Pro-X-Travel

oneworld Alliance Welcomes Mexicana on Board

Mexicana becomes part of oneworld® at midnight tonight - adding Mexico and Central America's leading airline to the world's leading quality airline alliance.

Its subsidiaries MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink join oneworld at the same time, as affiliate members. All three airlines will offer the alliance's full range of services and benefits with the first flights tomorrow.

They extend the oneworld network to almost 700 destinations in nearly 150 countries, with a combined fleet of some 2,250 aircraft operating more than 8,000 flights a day, carrying 325 million passengers a year, with annual revenues of $100 billion.

A massive promotional program will be launched today to highlight the group's addition to the alliance.

Mexicana is offering passengers flying with the airline in the next four weeks the chance to win a pair of tickets for a trip of a lifetime right around the world, flying with its new oneworld partners.

A Mexicana Airbus A320 and MexicanaClick Boeing 717 were unveiled today at their Mexico City hub - decorated in oneworld's alliance livery.

oneworld's award-winning Travel and Charging Stations land for the first time in Latin America, installed today at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport.

Mexicana's market-leading Mexican and Central American network are covered starting at midnight tonight by oneworld's full and extensive range of alliance fares and sales products - including its new Visit Mexico and Central America pass.

Mexicana's addition comes a day after oneworld was named the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the seventh year running in the World Travel Awards.

As it updates its Web site to mark the addition of Mexicana, oneworld is also enhancing its online services to include a Spanish version of its popular round-the-world booking tool, an iPhone flight search application and a complete mobile website for customers using Blackberrys, iPhones and other smartphones.

As of tomorrow, members of the MexicanaGO frequent flyer program can earn and redeem mileage awards on all oneworld partners, which include some of the biggest and best airlines in the world - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, Malev Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian and almost 20 affiliated airlines. Russia's leading domestic carrier S7 Airlines is on track to join during 2010.

MexicanaGO Conquer and Discover cardholders have oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status respectively, gaining them access to some 550 airport lounges worldwide offered by the alliance's airlines. Mexicana Explore cardholders have oneworld Ruby status.

The 21,000 customers in these top three MexicanaGO tiers have been sent new membership cards, bearing the oneworld logo, to ensure they receive their alliance benefits.

Also starting at midnight tonight, the 100 million members of the established oneworld airlines' frequent flyer programs will be able to earn and redeem awards and tier status points and receive all other oneworld benefits on Mexicana and its two affiliates.

As Mexicana joins oneworld, its logo will be added to thousands of oneworld signs at the 700 airports worldwide on its member airlines' networks, on the alliance's website and all oneworld branding used in its and its member airlines' advertising, publications and stationery, increasing awareness of Mexicana in the near 150 countries served by the alliance's carriers.

At the same time, Mexicana will be applying oneworld logos onto the fuselages of all 105 aircraft in its combined fleet and featuring the alliance emblem wherever its own Mexicana logo is featured.

oneworld Governing Board Chairman, American Airlines Chief Executive Gerard Arpey, said: "oneworld is very selective about who we invite on board to join us as a new member. We only consider airlines with brands that match the quality of our established partners, who share our priorities of safety, customer service and profitability and who can expand our existing combined network in key regions, rather than simply replicating what we already offer. As the leading carrier in Mexico and Central America, Mexicana more than fits the bill. We are delighted to be welcoming it and its customers on board oneworld."

Iberia Chairman and Chief Executive Antonio Vazquez said: "Iberia has been honored to act as Mexicana's sponsor into oneworld, a process that has reinforced the excellent relations between both airlines. Mexicana will considerably strengthen oneworld's long established position as the leading airline alliance in the Spanish-speaking world and in Latin America, making it easier for more customers to reach more places more easily and for better value with some of the world's best airlines."

Mexicana Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja said: "As a member of oneworld, we can now offer our customers more choice and convenience, a much more extensive global network, more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards, more lounges, more customer service support and better value - services and benefits beyond the reach of any individual airline. For Mexicana and our employees, becoming part of oneworld, flying alongside some of the most respected names in the airline industry worldwide, strengthens our position considerably in an increasingly competitive marketplace."

SOURCE: oneworld Alliance

JetBlue and Lufthansa to Begin Codeshare Operations

JetBlue Airways and Lufthansa have signed a codeshare agreement under which JetBlue would be allowed to place the Lufthansa code (LH) on JetBlue flights. Initially, the airlines plan to offer connecting service between 12 JetBlue destinations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and Lufthansa's network of 180 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The agreement was filed today for authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Once a statement of authorization is issued by the DOT, Lufthansa and JetBlue plan to offer convenient connections between the airlines' networks, beginning first with the following U.S. cities:

•Austin, Texas
•Buffalo, N.Y.
•Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
•Fort Myers, Fla.
•New Orleans
•Pittsburgh
•Raleigh/Durham, N.C.
•Rochester, N.Y.
•San Juan, Puerto Rico
•Syracuse, N.Y.
•Tampa, Fla.
•West Palm Beach, Fla. 

Customers traveling from these U.S. cities on JetBlue will be able to connect via New York/JFK or Boston onto Lufthansa flights bound for destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Both airlines are looking forward to the commencement of codeshare operations, which will allow them to provide their customers with an extended route network and a seamless flight experience. Pending authorization, codeshare flights will be available for sale by early October, and will be bookable on lufthansa.com, via a link on jetblue.com, or through local and online travel agencies.

In January 2008, the two airlines entered into an agreement under which Deutsche Lufthansa AG purchased an ownership interest in JetBlue Airways Corporation.

Continental Airlines to Join Star Alliance on Oct. 27, 2009

Continental Airlines has announced that it plans to join Star Alliance on Oct. 27, 2009. As previously announced, Continental will end its participation in SkyTeam after its last scheduled flight on Oct. 24, 2009.

Continental's transition from SkyTeam to Star Alliance is a strategic change, originally announced in June 2008, that will enhance travel options and competition. Continental's network will have a distinct fit in Star Alliance, with Continental's New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport playing a particularly important role for Star Alliance travelers.

Continental's OnePass members do not need to make any changes to their OnePass accounts and will continue to utilize their mileage as normal. Mileage balances will not be affected by the transition.

Through Oct. 24, 2009, OnePass members can continue to earn and redeem miles and make reward reservations on SkyTeam partners.

When the transition to Star Alliance occurs on Oct. 27, 2009, OnePass members will begin earning base miles and Elite Qualification Miles/Points and be able to redeem miles on Star Alliance airlines.

Continental provides alliance updates on its web site at: continental.com/alliancenews.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Welcomes Wyndham Hotel Group Onboard

Southwest Airlines Adds Wyndham Hotel Group as New Preferred Participant to the Carrier's Frequent Flyer Program

Southwest Airlines and Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with 11 brands and more than 7,000 hotels, announced a new association today between the companies' respective loyalty programs, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and Wyndham Rewards . Rapid Rewards Members now have the option to earn a half (0.5) Rapid Rewards credit for each stay at any of more than 6,000 Wyndham Rewards properties worldwide.

To celebrate the new alliance, Rapid Rewards Members can receive TRIPLE credit after their second qualifying stay. Visit: www.southwest.com/wyndham for offer details, and visit: www.southwest.com or www.wyndhamrewards.com to book a hotel stay. Even if Customers are not traveling in 2009, Wyndham Hotel Group is inviting Rapid Rewards Members to enroll in Wyndham Rewards for a chance to win a FREE flight on Southwest Airlines. Twenty winners will be awarded one (1) FREE flight on Southwest Airlines, valid to more than 60 destinations Southwest serves, including three new markets, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Boston Logan and New York LaGuardia. Visit: www.wyndhamrewards.com/southwest to enroll and view complete details on the sweepstakes and official rules. No purchase is necessary to participate.

Additionally, Southwest is inviting Customers on a scavenger hunt in Boston on Aug. 16, 2009, to coincide with Southwest's launch of service to Boston Logan International Airport. Customers can visit Faneuil Hall, a historic site near the center of the city, in hopes of finding a 12-foot-high suitcase and a chance to win two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines and 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points that can be redeemed for a free night stay at most participating Wyndham Hotel Group properties.

