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(This ACTC contract will expire 12-31-10)
Vanguard Travel
Celebrating 42 Years - 1968 to 2010
Website: http://www.vanguard-travel.com for all of your travel needs.
Why should I use Vanguard Travel for College or personal travel?
Cliqbook has released a new automated enhancement to help users who have forgotten
their password.
You will now notice a new link in red on Cliqbook's log-in page called "Forgot your password?".
By clicking on this link, the user will have two options. Option #1: Have Cliqbook send an
email with a password hint the user set up originally. Option #2: Have Cliqbook send an email
with a link for the user to reset their password. If you have any questions, please contact
Skip Trumble at (952) 392-3135.
Training Documents
Travel Arranger View Enhancements
Cliqbook - Clone and/or Share trip feature
Cliqbook Quick Reference Guide 2009
Travel Profiles
Please remember to review and update your personal travel profile with Vanguard Travel at least once a year. This ensures that we have the most up to date information on travel preferences, contact information, travel program numbers, etc. If you are using Cliqbook, you can review and update your profile at www.concursolutions.com
Vanguard Travel Unlimited, Inc.
8421 Wayzata Boulevard
Suite 100
Golden Valley, MN 55426
Main Business Line: (763) 746-8877
Main Fax Line: (763) 746-8876
Corporate Reservations: (763) 225-8730
Group Department: (763) 225-8763
Leisure Travel: (763) 225-8777
Contact Information
(Phone Numbers)
Vanguard Travel Updates and News
May 2010
British Airways’ Cabin Crew Announces Plans to Strike
British Airways (BA) cabin crews will go on strike for 20 days between May 18 and June 9 during the following days: May 18-22 inclusive, May 24-28 inclusive, May 30-June 3 inclusive, and June 5-9 inclusive. Vanguard Travel has identified affected passengers. Please contact a travel counselor if you have any questions: 763-225-8730.
Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees
For tickets purchased after May 1st 2010, and for travel originating June 16th 2010, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air will charge $20 each for a passenger’s first three checked bags. This represents a $5 increase for the first checked bag, a $5 decrease for the second bag and a $30 decrease for the third bag.
American Airlines Enables Online Check-In for International Flights
Passengers traveling internationally can now use online check-in on AA.com. Customers can check in two to 24 hours before international departures. (They can use online check-in up to one hour before domestic departures.) Passengers will need their AAdvantage login and six-digit flight record locator and international passengers will need their passport info to check in for international flights. Passengers can use online check-in only for destinations where they have met international travel requirements.
Delta Launches Sky Priority Program
Delta has launched the Sky Priority program for its highly valued customers. Sky Priority is a specialized service available system-wide, domestic and international, on Delta and Delta connection. Customers eligible for Sky Priority are Business Elite, First and Business class passengers, SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members, and SkyTeam Elite Plus customers.
The customer benefits are:
· Faster Check-In
Access dedicated check-in areas at the airport to help you move through the process faster
· Accelerated Security Clearance
Walk through expedited security lines at select airports
· Highest Boarding Priority
Board in Zone 1, so you can board first to secure the best overhead bin space, or take your seat at your leisure
· Expedited Baggage Service
Have your bags delivered first to the carousel so you can head home or to your next meeting with no delay
Southwest Airlines to Add Service from Minneapolis to Phoenix
Southwest will offer twice daily non-stop flights between Minneapolis and Phoenix beginning August 15, 2010.
April 2010
New Highway Signage at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
Between now and mid April 2010, a series of new and updated signs will be installed along highways leading to the exits for each terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The project allows - for the first time - the names of the airlines located at each terminal to be listed on highway signs. The signs will also designate the terminals as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, rather than Lindbergh and Humphrey, respectively. Airlines and other organizations that issue boarding passes have been notified of this terminal designation change, as have the airport's service partners.
During the transition, it is possible that some boarding passes will use a letter (L or H) while others will already list the terminal number (1 or 2).
Sun Country Launches Seasonal Service to London
Sun Country will fly a weekly roundtrip between Minneapolis/St. Paul and London Stansted from June 11 through Aug. 15. The flight will depart the Twin Cities on Fridays and return from London Stansted on Sundays, making one stop each way at Gander Airport in Newfoundland. Sun Country will offer 12 seats in first class and 150 in coach on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Flights can be booked now through Vanguard Travel.
US Airways Announces Cashless Cabin
As of February 1, most US Airways flights no longer accept cash as payment for all in-flight purchases. For onboard purchases, US Airways will accept major credit or debit cards only. US Airways will continue to accept cash, credit or debit cards on flights to and from Europe, South America and the Middle East and cash only on US Airways Express.
Virgin America to Fly to Canada
The Transportation Department cleared Virgin America to serve Canada, paving the way for the carrier to begin service to Toronto in June from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Virgin America plans to operate one daily nonstop and one daily through flight to Toronto, from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Spirit Airlines Introduces Carry-On Baggage Fee
Beginning August 1, Spirit Airlines will charge as much as $45 each way for a carry-on bag. The charge will apply to bags in the overhead bin. Personal items that fit under the seat will still be free. Spirit said it will add measuring devices at the gates to determine which carry-ons are free and which ones will incur the charge. The new charge is $45 if paid at the gate, and $30 if paid in advance.
March 2010
British Airways’ Cabin Crew Announces Plans to Strike
British Airways (BA) cabin crew’s trade union, Unite, has announced plans to strike seven days in March. The affected dates include March 20, 21 and 22 and March 27, 28, 29 and 30. BA has indicated that all flights are “at the moment, continuing to operate as normal.” At the same time, BA has also indicated that it is in the process of finalizing new flight schedules for the strike dates and has indicated that some, but not all flights, will be canceled. The airline has also temporarily stopped selling seats on all flights operating on the strike dates.
BA has indicated that its flights from London City to and from New York (JFK) and all long-haul flights to and from London Gatwick will continue to operate. As a result, no re-accommodation concessions will be offered on these flights. For all other BA flights booked for travel March 19-31, 2010, BA will provide travelers with the option to rebook or obtain a refund.
Vanguard Travel has identified affected passengers. Please contact a travel counselor if you have any questions: 763-225-8730.
New Fees Proposed by State Department
The State Department has proposed new fees for many of its passport-related products and services. The total proposed cost of a new passport will increase from $100 to $135 for adults and from $85 to $105 for minors. Renewals will increase from $75 to $110 for adults and from $60 to $80 for minors. Travelers needing extra visa pages will soon pay $82. Currently, this service is free.
While no formal implementation date has been given for the changes, the State Dept. has indicated that it intends to implement the new fees once it has had time to consider public comments. The public comment period for the proposed fees ends on March 11, 2010.
Vanguard recommends that travelers who need to apply for or renew a passport and frequent travelers who may be in need of extra visa pages should submit the appropriate applications immediately to avoid these future increased costs.
Product / ServiceCurrent FeeProposed New FeePercentage Increase
Adult Passport$55$7027%
Minor Passport $40$400%
Passport Security Surcharge $20$40100%
First Passport & Passport Card Application Processing $25$250%
Additional Passport Visa Pages$0$82Undefined
Adult Passport Card Application $20$3050%
Minor Passport Card Application$10$1550%
File Search and Verification of US Citizenship$60$150150%
The proposed rules and complete fee chart can be found at www.Regulations.gov.
Continental Plans to Charge Extra for Coach Seats with More Leg Room
Beginning March 17, Continental will begin charging a premium on economy seats that have extra legroom, such as exit-row and bulkhead seats. Pricing for the seats with extra legroom will vary depending on a number of factors, including length of the flight and market. Customers will have the option of purchasing these seats at check-in, either online or at an airport kiosk, beginning at 24 hours prior to departure. Continental frequent flyers who have achieved Elite status will be able to continue to assign themselves seats with extra legroom in economy without a charge, as will their traveling companions.
New Highway Signage at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
Between late March and mid April 2010, a series of new and updated signs will be installed along highways leading to the exits for each terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The project allows - for the first time - the names of the airlines located at each terminal to be listed on highway signs. The signs will also designate the terminals as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, rather than Lindbergh and Humphrey, respectively. Airlines and other organizations that issue boarding passes have been notified of this terminal designation change, as have the airport's service partners.
During the transition, it is possible that some boarding passes will use a letter (L or H) while others will already list the terminal number (1 or 2).
Marriott Rewards Announces Benefit for Gold and Platinum Elite Members
Starting May 7, all Gold and Platinum Elite members in Marriott’s Rewards program will receive free internet access at nearly 450 hotels across the U.S. and Canada. This exclusive benefit is available at Marriott Hotels and Resorts, JW Marriott, and Renaissance Hotels. Every guest will continue to receive free internet access at all Courtyard, Fairfield Inn and Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, and TownePlace Suites hotels in the U.S. and Canada
February 2010
Airlines Increase Checked Baggage Fees
Many of the major carriers have recently increased their checked baggage fees. Please refer to the attachment for updates. Also, Vanguard Travel provides a link to the airlines website for checked baggage fees on our itineraries.
American Airlines Announces Cashless Cabin
As of February 1, all American Airlines flights are no longer accepting cash as payment for all in-flight purchases. For onboard purchases, American will accept major credit or debit cards only. Please note that cashless cabins will not be implemented onboard American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights - only cash will continue to be accepted.
New DOT Rules on Enhanced Passenger Protection
Below are a few highlights of new DOT regulations regarding the plane’s time on the tarmac. These new rules go into effect April 29, 2010.
New DOT regulations dictate that, on Domestic flights only, the following provisions apply:
· Airlines must return to the gate if an aircraft is sitting on the tarmac for more than 3 hours, subject to aircraft and airport safety exceptions by the pilot and/or Air Traffic Control.
· Airlines must provide adequate food and water to passengers for flights remaining on the tarmac for over 2 hours. Pretzels and granola bars currently constitute “adequate food” under this definition.
· Airlines must provide working lavatories on flights for flights remaining on the tarmac for over 2 hours.
· Airlines are prohibited to materially change the nature of the “Contract of Carriage” if it contains “significant negative implications” for passengers.
· Airlines must publish their complaint department contact information on their website, e-ticket confirmations, and at ticket counters (upon request). Airlines also must acknowledge receipt of all complaints within 30 days and provide a “substantive response” within 60 days.
· Airlines are subject to new, substantial fines if they operate flights that are “chronically” delayed, which may result in more post-ticketing schedule changes than in the past.
January 2010
Consumer Protection Against Airline Bankruptcies
JAL (Japan Airlines Corp.) Files for Bankruptcy Protection, ARC to Continue Processing Tickets - On Jan. 19, 2010, Japan Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection under the Corporate Reorganization Law of Japan. The airline has indicated plans to continue operating as it reorganizes its debt. The Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) has indicated that it will continue processing Japan Airlines (JL/131) transactions, including sales, refunds and exchanges.
When purchasing a ticket, you should be aware of the following:
1. Travel agencies work as agents of airlines. Money that you pay to a travel agency for an airline ticket immediately becomes the property of that airline, and your travel agency cannot refund your ticket without receiving prior authorization from the airline (or the bankruptcy court) to do so.
2. Consider purchasing insurance that includes default coverage. Please note that default insurance is generally only available if an airline has not already filed for bankruptcy protection.
3. Should an airline default:
a. You may minimize your exposure to financial loss by purchasing your ticket with a major credit card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have certain rights to refuse payment of charges when services are not rendered. These rights and instructions on how to invoke them are normally outlined on the reverse side of your credit card billing statement.
b. An airline may resume service under the same name, but its legal identity has changed as a result of its bankruptcy filing. The "new" airline may not be obligated to refund your ticket or provide you with alternate transportation.
c. Some airlines may make special "confirmed space" concessions to affected ticket holders by offering special rates or by waiving advance purchase restrictions. Such "confirmed space" concessions, if any, are usually announced within hours, or days, of a bankruptcy announcement.
