Tag: travel industry

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Aircraft Alex Early Travel Tips

Jet Charter Owner Approval

 

June 2nd, 2015
Written By: Alex M. Early, CEO of The Early Air Way

If you’ve chartered private jets in the past, then you’re probably familiar with the term “owner approval required.” For those of you who aren’t familiar however, “owner approval required” is a condition of booking for many (but not all) jet charters. What it means is that once you accept a quote that is proposed to you, the reservation is then sent directly to the owner of the aircraft you’re attempting to book who will either approve or decline your trip. If your trip is approved, then your reservation is confirmed. If your trip is declined however, the particular aircraft at hand will no longer be an option for your trip and you’ll have to move onto a different plane.

Which planes require owner approval?

Gulfstream G650
A top of the line plane such as a Gulfstream G650 will always require owner approval.

Generally speaking, the newer and larger (or more valuable) planes are the ones that will require owner approval. I can’t think of a single Gulfstream G650 Heavy Jet that doesn’t require owner approval. On the other hand, there are very few Lear 35 Light Jets that do require owner approval. This is the standard, but not the rule. There are some heavy jets that don’t require approval while there are some light jets that do.

Why would an owner turn down my business?

 Some charter clients can be surprised that an owner is turning down their money. There are several reasons this will happen, however:

  1. The owner would like to keep his/her plane free for him/herself over the dates you’re attempting to book it for.
  2. Your trip doesn’t bring in enough revenue to justify the aircraft being dispatched. (Generally seen only on newer/larger planes)
  3. Your trip has too many short legs. Short legs are not profitable for late-model, large-cabin airplanes. The ratio of landings to flight hours affects the value of an aircraft on the pre-owned market. If a Gulfstream G550 has an average flight duration of 55 minutes for example, millions in value could be lost compared with one that has an average flight duration of three hours. As such, the short flights may be declined. Furthermore, expensive maintenance is required after a certain number of cycles. A G650 owner won’t want to rush to a six-figure maintenance appointment because he/she accepted a bunch of 50-minute trips.

What happens if an owner declines your trip?

It’s unfortunate when an owner declines a trip, but it happens. What you should do in this instance is let you jet charter coordinator provide you with the next best option available and then attempt to book this. Don’t see this is an indicator that you’re working with a sub-par charter company; owner approval effects everyone.

At the end of the day, owner approval is part of the US charter marketplace and isn’t going anywhere soon. When booking a flight, it’s important to know whether or not your plane needs owner approval or not to help you make the most educated decision possible about what you’re booking.

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Industry & News

Hotels Connecting with Guests Via Messaging

Hotels are increasingly looking towards building loyalty from their guests by using messaging channels to connect and improve the experience. Upcoming travelers should expect hotels to offer the availability to message the hotel for services through a branded app, Facebook, WhatsApp, or other third party programs.

Using the hotel’s own app adds more functionality making that platform more enticing for users and guests, thereby encouraging more engagement. This method also adds another stream of data gathering for the hotel, which can be used to improve the guests stay at the hotel and plan renovations based on popular services.

By integrating the hotel response system into Facebook or WhatsApp, guests would not need to install a new app to communicate with the hotel. Another benefit is that people do not need reservations to communicate on Facebook, increasing interactions between potential guests and the hotel.

“It’s really about being where our guests want to be,” -Daniel Kerzner, Starwood’s vice president of digital loyalty.

 

Click here for the full article by Deanna Ting.

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Industry & News

Greener Air Travel

US aircraft make up 3% of the national carbon dioxide emissions and only .5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. With an average growth of 5% per year, the aircraft flying from US airports will emit 25% of the world’s remaining allowance for carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2050. If that allowance is breached, global temperatures are calculated to rise more than 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

The EPA is creating limits to regulate the fuel efficiency of aircraft with the goal of reducing fuel usage by 4% by the year 2028. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation aircraft manufacturers are capable of implementing systems to reduce emissions of airplanes by 25% by 2024. With this regulation and support by manufacturers the entire industry could easily avoid breaching the global carbon budget.

 

Click here for the full article by Bloomberg View.

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Destinations Travel Tips

Hawaii Travel on a Budget

Your guide to experiencing all that paradise has to offer without breaking the bank.

Hawaii is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world, but it can be expensive to visit. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to experience all that Hawaii has to offer on a budget. Here are some of the best ways to save on your next vacation to Hawaii.

