Business Travel Tips

Qantas will drop first-class travel on some of its international Boeing 747 services between July 6 and October 31. The move affects three long-haul routes: Sydney-Buenos Aires, Sydney-San Francisco and Melbourne-Hong Kong-London.

Qantas isn’t removing first-class seats, but just that level of service, that means some customers will get a first-class seat at business-class prices.

“We’ll sell it as a business-class service so they’ll get business-class product and service but some people will be sitting in a first-class seat,” Qantas spokeswoman said.

Qantas took the move for the three routes because there was no demand for its first-class product. Globally, the demand for first-class travel is the hardest affected by the international financial crisis. IATA figures show long-haul markets connecting the Asia-Pacific region were the weakest of any area in the first quarter of this year, with first- and business-class passenger numbers falling 29.2 per cent compared with a global average of 19.2 per cent. (source)

A federal investigation into the crash of a Colgan Air commuter plane, that killed 50 people near Buffalo, New York, on February 12, has put the focus on safety problems of regional airlines.

Congress also is looking into the safety of regional airlines that fly the 30- to 90-seat planes. That means regional airlines could face lawmakers’ demands for costly operational changes.

Industry experts predict that there will be some increased costs for commuter airlines, especially associated with enhanced training requirements, maybe some different crew scheduling requirements.

Just over half of all domestic flights are operated by regional carriers in the United States.

More than 160 million passengers flew on regional airlines in 2007, up 40 percent from 2003, according to data from the RAA. About 75 percent of U.S. airports — 240 cities — are served exclusively by regional airlines. (source)

Qantas is offering discounted economy flights from United States to Sidney, this summer.

Flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco start at $280 each way based on round trip purchase.
Below a sampling of Qantas’ discounts. Fares are each way based on round trip, include fuel and insurance charges, do not include taxes and fees which are an additional $150 to $200 depending upon itinerary.

Los Angeles (LAX) – Sidney $280
San Francisco (SFO) – Sidney $280
New York (JFK) – Sidney $360

To take advantage of this fare sale, you have to book by June 2, 2009.
Travel period: between July 25 and September 21 2009 for departure from Los Angeles and San Francisco, between August 9 and September 20 2009 for departure from New York.
For details as well as for departure from other US cities visit this Qantas deals page.

Guests get a free night at Radisson hotels when they stay two or more consecutive nights including Friday.

To take advantage of the offer, you are required to book at least a two consecutive night stay, including a Thursday or Saturday night, at the same hotel.

The promotion is valid for arrivals between May 15 and September 15, 2009 at participating Radisson Hotels & Resorts in North America, South America, Asia Pacific and participating Radisson Edwardian hotels in London. Find out details at Radisson Free Friday.

Marriott launched a 20% off promotion involving ten of its brands. The promotion, Global Rate Break, is available at more than 2,500 participating Marriott hotels or resorts around the world.

It offers 20% off on reservations made by June 2 for stays between May 21 and September 7 — valid any day of the week at participating resorts worldwide and hotels in the Middle East and Africa, and Marriott Vacation Club and Grand Residences by Marriott resorts, during weekends (Thursday – Sunday) at participating hotels in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Caribbean and Latin America.

The Marriott brands that have launched Global Rate Break include: JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott.