SECURE FLIGHT

SECURE FLIGHT
For bookings made effective October 31, 2009, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Secure Flight Program requires Airlines to collect the following information when a flight is booked to, from or via the United States, at least 72 hours prior to departure:

Full name as it appears on the travel document (mandatory);
Date of birth (mandatory);
Gender (mandatory);
Redress Number – a unique number obtained from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for passengers that share the same name as someone on the U.S. watch list (optional).

Luggage Delivery Service in Japan

Luggage Delivery Service in Japan
Take advantage of luggage shipping service that delivers luggage, golf clubs, skis, surfboard or any other items from your hotel to the airport or vice versa.
Typical delivery time is 24 hours.
The counters of several courier companies are located in the lobby of the arrival level.
If you intend to send luggage to your hotel, make sure to contact the hotel before arranging the luggage shipping service.  Not all hotels may be able to accept deliveries due to limited storage space.
Shipping your luggage just makes sense. Why lug your baggage to the airport or to the hotel?

Delivery company list at Narita Airport
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_05.html

American Airlines to add 2nd bag fees to some international flights

American Airlines to add 2nd bag fees to some international flights
Carrier imposing US$50.00 charge on International tickets purchased on or after September 14th, 2009.
American Airlines will begin charging some international travelers a US$50.00 fee for checking a
second piece of luggage.

The new US$50.00 fee applies to customers on American flights between the United States and India,
England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Belgium and Switzerland. It also covers flights
between those foreign countries and U.S. Territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The charge is waived for elite-level members of AAdvantage frequent-flier and the OneWorld alliance
program as well as passengers in first, business, full-fare coach tickets and active U.S. military
personnel.

Continental to Join Star Alliance

Check-in and boarding gate dedlines

Check-in and boarding gate dedlines
In order to allow plenty of time for check-in procedures, baggage drop-off and security checks,
please familiarize yourself with the check-in and boarding gate deadlines as they apply to your
destination.
Failure to respect check-in and boarding gate dealines may result in the reassignment of any
prereserved seats, the cancellation of reservations, and/or ineligibility for denied borading
compensation.

Above times are for reference only. Check-in deadline and borading gate deadline may change from airlines to airlines.
Please verify it in advance with the airline you are flying with.

What is Virtually There?

What is Virtually There?
JTB is pleased to deliver your complete travel itinerary through Sabre® Virtually There®.
Virtually There® allows you to review or print your reservations, as well as:
Register for trip reminders and cancellation/delay notifications
View maps & driving directions
Review city guides & restaurant recommendations
Get up-to-date weather and much more!
You may also access your reservation on the web or from your mobile device at www.virtuallythere.com. Simply enter your last name and the six-character reservation code provided to you by JTB. As a security measure, you will be prompted to enter your e-mail address.

Prevent Economy-class syndrome (deep-vein thrombosis)!!

Prevent Economy-class syndrome (deep-vein thrombosis)!!
First, deep Vein Thrombosis can strike any long-distance traveler-regardless of physical condition, age, or gender. Secondly, DVT is not just confined to those flying economy class. First and business class passengers are also at risk.
Exercise
Try to stand and walk for five minutes every hour or flex your ankles up and down and curl your toes about twenty times every hour. Both activities will help stimulate leg blood flow.
Avoid Dehydration
Drink liquid frequently-8 oz. of water every two hours. Avoid alcohol and coffee which contribute to dehydration.
Take Aspirin
Take an Aspirin tablet before departing and at safe intervals during the trip.

Wear Graduated Compression Hosiery
Graduated compression stocking and socks are designed to exert maximum compression at the
ankle with pressure gradually decreasing up the length of the hosiery. This action forces surface
veins’ blood into the legs’ deep vein system thereby correcting improper, weak blood flow.
Graduated compression products can be purchased at major national brand drug stores.

How to prevent economy-class syndrome (http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/flyhealthyflyfit.html)

Visa requirements on Czechs and Mexicans

Visa requirements on Czechs and Mexicans
Canada imposes visa requirements on Czechs and Mexicans starting Wednesday, July 15th, 2009.
Please check the following link for details.
For details: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

Baggage Identification

Baggage Identification
Air Canada strives to ensure that travelers and their checked baggage are transported on the same flights.
On occasion, the external baggage name tags become detached or torn, making it difficult to locate the owner of the bag. To reduce the chances of lost luggage, Air Canada has created a baggage ID template for travelers to download, print, complete and insert it in their baggage.
>>> Printable baggage ID template

Connecting To The U.S. in Vancouver

Connecting To The U.S. in Vancouver Airport
Effective July 7, your customers who have checked their baggage to its final destination, can proceed directly to U.S. Customs and Immigration without their bags. If travelers are required to go through secondary Customs, they will be able to obtain their baggage from Air Canada.

US Airways/United Airlines check-in baggage fees

US Airways/United Airlines check-in baggage fees
Beginning July 9th, 2009, US Airways and United Airlines are both adding US$5.00 fees for passengers who choose to pay for checked bags at the airport. Passengers can avoid the fee by prepaying their baggage charge online.

Travelling with pets in cabin (Air Canada)

Travelling with pets in cabin (Air Canada)
Starting July 1, Air Canada welcomes your small cats and dogs in the cabin.

*The pet carrier is in lieu of the main carry-on item, and its dimension must not exceed 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm
*You will need to pre-register your pet by contacting your travel agent within 24 hours of completing the reservation. Limited number of pets per flight can be  accepted.
* The carriage of pets in the cabin is USD $50.00 each way for within Canada and USA, and USD$100.00 each way for international.  It must be prepaid at time of initial reservation.

Air Canada Check-in Counters at Toronto Pearson International Airport

Air Canada check-in counters at Toronto Pearson International Airport
Air Canada’s international check-in counters have relocated to aisles C, D and E from aisle K and L locations. All of Air Canada’s check-in facilities are now located between aisles A – H, with all the Star Alliance carriers.

United Airlines to charge an extra for passengers requiring extra space

United Airlines to charge an extra for passengers requiring extra space
For the comfort and well-being of all customers aboard United flights, UA has aligned with other major airlines' seating policies relating to passengers who: - are unable to fit into a single seat in the ticketed cabin;
- are unable to properly buckle the seatbelt using a single seatbelt extender; and/or
- are unable to put the seat's armrests down when seated.

If unused seats are available on the ticketed United or United Express flight, then a customer meeting any of the above criteria will be reaccommodated next to an empty seat.

If no unused seats are available on the ticketed flight, then the customer must either purchase an upgrade to a cabin with available seats that address the above-listed scenarios, or change his or her ticket to the next available flight and purchase a second seat in addition to the one already purchased. If a customer meeting any of the above-listed criteria cannot be accommodated next to an empty seat and chooses not to upgrade or change flights and purchase a ticket for an additional seat, he or she will not be permitted to board the flight.

This policy applies to tickets purchased on or after March 4, 2009, for travel on or after April 15, 2009.

Please understand that UA cares a great deal about all of our customers' well-being, and we have implemented this policy to help ensure that everyone's travel experiences with United are comfortable and pleasant.

Fares
If an additional seat is purchased, the fare for that seat will be the same as the fare paid for the original seat, regardless of whether the additional ticket is purchased along with the original ticket or separately. This applies even if the additional ticket is purchased on the day of departure, when fares are normally higher.

Availability
If purchasing on the day of departure and an additional seat or upgraded seat is not available on the ticketed flight, then the customer will be required to rebook on the next United flight that has adequate seating available. Any fees that would normally be associated with this type of change will be waived in this circumstance. If adequate seating is not available and the customer decides not to travel, the ticket can be refunded without penalty, even if it is a nonrefundable ticket

New requirement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

26 MAY 2009: Here’s a new rule that you should know about. Middle names that are included on passports and drivers' licenses, will soon have to be reflected on the traveler's ticket when they fly within the US, and from Canada to the US. By December, it will beextended to overseas travel.
The requirement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is supposed to make it easier for travellers, airlines and the TSA to avoid ID hassles at airports. Because the master lists of questionable travellers are apparently in full-name format, the TSA wants to make sure that travel documents conform to its lists.
The requirement was supposed to take effect May 15 for the US domestic travel, but has been pushed back a month or so.
The new rule apparently stipulates that passengers must travel under their name as it appears on the ID utilized to board their flight.  That typically means a passport or a driver's license domestically, and a passport or "enhanced" driver's license internationally.
Under the new rule, when making flight reservation, each airline is supposed to obtain the full name of the passenger and pass it along to the TSA. The ticket and/or boarding pass should exactly match the identification used.
The TSA has announced that it will be lenient in case of small differences.

