Airlines: No review for frequent flier programs

Senator asks DOT to look into consumers concerns, airlines against probe

ALBANY, N.Y. - The airline industry says there's no need to interfere with frequent flier programs despite U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer's request for a federal review to protect consumers. James C. May of the Air Transport Association says the frequent flier reward programs are innovations for consumers that Congress envisioned when it deregulated the industry. He says terms of frequent flyer contracts change from time to time in response to market conditions. The CEO says that doesn't justify what he called interference by government.
More

Business travel pitched as economic engine

Recession, anger among factors that led to $2 billion worth of cancellations

LITTLE ROCK, Ark - The travel industry is working to redefine itself as a key player in the American economy: a means by which companies can improve profits, a source of tax revenue and a provider of jobs. Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel Association senior vice president, said factors that include the recession, a spurt of public anger over extravagant business travel and politicians who lashed out at the travel industry resulted in $2 billion worth of events and meetings being canceled when the rancor was at its peak early this year. If over the years the industry had done a better job of articulating why it is a vital economic force, the damage likely would not have been so great, Freeman said Wednesday at a national marketing forum organized by the association.
More

Continental to offer Wi-Fi on 21 aircraft

Service will be available to fliers from $4.95 and up, based length of flight

HOUSTON - Continental Airlines Inc. said Wednesday it will offer in-flight Wi-Fi on some aircraft starting in the second quarter of next year. The carrier said the Gogo Inflight Internet service will be offered on its fleet of 21 Boeing 757-300 aircraft that primarily serve domestic routes. Onboard Wi-Fi is already offered by several major U.S. carriers. AirTran Airways offers it on all its flights. Continental's offering will be available to customers at a cost from $4.95 and up, based on length of the flight.

Paradisus Punta Cana Resort - All Inclusive

On the Caribbean jewel Christopher Columbus named Hispaniola, discover the unpretentious luxury of Paradisus Punta Cana Resort. An extraordinary island retreat offering a superb balance of natural and man-made wonders. Open-air architecture, featuring indigenous organic materials like raw coral, bamboo, and exotic hardwoods, houses an impossibly sumptuous gallery of luxury suites. Artfully designed tropical gardens blend with native mangrove forests and soaring palms. And an array of gorgeous swimming pools is complemented by private white sand beachfront and the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

More Details

Turtle Bay Resort Hawaii

Located on 880 oceanfront acres of Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort is the only true full-service luxury resort on the island's legendary North Shore. Its natural, unspoiled beauty can be found at every turn. Five miles of pristine beaches and 12 miles of ocean trails await you. At every turn you're literally surrounded by the history and majesty of the island. Of all Oahu resorts or Oahu hotels, Turtle Bay is quite simply, the best. Other Oahu hotels don't come close. It's the Hawaii vacation many have hoped for but few have discovered. This is Turtle Bay Resort. This is True Hawaii.

More Details