TURNERS APPOINTMENT
We are delighted to inform you that Linda Edwards has been appointed as Operations Director of XL Turners Travel Durban.
Linda has been with the company for 19 years and has helped to develop Turners into becoming one of the leading travel management companies in KZN.
Join us in congratulating Linda on her appointment.
BA COMAIR COMPANION FARES
BA Comair has introduced Companion Fares on all of their routes. The Main Traveller will pay the full British Airways O class fare - their lowest published fare - the Companion will pay just 50% of the fare, and if there are children travelling, they will also only pay 50% of the fare as opposed to the current 75% of the fare.
The fares are valid for immediate sale and for travel on/after 01 June 2011 with all travel to be completed by 31 August 2011.
OVERHAUL EXPECTED FOR LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Airline Loyalty Programmes are likely to have to undergo a complete overhaul to comply with South Africa's Consumer Protection Act. Ina Meiring, director at Werksmans Advisory Services says, "This is not a matter of 'tweaking' here and there but, in many cases, of completely rewriting the terms and conditions of Loyalty Programmes. Ina said that airlines could not afford to wait to start revising their Loyalty Programmes. If a Loyalty Programme was in place on the date the Act came in, airlines must make sure it complies now".
"One example with major implications", says Ina, "is the common practice of imposing limitations on when, how and what goods and services consumers can exchange for Loyalty credits. Currently it is not uncommon for Loyalty Programmes to say that goods or services are 'subject to availability'. Under the Act, airlines have a duty to ensure that the foods offered to consumers in Loyalty Programmes are in stock. Airlines will in future only be allowed to impose restrictions on availability if they follow the correct procedure." This entails giving consumers advance warning, in writing, that a product or service will not be available for a certain period.
SAA has introduced a new SuperPlus Award that will apply to SAA-operated flights only. Mohsin Jassat, Channel Manager at SAA says: "Our intention in this regard is to provide Voyager members with access to many more seats in economy class. The SuperPlus Award will give members access to 25% to 30% of our total capacity. SuperPlus Awards are a solution that will help clients to plan Award travel with less frustration and concern about obtaining seats on preferred travel dates". Mohsin says, "With regard to confirmed seat availability while redeeming Voyager miles, the Voyager programme offers the Any Day redemption award, allowing access to a confirmed seat on an aircraft. Hence, the Voyager programme is largely CPA compliant and will continue to enhance its offering while ensuring strict adherence to the Consumer Protection Act".
Companies will also not be allowed to carry on with another relatively common practice - asking consumers to pay for any other costs linked to the product they are exchanging for loyalty points. "Business man not impose any monetary charge for administering, processing for handling a Loyalty Programme transaction if the consumer is required to pay a periodic fee to remain a member of the Programme. Furthermore, airlines will be obliged to ensure that prescribed information is carried on all Loyalty Programme offers and documents meant for members".
TRAVEL ALERT - CHANGES TO YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
The World Health Organization has revised the Yellow Fever (YF) vaccination recommendations for Africa. However the South African Department of Health has issued the following information regarding the requirements for travellers from and to South Africa:
Tanzania
Returning travellers from South Africa to Tanzania and those from Tanzania travelling to South Africa will require proof of YF vaccination. This is unchanged from the present regulations.
Zambia
Returning travellers from South Africa to Zambia and travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of YF vaccination. Previously, proof of YF vaccination was not required.
In-transit passengers, irrespective of the time period in-transit, will still require proof of YF vaccination.
List of countries for which a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into South Africa:
Angola
Argentina
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Colombia
Guinea-Bissau
Congo
Cote d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
French Guyana
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea
Guyana
Kenya
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Panama
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Paraguay
Peru
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sudan
Suriname
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Uganda
United Republic of Tanzania
Venezuela
Zambia
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FUEL SURCHARGES - NO CHANGE YET
Despite Emirates' announcement that it will remove the fuel surcharge on all tickets, other airlines seem to be in no rush to follow suit. According to Alan Joyce, Quantas ceo, the recently revised fuel surcharges cover less than half of the increase in fuel cost for the Quantas international business for the next year. "With fuel prices at record highs, even if the fuel price begins to decrease it will be some time before we will be able to decrease the fuel surcharge".
Singapore Airlines also confirmed that, at this stage, it was not considering a reduction in the fuel surcharge. However, should the fuel price drop further, surcharges will be reviewed.
Commenting on Emirates announcement, Fouad Caunhye, regional manager Southern Africa, says as soon as the oil price decreased, the airline removed the fuel surcharge on all tickets, showing how flexible it was on pricing protocols.
Agents have welcomed Emirates' decision, calling on other airlines to do the same.
LUFTHANSA STANDARDISES BAGGAGE RULES
Lufthansa is simplifying its free baggage allowance policy and adopting the piece concept on all its flights. The new rules apply to all tickets purchased on or after 1 June 2011. This concept has been successfully implemented a while ago on any of the airline's long-haul flights on North Atlantic routes, particularly.
Under the piece concept, passengers are entitled to check in a specified number of baggage items free of charge, depending on their travel class. Weight restrictions also apply and are graduated according to Economy, Business and First Class. Depending on their status, Miles and More members can check in additional items free of charge.
In some cases passengers will have a significantly higher weight allowance than under the previous weight concept. The free baggage allowance for passengers travelling in Economy Class to Europe, for example, has been increased from 20kg to 23kg. In Business Class, passengers may check in two items of baggage - in First Class three - each weighing up to 32kg. In future, under the new baggage rules, the free baggage allowances per passenger (in comparison to the former weight concept) will be as follows:
- Economy Class: 1 item of baggage weighing up to 23kg
(previously: any number of baggage items weighing a total of 20kg)
- Business Class: 2 items of baggage weighing up to 32kg each i.e. a maximum of 64 kg
(previously: any number of baggage items weighing a total of 30kg)
- First Class: 3 items of baggage weighing up to 32kg each, i.e. a maximum of 96 kg
(previously: any number of baggage items weighing a total of 40 kg)
For infants under two years of age without their own seat, the free baggage allowance remains unchanged: one collapsible pushchair plus one item of baggage weighing a maximum of 23kg.
In addition to their checked-in baggage, Lufthansa passengers travelling in First or Business Class can take two items of hand baggage on board; in Economy Class the free baggage allowance is one item of hand baggage, as before. Each piece must not weigh more than 8kg, and the linear dimensions may not exceed 55 x 40 x 20cm.
DURBAN TO GET NEW CRUISE TERMINAL BY 2015
Plans to develop a new and bigger cruise terminal in Durban are underway. Manager of Durban Port, Rickey Bhikraj said construction on the new terminal would be completed by the end of June 201.The new cruise terminal will be separate from the cargo operational area, further easing congestion and will be situated closer to hospitality developments and attractions such as uShaka Marine World.
Cruise bookings in South Africa are on the "up"!
COMAIR POSTPONES REGIONAL SERVICE LAUNCH
BA Comair has postponed the launch of its Lanseria to Maputo and Gaborone flights until September. In a statement, Comair said this was pending the finalisation of commercial terms with Lanseria International Airport and a commitment from Lanseria to commence the building of a new runway and upgrade of the airport infrastructure.
Comair, in partnership with Solenta Aviation, recently introduced the first of three ATR turbo-prop aircraft earmarked for local and regional network growth into its growing fleet. The aircraft, originally planned for the regional flights, is currently deployed on the Johannesburg-Nelspruit route and performing well, providing the backdrop for Comair to assess possible increase in capacity into Nelspruit as well as growing its domestic footprint to include other smaller destinations.
Stuart Cochrane, executive manager for network development and alliances at Comair says: "We regret the decision to suspend the launch of our Gaborone and Maputo flights as our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the new routes reach operational readiness in time". Comair is now set to commence operations on the Maputo and Gaborone routes from September 01, and bookings for these new destinations are currently open.
COMAIR TO ALLOW CELLPHONES IN FLIGHT
Comair has confirmed reports that soon, South African travellers will be able to use their cellphones during flights. This will only be allowed for passengers using devices that enable the flight mode feature. The airline company which operates kulula.com and British Airways will run a trial period together with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
XL TRAVEL
Romantic Mozambique - 4* Flamingo Bay Water Lodge
Validity: until 8 December 2011
Set on stilts in a tidal lagoon, Flamingo Bay offers something different in the province of Inhambane. Only 24 rooms and no children under 12 permitted. This is perfect for honeymooners and those wanting a romantic getaway. Horse riding, fishing, ocean safaris, quad bikes, mangroves, sightseeing, dhow trips.
