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Vanguard Travel

Website: http://www.vanguard-travel.com for all of your travel needs.

Self-Registration for Cliqbook is here.
It is as simple as clicking on the link below and filling in the required information.
http://app2.outtask.com/registration/register_form.asp?regcode=ACTC

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

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.mycliqbook.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)

Travel Updates and News

July 2008

Vanguard Travel’s New E-Itinerary
By now you have most likely noticed our new and improved e-mail itinerary. Enhancements include being able to use the Reply feature to communicate directly with the booking agent and a link to the airline’s website for online check-in.  We will keep you informed as additional future enhancements to the e-mail itinerary are implemented. 

Northwest Airlines to Add Fuel Surcharge
Northwest Airlines will add fuel surcharges of up to $80 for many domestic round-trip tickets.  A company spokeswoman says the surcharge will apply for travel to about 7,000 city pairs beginning January 10, 2009.  Northwest is matching surcharges added by competitors in those markets and has already added fuel surcharges in other markets.

Northwest and Delta Merger Expected to Close in 4th Quarter 2008
Northwest and Delta continue to make progress on the carriers’ merger announced in April.  Since the merger announcement, integration planning teams comprised of leaders from both Northwest and Delta have been created.  These teams are making significant progress in the efforts to integrate the two carriers after the merger closes.

Northwest Airlines Allows Pre-Payment of Luggage Fees on nwa.com
Northwest Airlines has enhanced online check-in at www.nwa.com, to allow customers to pre-pay charges for checked luggage.  While checking in online, Northwest customers traveling in the U.S. may select the number of bags they intend to check and pre-pay any applicable luggage fees with a credit card.  Changes to the number of pre-selected bags will be allowed at an airport self-service check-in kiosk.  Luggage charges will not be applied until luggage tags are printed at the airport.

Delta Airlines to Offer WiFi on all U.S. Flights
By next year, Delta plans to have every aircraft in its domestic fleet fitted with hardware to allow in-flight WiFi access.  The service will be offered at flat rates: $9.95 for flights under three hours; $12.95 for longer flights.

Hertz Car Rentals
Renters with Hertz will need to be aware that the company will now obtain credit and debit card authorization for the estimated rental charges, plus an additional $200 to cover incidentals (unanticipated additional charges).  The $200 authorization will not be charged unless unanticipated additional charges have been incurred.

Northwest Airlines Increases Ticket Change Fees
Effective July 9, 2008, the change fee for domestic non-refundable tickets will increase from $100 to $150. International ticket change fees will increase by an additional $50 to $150 per ticket, depending on class of service and other restrictions.

Most Major Airlines Attempt to Offset the Rising Cost of Fuel
In another attempt to offset the rising fuel cost, almost all major airlines will start charging passengers extra for tickets that do not include a Saturday-night stay or a stay that does not cover a minimum number of nights. The airlines involved so far are American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, and United.

Northwest Airlines Suspends or Cancels Three International Flights
Effective October 1, 2008 Northwest will suspend its Minneapolis/St. Paul – Paris flight and will resume the flight on March 28, 2009. They will also cancel their Detroit – Dusseldorf flight and Hartford – Amsterdam flight.

Airlines Announce Flight Reductions
Northwest plans to cut capacity by 8.5% to 9.5% in the fourth quarter.

Delta airlines plans to cut capacity by 13% by the second half of 2008.

Air Canada will cut capacity by 7% this fall.

Continental will reduce capacity by 6.4% in the fourth quarter, starting September 3.

US Airways will cut capacity by 6% to 8% by fourth quarter.

American Airlines will reduce their departures from Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, New York LaGuardia, and St. Louis.

Hertz Announces Program on Returning Rentals without Refilling the Tank 

Starting July 1, 2008 Hertz will charge the market rate for gasoline plus a $6.99 refueling fee when customers return a rental with a gas tank that is only partially full. Previously, customers were charged about $7.50 a gallon when the rental was returned with a partially empty gas tank. Customers can still refuel the rental before returning it. The new program will be available at all airport and off-airport Hertz locations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.