Lodging

Booking a hostel can be a great way to save money on lodging in Hawaii. Hostels are usually much less than a typical hotel. In addition to being friendly on the budget, hostels offer many things that traditional hotels do not, such as tours and other fun events. Many, like the popular Waikiki Beachside Hostel, offer free breakfast and beach access.

Transportation

Transportation is probably one of the biggest expenses when it comes to traveling to Hawaii. Commercial flights are expensive and fees are often added for luggage and other items, which can make a trip to the islands prohibitively expensive, especially for a family. Luckily there are some ways, that many travelers are not aware of, to get to the islands without breaking the bank. Here are a few secrets to help you get to paradise for less.

Getting There

Flying to and from Hawaii is a given, but there are ways to get there inexpensively. Although most people arrive via commercial flights, that may not be the most cost-effective form of transportation. In fact, private jet travel can be cheaper than commercial flights due to last minute discounts on unused inventory. Jet charter companies will often offer unused seats on private flights at a significant discount. How do private jets end up with empty seats? Well, a celebrity or CEO, for instance, might charter a private jet to pick them up after a week-long vacation in Hawaii. Rather than lose money by flying without any passengers to Hawaii to pick up the private passenger, charter companies will offer the “empty leg” flights at a discount to the public. There are a number of advantages to private jet charters, including impeccable service, no long lines and the utmost in comfort and luxury. Private jet flights are great for travel, not only to and from Hawaii but between the islands, as well. This lets you avoid the hassle of inter-island flights on commercial planes, which are often overbooked and crowded.

Travel Around the Islands

Frugal travelers have many options when it comes to getting around the islands. Many resorts offer complimentary shuttles to local beaches and other hotspots. Here are more tips for getting around specific islands.

Oahu

Travelers on O‘ahu can take advantage of Hawaii’s wonderful public bus system, TheBus. TheBus offers over 80 routes all over the island. Riders can book four days of unlimited travel on The Bus for only $35.

Hawaii-The Big Island

The Hele-On bus is The Big Island’s public transportation system. This bus is cheap and will get you all around the island. Exploring the island via the hele-on bus will introduce you to many interesting sights, as well as local residents. This will provide you with an opportunity to experience a unique side of Hawaii.

Maui

Maui also has a great bus system operated by the Maui Department of Transportation. Service is provided to the most popular areas and attractions around the island. Fares are reasonably priced at $2.00 a ticket.

Hawaii, with its beautiful sunsets and gorgeous vistas, is a must-visit destination. As you can see, it is possible to experience the trip of a lifetime to this breathtaking archipelago of islands on a budget.

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Aircraft Travel Tips

Understanding The Basics of Jet Hedging

Choosing to travel by private jet makes sense in a number of scenarios. A business owner who needs to get to a major client and seal a deal before the competition moves in will find this works better than trying to grab a commercial flight. When there’s the need to get to a loved one in trouble without delay, a private jet is the only way to go. With these scenarios, there’s still the need to consider cost. That’s where the idea of jet hedging comes into the picture.

What Is Jet Hedging?

There’s really nothing complicated about jet hedging. It’s a process that allows you to determine which of the different strategies you use to travel is the most economical as well as the most practical.

Hedging in general is a term that is used in many different situations, including the world of investing. In this type of application, you are taking a look at the available data and qualifying it in some manner. The plan is to limit your choices to the ones that are the most likely to produce the desired results. As this relates to travel, jet hedging allows you to look at the different options for using private jets and settle on the method that will get you where you need to go and save money at the same time.

How Does It Work?

Many people who utilize private jets on a regular basis already have some kind of program in place. Perhaps you have a fractional share program that allows you to be part of a group that owns the private jet. In return for your partial or fractional interest, you are able to use the jet for a reduced cost. Maybe you belong to a pre-paid jet program that provides benefits that reduce the cost of travel. If you do fly on a regular basis, there’s a chance you are involved with multiple programs.

The idea behind jet hedging is to determine how to save the most money on your upcoming trip. Based on how often you fly, the amount of baggage you take along, and several other factors, it’s possible to determine your average annual flight activity. Using that average, hedging allows you to determine if utilizing your fractional sharing program is the best bet, or if you would do better to make use of your pre-paid jet card. Depending on the outcome of the comparison, it may be in your best interests to go with an on-demand air charter arrangement for this trip.

Can’t I Do This On My Own?

In theory, you could manage your own jet hedging without the aid of a third party. In practice, the process can be quite difficult. It’s too easy for you to overlook some aspect of your typical travel pattern and come up with skewed results. That in turn will mean you end up spending more money for your trip than you really needed to do.

Perhaps you typically travel during peak times, but this trip will occur during what is known as empty leg flight hours. Forget to add that into the equation and your hedging effort will not provide the best results. By contrast, a professional who knows how to ask the right questions and evaluate all the available data will ensure you do make the right choice.

If you would like to learn more about jet hedging, talk with a professional who can show you examples of how to break down the expenses and compare all your programs side by side. When you see the annual savings that will result based on your usual flight usage, using hedging will make a lot of sense.

 

If you are reading this on anything other than The Early Airway it is stolen content. Follow us on Twitter@TheEarlyAirWay. Come and visit our blog at https://theearlyairway.com.

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Travel Tips

Your Guide to Cruising From the Port of Miami

The Port of Miami, often referred to as the Cruise Capital of the World, accommodates more cruise passengers than any other port. With its close proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean, this international gateway is convenient for reaching numerous tropical locales. The Port of Miami is also a convenient port for travelers that want to extend their trip before or after the cruise as Miami’s variety of urban amenities and cultures makes it a wonderful city to explore. If you are considering or already booked on a cruise from the Port of Miami, then you will want to check out our collection of helpful tips below.

Which Ships Sail From Miami?

There are more than 18 cruise lines that sail from Miami. The major cruise lines are Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and Norwegian Cruise Line. Ships that sail from Miami offer almost every kind of amenity that you can think of. Here are a few of the cruises from the Port of Miami.

Disney Magic

The Disney Magic sails from Miami to the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. The Magic offers numerous family-friendly features including a water slide, children’s clubs, live shows and numerous nightlife options. This ship also has three freshwater pools and a splash area for children. There is a Chill Spa designed for teens ages 13 to 17. An adults-only restaurant, casino and nightclub will keep the grown-ups entertained.

Norwegian Sky

The Norwegian Sky offers something for just about anyone. This ship offers three and day cruises from Miami to the Bahamas. There are 10 dining options, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a casino, an onboard spa and many other amenities.

Empress of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas is packed with things to do for everyone in the family. This ship offers a rock climbing wall, nightly dancing at Boleros Latin Lounge and Broadway-style entertainment.

Things to Do in Miami

Many cruisers choose to spend a day or two in Miami before or after their cruise exploring the town and local sights. Here are some of the best things to do in Miami:

  • Check out Biscayne National Park-This magnificent park offers a chance to see abundant marine life, shipwrecks and view a coral reef. You can choose to snorkel the reef or take a glass-bottom boat tour.
  • Visit Everglades National Park-Take an airboat ride through this 1.5 million-acre park. You will have ample opportunity to view unique species of rare wildlife, such as Florida panthers.

Getting to and From Miami

It is important to arrive well in advance of your cruise departure, especially if you are flying into Miami. If your flight is delayed for any reason, the cruise ship will leave without you. Nearly all cruise fares are non-refundable close to departure. For this reason, it is best to arrive the night before. If this is not possible, then consider a private jet charter flight to the port. When you choose a private charter flight, you avoid long security lines at the airport and problems with connecting flights. You can also bring as much luggage as you need, within reason. This is important as a variety of clothing is needed when you cruise due to the variety of activities on board. Also, many cruisers like to bring snorkel gear with them so that they do not have to rent it in port. With a charter flight, you can bring these things at no additional cost. It may actually cost less fly via a private charter jet because there are no hidden luggage fees.

 

If you are reading this on anything other than The Early Airway it is stolen content. Follow us on Twitter@TheEarlyAirWay. Come and visit our blog at https://theearlyairway.com

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Industry & News

Luxury Suite of the Sea

No expense was spared when Norwegian Cruise Line designed the Regent SUite aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer. The suite costs $10,000 a night to book, and just the bed itself is valued at $150,000.

The suite has a personal spa, sauna, heated lounge chairs, and Steinway piano. As for space the suite is 50% larger than the average house in America.

Like Regent’s last two new ships, Explorer is an all-suite vessel. Only a handful of luxury lines, including Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Silversea Cruises, offer all-suite vessels.

Explorer is designed to carry 750 passengers. It’s Regent’s first new ship in more than a decade. With its addition, the line has four vessels.

 

Click here for the full tour by Gene Sloan.

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Industry & News

Luxury Hotel Health Trends

Hotels are flooding into the wellness trends in hopes of offering the next best amenities. The flurry of news behind hotels planning, opening, and redesigning their wellness offerings spread the spectrum from fitness, sleep, and even some quirky processes.

