American Airlines announced on Saturday that it would be discontinuing its agreement with regional carrier Mesa Airlines, citing financial and operational problems. This move comes after American raised concerns about the Arizona-based carrier’s performance, including quality of service and delays in flights.

The decision to end their contract was a mutual one between both airlines. Mesa Airlines has faced a number of financial issues over the last few years, which have hindered its ability to deliver quality service. According to reports, Mesa Airlines struggled with high rates of cancellations, delays, and customer dissatisfaction as a result of its financial instability. These issues affected not only passengers themselves but also impacted American Airlines operations due to their reliance on regional carriers such as Mesa for certain routes.

Reportedly Mesa Airlines is in talks to provide regional airline services for United. However, analysts suggest that other regional carriers may soon follow suit and consider renegotiating contracts with regional carriers if they do not improve their operations quickly enough.

At least 36 passengers were injured on a Hawaiian Airlines flight after their plane encountered “severe turbulence” in route from Phoenix to Honolulu on Sunday. Of those passengers, 20 were taken to the emergency room after landing, with eleven people sustaining serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment following the incident once arriving at Honolulu International Airport.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight 35, an Airbus 330, was carrying 278 passengers and 10 crew members at the time of the incident, which occurred approximately a half hour before landing at Honolulu International Airport. It appears that many passengers were not prepared for the sudden turbulence experienced by the aircraft. Flight attendants reported that coffee and other items had been sent flying throughout the cabin.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into what caused this frightening experience for many passengers onboard the aircraft. NTSB representatives plan to review recordings from both voice recorders as well as cameras inside the cabin to gain insight into how this dangerous situation arose.

The Federal Aviation Administration has recommended that all airlines review safety protocols regarding severe turbulence with employees in order to ensure passenger safety is always prioritized during such unexpected events in flight.

Amsterdam is making a major push to rid the city of its reputation as a hub for excess. The Dutch government’s latest proposals are aimed at curbing bad tourist behavior, particularly around drugs, alcohol, and sex. The measures include limiting the number of river cruises, introducing earlier closing times for bars, clubs, and window brothels, as well as banning cannabis smoking in certain parts of the city.

In recent years, Amsterdam has experienced an influx of foreign tourists drawn by its reputation as a party city. This has led to numerous problems with excessive drinking, drug use, and prostitution. The Netherlands’ Ministry of Tourism recently released an official statement outlining their plan to make Amsterdam more ‘civilised’:

The statement read: “The number one challenge facing our beloved capital is how to make it an attractive destination that people can enjoy without having to worry about things like drugs and alcohol abuse or inappropriate behavior. We want to ensure visitors feel welcome, safe, and respected when visiting our wonderful city.”

To achieve this goal, the ministry plans to implement several measures to reduce bad tourist behavior. These include introducing strict guidelines on river cruises in order to keep them from becoming too rowdy; implementing earlier closing times for bars, clubs, and window brothels; and banning cannabis smoking in certain areas of the city altogether. Additionally, local authorities will work with police forces to patrol areas known for misbehavior more actively.

The government also aims to create more opportunities for locals who live near tourist attractions so that they don’t have to suffer from overcrowding due to large numbers of visitors. For example, they plan on creating special business zones where locals can set up shops or eateries in order to take advantage of tourism traffic without having their neighborhoods taken over by it.

It remains unclear if these initiatives will be enough to rid Amsterdam of its rowdy reputation among tourists but it is clear that the Dutch government is taking steps towards achieving this goal.

Hundreds of tourists, including some families with small children, were left stranded in the remote Andean settlement of Machu Picchu after protests sparked by the ongoing political crisis in Peru blocked their way to Bolivia. The protests have been happening for more than 72 hours, leaving tourists stranded and unable to carry on with their plans.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located deep in the Peruvian Andes, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. It was also once home to the ancient Incan civilization and has become Peru’s most popular tourist destination.

The protests began when President Martin Vizcarra dissolved Congress and called for early elections earlier this month. This move sparked widespread unrest across the country and led to massive demonstrations, roadblocks, and strikes in various cities and towns, causing major transport disruptions and completely halting travel between Machu Picchu and Bolivia.