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), of which this travel agency is a member, lobbied Congress to require the airlines to offer "alternate" transportation to ticket holders in the event of an airline default. However, Congress allowed this consumer protection, called Section 145 of the 2001 Aviation and Transportation Security Act, to expire on November 30, 2006. We are working diligently with ASTA and Congress to have this protection reinstated.
Delta Increases Checked Bag Fees
When traveling on Delta, Northwest, and Delta connection operated flights within the United States, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico, customers are charged $23 for the first checked bag and $32 for the second checked bag (each way). There is a $2 surcharge on the first checked bag and $3 on the second checked bag when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside. There is no surcharge for bags prepaid during online check-in at delta.com. The increase applies to tickets purchased on or after January 5, 2010 for travel on or after January 12, 2010. Please note that Canada is now considered part of the U.S. area for baggage purposes and will be subject to the same fees.
Delta Air Lines Announces International Business Class Flight Deals
Delta is offering airfare deals in their BusinessElite class of service. Fares must be purchased 30 or 50 days in advance and travel must be from Atlanta or New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport to Europe. Delta’s Business Elite class offers Delta On Demand (personal in-flight entertainment), Flat Bed Seating (on some routes) each with direct aisle access, five-course dining menu, laptop power access and personal reading light. For additional restrictions please see below.
To book your next flight, contact your Vanguard Travel counselor at 763-225-8730.
How it Works (The Rules)
Origins and Destinations
From Atlanta or New York-JFK to Europe
Fares
50-advance purchase: $1,159–$1,679* each-way, based on a round-trip purchase
30-advance purchase: $1,809–$2,709* each-way, based on a round-trip purchase
Purchase by
Fares shown require purchase either 30 or 50 days prior to departure.
Travel Period
Travel anytime.
Advance Purchase and Minimum Stay
Tickets must be purchased at least 30 or 50 days prior to departure. Minimum stay: 7 days
Blackout Dates
See city-specific blackout dates.
Other Rules
Fares are valid in the BusinessElite cabin on Delta/Delta Connection carriers and certain codeshare partner flights only. Fares may include travel in the Economy (Coach) cabin on flights within the United States or Europe.
*For more information regarding additional fare rules, taxes, fees, and baggage charges that may apply, see Terms and Conditions.
Visit the below link on Delta.com for more information.
https://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/deals_offers/fare_sales/international_business_deals/flights.jsp#fares
New Airport Screening and Security
There has been no official statement from the TSA regarding a change in procedures while onboard the aircraft. TSA does recommend arriving at the airport earlier to allow extra time for security screening. Vanguard Travel will continue to monitor if there is any change in policy and procedures and will update you when that time comes. If you would like to view information from the TSA, please visit their website at www.tsa.gov.
Sign up for Travel Alerts on Delta.com
Vanguard Travel highly recommends all travelers to sign up online for automated Messenger Flight Notifications offered by Delta Air lines. Vanguard will also notify you directly either by phone or email, depending on the advance notice provided. With the airline Messenger Flight Notification feature, you will be notified electronically if your flight has a last minute schedule change or is canceled. This is very helpful for those flights that are changed or canceled last minute or over a weekend and holiday. To subscribe go to www.delta.com and under SkyMiles enter your SkyMiles Number, Last Name, and Pin. Select Profile and select the Contact Me tab. Under Delta Messenger Flight Notifications, subscribe to Advance Updates, Last-minute Updates, and Courtesy Reminders.
Southwest Launches Service to New Airport in Florida
On May 23, Southwest will launch service from four cities to the new airport in Panama City Beach, FL. The carrier will fly twice a day from Nashville, Baltimore-Washington, Houston Hobby and Orlando, for a total of eight daily departures. Northwest Florida Beaches Airport will open on May 23. The terminal building will be 125,000 square feet and have seven gates.
Argentina Implements Entry Fee for U.S. Travelers
On December 20, 2009, Argentina began charging U.S. visitors a $131 entry fee at Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires. The charge is a ”reciprocity fee,” as the U.S. charges Argentine nationals $131 to acquire a visa. Brazil, Paraguay, Chile and Bolivia are other South American nations that charge U.S. visitors reciprocity visa fees.
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