Intelligence
News and Deals for the Global Traveler
New Bets on Private Jets
Charting new routes in the vast airspace between traditional commercial airline travel and private jet ownership, two new enterprises offer fresh — but different — alternatives. Jet-It-Together, a new online community where members match their itineraries with other members to share private jet trips, offers access to more than 1,000 trips at dramatic savings over whole-plane charter. Free membership includes the ability to initiate a trip to share, join another member’s trip, be alerted to available flights and access to hundreds of time-sensitive deals due to jet repositioning. Jet-It-Together does not operate flights; it finds, selects and negotiates costs with FAA-certified private charter operators. Visit www.jet-it-together.com.
Coastal Jet Service, by contrast, is a business aviation corporation that has just begun daily non-stop flights between New York and Los Angeles. Passengers can book seats on this private jet service in the same way they would a commercial flight, avoiding both the hassle of commercial travel and the investment, commitment or monthly fees of whole or shared jet ownership. Flights depart Avitat in White Plains, N.Y. and Million Air in Burbank, Calif., where travelers may arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. On board the Citation X, travelers find quiet, spacious, wood-finish cabins. Fully reclining leather club seats are set singly and have individual multimedia stations with TV and DVD; cocktails and gourmet meals are served on the four-hour flights. Morning departures arrive in Los Angeles in time for breakfast appointments; after-lunch departures arrive in New York for dinner meetings. One-way flights are $4,600 plus tax. Visit www.coastaljetservice.com
MMM … Madrid Menu
In a move to make Terminal 4 of Madrid Barajas (MAD) one of Europe’s most convenient hubs for business travelers, Iberia has completely renovated its Velázquez lounge and added new food options there and at its Dalí and Goya lounges. At all times of day, a buffet will serve breakfast, snack and lunch choices, in summer including chilled Spanish gazpacho. The 24/7 Velázquez lounge, for passengers taking intercontinental or long-haul flights, will also offer full-portion seasonal main dishes such as sirloin steak, sea bass or quail. The full menu, designed by Michelin-starred Spanish chef Sergi Arola and served in the new Velázquez Bistro, is especially attractive to passengers departing at night, who can then spend their flights working or sleeping.
Iberia has already completed renovations to its lounges in Valencia (VLC) and Bilbao (BIO), Santo Domingo (SDQ) in the Dominican Republic and Frankfurt (FRA). Slated for other Iberia VIP lounges around the world, these upgrades are part of Iberia’s $210 million initiative aimed at improving customer service and attracting more business travelers to its trans-Atlantic routes. Visit www.iberia.com.
Rewards
Double Dipping in Hawaii
US Airways Dividend Miles members can save twice at Sheraton, Westin and other Starwood group resorts in Hawaii. Through Dec.25, members can save 35 percent off regular room and suite rates and score triple Dividend Miles. To qualify, book online at any of 11 participating properties: Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider Resort & Spa or the Royal Hawaiian on Oahu; Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Maui Resort & Spa or Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui; Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on the Big Island; St. Regis Princeville Resort, Sheraton Kauai Resort or Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas on Kauai. Members of Starwood’s Preferred Guest program must provide a member number at check-in to earn Dividend Miles. Visit http://hawaii-exclusive.destinations.starwoodhotels.com.
New Virgin Benefits
Virgin Atlantic has joined V Australia to allow members of both Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and V Australia’s Velocity to earn points on either airline’s network. This is a particularly valuable bonus for passengers booking Virgin Round the World fares. These two fare options take passengers from Los Angeles (LAX) to London Heathrow (LHR), continuing to Hong Kong (HKG) and Sydney (SYD) with Virgin Atlantic, and then from Sydney to Los Angeles with V Australia.