Tourists visiting Machu Picchu report being stuck there since Monday morning due to local people blocking off roads leading out of Machu Picchu to prevent transportation from occurring until the demonstrations end. Additionally, many areas around Peru are without electricity or phone signal due to power lines being cut down by protesters.

For those already stranded in Machu Picchu, hotels are providing extra food supplies while some restaurants remain open despite challenges posed by lack of access to basic needs such as water or electricity during these times. Additionally, some hotels are also offering free accommodation for those who got stuck there overnight or longer due to circumstances beyond their control although not all establishments can offer such services right now, given the current situation.

The Peruvian government has so far failed to address any safety concerns caused by these protests but authorities insist that measures taken over recent days will help ensure peaceful demonstrations going forward. However, it remains unclear how long it will take before peace is fully restored and travelers can start moving freely again throughout Peru without fear of disruption or danger along their way.

The world’s largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium dramatically burst in the lobby of Berlin’s Radisson Blu hotel on Friday, releasing an estimated 265,000 gallons of water onto the floor below. Many of the fish that resided in the tank – officially known as Aquadom – were swept away by the cascading flood.

Located in Berlin’s Mitte district and boasting a height of 22 meters (72 feet), Aquadom is one of Germany’s most popular attractions, with more than 5 million visitors annually. The aquarium was also recently featured in Hollywood films such as Mission Impossible: Fallout and Ocean’s 8. With over 2,600 fish from 150 species on display inside its walls, Aquadom was home to some truly remarkable aquatic creatures – including rare species like the Red-tailed Black Shark and Arowana Fish. Almost all of the fish were lost in the event.

The exact cause of the incident is still being determined; however, officials have suggested that a major plumbing issue may have been at fault or some type of “material fatigue.” The incident occurred during peak business hours when many members of staff were present, in addition to several visitors who had come to admire Aquadom’s unique underwater vista. Miraculously, no serious injuries were reported though it remains unclear how much financial damage has been done given the size of the aquarium containing countless expensive artifacts such as statues, decorations, and other artwork – all submerged beneath deep water. The cost of repair will be significant.

As the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico continues to welcome more and more visitors each year, the government of Quintana Roo has taken a step towards ensuring the safety of these tourists who come to admire its spectacular cenotes. Cenotes are natural pits or sinkholes resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater. These fascinating geological formations have been an integral part of Mayan culture since ancient times, used as both water sources and sacrificial offerings. The “Ruta de los Cenotes” (Route of the Cenotes) is easily accessible from  Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Both organized tours and self-drive explorations are popular attractions among tourists visiting the Yucatán.

In order to protect these sites, Quintana Roo’s government has announced plans to regulate cenote tours and activities heading into 2023 more strictly. These measures include limits on how many people can enter and swim in each cenote at any given time, as well as restrictions on what kind of objects can be brought in. However, one of the most noteworthy rules is that visitors must always book their cenote tour with a qualified guide who will provide information about the local ecology and ensure everyone follows all regulations for swimming safely in these unique environments. Tour operators are required to obtain authorization from the Secretary of Environment before offering a tour with access to cenotes.

These new regulations come as a response to increasing concerns about overcrowding at some of Mexico’s most popular cenotes, where inexperienced swimmers often find themselves in dangerous situations or fail to respect local wildlife and vegetation. The goal is to keep everyone safe and also to help preserve these incredible sites for future generations by limiting human impact and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The new rules come into effect in 2023, giving tour operators time to be added to the government’s list of approved guides and to adjust their services accordingly. In addition, tour guides will have access to special training courses offered by environmental authorities so they can better understand how best to manage groups while navigating this delicate ecosystem responsibly.

By regulating cenote tours near Cancun and other locations throughout Quintana Roo state, officials hope both locals and tourists alike will enjoy greater protection during their visits while also reducing negative impacts on this unique natural resource over time.