3 nights from R5260 + R1715 taxes
5 nights from R7380 + R1715 taxes
7 nights from R9500 + R1715 taxes
Package includes:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner
- Conference facilities
- Return Airfare from Johannesburg to Inhambane
- Transfers
Exclusive of:
- Drinks, visa costs, items of a personal nature
Terms and Conditions:
- Package based on national pricing of inclusive flights
- Subject to change at time of booking
- Flights not daily , so set days of departure apply
- Standard Terms and Conditions apply
PLEASE NOTE THAT MOZAMBIQUE IS A MALARIA AREA. CONTACT YOUR PHARMACY OR DOCTOR.
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THOMPSONS HOLIDAYS
Exotic Thailand - 7 nights at 4* Banthai Beach Resort and Spa.
Validity to: 31 October 2011
Per person sharing
| From | Price | Taxes | Total |
| Ex JNB | R7775.00 | R2577.07 | R10 352 |
| Ex DUR | R8869.00 | R3350.00 | R12 219 |
| Ex CPT | R9370.00 | R3350.00 | R12 720 |
| Ex PLZ | R9145.00 | R3350.00 | R12 495 |
Situated along Patong Beach, Banthai Beach Resort and Spa boasts 3 outdoor pools and a deluxe spa. Rooms come with a private balcony and an interactive entertainment system. The rooms feature a TV, a safe and a minibar. The Banthai offers a free shuttle to Phuket Town. "Great position - close to shopping, night life and restaurants. Good pools. Good for families and couples". Moira Murdoch, 08/01/2011.
Package includes:
- Return flights to Phuket on Thai Airways
- Return Airport to Hotel transfers
- 7 night accommodation at The 3* Deluxe Banthai Beach Resort and Spa
- Breakfast daily
- Thompsons Travel Bag
- Added vale: 10% discount on food and beverages at the Port Restaurant and 10% discount on a regular treatment at Spanakarn Spa
Terms and Conditions:
- Per person sharing
- Subject to change due to airfare increases, currency fluctuations and availability
- Standard Terms and Conditions apply
- E & O.E.
- Please note airport taxes, fuel levies and surcharges are approximate and are subject to change - the exact amount will be confirmed at time of booking
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Kindly contact Graham Moore at XL Turners Travel on 031 368 8000 for bookings or enquiries.
JUNE 2011 LUCKY DRAW COMPETITION
This month, one lucky reader stands the chance to win the following wonderful prize:-
One Night for two including Bed & Breakfast at
5-star Fordoun in the Midlands
The hotel comprises seventeen luxurious, individually appointed double suites with private verandas, under floor heating and dream bathrooms. Each room has its own television and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a double suite with wheelchair access and specially adapted bathroom. Despite its luxurious atmosphere and emphasis on quality, Fordoun's rates are surprisingly competitive in relation to similar hydros elsewhere.
Fordoun Spa boasts a team of experts that include skilled masseurs, Reiki, Bio-energy specialists, a traditional African Healer and highly trained aestheticians. The Spa features internationally acclaimed treatments such as the rasul (a Turkish steam and clay treatment room), a saline flotation pool, heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, sauna, steam room, vichy shower, hydrotherapy room and a couples' treatment suite with hydrotherapy bath. There are many stunning treatments offered.
Fordoun's restaurant, Skye Bistro, is the perfect place to have a relaxing, sumptuous meal and is open seven days a week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Chef Chris and his team take great pride in preparing all meals with care and attention to detail. Wine connoisseurs should be pleased with their private wine collection. Booking is essential.
The Hotel, Spa and Restaurant have won numerous international and local awards for excellence!
Visit www.fordoun.com.
Call Richard on 0332-666217 for further information.
To enter our lucky draw competition, all you need to do is make any travel booking during June 2011 and visit our website: www.turnerstravel.co.za - click on the competition link to enter the lucky draw.
Or, simply fill in your details below and click enter competition.