"This association with the Wyndham Hotel Group brings tremendous value to the Rapid Rewards Program and our mutual Customers," said Ryan Green, Southwest Airlines' Director of Customer Loyalty.

Michael Mueller, Vice President of International Loyalty and Partnerships, Wyndham Hotel Group, added, "We're very pleased to be associated with Southwest's Rapid Rewards Program, as Members will now be rewarded whether they stay with our award-winning upscale Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand or in the many comfortable and familiar hotels of our midscale and economy chains including Ramada, Days Inn, and Super 8."

Wyndham Hotel Group's Wyndham Rewards loyalty program is the largest in the lodging industry based on the number of participating hotels.

American Airlines Celebrates the Admirals Club 70th Birthday

Airline Begins 70 Days of Celebration with Birthday Sweepstakes, Special $70 Savings Offer

Seventy years ago, in 1939, American Airlines opened the airline industry's first VIP lounge at LaGuardia Airport in New York. In honor of the occasion, American is kicking off 70 days of celebration with a birthday sweepstakes and a $70 savings offer on annual memberships. Additionally, customers on one lucky flight will receive two one-day passes to use at any of American's more than 40 Admirals Club(R) lounge locations worldwide.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, visitors to the Chicago O'Hare H/K Admirals Club lounge are in for a treat. Chef Duff Goldman from the popular television program Ace of Cakes will present a birthday cake, which he will bake especially for the occasion, to the Admirals Club. Customers are invited to enjoy a piece of cake and meet Chef Duff as the Admirals Club 70th birthday celebration continues.

"For seven decades, the Admirals Club has been known for exceptional hospitality and outstanding service, providing travelers with a quiet place to relax or conduct business," said Nancy Knipp, President - Admirals Club. "We're very appreciative of our customers and look forward to showing our gratitude during our 70 days of celebration and the years to come."

Through Oct. 19, customers are invited to experience the Admirals Club legacy and help American commemorate 70 years of Admirals Club service by registering to win one of seven prizes in the birthday sweepstakes. Prizes include a Lifetime Admirals Club Membership; a weeklong luxury vacation in Maui; one night at a Hollywood movie premiere; a ski trip in Vail, Co.; and more. Just for registering, customers will receive a $70 savings offer on an annual Admirals Club membership, whether it's new or a renewal. No purchase is necessary to enter the sweepstakes. Complete sweepstakes rules, Offer Terms and Conditions, and other details - including how to enter, a look back at the Admirals Club history, and much more - can be found at the Admirals Club birthday celebration Web site, www.aa.com/AC70years.

Customers are encouraged to join the fun by sharing their Admirals Club experiences via text, photo or video on the birthday Web site, where they will also find a calendar of celebration activities and a 70-day Admirals Club birthday party blog.

American, a founding member of the global oneworld(R) Alliance, offers annual Admirals Club memberships for new members ranging from just $350 to $500. One-day passes are available for $50 and may be purchased online, at self-service check-in machines, or at any Admirals Club location.

American's Admirals Club lounges heighten the airport experience and set American apart from other airlines. Amenities vary by location, and include:

• conference rooms
• a multi-functional business center with individual work stations
• personal computers with complimentary high-speed Internet access, PC data ports, telephones, printers, copier and fax service
• a walk up cyber cafe
• music rooms
• spa-like shower facilities
• complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices and light snacks, in addition to bar service and food for purchase through the enhanced food and beverage program, Amora(TM)
• children's rooms featuring age appropriate computer and TV programming

To learn more, visit American's Admirals Club Web site at www.aa.com/admiralsclub.

Air China Launches China's First Business Travel Card

Travel card offers business travelers exclusive services and promotions 

Air China has launched the 'Air China Business Travel Card', becoming the first airline in China's civil aviation industry to introduce such a service.

In order to meet business passengers' needs, Air China has integrated the services offered through e-commerce and frequent flyer programs to launch the 'Air China Business Travel Card'. There are four types of card available -- The Distinguished Travel Card, The Clear Travel Card, The Smooth Travel Card and The Easy Travel Card. These cards can be used to store credit, book tickets, collect frequent flyer miles and utilize complimentary services. The cards come with a credit value of between RMB 20,000 and 300,000.