Let’s delve into a few best practices and a few legal issues that confront travel agency newsletter publishers. Many of the best practices pertain to any email marketing, but they are worthwhile repeating to keep you and your agency in good standing both with your clients and with some important third parties!

Best Practices

When formatting your newsletter, try to avoid complicated CSS style sheets. Many email readers, notably Outlook 7.0 are not kind to CSS and will play havoc with the appearance and layout of your newsletter. Have your designer use simple “in-line” html tags instead. Read the rest of this entry »

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, the world’s largest active volcano, began erupting on November 27th after a dormant period of 36 years, joining nearby Kilauea which has been erupting for over a year. According to Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency, lava has been observed overflowing into the southwest portion of the Mauna Loa caldera. This new volcanic activity follows a series of earthquakes that had been occurring near Puu Oo in Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone over the past few weeks. This area was also where a massive eruption occurred in 2018 that destroyed 700 homes and filled some areas with molten rock and steam. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Mauna Loa stands over 13,000 feet above sea level. Mauna Loa has erupted 33 times since 1843. It last erupted in 1984, sending lava flows up to 8 miles long into the sea.

The current eruption has not yet posed any significant danger to local residents, but officials remain vigilant as they monitor seismic activity around the mountain. If a major eruption were to occur, lava flows could reach populated areas and create serious public safety issues for those living nearby.

Mauna Loa is also noteworthy for its size, rising gradually to more than 4 km (2.5 mi) above sea level. Its submarine flanks descend to the sea floor an additional 5 km (3 mi), and the sea floor, in turn, is depressed by Mauna Loa’s great mass another 8 km (5 mi). This makes the volcano’s summit about 17 km (10.5 mi) above its base

Due to its huge size and potential for destruction, scientists have been studying Mauna Loa since 1912 with the help of modern monitoring equipment such as seismographs and tiltmeters. So far, tourists are still able to visit many places near Mauna Loa without having to worry too much about their safety; however, authorities recommend keeping away from any active lava flows or other hazardous materials associated with volcanic activity just in case things get more dangerous.

Frontier Airlines, one of the most well-known budget carriers in the United States, has announced that it will no longer offer phone service to customers who want to speak with a live agent. Most major airlines still offer customer service lines for their passengers. In recent years, low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines have become increasingly popular, offering passengers more affordable flight options than traditional airlines at the expense of certain services that are considered non-essential.

This move by Frontier Airlines will make it harder for customers who prefer speaking directly with an agent when making arrangements or having inquiries answered. As part of this new model, customers will now be required to utilize their web-based self-service platform or contact customer support via email instead.

It’s worth noting that even though many major airlines still maintain a customer service line for its passengers, these call centers are becoming less effective and efficient due to rising call volumes and limited resources. The average wait time on airline customer service lines can range anywhere from five minutes up to two hours depending on the time of day and how busy the call center is at any given moment.

For future flights booked through Frontier Airlines, customers must therefore adjust their expectations accordingly, using other available means like email or web self-help portals in order to resolve their issues as quickly as possible.

Overall, while cutting out phone service may lead some people feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, Frontier indicates this move will ultimately benefit its passengers by allowing them quicker access to answers about their journeys without having to wait on hold for long periods of time.

Japan is known for its sprawling metropolises, cities that bask in the light of every color from signs and advertisements. Yet, outside these massive cities is an island country with natural beauty that shines bright on the pale petals of the cherry blossom—on the delightful purple of the wisteria tree. Adored by Japanese poets and painters is a sight that soars above them all, the UNESCO World Heritage Mt. Fuji.

Iceland always makes for a spectacular experience. Settled over a thousand years ago by the Vikings, this island sits along the mid-Atlantic ridge in the North Atlantic Ocean and has a culture deeply rooted in its ancient heritage. Pristine nature forms and stark landscapes are just the beginning. Icelandic art and culture, which draws from the ancient Sagas, continues to surprise visitors. It is a fascinating country that is sure to capture your heart.

Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced historic enforcement actions against six airlines, which collectively paid more than half a billion dollars to people who were owed a refund due to a canceled or significantly changed flight. These fines are part of DOT’s ongoing work to ensure Americans receive the refunds they are owed from airlines. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, DOT has received a flood of complaints from air travelers about airlines’ failures to provide timely refunds after they had their flights canceled or significantly changed.

“When a flight gets canceled, passengers seeking refunds should be paid back promptly. Whenever that doesn’t happen, we will act to hold airlines accountable on behalf of American travelers and get passengers their money back.” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “A flight cancellation is frustrating enough, and you shouldn’t also have to haggle or wait months to get your refund.”

In addition to the more than $600 million in refunds airlines have paid back, the Department announced today that it is assessing more than $7.25 million in civil penalties against six airlines for extreme delays in providing refunds. With today’s fines, the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection has assessed $8.1 million in civil penalties in 2022, the largest amount ever issued in a single year by that office. A majority of the assessed fines will be collected in the form of payments to the Treasury Department, with the remainder credited on the basis of payments to passengers beyond the legal requirement. The Department’s efforts have helped lead to hundreds of thousands of passengers being provided with more than half a billion dollars in required refunds. The Department expects to issue additional orders assessing civil penalties for consumer protection violations this calendar year.

The fines assessed today and required refunds provided are:

• Frontier – $222 million in required refunds paid and a $2.2 million penalty
• Air India – $121.5 million in required refunds paid and a $1.4 million penalty
• TAP Portugal – $126.5 million in required refunds paid and a $1.1 million penalty
• Aeromexico – $13.6 million in required refunds paid and a $900,000 penalty
• El Al – $61.9 million in required refunds paid and a $900,000 penalty
• Avianca – $76.8 million in required refunds paid and a $750,000 penalty

All of the consent orders are available at www.regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2022-0001.

Under U.S. law, airlines and ticket agents have a legal obligation to refund consumers if the airline cancels or significantly changes a flight to, from and within the United States, and the passenger does not wish to accept the alternative offered. It is unlawful for an airline to refuse refunds and instead provide vouchers to such consumers.

The Washington Post reported Saturday that a cruise ship carrying 800+ passengers infected with COVID-19 has arrived in Sydney, Australia. All those testing positive were either asymptomatic or displaying mild symptoms.

The Majestic Princess was carrying more than 4,000 people aboard. All passengers were given rapid antigen tests before disembarking. Princess Cruises said in a statement that passengers who had tested positive would exit separately and not take public transport.

The cruise line did not say whether guests who had tested positive could isolate onboard until they recovered, though the company said it would help guests access accommodations for isolation.

The ship was halfway through a 12-day voyage when the first cases were noticed. Passengers have been confined to their cabins since the outbreak was discovered, and crew members have been working to clean and disinfect the ship. So far, there have been no reports of serious illness, but the situation is being closely monitored by medical staff.

American Cruise Lines announced that beginning November 1, 2022, all cruise prices for new bookings will now include Port Charges & Fees, making the amounts commissionable for Travel Advisors. The change is the first in the domestic cruise market and is the latest example of American leading the river and small-ship cruise industry. American has a strong commitment to its partners in the travel agency and advisor communities.

“We aim to do everything possible to support the businesses of all our Travel Advisors. They are valued partners and work extremely hard on behalf of their clients. We intend to implement structures on our end that will increase advisor sales, increase commissions, and improve the overall booking experience with American Cruise Lines,” said Susan Shultz-Gelino, Vice President, Trade Relations for American Cruise Lines.

Year after year, American Cruise Lines has continued to expand, growing the small ship market here in the U.S. exponentially.  In just the past 5 years, the company has more than doubled its fleet and totally transformed the U.S. River cruise market by introducing the country’s first modern riverboats.

In August 2022, American Symphony was christened and began cruising the Mississippi River. Next year, American’s 6^th modern riverboat, American Serenade, will debut on the River in April. American Cruise Lines will also introduce 2 small Coastal Cats in 2023; part of the company’s recently announced 12-ship Project Blue Series of 109-passenger, go-anywhere small cruise ships.

