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Volume 1, Issue 15, December 18, 2008 |
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Here’s a bit of good news for travellers amid the slew of dire economic reports — those looking for a flight, cruise, or hotel stay may find surprisingly good deals. Experts predict airfare and hotel rates will fall next year as travellers and companies think twice about globetrotting.
Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary forecast a reduction in the price of air tickets of 15 to 20 per cent by the end of March and claims the carrier is already attracting more passengers with current price reductions.
Most airlines nowadays use the revenue management system, whereby prices are adjusted by computer on a daily basis in line with demand, starting relatively low then rising if a particular flight fills up, or falling if it does not.
To keep the money coming in, airlines have started adopting other strategies. Air France-KLM, for example, has introduced a surcharge on economy-class seats located near emergency exits, where passengers enjoy more legroom. The airline also plans to introduce an extra class between business and economy by the end of next year.
“This project is perfectly matched to the crisis and we are in a hurry to put it into effect,” said Air France-KLM’s Deputy CEO, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, adding that the move would allow business travellers to continue flying in reasonable comfort while saving money.
LAN Airlines has already announced plans to launch its premium business class on Australasian routes, combining the current business and first class cabins. Other airlines are expected to follow suit. 
Dragonair has announced the launch of a new mobile service that offers passengers more convenience and better mobility by connecting them to travel information through their mobile devices. Users can now visit m.dragonair.com using their Web-enabled mobile device and get real-time travel information anytime, anywhere in English or Chinese. Passengers can check the latest Dragonair flight arrival and departure times, subscribe to the airline’s notiFLY paging service which sends instant messages to users on the most up-to-date flight arrival and departure times, track mileage point balances and even retrieve booking details.
Regional Express has achieved the No. 1 ranking for on-time departures for the financial year 2007-08, according to statistics released by Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, which surveyed all major domestic and regional airlines operating within Australia. Rex also had one of the lowest cancellation rates amongst the major carriers at 1.2 per cent, coming in just behind Jetstar (0.9 per cent) but ahead of Virgin Blue (1.9 per cent) and Qantas (2.3 per cent). Regional Express is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of 40 Saab 340 aircraft on more than 1,200 flights weekly to 24 destinations from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MLB) and Adelaide (ADL).
SriLankan Airlines has launched a re-fleeting programme to replace the airline’s existing fleet of A320s. SriLankan currently has a fleet of 14 aircraft — five A320s, four A330s, and five A340s. Its oldest A320 is to be decommissioned this month, and the second by the end of the year. The first two of the new Airbus A320 aircraft will arrive this month, while the third and fourth are likely to be obtained in the first quarter of 2009. The new aircraft will carry 152 passengers in a two-class layout of 20 business-class seats and 132 economy-class seats.
Cathay Pacific passengers can now have their boarding passes issued at Shenzhen International Airport (SZX) for flights departing from Hong Kong International airport (HKG). Passengers can complete their check-in procedures in Shenzhen before taking cross-boundary land transportation to Hong Kong. Upon arriving at Hong Kong, travellers with baggage should proceed to the Cathay Pacific Self Check-in Bag Drop counter, while those without baggage can proceed to immigration. The Shenzhen check-in option is an extension of the airline’s check-in service offered to passengers travelling between Shekou, Fuyong, Humen, Macau and Hong Kong’s SkyPier by cross-boundary ferry.
EVA Air scooped up the award for Best Airline for Premium Economy in Global Traveler magazine’s fifth annual GT Tested Survey. EVA’s premium-economy cabins feature individual, adjustable, seatback-mounted entertainment systems with 8.4-inch touch-screens, offering movies, music, video games and shopping. EVA’s fully adjustable, ergonomic Elite Class seats are 18.5 inches wide and have a roomy 38-inch pitch. More than 31,000 travellers responded to the fifth annual GT Tested Reader Survey between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31.
Xinyi District, Taipei
194 Xinyi Road , Section 2, Taipei
Tel 886-2-2321-8928
www.dintaifung.com.tw
For many years I’ve been in search of the perfect steamed dumpling in Southeast Asia. On a recent trip to Taipei, my quest came to an end. Din Tai Fung’s delectable Chinese dumplings have such paper-thin wrappers, it may just be unbeatable.
There are two Tai Fung branches in Taipei, plus dozens around the world, including Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States. The Xinyi shop in Taipei was the first.
A smiling waitress led us to a table by a bustling kitchen. We quickly placed orders for some of our favourite Chinese dishes, starting with the chilled tossed tofu with seaweed and bean sprouts, which was mild and savoury. For the main course, we had the chef’s signature dishes, steamed pork and shrimp dumplings and steamed vegetable and pork buns. These delightful Chinese delicacies are so tasty, you won’t be able to stop after taking that first bite! After polishing off the last of the dumplings, we finished the meal with some fragrant Long Jin (Chinese green) hot tea, which was refreshing and delightful.
Din Tai Fung is a sure bet if you want to sample classic Chinese cuisine at a reasonable price. The restaurant is bright, clean and spacious, and the staff was attentive and helpful. Perhaps the only downside to the experience is that we had to wait for 20 minutes before we were seated — the place was packed to the brim. Patrons are advised to book in advance. The restaurant does have a non-smoking section.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
Guests of Hilton Tokyo can indulge in the ultimate driving experience while staying at the hotel’s Deluxe Floor Tower Suite. The Sporting Luxe room package is for guests who wish to unwind in the luxurious Tower Suite and cruise through town in a Jaguar XF. Hilton’s Deluxe Floor Tower Suite features a spacious living room and bedroom with impressive views of the Shinjuku skyline. Guests will have complimentary use of a Jaguar XF for the duration of their stay, complimentary daily breakfast and access to the 24/7 Fitness center. Priced at JPY 85,400 per room, the package is valid from Jan. 5 through to Dec. 31, 2009.
Celebrate Christmas in true Aussie style at the Swiss Grand Resort & Spa, located on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Savour traditional Christmas food such as roast turkey and ham with a selection of red, white and sparkling wine, Australian tap beer and soft drinks at Epic Brasserie. Santa will even make an appearance. Christmas lunch is priced at AUD 155 for adults and AUD 55 for children, while dinner is AUD 115 for adults and AUD 55 for children. For reservations contact christmas@swissgrand.com.au
The newly opened Anantara Phuket is offering guests a chance to spend Christmas in the luxury of its one-bedroom villas with private swimming pools. For a minimum six-night stay, the package includes daily breakfast daily for two, limousine airport transfers, dinner at Gala including entertainment on Dec. 24, a 90-minute signature Anantara spa treatment for two, a welcome platter, fresh decanted juices and daily tropical fruit. Rates start from THB 40,250.
Celebrate this winter with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, China by taking advantage of its Warm Winter Best Available Rates which offers savings of up to 50 per cent. Guests who book an additional room for a minimum of two consecutive nights between Jan. 23 and Feb. 8 will receive complimentary buffet dinners for two. All rooms booked under the family package will be automatically upgraded to a higher room category (Horizon or Trader’s Club), which includes complimentary breakfast, cocktails with canapés and refreshments throughout the day in the club lounge.
Air China’s frequent flyers can now earn bonus miles while staying at designated Accor hotels. Through to Feb. 28, Air China’s Phoenix Miles members can earn up to 2,400 kilometres when staying at Accor hotels anywhere around the world. Members can also earn triple kilometres by staying at Sofitel, Pullman and MGallery and double kilometres at Novotel and Mercure for a minimum of two consecutive nights. Mileage can be redeemed for free airline tickets, ticket upgrades or gift rewards at the Phoenix Miles Shop.