Frontier Airlines Adjusts Their Baggage Fees
For tickets purchased on or after June 10, 2008 Frontier Airlines will now charge $25 for checking a second bag. Oversized and overweight baggage fees increased from $50 to $75.

Virgin America Announces New Flight
Effective September 4, Virgin America will operate a daily flight between Las Vegas and New York-Kennedy airports.

Sun Country Announces New Form of Payment for In-Flight Purchases
Effective June 17, 2008 Sun Country will only accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards for in flight purchases. Items available for sale onboard Sun Country flights include snacks, sandwiches, candy, premium beverages, space-available first-class upgrades, headphones, and pillow/blanket sets. Cash and checks will no longer be accepted on board after June 17, 2008

Northwest Airlines to Charge for First Piece of Checked Luggage
For coach class tickets purchased on/after July 10, 2008 for travel on/after August 28, 2008 Northwest Airlines will charge a fee of $15 each-way for the first piece of checked luggage and $25 each-way for the second piece of checked luggage. Northwest’s Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and passengers booked in full fare classes may check two bags free of charge. First class customers may check up to three bags free of charge.

United Airlines Announces a New $15 Fee for First Checked Bag  
For domestic economy class tickets purchased on or after June 13, 2008, United Airlines will be charging $15 each way ($30 roundtrip) for the first checked bag. This new fee applies to customers traveling within and between the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on or after August 18, 2008. United's first bag fee is in addition to its previously announced $25 second bag fee ($50 roundtrip), which went into effect May 5, 2008. Exceptions to the new baggage fee include: full-fare economy tickets, first or business class passengers, and elite frequent flyers.    

US Airways Announces a New $15 Fee for First Checked Bag and Domestic Economy Class Beverage Service  
US Airways has announced that customers who book economy class tickets for travel on or after July 9, 2008, will be charged $15 each way ($30 roundtrip) for the first checked bag. The new fee applies to customers traveling within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. US Airways' first bag fee is in addition to its previously announced $25 second bag fee ($50 roundtrip), which went into effect May 5, 2008. Exceptions to the new baggage fee include: all Dividend Miles Preferred Members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman's Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy Class passengers at the time of check-in, and Star Alliance Silver and Gold Status members. The following customers will also be exempt from paying the fee: military personnel on active duty, unaccompanied minors and passengers checking assistive devices.
Effective August 1, 2008, US Airways will implement a $2 fee for all non-alcoholic beverages (including sodas, juices, bottled water and coffee) in its domestic coach cabins. Alcoholic beverages will also increase to $7 (currently $5). Complimentary beverages will continue to be served in domestic First Class, US Airways Shuttle flights, trans-Atlantic Envoy and trans-Atlantic economy class. Unaccompanied minors will also receive complimentary non-alcoholic beverages

Northwest Airline’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Below are some bullet points of the rules for Northwest’s Unaccompanied Minor service. For complete details regarding the policy please contact your Vanguard Travel agent or visit http://www.nwa.com/services/onboard/minor/.

Any child age 5 through 14 traveling without an adult 18 years of age or older must participate in the Unaccompanied Minor Program. All rules and fees apply.

Children ages 5 through 7 may fly unaccompanied on nonstop, direct flights only, even when traveling with another child age 8 through 17 (no connections that change planes allowed).

Children ages 5 through 14 will not be accepted on red-eye flights.

Children ages 5 through 14 will not be accepted on the last direct flight of the day.

Children ages 8 through 14 will not be accepted on the last connecting flight of the day. 

Overnight stay itineraries are prohibited. 

Red-eye flights are defined as departures between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time. The following are exempt from the red-eye restriction:   

• International Flight    
• Domestic short-haul flights (2 hours or less)     
• Flights to and from Alaska and Hawaii

American Airline’s new Chicago to Moscow Service
On June 2nd, American Airlines launched service between Chicago O’Hare and Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport. They will use Boeing 777s that seat 247 passengers in three classes of service, 16 in first, 37 in business, and 194 in economy. 