The year ahead is set to be the most exciting year ever for American Cruise Lines, with 17 small ships and riverboats operating over 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states.

In countdown to its 10-year anniversary this December, full-service luxury villa companyRental Escapes today announced a special offer providing travelers with the opportunity to receive a credit of up to $2,500 for experiences or services booked through the company’s concierge team. The promotion will be applied to any new bookings made throughout the month of November 2022 with a check-in date occurring before December 31, 2023.

“As we approach the end of the year, many travelers are getting a head start on planning and booking their ideal villa stays for 2023,” said Willie Fernandez, chief marketing officer of Rental Escapes. “With this concierge credit offer, our personal concierge team is excited to work with our guests to assist with all of their needs and ensure it’s one of their most memorable trips of all time.”

Upon booking a luxury villa rental with Rental Escapes, every guest is appointed their own personal concierge team who can help manage various aspects of their trip. The personal concierge provides guests with exclusive access to a wide range of unique services and activities to truly customize each stay and provide an elevated vacation experience. From arranging a private yacht charter to a secluded beach or having a private villa chef for an intimate oceanfront dinner, the personal concierge is able to organize any additional amenities that the guest desires.

For more information on Rental Escapes, visit RentalEscapes.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Rental Escapes on Facebook Facebook.com/RentalEscapes, Instagram@RentalEscapes, Twitter @RentalEscapes and LinkedIn.

Low-cost airline Frontier will be offering an “unlimited” flying pass in 2023, available as early as next spring.  The GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass will have access to all Frontier destinations and will be valid for 12 months and 300+ days of flying.  Frontier’s press release indicated the GoWild Pass will provide:

• An unlimited number of flights
• Access to all our destinations
• Flights available 300+ days a year
• Complete flexibility
• Bookings confirmed ahead of travel
• 12-months of travel

The press release goes on to indicate: “Last year alone, 5 million seats flew empty, now they could be yours.”. “With your new GoWild! Pass, you will be able to get confirmed for your flight the day before you take off on one of your limitless adventures beginning spring 2023.”

Frontier indicates it will sell only a limited number of passes.

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, unveiled its 2024-2025 Tropics and Exotics Collection of itineraries, which open for sale on November 2, 2022.

The new collection of 157 voyages spans seven continents and ranges from 7 to 200 days in length. Featuring more than 300 ports of call, the collection includes 14 new off-the-beaten-path ports. With 30% to 50% more time in port than premium lines, the itineraries include an astounding 451 overnight stays across 123 voyages.

“This new collection of itineraries showcases iconic ports of call along with a wealth of opportunities to explore corners of the globe nearly untouched by tourism, and with seven brand-new or better-than-new ships, the journey will be just as rewarding as the destinations,” stated Howard Sherman, President, and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

Travelers seeking to explore more of the world will revel in the selection of 70 Grand Voyages that afford opportunities for epic explorations across distinct regions and multiple continents. Destination immersion is another key element of the 2024-2025 Tropics and Exotics Collection, with a wide variety of voyages focused on singular destinations such as the Amazon, the coastal villages of Brazil, the Arabian Peninsula, Japan, and an epic circumnavigation of Australia.

For those seeking to chart a course less traveled, there are in-depth explorations of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the yacht harbors and tiny atolls of the South Pacific, and even an invigorating early-spring traverse of the North Pacific that combines Japan’s verdant northern prefectures with the rugged Alaska outposts of Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Whittier.