Air China has launched several promotions and limited edition versions of the business travel cards. The first 99 customers to purchase a limited edition Distinguished Travel Card will receive a complimentary first-class roundtrip ticket to any of Air China's international destinations. The first 500 customers to purchase a limited edition Distinguished Travel Card will receive a Gold PhoenixMiles Card.

The first 199 customers to purchase a limited edition Clear Travel Card will receive a complimentary first-class roundtrip ticket to any of Air China's domestic destinations. The first 1000 customers to purchase a limited edition Clear Travel Card will receive a silver PhoenixMiles Card.

The first 299 customers to purchase one of the 10,000 limited edition Smooth Travel Cards, will receive a complimentary economy roundtrip ticket to any of Air China's domestic destinations, plus complimentary credit of RMB 3,000.

The first 399 customers to purchase one of the 200,000 limited edition Easy Travel Cards, will receive a complimentary economy one-way ticket to any of Air China's domestic destinations, plus complimentary credit of RMB 1,000.

The promotion is valid from August 6, 2009 to December 31, 2009. Passengers can call +86-4008-986-999 and then press 6 to order their Business Travel Card. Once ordered, the card can be used starting September 16, 2009. Once the card's credit is used, it can be recharged. If lost, a new card can be issued at the appointed Air China sales offices. For more product information, please visit http://www.airchina.com.cn or call the booking hotline at +86-4008-986-999 and press 6 for details.

JetBlue Unveils an Even More Rewarding TrueBlue Customer Loyalty Program.

JetBlue Airways set out to bring humanity back to air travel when it launched service nearly a decade ago, and this fall the airline plans to bring a bit of sanity back to the business of frequent flier programs with a complete revamp of TrueBlue, its customer loyalty program.

The new program is scheduled to launch Sept. 28, 2009, and makes TrueBlue more rewarding, more flexible, and more valuable for the airline's jetters - whether they're road warriors or occasional travelers. It also turns the traditional frequent flier model on its tail by changing the way points are earned and redeemed.

Earning Points

Points in the redesigned TrueBlue program will be based on dollars spent with JetBlue , instead of flight length. Customers will be rewarded with three TrueBlue points for every eligible dollar they spend with JetBlue, plus double points (six per dollar) will be awarded for purchases made through www.jetblue.com (a). Customers can also continue to accrue points by using the JetBlue Card from American Express: every $1 of eligible spending will equal 1 TrueBlue point, as well as double points for purchases made at JetBlue .

Customers will also enjoy bonus points after reaching specific thresholds in TrueBlue. The "Go Big Bonus" offers customers more points the more they jet:

        You will receive a

Once you reach* "Go Big Bonus" of

-------------- -----------------

3,000 points 500   points

------------ ------------

6,000 points 1,000 points

------------ ------------

9,000 points 2,000 points

------------ ------------

12,000 points 4,000 points

------------- ------------

For every 3,000 4,000 points

points above 

12,000 points

*Restricted to points earned solely from purchasing air travel on jetblue.com and within a twelve month period. "Go Big Bonus" points do not count towards your next point threshold trigger.

A "Go Long Bonus" will offer customers who jet on ten one-way long-haul flights (2,000 miles in distance or longer, the equivalent of only 5 transcontinental roundtrips) within a year a whopping 10,000 bonus points -- enough for a roundtrip award flight (b). Example of eligible "Go Long" routes include Boston to Los Angeles or San Francisco; Long Beach, Calif. to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., or Washington, D.C.; and New York to Barbados or Saint Lucia.

Redeeming Points

In an industry reversal, JetBlue will make every seat on every flight available for TrueBlue redemption (c). Just as regular fares vary, the points required for a TrueBlue award flight will also vary according to the specific flight chosen and factors including the destination, day of the week, season, and advance booking window, making TrueBlue points currency you can use to "buy" your award flight.

One-way award flights will be available starting at a mere 5,000 points and will increase in increments of 100 points based on the above factors. As an added bonus, there are no blackout dates when redeeming TrueBlue awards (c).

"Frequent flier memberships are commonplace these days, but they're frequently a point of frustration," said Dave Canty, JetBlue's director of loyalty marketing. "Airlines have made miles easy to earn but not always easy to use. At JetBlue, we knew there had to be a better way to reward loyalty. That's why we're thrilled to launch a completely redesigned TrueBlue that makes points just as easy to redeem as they are to accrue. It's just another way JetBlue is continuing to work hard to be the most customer-friendly airline in the Americas."

TrueBlue points will not expire as long as a customer takes at least one paid JetBlue flight or makes a qualifying purchase with a JetBlue Card from American Express within 12 months of their last TrueBlue transaction (either a qualifying flight or JetBlue Card transaction).

Current TrueBlue customers will be moved seamlessly to the redesigned program in September, and all existing points and awards will remain valid through their indicated expiration date. To enroll in TrueBlue or to learn more about the program, visit www.jetblue.com/trueblue/newprogram.

JetBlue will continue improving the TrueBlue program, including introducing enhancements throughout the fall that will make the program richer and even more rewarding, including hotel, car and retail partners.

(a) Points will be awarded based on dollars spent on the published base fare paid on your own individual eligible flight. Airport or Passenger Facility Charges, the September 11 Security Fee, Federal Segment Taxes (a segment is a takeoff and landing), US Departure Tax, APHIS fee, Customs and Immigration fees, and other taxes and fees are not eligible to earn Points. The base airfare purchase price for the flight portion of the Getaways and Cruise Vacation Packages will be eligible to earn TrueBlue Points. All other travel services or products purchased as a part of such vacation packages, including but not limited to, hotels, rental cars, and cruises, shall be ineligible for TrueBlue Point accrual.

(b) Certain flights will require more points to redeem award travel based on, among other things the flight chosen and peak travel periods. TrueBlue Members are responsible for (a) Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9.00 each way, (b) September 11th Security Fees of up to $2.50 per enplanement at a U.S. originating airport, (c) Federal Segment Taxes of $3.60 per domestic segment (a segment is a takeoff and landing), (d) in the case of Puerto Rico and international travel, government fees and taxes of up to $127.60, and (e) any other fees, taxes or surcharges applicable to Award travel.

(c) No blackout dates apply to JetBlue operated flights only. Blackout dates apply to code share and interline flights.

United Puts the Easy Back Into Using Frequent Flyer Miles, Eliminates Fee

United's Mileage Plus frequent flyer members may now take the easy way out of town and enjoy a last-minute trip to New York, Paris or Shanghai without paying the standard last-minute booking fee. Effective July 30, 2009, the fee to book a frequent flyer award ticket within 21 days of departure will be eliminated - and United is the first airline to make this change for its members.

"Our members have told us that they want ease, flexibility and availability when using their miles, and we are listening," said Robert Sahadevan, vice president - Mileage Plus. "Being the first airline to eliminate the last-minute booking fee will make it easier for our members to use their miles, and it is one of the many steps we are taking to make Mileage Plus the most rewarding loyalty program for them."

Prior to this change, the fee to book an award ticket for travel within six days was $100 and for travel within seven to 20 days was $75.

In this difficult economy, using miles for a flight means more money for Mileage Plus members to spend on dining, entertainment and other activities, and the following destinations have inventory that is available for award bookings:

• Chicago - New York LaGuardia
• Denver - Las Vegas
• San Francisco - Las Vegas
• Washington-Dulles - Tampa

American Airlines Offers Double Miles to Greater New York-Area AAdvantage Members

Customers Can Choose from 210 Daily Flights from New York Airports Reaching 34 Domestic and 29 International Destinations 

American Airlines AAdvantage members who live in the Greater New York area will find there's no better time than now to fly on American. Through the end of the year, each time AAdvantage members fly on American, American Eagle or AmericanConnection - no matter where the trip begins or ends - they will earn double miles.

To qualify, just register at www.aa.com/nydbl prior to travel and fly between July 29 and Dec. 31, 2009, and watch your miles add up.

