Pro-X-Travel

New iPhone App, "SURVEY ON THE SPOT," Enables Air Travelers to Take TSA Survey Rating Airport Security Screening

On The Spot Systems, Inc., announced today that their iPhone application, SURVEY ON THE SPOT, is now available to air travelers to rate airport security screening by completing a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) survey. SURVEY ON THE SPOT uses the iPhone's GPS to identify the user's location and enables smartphone users to answer a TSA questionnaire quickly and easily immediately after passing through the security checkpoint.

"The application is very easy to use. It can identify which airport you are flying out of, allowing you to provide the TSA with feedback immediately," said Ken Kimmel, president of On The Spot Systems. "SURVEY ON THE SPOT also allows travelers to add photos and comments that they feel will help the TSA improve the national security system."

SURVEY ON THE SPOT provides air travelers with easy access to a questionnaire that has been used by the TSA to rate screening procedures and gauge consumer confidence in the security of air travel.

There is no cost to complete the TSA survey. iPhone users can simply download SURVEY ON THE SPOT free from the Apple App store. Upon starting the app, users enter TSA and then press "Find surveys around me." The system will identify the airport they are departing from and allow them to begin the survey. The survey can also be accessed on other smartphones, such as Android and Blackberry, by using the mobile web browser to go to surveyonthespot.com and entering the TSA survey code, as well as the city and state of the traveler's departure.

On The Spot Systems will provide all survey results to the TSA. "Our hope is that the feedback gathered through SURVEY ON THE SPOT will help the TSA improve its current system," Kimmel said. "Given the holiday timing, we have not been able to confirm specifics with them, but felt compelled to make SURVEY ON THE SPOT available to the TSA and travelers in the US as a public service, particularly given recent airport security concerns."

SURVEY ON THE SPOT was introduced on the iPhone app store in November 2009 and was designed for restaurants, hotels, retailers and other organizations to gather real-time guest satisfaction feedback using iPhone and smartphone technology. For more information visit http://www.onthespotsystems.com.

SOURCE On The Spot Systems, Inc.

Delta Air Lines' Sky Magazine Looks at 'Our World Now' in Its January Issue

Annual themed issue features newsman Anderson Cooper, Bill Ford and Harrison Ford on the future of 'Electrification' and what will capture our attention in 2010

Sky magazine, the monthly business, travel and lifestyle publication of Delta Air Lines, has developed an annual themed issue, "Our World Now," beginning in January 2010. Each January, Sky's editors will look at global trends, issues, events, people and places they think will play a role in shaping the future.

A redesigned Sky magazine debuted in April 2009 under new publisher MSP Communications with the "Our World Now" concept. The theme translates well as an annual issue kicking off each year and speaks to the global scale of Delta. The "Our World Now" concept is a first for Sky and the in-flight category.

"Each month we aim to create a magazine that engages, informs and entertains our readers whether they're on a flight, reading it online or have picked it up on a newsstand," said Jayne Haugen Olson, editor in chief of Sky. "We're excited to create an annual signature issue that looks at the topics, places and people sure to create buzz in the year ahead."

The cover subject of the January issue is Anderson Cooper, the Emmy-Award winning CNN anchor who is interviewed by The New York Times media columnist David Carr. Also included is Sky's quarterly "Fame Exchange," featuring Harrison Ford and Bill Ford interviewing each other on the topics of energy, future technology and transportation; and an array of content dedicated to space, art, music, philanthropy and places of interest to global travelers. The issue also "Rediscovers Vancouver" in time for the Winter Olympics and offers a cheat sheet on what and who to watch in this year's Games.

Sky's redesigned content -- with its dynamic visuals and take-away essentials -- has struck a chord with readers, marketers and advertisers alike and was recently awarded Folio's Gold Eddie for Best Custom Magazine: Single Issue.

Sky is available onboard all Delta and Northwest Airlines' flights, on newsstands and online at www.deltaskymag.com. Following the April merger of the airlines, MRI (Mediamark Research & Intelligence) 2009 Doublebase numbers indicate the unduplicated net audience as 5.3 million readers per month -- 21% more than the next in-flight.