Starwood’s New Lifestyle Brand Opens First Hotel
Starwood’s new lifestyle brand opened their first property at the entrance to the Montreal Trudeau International Airport. Aloft Montreal Airport is a 136-room hotel which features guest rooms with loft-like accommodations. Aloft is planning to open hotels this year in Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Lexington, MA, Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Rogers-Bentonville, AR, and Beijing.

Body-Scanning Machines at Select U.S. Airport
The Transportation Security Administration has started using body-scanning machines on travelers chosen at random in Albuquerque, Baltimore, Denver, Los Angeles, and New York’s Kennedy airport. The machines will be added to airports in Dallas, Miami, Detroit, and Las Vegas later this month. By the end of the month 38 machines will be in use.

American Airlines Will Charge for Checked Luggage
American Airlines announced that as of June 15, most passengers will need to pony up $15 for their first checked bag.

American Airlines said the move, a potential game changer for the industry, is part of an effort to deal with the skyrocketing price of oil. American also said that it will cut U.S. capacity -- the number of available seats per miles flown -- by between 11% and 12% in its fourth quarter compared with the same time period last year. That's far more than the 4.6% reduction American had forecast just one month ago.

American also announced it is raising fees on numerous other services, such as transporting an unaccompanied child or a pet, or changing a ticket. The airline said the new fees could generate hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

But the new bag fee especially could lead to a frustrating and costly summer for travelers. If other airlines match the fee, many passengers who used to check bags may try to bring fat suitcases aboard to avoid the fees, complicating boarding. Infrequent travelers not aware of the new fees will get a surprise when they get to the airport.  Satisfaction with airlines, which is already at record low levels, could drop even further.

American won't charge the new fee to passengers on international flights, those paying full fares or those who are very high mileage members of its frequent-flier program. The bag fee will take effect on tickets bought June 15 or later. 

Alaska Airlines Adding Service To Twin Cities
Beginning in October, Twin Cities travelers will have the option of twice-daily non-stop service to Seattle on Alaska Airlines.  Northwest Airlines currently offers six non-stops and Sun Country offers another two.

Alaska is also adding once-daily flights between Seattle and Kona, Hawaii, starting in November.  However, if you think you’re going to find a great deal from the Twin Cities to Kona on Alaska, you’ll need to overnight in Seattle in each direction.

The new flights go on sale today.  To inaugurate the new service, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is offering introductory one-way fares of $139 between Seattle and Minneapolis and $229 between Seattle and Kona. 

Select Your Security Line
In the name of speed and efficiency, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport passengers can self-select a security lane: expert travelers, casual travelers and -- in the slow lane -- families.  Just one of the airport's six security checkpoints will test the program, which was first tried in two cities earlier this year and has already expanded to more than a dozen airports. Passengers get to choose the lane themselves.

"The expert lane is for frequent fliers and those who are very familiar with our screening procedures," said Carrie Harmon, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

While frequent fliers know all of the rules and want to move as rapidly as possible through security, many parents traveling with small children need more time to fold strollers and get lots of shoes off and on.

"We heard from expert travelers that it's sometimes stressful for them to be behind people who are not so familiar with the screening process," Harmon said.

In addition, she said, some families "appreciate a lane where they don't feel pressured to get through as quickly and can get special assistance."

Borrowing phrases and icons from the ski slopes, the TSA has dubbed the lines for expert travelers as the black-diamond lanes.

This new approach, where passengers select lanes based on the types of travelers, was first tested in Denver and Salt Lake City. After being introduced in February, the practice has been expanded for use at all checkpoints at those airports, Harmon said.

More than a dozen airports are using the new lanes. Harmon said some airports have eliminated the casual-traveler lane -- or blue in that ski slope lingo -- and are just using the expert and family lanes.

The new lane choices are designed to create a calmer environment, Harmon said.

Patrick Hogan, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, said MSP airport officials hope the lanes will make the security process more efficient for local travelers. "Every airport is configured a little differently, so what works at one airport doesn't necessarily work at another," he said.

Airfares Rising and Expected to Keep Rising
U.S. domestic airfares continued to rise in the last three months of 2007 from earlier in the year, according to a new government report.  The average fourth-quarter airfare rose 4% from the previous year to $331, according to the Department of Transportation's quarterly report on airline fares.  Compared with the third quarter of 2007, the average fare was also up slightly, 1%. 

With fast-rising jet-fuel prices, heavy demand for air travel and lower capacity, U.S. airlines consistently raised prices throughout 2007 by raising their base fares or adding surcharges. Airline executives continue to warn that prices will need to continue to increase.  Jet-fuel prices have been a major factor in the recently released poor performances of most of the major air carriers.  35-40% of the ticket price goes to cover the cost of jet-fuel.

However, some would still call air travel a bargain.  In the first three months of the year, the average fare to fly 1,000 miles domestically is down 0.5% since 2000 to $153 — excluding government tax — despite a 217% increase in U.S. jet-fuel prices, according to an ATA report updated Wednesday.

Change Fee Jumps to $150 on United and Continental, US Airways to charge for Aisles and Windows
United Airlines has bumped up its change fee on most tickets from $100 to $150.  With high jet-fuel prices pummeling the carriers, they are all looking for ways to increase revenue.  Continental quickly matched United’s change fee increase. United also announced that it would implement a  Saturday-night-stay requirement for its lowest fares on about 65% of its route structure.

US Airways has announced a Choice Seat Program which will charge customers $5 to reserve aisle and window seats in the front rows of the coach section.

Delta and Northwest Combine to Lose Over $10 Billion in 1st Quarter
Delta and Northwest, which earlier this month reached an agreement to merge, both were hit with impairment charges in the first quarter, which resulted in astronomical losses for both airlines.

Delta reported a net loss of $6.4 billion for the first quarter of 2008, as the carrier was stuck with a $6.1 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge from the decline in its market capitalization.

Meanwhile, Northwest Airlines’ results also included a goodwill impairment charge. The airline lost $4.1 billion in the first quarter, and $3.9 billion of that was the impairment charge.

When Delta emerged from bankruptcy a year ago, Delta said it recorded a $12 billion goodwill balance, a value that was predicated on the company’s market value at that time: $9.4 billion. A key assumption in that valuation was the price of fuel at $70 per barrel; crude oil recently traded at over $117 per barrel, noted Delta.

“Based on the difference between Delta’s book equity and an updated stand-alone valuation reflecting current fuel and economic assumptions, prepared in connection with Delta’s recently announced merger with Northwest, Delta recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.1 billion,” Delta said.

Another special item: $16 million in severance pay for Delta’s previously announced voluntary workforce reductions.

Excluding the special items, Delta lost $274 million in the first quarter. The airline lost $130 million in last year’s first quarter ($6 million if special and reorganization items are excluded).

Northwest reported a first-quarter net loss of $191 million, excluding special items. A year ago, Northwest lost $292 million in Q1 (excluding special items, the airline reported a net income of $73 million).

DHS Mandates Fingerprinting
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said by January it will require airlines and cruise lines to collect foreign travelers' digital fingerprints when they exit U.S. air and sea ports.

The DHS said a majority of non-U.S. citizens are already required to submit digital fingerprints and a digital photograph for admission into the U.S.

The DHS's proposed rule would require commercial air carriers and cruise line owners and operators to collect and transmit foreign visitors' biometric information to the DHS within 24 hours of leaving the U.S. The proposed rule does not designate a specific location within the port of departure for biometric collection and does not apply to small airlines, operators of small vessels or general aviation.

Based on the results of a test of biometric exit procedures at several U.S. airports and seaports last year, the DHS said it "determined that biometric exit procedures must be integrated into the existing traveler process to ensure compliance and provide visitors with a consistent experience from port to port."

Eos Airlines Shuts Down
Eos Airlines, a trans-Atlantic, all-business-class carrier became the fourth carrier to shut down in April.  Eos had expected to receive $50 Million from an investor.  But, when the financing fell through, the airlines had little choice but to shut down.  Eos tried to find a niche of business-class travelers between JFK and London’s Stansted Airport.

Hertz #1 Club Gold
As an American Express affiliate, we are now able to offer Hertz's #1 Club Gold program with a free membership to our clients. This program allows travelers to bypass the counter. Click on the link to enroll and to get the membership fee waived. This is a savings of $60 per traveler per year!

http://www2.hertz.com/goldcorp

Company Name: American Express
CDP Number: 334126
Promotion Code: bapgold

Once the traveler receives their Hertz Club Gold ID number they will need to update their travel profile with Vanguard Travel or online if they are a Cliqbook user. During the first rental, the client will be required to go to the Gold counter so Hertz can verify their Driver's License and credit card information. This will only happen with the first rental.

Note: minimum age for enrollment in Hertz #1 Club Gold is 25. If your company already has a corporate discount program with Hertz, enter in your company's name and CDP number.

AirTran Pulls out of Minneapolis/St. Paul – Chicago Midway Market
AirTran has dropped all flights on the MSP-MDW route.  The current flight schedule will operate through May 5.  Starting May 6, AirTran will serve only Orlando and Atlanta from MSP.

Northwest Schedules New Service from Minneapolis/St. Paul
Northwest will offer daily nonstop service between the Minneapolis/St. Paul hub and Fort Wayne, Indiana beginning May 2, 2008. MSP departure time will be 8:15P.  The Fort Wayne departure will be at 7:00A.  The new service will be operated by Northwest Airlink partner Pinnacle Airlines using 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft.

Beginning June 5, 2008, Northwest Airlines will offer service from MSP to Escanaba, MI. via Iron Mountain, MI. Daily service will depart MSP at 2:30P, arriving in Iron Mountain at 3:55P.  The flight will depart Iron Mountain at 4:20 (Central Time)  and arrive in Escanaba at 6:00P (Eastern Time).  Departures from Escanaba are at 6:30P (Eastern Time) arriving at Iron Mountain at 6:10P (Central Time), departing Iron Mountain at 6:30P and arriving at MSP at 7:55P.  The service will be provided by Northwest Airlink partner Mesaba on the 34-passenger SAAB 340.

Northwest will begin twice daily roundtrip service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Dubuque, Iowa starting June 20, 2008. MSP departures will be at 1:45P and 9:15P.  Dubuque departures will be at 6:50A and 3:10P.   The new Minneapolis/St. Paul-Dubuque service will be operated by Northwest Airlink partner Mesaba Airlines using 34-seat Saab 340B turboprop aircraft. 

Final Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Borders
The Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL.

Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:

U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.

*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State

All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.

The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.

Vanguard Travel continues to encourage travelers to obtain passports to allow the broadest travel opportunities. Visit www.travel.state.gov to obtain information on how to apply at more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States.

Northwest Airlines Adds Charges for Second Checked Bag
Northwest is matching several other U.S. network carriers and implementing a $25 charge for the customer’s second checked bag and $100 for each additional bag for reservations made in coach class on or after March 29, 2008, for travel on or after May 5, 2008.

The new policy does not apply to silver, gold and platinum Northwest Airlines or SkyTeam elite customers. Full fare customers, booked in Y or B class, and customers traveling on military or government fares can still check up to two bags free of charge. Customers booked in First class can continue to check up to three bags free of charge. Luggage fees are also being increased for the third bag and for “overweight” baggage.

US Airways Announces New Checked Baggage Policy
For tickets purchased on or after February 26, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008, a second checked bag will be assessed a $25 fee. The fee may increase based on total weight of the bag and some destinations outside of the continental U.S. have additional limitations on checked baggage at specific times of the year. For the most up to date information on policy and bags visit www.usairways.com.

Northwest Airlines Expands Domestic Route Schedule
Starting May 2, 2008, Northwest Airlines will be expanding their domestic schedule by adding 15 new routes. Northwest Airlines is also offering WorldPerks Bonus Miles for many of the new domestic routes. Registration is required prior to travel. For complete details on the bonus miles offer and terms and conditions visit www.nwa.com. New routes beginning May 2: Detroit - Wichita, Minneapolis/St. Paul - Greenville/Spartanburg, Minneapolis/St. Paul-Ottawa, Memphis-San Diego, Indianapolis – Austin, Indianapolis – San Antonio, June 5: Detroit – Chattanooga, Detroit - Salt Lake City, Minneapolis/St. Paul - Fort Wayne, Detroit-Escanaba-Iron Mountain, Minneapolis/St. Paul-Iron Mountain-Escanaba, June 15: Memphis - Colorado Springs, Memphis – Hartford, June 20: Minneapolis/St. Paul - Dubuque, Iowa.

Two Sheraton Hotel Brands to Become Smoke-Free
Following suite of the Westin Hotel and Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Resorts is expanding the smoke-free policy to include Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and Four Points by Sheraton Hotel brands. The policy affects hotels and resorts throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Canada.

Emirates to Begin Service to New York
On October 1, 2008, Emirates Airlines will begin non-stop service from Dubai to New York’s John F. Kennedy airport. Emirates will use A380’s for these routes, which are configured for 489 seats: 14 in first class, 76 in business class, and 399 in coach class.

Northwest Airlines Amends Unaccompanied Minor Fee
For tickets issued on and after April 1, 2008, Northwest will amend the unaccompanied minor service fee to $50 for nonstop and $100 for connecting domestic service within the 50 U.S./Canada/Mexico and Caribbean and to $60 for nonstop and $120 for connecting international service. Northwest’s unaccompanied minor service (UMNR) provides supervision of children ages 5 to 14 traveling without an adult 18 years of age or older. The UMNR service monitors and assists the UMNR from acceptance into the program until the final release to a parent or other authorized person at the UMNR's final destination.

Hotel Advisory During the 2008 Republican National Convention
Minneapolis-St. Paul will host the 2008 Republican National Convention on September 1-4, 2008. Vanguard Travel has been advised by a few local hotels that they are blacking out all room reservations and will not be offering availability during this time, which can run from August 31-September 7, 2008. If you foresee a need for hotel accommodations in Minneapolis/St. Paul during this time, we suggest you make reservations as soon as possible.

Hertz Offers a Free Tank of Gas
If you rent any economy through full-size vehicle for a minimum of three days you receive a free tank of gas on Hertz. Offer valid on vehicle pick-up now through December 20, 2007 and between January 1, 2008 through January 17, 2008. When booking your reservation with Vanguard Travel, mention PC number 113120.

Effective Jan. 31, 2008, New Requirements for Entry at Land and Sea Ports from Canada
Effective January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens (19 and older) will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as 1. A passport or 2. A birth certificate or naturalization certificate supported by a government issued photo ID, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry from Canada. Children ages 18 and under are only required to present proof of citizenship (without ID), such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or passport. If a birth certificate is presented, it must be a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will only accept a photocopy of a birth certificate if the original has been sent to the Department of State in support of a passport application. If this is the case, the traveler must obtain and provide proof of passport application. All travelers by air must bring a passport. At an unspecified date in mid-2008, the Department of State will require passports, or soon-to-be announced passport alternatives, from all travelers at all points, including air, land and sea, within the Western Hemisphere. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit www.travel.state.gov. Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/.

JetBlue to Launch Free In-Flight Email on One Plane
JetBlue Airways on Tuesday, December 11, will become the first U.S. carrier to offer travelers in-flight access to the web when it launches the service on one of their planes. The airline will offer free e-mail service and instant messaging once the plane reaches cruising altitude. These services will not be available at takeoff or landing. 

New Japan Entry Procedures  
Beginning November 20, 2007, all foreign nationals landing in Japan (excluding special permanent residents, persons under the age of 16, and others specified as eligible for exemption) will be required to submit fingerprints and have their photo taken. Fingerprints and photos will be taken electronically. According to the Japan National Tourist Office, the new procedures will apply to all passengers landing in Japan, even if they are on a connecting flight to another destination.   A five minute video explaining the procedures and the reasons behind it is available online at the below link courtesy from the Japan National Tourist Office. **There may be a one time download from http://nettv.gov-online to view the video. We recommend to check with your company's IT Department first.   http://nettv.gov-online.go.jp/prg/prg1203.html 

Introducing Ufly Rewards by Sun Country Airlines!
Ufly Rewards is the new frequent flyer program from Sun Country. It is easy to earn and easy to use their points. There are no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and no complications.
Here’s how it works:
§        Buy one roundtrip and earn 10 points
§         Earn 100 points and get a free flight
To sign up visit www.suncountry.com and select Ufly Rewards. 

Flight Status on Mobile Devices
Google: Just text 466453 for flight status. Travelers with text-messaging capability on mobile devices can send a text to Google and retrieve flight status information within seconds. Google unveiled the SMS (Short Messaging Service) tool through a partnership with Flightstats.com, a unit of Conducive Technology. Users can send a text message to 466453 (Google) containing the airline name or abbreviation (NW, for example), and the flight number to track the flight status.

The free service -- apart from standard messaging costs from telecom carriers -- covers flights departing or arriving in the U.S. If users don't know the flight number or require additional information, they can text just the airline name abbreviation to Google and receive the carrier's reservations phone number.

U.S. Bans Loose Lithium Batteries from Checked Bags
Effective January 1, 2008 under a new Department of Transportation rule, all air passengers in the U.S. will be banned from carrying spare lithium batteries in their checked luggage. The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, will continue to allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags.

NWA Announces New Service Between London Heathrow and Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Seattle
Scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008, Northwest will offer three new daily nonstop flights to London Heathrow Airport from Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Seattle. This new nonstop service will conveniently connect London Heathrow with more than 250 destinations through the U.S. for passengers traveling via Northwest’s Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul hubs, and Seattle gateway.

Visiting Canada
The Canadian Government has advised that there are some instances where people are unable to enter Canada. Please be aware that entry to Canada may be denied to persons who have committed any act that is considered to be an offense under Canadian laws, such as driving while under the influence of alcohol. If a traveler has a record of any criminal convictions, we recommendhe/she goes to the following website to determine his/her admissibility to Canada. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp.

United Airlines Announces New Checked Baggage Policy
This policy applies for travel within the U.S., Canada, San Juan Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas for tickets purchased February 4, 2008 and beyond for travel May 5, 2008 and beyond. Customers who purchase a nonrefundable domestic economy ticket, and are not Premier Mileage Plus or Silver Star Alliance Members, are allowed one bag to be checked for free and a second for a $25 fee. For United Airline’s Premier Mileage Plus or Silver Star Alliance Members there will be no change to the number of bags that can be checked for free. For complete details please visit www.united.com/baggage.

U.S. Passport Card
Beginning last Friday, February 1, 2008, U.S. citizens could begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card. The Department of State expects the cards to be available and mailed to the applicants in spring 2008. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.  The card may not be used to travel by air.  The card will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five years for children 15 and younger.  For adults who already have a passport book, they may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20.  First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children. For complete information visit www.travel.state.gov.

Top Dining Picks for Business Travelers in Ten Cities
Zagat Survey identified top restaurants in ten cities at the request of USA Today. Zagat Survey, which publishes guidebooks based on reviews by restaurant customers, rated the restaurants on food quality. At the below restaurants diners can get breakfast for under $10, lunch for under $12, and dinner for under $30.

Source: Zagat Survey

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