services
- A train track bisects the main runway at Gisborne Airport in New Zealand, necessitating careful timing and close collaboration by airport and train officials
- The land under the Savannah Airport used to be a cemetery and two grave markers remain, embedded in the middle of Runway 10
Reminder: New Amtrak Cancellation Policy
Effective March 1st, all reserved Coach class and Acela Express Business class reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours prior to the train’s scheduled departure in order to be eligible for a full refund. This applies to new and existing reservations. If the reservation is canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled departure, a refund fee will apply (Value fare tickets only; Saver fare tickets are not refundable). If the reservation is not canceled prior to the scheduled departure, the entire cost will be forfeited (Value and Saver fare tickets). Flexible fare tickets will remain fully refundable.
TRAVEL-ON EMPLOYEES MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Throughout Travel-On, our employees are M.A.D ( Making A Difference) to our clients. Many of you have noticed and have told us just how M.A.D they are.
- Recently, Miria and Sarah from Travel-On Corporate Team received this note from a client.
“I was most appreciative and impressed with the level of service I received from Travel On, specifically Sarah Shaffer and Miria. You were so professional in the face of weather delays and cancellations that caused a major upheaval in nearly everyone’s travel plans. Your thoughtful service, accessibility, and diligence at getting my flight re-booked, rental car company notified, and seat assigned helped me make the best of a tough situation and be able to successfully complete the work that I was sent on travel to do. Thanks for all your help!”
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Bethesda : 301-656-4060
Potomac : 240-387-4160
Beltsville : 240-387-4633
Manassas : 703-368-8757
www.travelplaceinc.com
(Travel Place is the leisure travel division of Travel-On.)
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