Cryotherapy

Stepping into a machine with as little clothing as possible and being blasted with air chilled below -200°F might not seem like an enjoyable experience, but guests are paying big money for the experience. Cryotherapy is said to combat the painful effects of tough workouts and aging, and some hotels have been adding appointments within their spas for igloo treatments and ice baths.

IV Recovery

Intravenous needles and fluid bags are the visions of nightmares to quite a few people. Many would opt to drink more water or swallow supplements to get what their bodies need, but the Underground Spa in Las Vegas is offering to hook you up, to an IV while you relax, to recover from your parties faster.

Salt Therapy

Halotherapy is recommended to provide a positive effect on the immune, nervous, and lymphatic systems. The therapy surrounds the guest in salt, usually a room filled with Himalayan salts, where salt infuses the air. Some locations even have mineral pools chock-full of salt from the Dead Sea to better penetrate the body with the restorative properties.

 

Click here for the full article by Brian Sumers.

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Travel Tips

Upgrade Your Summer Vacation Options in Upstate New York

Enjoying a great summer vacation does not necessarily mean that one must go abroad. The nation’s northeastern region is the ideal vacation destination for those who want to explore nature, visit cultural sites and avoid the sweltering heat that characteristically plagues most U.S. residents during the summer months. Specifically, visitor attractions in upstate New York offer unforgettable vacation experiences that most people want to repeat every year. Chartering a private jet into New York gives vacationers the most flexibility when planning this type of trip, and here are just some of the things to do and see in the region upon arrival in the area.

Cultural and Historic Destinations
A trip to Fort Ticonderoga is a great way to prepare for July 4th celebrations. The capture of the fort from British forces is known as the first Yankee victory of the Revolutionary War (1). Touring restored Fort Ticonderogo that sits along beautiful Lake Champlain helps to bring history to life for both adults and children.

James Fenimore Cooper was one of America’s most famous historical fiction novelists of his day. The Cooper family was among America’s early English settlers, and Cooperstown, New York was founded by the author’s father. The Fenimore Art Museum that is located in Cooperstown features an extensive collection of the writer’s artifacts as well as a noteworthy ensemble of American folk art and Native American relics (2).

Natural Wonders
A scenic indulgence greets every visitor that discovers the Thousand Islands in northern New York. The group of small islands in the Saint Lawrence river are located in both the United States and Canada. During America’s Gilded Age, new millionaires used the islands to build secluded summer mansions to escape the city heat. Today, many of the mansions have been renovated and are on display for tour groups. For example, visitors can explore Heart Island’s Boldt Castle that enhances the natural beauty of the area and has a romantic love story attached to its original construction (3).

Travelers do not have to weather dry, Arizona heat to see spectacular geologic sites like the Grand Canyon during their summer vacations. A trip to Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks allows visitors to see breathtaking views of the rugged chasm and the powerful river that helped to form it. The site contains protected climbing routes, and tours are led by experienced guides (4). While nature watching is a must at Ausable Chasm, visitors to the site can also get their share of exercise by biking, rappelling and hiking through the forested area.

Outdoor Adventure
The Adirondacks offers thrill seekers the adventures that they crave via the myriad of rivers and tributaries that traverse the area. The region has earned a reputation as a premier whitewater rafting destination for experienced athletes. Guided trips down whitewater rapids combine areas of scenic calm with those that contain intense waves. Most of the rivers and outlets offer challenging whitewater rafting experiences, and many of them are categorized as class IV and V rapids (5). Reputable whitewater rafting companies can often recommend appropriate lodging and camp ground areas that match their clients’ preferences for luxury and excitement.

Conclusion
Hidden scenic treasures, delectable dining and intellectual delights await visitors to upstate New York. The temperate summer months just allow people to enjoy the area more thoroughly.
If you are reading this on anything other than The Early Airway it is stolen content. Follow us on Twitter@TheEarlyAirWay. Come and visit our blog at https://theearlyairway.com/.

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Industry & News

Hotel Floating in Paris

OFF Paris Seine is a floating hotel in Paris, a wild change from the usual hotels we have seen. The hotel consists of two floating hulls with a hallway connecting them. Booking options include choosing which side of the hotel you would like to reserve.

Suites on the hotel-boat are all individually decorated by different designers. Each suite is unique, all other rooms and suites evoked a different feel.

There is even a pool included in the floating hotel, situated right between the two halves of the hotel.

 

Click here for the full article on Insider.

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