SOURCE Delta Sky magazine

Statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

"I am grateful to the passengers and crew aboard Northwest Flight 253 who reacted quickly and heroically to an incident that could have had tragic results. The Department of Homeland Security immediately put additional screening measures into place -- for all domestic and international flights -- to ensure the continued safety of the traveling public. We are also working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement on additional security measures, as well as our international partners on enhanced security at airports and on flights.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel and, as always, be observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.

Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere. Due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travelers should allot extra time for check-in."

SOURCE Department of Homeland Security

Continental Airlines Launches New Service to Fiji

Twice-weekly flights offer convenient connections from U.S. mainland and Japan

Continental Airlines begins new nonstop service from Honolulu and its Guam hub to Nadi, Fiji on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009.

"Nadi is a popular vacation spot that attracts visitors from around the world and fits well with our portfolio of destinations throughout the Pacific," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president of marketing. "We've scheduled the Fiji flights to conveniently connect with Continental's flights from the U.S. mainland, Japan and Micronesia."

Continental serves more destinations in the Pacific than any other U.S. carrier. In addition to the new Fiji service, Continental operates twice-daily flights between Houston and Honolulu, daily flights between New York, Los Angeles and Honolulu and between Honolulu at Guam, and three-times-weekly service between Honolulu and the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia.

During the busy holiday travel season, Continental will operate a third daily flight between Houston and Honolulu. Beginning March 7, 2010, Continental will add daily service between Los Angeles and Maui and Orange County and Honolulu, and four-times-weekly service between Orange County and Maui.

The new Fiji service is operated by Continental Micronesia using two-cabin Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 155 seats.

The flights from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 6:55 p.m. and arriving in Nadi International Airport (NAN) at 12:40 a.m. two calendar days later after crossing the International Date Line. Return flights operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays departing Nadi at 9:50 a.m. and arriving in Honolulu at 5:25 p.m. the previous day.

The flights from Guam's A.B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 10:55 p.m. and arriving at Nadi at 8:30 a.m. the next morning. Return flights operate on Wednesdays and Sundays departing Nadi at 1:40 a.m. and arriving in Guam at 5:10 a.m. the same day.

Fiji, located in the heart of the South Pacific, is a group of more than 300 islands and atolls dotted across 200,000 square miles of sea. The islands are known for their picturesque coasts, tall coconut palms and brilliant turquoise lagoons fringed by coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Travelers from around the world visit Fiji for its pristine beauty, varied activities including diving and surfing, and relaxed lifestyle.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations. Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the sixth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2009 list of World's Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.

SOURCE Continental Airlines

40% Off Hyatt Resorts for One Day Only!!

EDITOR’S NOTE: As you know, we rarely post travel news related to specific internet deals. However, in the case of Hyatt’s offer, 40-percent off on their product is an exceptional bargain worth mentioning.

Get It While It's Hot- An Early Holiday Gift From Hyatt Resorts

Book a Hyatt Resort on Wednesday, December 16 and receive 40% off for stays now through May 31, 2010

Give in to the urge to get away, and take advantage of this exclusive 24-HOUR SPECIAL OFFER, available for Hyatt Resort stays through May 31, 2010. With a long winter ahead, seize the opportunity to save 40% off the daily rate on all room categories at any Hyatt Resort in the U.S. and Caribbean by booking your Hyatt Resort stay on Wednesday, December 16 from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. all local time zones.

Escape to your dream destination at a Hyatt Resort in Hawaii, California, Florida, the Caribbean and more while indulging in Hyatt's delectable dining options and well-deserved pampering at a Hyatt Pure Spa.

Hyatt Resorts 40% off sale offer is valid for booking only on 12/16/09 for travel 12/16/09 to 5/31/10 at participating resorts in the U.S. and Caribbean. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance requesting offer code 24HRPR. Full non-refundable prepayment required at time of booking. Limited rooms available and blackout dates may apply. Guests can book online at www.hyatt.com or by calling 1-800-55-HYATT. For additional information about Hyatt Resorts 40% sale and full terms and conditions of the package, visit www.hyattresorts24hoursale.com

Participating Hyatt Resorts include:

• Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
• Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
• Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa (Opening February 2010)
• Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort and Spa (Opening March 2010)
• Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

SOURCE Hyatt Resorts

Delta Air Lines Wins Three Business Traveler Magazine Awards

SkyMiles, delta.com and Sky Clubs earn top honors for the fourth consecutive year

Delta Air Lines has the "Best Frequent Flyer Program," "Best Airline Web Site" and "Best Airport Lounge," according to Business Traveler readers who voted in the magazine's 2009 Best in Business Travel Awards.