2024-2025 Tropics and Exotics Collection Highlights

• More than 150 itineraries featuring 123 cruises with overnight stays and 70 Grand Voyages spanning the globe
• With Caribbean, Mexico, and Panama Canal voyages, travelers can revel in new corners of the tropics with visits to refreshingly less-traveled islands such as Bonaire, Carriacou, Dominica, and Guadeloupe
• In South America, there are multiple adventures into the pristine landscapes of Patagonia, sailings along the Amazon River, or voyages that explore the golden coasts of Brazil and Uruguay
• Across Asia, explorers will delight in traveling to far-flung places and iconic attractions that many only dream of with expansive options for Southeast Asia explorations and a number of fascinating Japan-focused journeys
• Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific journeys reveal a blend of dynamic marquee cities as well as unsung treasures in delightfully off-the-beaten-track places such as the coast of Western Australia; Bluff, Gisborne and Timaru in New Zealand; and blissful islands in French Polynesia and Melanesia
• The collection offers a sweeping array of far-flung Grand Voyages, with options linking multiple distinct regions and region-specific journeys that feature in-depth explorations of South America, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and even extended Caribbean and Panama Canal journeys

New Ports of Call

• Camarones, Argentina
• Champagne Bay, Vanuatu
• Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Tristan da Cunha
• Fernandina Beach, Florida
• Hambantota, Sri Lanka
• Hillsborough (Carriacou), Grenada
• Hitachinaka, Japan
• Hualien, Taiwan
• Isla de los Estados, Argentina
• Kupang, Indonesia
• Puerto del Rosario, Canary Islands
• St. Helier, Channel Islands
• Takamatsu, Japan\Waingpu, Indonesia

THE EVOLUTION OF PERFECTION – A BETTER-THAN-EVER EXPERIENCE

OceaniaNEXT is Oceania Cruises’ continual quest to evolve and elevate the guest experience. It focuses on the hallmarks that inspire guests to return to Oceania Cruises time and again: Exquisitely Crafted Cuisine, Curated Travel Experiences and Small Ship Luxury. Reflecting the crisp sophistication of Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, and Vista, the sweeping Re-inspiration of Marina and Riviera presents a symphony of entirely new suites and staterooms as well as elegant public spaces imbued with a new light, airy ambiance. The signature onboard experience is better than ever too, with the addition of an extensive collection of new flavors and culinary experiences that transforms dining into a sublime experience and service into an art form. The gourmet cuisine has been entirely reimagined, from a bounty of new flavorful dishes at The Grand Dining Room to a Dom Pérignon pairing dinner that is the only one of its kind. Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Vista, offers multiple unique firsts in the realms of dining and guest experience. Across all ships, holistic wellness encounters at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center encourage a lifestyle of health and longevity while new destination experiences such as Go Green, Go Local, Beyond Blueprints, Culinary Discovery Tours™, Food & Wine Trails tours, and Wellness Discovery Tours by Aquamar encourage deeper explorations.

THE HEART OF THE EXPERIENCE
One aspect of the Oceania Cruises experience remains constant and unchanged: the trademark warm and personalized service. Whether guests are sailing for the first time or the fifteenth, they will note the ease with which the staff remembers their names and their preferences, along with the genuine smiles and enthusiasm that can only come from the heart.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA

The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of August for on-time performance, consumer complaints received, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. There was a 6.0% increase in air travel service complaints from July to August, and complaints are more than 320% above pre-pandemic levels. The previous report from July showed a 16.5% increase from June to July, and complaints were more than 260% above pre-pandemic levels.

August 2022 On-Time Arrival

In August 2022, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 75.6% up from 74.9% in July 2022 and down from 77.6% in pre-pandemic August 2019. The year-to-date on-time arrival rate for 2022 is 75.8%.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates August 2022

1. Delta Air Lines Network – 82.9%
2. Alaska Airlines Network – 82.3%
3. Spirit Airlines – 81.6%

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates August 2022

1. JetBlue Airways – 65.9%
2. Allegiant Air – 66.5%
3. Southwest Airlines – 67.7%

August 2022 Flight Cancellations

In August 2022, reporting marketing carriers canceled 2.5% of their scheduled domestic flights, lower than the rate 3.1% in August 2021 and higher than the rate of 1.8% in pre-pandemic August 2019.

 Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Canceled Flights August 2022 

1. Hawaiian Airlines – 0.1%
2. Alaska Airlines Network – 0.5%
3. Spirit Airlines – 0.9%

Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Canceled Flights August 2022

1. United Airlines Network – 3.6%
2. American Airlines Network – 3.5%
3. Southwest Airlines – 2.7%

Complaints About Airline Service

In August 2022, DOT received 7,243 complaints about airline service from consumers, up 6.0% from the 6,831 complaints received in July 2022 and up 322.8% from the 1,713 complaints received in pre-pandemic August 2019. Flight problems was the highest category of the complaints received in August 2022. Of the 7,243 complaints received, 2,321 (32.0%) concerned cancellations, delays, or other deviations from airlines’ schedules. Baggage was the second highest category of the complaints received in August 2022. Of the 7,243 complaints received, 1,675 (23.1%) concerned baggage issues. Of 1,675 baggage complaints, 1079 were against foreign air carriers (64.4%) and 596 (35.6%) were against U.S. carriers.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises^®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, and Fabergé, the globally revered jewelry maison, announce a very special collaboration to create a rare, first-of-its-kind treasure for the line’s latest ship,Seven Seas Grandeur, which sets sail in November 2023. Read the rest of this entry »

Photo Bennett Goldberg

Expedition cruise company Lindblad Expeditions officially named their next generation, all-suite National Geographic Islander II this week in the Galápagos Islands. Read the rest of this entry »

CCRA Travel Commerce Network is celebrating the success of its two recent PowerSolutions LIVE events that were met with rave reviews from both travel advisors and suppliers. As well, the company is thrilled to share that last month reigned as one of the company’s largest recruiting months ever for both CCRA’s host agency – Travel Advisors Global Network (TAGN) and for TRUE Accreditation Code membership.

“We certainly have much to celebrate with the immense turn-out at our in-person PowerSolutions LIVE events in Philadelphia and Tampa as well as the outstanding successes we are seeing in member growth for both of the two unique tracks our company offers to become either individually accredited via TRUE or to become a member of our Host Agency TAGN. Last month was one of the best recruiting months our company has seen in our nearly 50-year history,” said Dic Marxen, President and CEO of CCRA. “Further, we are thrilled to be able to gather once again sharing the unparalleled value of meeting live and in-person to make the connections that will help grow business for both travel advisors and suppliers as we move into a bright new era of travel.”

CCRA recently hosted two successful PowerSolutions LIVE events attracting more than 300 travel advisors ready to connect with the products and solutions they need to power up their travel agency business. The events that were held in Philadelphia and Tampa featured valuable education and training sessions by industry experts and business development specialists, empowering speakers, face-to-face round table meetings between advisors and suppliers, and an interactive trade show for building key supplier relationships and networking with industry colleagues.

Asked how PowerSolutions LIVE went, Johanna González, Leisure Sales Manager, Discover Puerto Rico said,”(It was a) great event with quality travel advisors from Philadelphia! During Philadelphia Power Solutions, I was able to interact with a significant number of travel advisors that were eager to learn about my destination. The Power Solutions team did a great job with the organization and agenda, and the roundtables were a fun way to engage with smaller groups, teach them about the Island, and receive their feedback in a comfortable setting.”

Yolanda Carneiro, Vice President, Travel Industry Partnerships and Inside Sales for Carey International, said, “It’s always exciting when you hear ‘I need to use your service’ or ‘I didn’t realize Carey was worldwide’ …Everyone was so attentive, positive about travel, and hopefully ready to book Carey and earn commission!”

Deanna Reilly, owner Deanna’s Travel said, “Power Solutions was a great way to reconnect and learn!  It was a powerful event filled with networking, learning about destinations, suppliers and some new trends coming our way.  I even learned about a fantastic new tool to use to capture data seamlessly.  The Legal update was a priceless seminar filled with so much useful information and updates.”

Company executives say CCRA is poised for continued success in 2023. “Our goal is to continue on our growth trajectory and to bring even greater opportunities for agencies and advisors that we support as TRUE and TAGN members as well as to new advisors we introduce to the travel industry via our new Travel Advisor StartUp program,” said Marxen.

The next two PowerSolutions LIVE events will be held the December 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia and December 7, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Travel Advisors can register for the events online at: CCRA PowerSolutions LIVE Events.