"We're delighted to extend this double-miles offer to our loyal Greater New York area AAdvantage members," said Rob Friedman, President - AAdvantage Marketing Programs. "It's a great way to highlight our extensive service from the New York area and to thank our customers for choosing American Airlines."

Jim Carter, American's Vice President - Eastern Sales Division, said, "With so many opportunities out of the Greater New York area alone, the double miles will add up quickly. From the Greater New York area airports, American offers 210 daily flights and 63 nonstop destinations - 29 of them international, including nonstop service to Tokyo, South America, the Caribbean, and seven cities in Europe."

Customers traveling out of John F. Kennedy International Airport will enjoy American's state-of-the-art Terminal 8, a $1.3 billion facility with 1.5 million square feet that provides world-class service for both domestic and international travelers. The terminal's key features include:

• 84 ticketing positions and 44 Self-Service check-in machines
• Reserved Premium Class check-in and security lanes
• 10 security checkpoints to process up to 1,800 passengers per hour
• Two Admirals Club lounges and a superb Flagship lounge
• Expanded customs and immigration facility for international travel
• 45 retail shops and restaurants appealing to New Yorkers and international travelers alike

Terms and Conditions

Offer limited to customers residing in the Greater New York area. AAdvantage double mile offer is valid on all American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection marketed and operated flights, July 29, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2009. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on published fare tickets. Tickets purchased prior to July 29, 2009, for travel after that date are eligible for this promotion. Flights operated by our other codeshare partners are not eligible for this promotion. Bonus miles do not count toward elite status qualification. Registration prior to travel is required. Double miles will be calculated at 100 percent of the base miles earned. Customer residence will be determined based on the address on file with AAdvantage Marketing Programs. To qualify, the state code associated with the customer's address will be New York, New Jersey or Connecticut.

New One-Way Fares Between LA - Australia from Just $359* - Coming Home is Optional! V Australia Makes it Flexible and Affordable

V Australia continues to shake up the market with the introduction of super cheap one-way tickets between Los Angeles - Sydney and Brisbane offering more flexibility for travelers, which are on sale now.

While one-way fares are not new to the arena, V Australia is the first airline to offer one-way fares across ALL of its fare brackets, including its lowest lead-in fares, offering one-way tickets from just $359*, approximately 76% lower than the lowest one-way fare currently offered by competitor airlines^.

Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said the initiative was another example of V Australia remaining open and adaptable to new ideas and championing change for consumers.

"The biggest joke in the industry was that for the cheapest and least-restrictive one-way fare travelers had to purchase a return fare and throw away the return portion. This was obviously good for the airlines, but not so for travelers and we're happy to be the first trans-Pacific airline to offer affordable one-way fares while removing the archaic 'advanced purchase conditions' and minimum stay requirements often associated with one-way tickets."

Currently trans-Pacific one-way fares on other carriers are only available in the higher fare brackets.

Brett Godfrey continued, "Effectively travelers get stung twice for even considering a one-way fare, which is usually exquisitely expensive coupled with extensive conditions.

"With V Australia's new 'freedom fare' we've certainly made it easier and much more affordable for those who want flexibility for their return flight, or only need to travel in one direction."

Availability of affordable one-way fares is great news for students, backpackers, expats and those on working holidays who may not necessarily have a firm return date.

If travelers are in doubt about their travel plans, buying a one-way fare will also negate any penalty fees that usually apply to the lower fare brackets if changes are made to a return flight after the booking is confirmed.

One-way fares from America are only available for purchase online at www.vaustralia.com with Guests able to purchase 'through fares' from Los Angeles to Sydney or Brisbane and onwards throughout Australia on Virgin Blue's extensive flight network.

One-way fares from Australia to America are only available for purchase online at www.vaustralia.com.au and do not include through fares via Los Angeles to other US destinations as operated by V Australia's code-share partners.