Now in its 21st year, Business Traveler's annual Best in Business Travel Awards is one of the world's most comprehensive business travel poll, covering various sectors of the global travel industry and showcasing the industry's highest standards of excellence. During 2009, a random selection of 8,000 of the magazine's estimated 100,000 premium business travel subscribers were invited to vote on their favorite airlines, travel destinations, hotels and other travel companies.

"We are pleased and excited that the SkyMiles program, Sky Clubs and delta.com have been recognized for the fourth straight year by Business Traveler readers," said Tim Mapes, Delta's senior vice president - marketing. "As we approach the final phase of the Delta and Northwest integration, we continue to focus on building the world's leading airline network as well as delivering best-in-class products and services for our customers. These awards are an affirmation of our efforts."

Recent improvements to the SkyMiles program, Sky Clubs and delta.com customer experience include:

• Northwest WorldPerks and Delta SkyMiles programs were officially and successfully merged to create the world's largest airline loyalty program with more than 70 million members.
• Delta announced details of a new SkyMiles Medallion program, which will be implemented in early 2010 and feature industry-leading benefits for the airline's most frequent flyers, including rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), a new top-tier Diamond Medallion status and Choice Benefits.
• Northwest WorldClubs and Delta Crown Room Clubs became Delta Sky Clubs, offering members one consistent experience and adopting customer favorites from both lounge programs. Delta Sky Club membership provides access to more than 50 airport Club locations worldwide, as well as partner lounges including Alaska Airlines Board Rooms.
• delta.com is now accessible in 11 languages, making viewing and changing flights easy, and providing customers with upgraded, self-service rebooking functions.

SOURCE Delta Air Lines

Garuda Indonesia to Fly Jakarta-Dubai-Amsterdam from June 2010

Airline to operate A330-200 on new long-haul route

Indonesia's national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, will launch a daily non-stop service from Jakarta to Dubai and on to Amsterdam from 1 June 2010. The airline will operate the new long-haul service with its technically advanced 222-seat Airbus A330-200s, which features Garuda Indonesia's new 'Nature's Wing' livery, signature interior and upgraded on-board service.

The introduction of the Jakarta-Dubai-Amsterdam route marks a significant step forward in the airline's global network expansion strategy.

"The Middle East will play an integral role in our 'Quantum leap' strategy, which includes growing our international network and increasing the number of departures by more than 300% to 1,222 a week by 2014," said Emirsyah Satar, President and CEO, Garuda Indonesia.

"We have been flying to this region for over 50 years now and want to continue to grow a strong presence here. We're also investing heavily in developing a service culture known as the 'Garuda Indonesia Experience', which combines warm Indonesian hospitality with quality service that emphasises on safety and comfort both in the air and on the ground," added Satar.

Garuda Indonesia will operate from Soekarno Hatta airport to Dubai International Airport departing Jakarta at 21.00, arriving in Dubai at 02.00 local time. The same aircraft will then leave for Amsterdam at 03.15 and arrive at Schiphol airport at 08.00. The return service will leave Schiphol airport at 10.00 and arrive in Dubai at 18.30. The aircraft will then leave Dubai at 19.45 and arrive in Jakarta at 07.10 the following day allowing adequate transfer time for onward flights to other cities in Southeast Asia.

"Aside from the business travel market, Dubai is becoming an increasingly popular leisure destination for Dutch travellers looking for long-weekend getaways. This new service will help meet growing demand," said Agus Priyanto, EVP Commercial, Garuda Indonesia.

The A330-200 features individual touch-screen LCD screens in all classes, state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system with Audio & Video on Demand (AVOD) with a choice of 25 feature films, 250 audio tracks and 25 video games.

In Executive Class, the aircraft has fully reclining flat beds with 74-seat inch pitch. The A330-200 will operate in a two-class configuration carrying 36 passengers in Executive Class and 186 in Economy Class.

