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Volume 2, Issue 11, March 12, 2009 |
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Long-haul flights have been found to triple the risk of deep vein thrombosis (the formation of blood clots in the deep vein of the lower body) due to cramped seats and inadequate legroom. Airport Parking and Hotels, the long-stay parking specialist, has put together a table comparing the seat pitch of 29 major airlines highlighting the difference between seat width and legroom space.
Seat pitch and width can vary considerably between airlines and carriers, which can mean the difference between a comfortable nine-hour flight and a sleepless one. For many carriers, the pitch in economy class is 30 to 32 inches but APH has found that some airlines are offering much larger — or smaller — seat space.
Qatar Airways offers the widest space in economy with a seat width of 18.9 inches, Emirates follows close behind offering a reasonable 17 inches of seat width but a lengthy 34 inches of legroom. British Airways offers a standard seat width of 17.5 inches and a 31-inch seat pitch, while their World Traveller Plus seats have one additional inch in width and 38 inches of leg space.
Managing director of APH Nick Caunter says: “The size of seats and leg-room space can vary drastically between airlines and we feel it’s important for travellers to be aware of which are likely to offer the most comfortable flight before they book their holiday.” 
Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has exempted the fee for tourist visa applications for a three-month period, effective March 5 to June 4. Thailand currently issues visa to citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay for not over 30 days. Those who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before arriving in Thailand.
JAL has revised its route, flight frequency and fleet plan for 2009. Changes will be made to five international passenger flight routes. Flights on the route to Korea (ICN)–Tokyo (NRT) will be increased for seven months starting March 29. Flights on international routes, Tokyo–Beijing (PEK) and Tokyo–Shanghai (PVG) will be reduced for three months starting March 29. For customers who have already made reservations, the airline will offer alternative flights.
Costa Cruises has received approval from the PRC Ministry of Transportation to operate three cruises across the Straits between the Mainland and Taiwan. The newest member of Costa Fleet in Asia, Costa Classica, is a seven-day/six-night unique experience. Operating from April to May, the cruises will depart from Shanghai, making stops at Hualian, Jilong and Taizhong in Taiwan.
India’s Jet Airways will launch flights between Mumbai (BOM) and Lucknow (LKO). Jet Airways flight 9W 665 will depart Mumbai at 1110 hrs, arriving in Lucknow at 1320 hrs. Flight 9W 666 will depart Lucknow at 1350 hrs, arriving in Mumbai at 1600 hrs. The new service will offer passengers enhanced connectivity across India.
Starwood has made its South East Asian debut with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Kuching. The hotel is just minutes from Kuching International Airport (KCH). Nearby attractions include Sarawak Cultural Village and Damai Beach. Four Points rooms offer iPod entertainment docks, complimentary WiFi, and a rainforest shower in the bathroom.
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur 50250 , Malaysia
Tel 60 3 21482322
www.ichotelsgroup.com
Crown Plaza Kuala Lumpur is an impressive business-oriented hotel. The location of the property is fantastic for those who have business within Golden Triangle area of Kuala Lumpur.
I stayed for three nights at the Crowne Plaza back in December 2008. I arrived quite late in the evening but thankfully, check-in was hassle-free and efficient.
My room was on the 28th floor and overlooked the Petronas Twin Towers — it was my first visit to Kuala Lumpur and what a start! The room was very nicely furnished and had the unusual touch of a large window between the bath and the room which allows one to watch TV from the tub.
During my short stay, I sampled the buffet breakfast at Planters' Inn which was fantastic. The spread was wide and varied, with everything from assorted breakfast pastries to Chinese congee and sticky rice balls.
All in all, a top-class hotel.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has launched the Azuma Odori package, which includes premium seats for the 85th Azuma Odori geisha dance performances at Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in Tokyo. Priced at JPY 85,000 and available from May 29 to June 1, the package includes one-night accommodation for two in a deluxe room or a premium grand room and two tickets for the 85th Azuma Odori geisha dance performances.
Through May 30, the Hyatt Regency Jing Jin City Resort and Spa Resort is offering the Rejuvenation Package, priced at CNY 680, featuring Balneotherapy and Balneum massages, each lasting three hours. The newly-opened Balneum Spa features an all-natural onsen-quality hot spring that will detoxify your body and soul.
Marriott Rewards members can now earn miles with Japan Airlines’ Japan Mileage Bank when they stay at more than 3,000 Marriott International hotels over the world. This latest addition brings Marriott Rewards’ total number of airline partners to 33. Marriott Rewards members will receive two miles per USD 1 spent at Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and Marriott Vacation Club International.
SALA Resorts & Spas is celebrating Thailand's traditional New Year Songkran Water Festival with a Pay-Two-Nights, Get-One-Free promotion at their Thai retreats. The promotion runs from April 3–19 and in Thai tradition during Songkran (April 13–16), water is joyfully splashed to wash away bad luck. The deal includes return airport transfers, daily breakfast, traditional New Year dinner and choice of a half-day island tour or 60-minute massage for couples.
Cathay Pacific has launched a Buy 2 Get 1 Free package for travellers to Hong Kong Disneyland. Through June 30, the promotion invites visitors to travel in threes, with the third person enjoying the package for free. The deal includes three economy-class return tickets between selected destinations and Hong Kong (HKT), three Hong Kong Disneyland tickets, a garden-view room for two nights at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and complimentary round-trip airport transfers.