In addition to the one-way fare, for international visitors traveling on a budget around Australia and between Australia and New Zealand, the easiest and most flexible way to fly is with a Virgin Blue Airpass only available online at www.virginblueairpass.com. The Virgin Blue Airpass offers travelers set airfares from as low as AUD$69 per flight across a variety of Virgin Blue 'Fly Zones' (Quick Fly, Metro Fly, Coastal Fly, Cross Country). Travelers can 'mix and match' a minimum of three and a maximum of eight flights from any of the four fly zones, and up to nine Guests can travel together on the one Airpass.

^ Fares sourced on 20 July 2009 from www.qantas.com.au and http://travel.united.com. For a one-way LA-SYD flight with Qantas for travel on 20 August 2009 the lowest one-way fare on sale was for $1491. For a one-way LA-SYD flight with United for travel on 20 August 2009 the lowest one-way fare on sale was for $1490.

* There are no maximum or minimum stay requirements as part of the fare however length of stay in Australia is subject to applicable visa requirement. Fares are economy one way fares, and exclude government-imposed taxes, fees and the 9/11 Security Fee (collectively between $USD100 to $USD250 depending on itinerary). Prices are in US dollars and include applicable fuel surcharges. On sale from midnight (PDT) July 20, 2009 until midnight (PDT) August 4, 2009 (unless sold out earlier) for travel from July 20, 2009 to November 30, 2009. Fares are current as at July 17, 2009, are subject to availability and may vary until ticketed. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Available only for instant purchase online and fares are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for credit to use at a later date. No stopovers are permitted. Connecting flights between Sydney and other Australian domestic ports are operated by Virgin Blue Airlines. Any Australian domestic travel can be booked through Virgin Blue. Tickets purchased through the Guest Contact Centre cost $15(USD) more.

WestJet, Air France and KLM announce launch of interline relationship

WestJet, Air France and KLM announced that, as of today, the two European companies will offer interline itineraries that connect guests into WestJet's Canadian network.

Initially, connections will be made through the gateways of Calgary and Vancouver, with the option to continue on to Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton.

"This announcement marks WestJet's successful first step in our strategic partnership with Air France and KLM," commented Dr. Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Commercial Distribution. "Starting with only three Canadian cities allows us to take a measured and thoughtful approach to implementation, with the intent to expand this travel to our entire Canadian network. We are pleased to have the capabilities in place to start this interline relationship and excited to work with Air France and KLM."

This interline agreement allows guests to board an Air France or KLM flight and travel on one itinerary to their final destination in WestJet's network. This is an important strategic move, prior to the airlines potentially broadening their relationship with a reciprocal interline agreement and a code-sharing agreement.

This announcement supports WestJet's strategy to increase connectivity, bring additional travellers to its network and offer more access for its guests to new destinations, while allowing Air France and KLM a great opportunity to strengthen their position in Canada.

Earn Marriott Rewards Points on Your Next Cruise

Marriott Rewards members can now also earn points for booking a cruise with CruisesOnly, a division of World Travel Holdings. Marriott Rewards members have been able to redeem points for cruises with CruisesOnly since last year -- for details visit http://mr.cruisesonly.com/.

CruisesOnly offers trips with 17 different cruise lines to destinations around the world, including Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, New England and Bermuda. Points can be earned in the following amounts:

• 3,000 points for purchasing a 1 to 5-night cruise
• 6,000 points for purchasing a 6 to 8-night cruise
• 10,000 points for purchasing a 9 to 12-night cruise
• 20,000 points for purchasing a cruise of 13 night or more

Travelers can book cruises through CruisesOnly on Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Lines, Holland America Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norweigan Cruise Line, Oceana Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silverseas Cruises, The Yachts of Seaborn, Uniworld River Cruises, Viking River Cruises and Windstar Cruises.

Marriott Rewards is free to join. Marriott Rewards points can be earned and redeemed at 3,000 Marriott International hotels around the world, including Marriott(R) Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott(R) Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance(R) Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott(R), Residence Inn by Marriott(R), Fairfield Inn by Marriott(R), TownePlace Suites by Marriott(R), SpringHill Suites by Marriott(R), Marriott Vacation Club(R) and Grand Residences by Marriott.

Marriott Rewards points can be redeemed for hotel stays, frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, brand-name merchandise and more. Marriott Rewards won the 2009 and 2008 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program" and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Travel Savvy, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.