SOURCE Garuda Indonesia

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces Recognized yet Again by Leading Hotels of the World for 2009

 Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has been once again recognized for its excellence and service for its properties - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives and Taj West End Bangalore - at the Leading Hotels of the World Annual Convention held in Venice, Italy in November 2009. The high standards of these hotels and their commitment to excellence has been identified post a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to behavioral standards.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives sets a new benchmark of excellence, winning the eighth annual Commitment to Quality Award in the Asia Pacific region and receiving the Grand Prize Winner award for displaying outstanding levels of quality in all elements of a luxury hotel experience.

The Taj West End, Bangalore has been presented the Fourth Annual Commitment to Excellence Awards, acknowledging hotels whose concept of service and makes an exceptional effort towards community development and extending beyond service, to areas of the environment, community outreach and cultural support.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives seamlessly extends the magic of the island's blessed natural beauty in its design even as it offers the finest contemporary luxuries and services. This award winning resort scored an overall average of 95.6%, the highest rating within the Leading Quality Assurance audit. The property has exceeded expectations over and above the 450 + members within the group and was recognized as a Grand Prize Winner. Situated in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives is an intimate and romantic island resort lush with tropical plants and encircled with clear blue waters. The resort has implemented a range of initiatives to substantially reduce its carbon foot print and has the distinction of being Maldives first Green Globe Certified resort. Over the last year, the resort has introduced numerous culinary offerings and revitalized accommodation with private pools being added to all of the Deluxe Lagoon Villas. The piece de resistance is the Jiva Grande Spa - a private island sanctuary offering a range of Indian wellness signature treatments and rituals.

Taj West End, Bangalore has welcomed guests for over a century and is more a legend than a hotel. Nestled in the midst of 20 acres of magnificent gardens, it is an experience of luxury in refined style and warm relaxed comfort. Going beyond its purview of hospitality, the hotel has engaged in community development keeping in line with the existing Taj corporate policy. The policy lays emphasis on creating sustainable livelihoods and building community through social outreach programs in Health, Education, Empowerment of Women & Youth, and Employee Volunteering. The main causes include reducing malnutrition, promoting indigenous artisans and craftsmen and increasing employability by sharing of Taj's core competencies. Taj Hotels encourage disability recruitment and empowerment of candidates from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. These can be measured in terms of their having more lasting benefits, of building a sustainable environment by reducing the impact of daily operations on the environment, by improving operational efficiencies, resource conservation & usage of renewable resources.

The Taj West End, Bangalore has also received top honors in the prestigious "Conde Nast Readers Travel Awards 2009" by being listed amongst the top 10 overseas Business hotels in World.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of http://www.lhw.com and http://www.lhwspas.com. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in more than 22 major markets across the globe.

SOURCE The Indian Hotels Company Limited

Bahrain Is Best for Expats In Middle East and Africa

KINGDOM AMONG TOP 5 PLACES WORLDWIDE FOR QUALITY OF LIFE

 Bahrain has been voted one of the best locations in the world to live and the top choice in the Middle East and Africa in the world's largest global survey of expats. The 2009 results of the independent Expat Experience poll, commissioned by HSBC Bank International, reveal the Kingdom is one of the friendliest expat locations with the fifth best quality of life worldwide and the very best social life.

In the overall rankings, Bahrain (5) is placed ahead of the likes of the United Sates (8), Hong Kong (10), Malaysia (11), Japan (16), China (22), the United Kingdom (23) and India (25). The United Arab Emirates (UAE) came 18th and Qatar 26th. And while the report revealed the general downside of expat life to be the social scene, Bahrain topped the global league table for "social life". The Kingdom also leads the world in offering improved working hours; ease of organising healthcare; and the number of expats who have joined local community groups.

Andrew Trevis, plant director of Kraft Foods Bahrain, added: "The lifestyle in Bahrain is very good. This is a free country that is not at all restrictive. The fact that you can enjoy a high quality of family life is a strong selling point."

Bahrain was also ranked in the top five countries worldwide for:

1. "Finding somewhere to live" (2)
2. "Organising my finance" (3)
3. "Education / childcare" (4)
4. "Setting up utilities" (4)
5. [Quality of] "Household goods" (4)
6. "Making friends" (5)
7. "Organising school for my children" (5)

Kamal Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), which has the overall responsibility for creating the right climate to attract foreign investment, said: "In Bahrain we have made a commitment to creating an attractive business environment for international companies looking to access the trillion dollar market of the Gulf. This continues to create exciting opportunities for both expats and Bahrainis alike. For those moving to our country, we know the factors they face when organising a new life. And this report shows that Bahrain is not just the ideal location to do business in and from, but a great place to live as well."

Bahrain has adopted a long term strategy of economic diversification which - together with the enviable economic growth rates still enjoyed by the Gulf and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region - holds significant opportunities for international business. The approach is enshrined in Bahrain's Vision 2030 and National Economic Strategy, both committed to maintaining the optimum business environment that will attract foreign investment and ultimately elevate national living standards by creating greater opportunities for Bahrainis.

The Expat Experience poll surveyed 3,146 people working in 30 different industries and 50 countries. Now in its second year, the report examines expats' experiences integrating into local communities, their quality of life and the opportunities and challenges faced living away from home, providing a unique insight into how expat life differs across the globe. It is the second of three reports to be produced from HSBC's "Expat Explorer" research. Results from the first part of the survey released earlier this year found Bahrain eighth worldwide for expats' "economic" quality of life.

SOURCE The Bahrain Economic Development Board

Passengers' Bill of Rights to Move One Step Closer to Finish Line

Senate Finance Committee Scheduled to Hold Hearing on FAA Reauthorization Bill on December 10th

Kate Hanni, founder and president of Flyersrights.org, the nation's foremost airline passenger advocacy group, issued this statement regarding the upcoming Senate Finance Committee hearing on the FAA Reauthorization Bill, which includes language for the Passengers' Bill of Rights:

"Flyersrights.org, its members, and millions of air travelers nationwide have waited patiently while this bill has sat in the Senate and we are thrilled that Congress is going to take some action on this important piece of legislation before the end of the year. It is now time for Congress to step up to the plate and hold airlines accountable for excessive tarmac delays and other operational practices that endanger the safety and well being of passengers. The fact that 35 Senators, both Democrat and Republican, have thrown their support behind this bill already, should send a strong message to those legislators that are on the fence."

Flyersrights.org was formed in 2007 by several passengers who were stranded for nine hours on the tarmac in Austin, Texas. The organization advocates for passengers' rights, including passage of the Passenger's Bill of Rights currently being debated in Congress. The organization currently has 27,000 members nationwide. For more information, visit www.flyersrights.org or call the hotline at 1-877-FLYERS6.

SOURCE FlyersRights.org

Turkish Airlines Spreads Its Wings & Pampers Travelers With Only Nonstop First-Class New York-Istanbul Service

Turkish Airlines - winner of "Best Airline: Southern Europe" in the 2009 Skytrax World Airline Survey - marks a major milestone in its 76-year history with the launch of the industry's only nonstop first-class service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST). The daily nonstop Boeing 777-300ER service features 312 seats in a three-class configuration - eight in First, 30 in Business and 274 in Economy -departing JFK every day (seven days a week) at 4:15PM, and arriving IST at 9:25AM the following morning. The return flight departs Istanbul at 10:30AM, arriving New York at 2:45PM that day.

Turkish Airlines' Director in New York, Ihsan Baytan, cites Istanbul's status as an emerging regional business hub demanding tailored pre- and in-flight amenities for business travelers. "We're proud to pioneer this one-and-only service to fill what was a major gap in the marketplace," he said. "With the first-class option in place, we're offering a true best-of-class experience, providing maximum comfort and convenience for travelers flying between New York and Istanbul or continuing on to the Middle East, Central Asia, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, the Far East and Africa."

Exclusive airport services for first-class passengers include a dedicated private lounge and a check-in counter, and in Istanbul "meet and greet" from check-in to boarding. Travelers kick back and enjoy the trip across the Atlantic Ocean in their own 26 sq. ft. suite whose sliding door ensures total privacy. Seats recline to a fully flat 180 degrees and 6.8-foot length with massage from eight different points. Exclusive in-flight offerings include: unlimited caviar; an assortment of authentic Turkish meze and hors d'oeuvres from international cuisines; a choice of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes as a main course; a complimentary Bvlgari amenity kit, with razor blades and shaving foam for men on request. Entertainment options abound with more than 200 hours of movies, music and games on a 23-inch flat screen in-seat monitor.

SOURCE Turkish Airlines