US Airways/United Airlines check-in baggage fees

Beginning July 9th, 2009, US Airways and United Airlines are both adding US$5.00 fees for
passengers who choose to pay for checked bags at the airport. Passengers can avoid the fee by
prepaying their baggage charge online.

Travel Insurance for your peace of mind

Travel Insurance for your peace of mind
Your travel arrangements are all finished but wait! Have you purchased travel Insurance?
There are different types of insurance which can cover the cost in case of trip cancellation due to illness or injury. (*Some restrictions may apply. Please call us for details)
Medical treatments out of province and out of country can be very expensive.
Make sure to purchase travel insurance before you go.
We have Emergency Hospital & Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, All Inclusive Insurance and etc to suit your needs.

Traveling to Canada? We have "Visitors to Canada Emergency Hospital & Medical Insurance" as well.

TIC Travel Insurance, sample All-Inclusive Package Plan

AA Cabins Go Cash-Free

AA Cabins Go Cash-Free
As of  June 2 , 2009, American Airlines no longer accepts cash for amenities onboard flights within the continental United States, as well as flights to and from Hawaii, Alaska and Canada. Major credit or debit cards only will be accepted for purchases on items such as headsets, meals, snacks and alcoholic beverages on board.  American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights will continue to accept cash only for amenities.

Unique facilities at Narita Airport (Relax and Refresh)

Unique facilities at Narita Airport (Relax and Refresh)
There are some unique facilities such as hourly use rooms and shower at Narita Airport.  A little forward planning can make traveling enjoyable.
It can be booked online and prices start at just 500 yen for a half hour.
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_37.html (All facilities are wheelchair accessible)

Narita Airport official website: http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html

Do you have a rental car membership card?

Do you have a rental car membership card?
The convenient membership card makes renting a car fast and easy.
Faster pick up and drop off.

For example, Hertz Number One Club Gold Service customer boards the Hertz Courtesy Bus and is taken directly to the Gold Service parking area (available at more than 46 airports around the world), where a computer-generated electronic signboard displays the customer’s name and the stall number for the assigned car. After picking up the car, simply stop at the exit gate to show a valid driver’s license and allow the gate attendant to check the vehicle identification number. That’s it. You are on your way.
If the airport is not equipped with this Number One Club Gold Service, Gold Counter Service is offered (available at over 1,000 airport locations around the world.)The member can just show a valid driver’s license and pick up the keys.

[Major rent a car membership cards]
*Hertz: Hertz No.1 Club
*AVIS: Wizard
*National: Emerald Club
*Enterprise: Plus
*Thrifty: Blue Chip
*Budget: Fastbreak

Delta Airlines/Northwest Airlines to introduce an international baggage fee

Delta Airlines/Northwest Airlines to introduce an international baggage fee
Travel beginning on or after July 1st, 2009, customers in economy class are subject to a fee of USD$50.00 for the second checked bag.
Following exceptions apply:
*First and Business class passengers
*SkyMiles and WorldPerks Elite members
*Passengers who purchased tickets prior to April 22, 2009
*Passengers who are confirmed on a full Y class economy ticket.

Do you have "SkyMiles" and "WorldPerks" frequent flyer program?

The SkyMiles and WorldPerks Programs will eventually be consolidated into one best-in-class loyalty program by the end of 2009.  During the transition period, SkyMiles and WorldPerks will be aligning several of their program policies.  Stay tuned to all program updates by visiting delta.com or nwa.com.
You will continue to enjoy the benefits of your SkyMiles or WorldPerks accounts as you do today.  SkyMiles and WorldPerks members may continue to manage their accounts online and earn and redeem miles as usual.
If you have both a SkyMiles and WorldPerks account, now you can transfer your miles between accounts.  This service is free and can be used as many times as you prefer.  Linking your SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts now will enable automatic consolidation of your account history, including elite qualification balances, when the programs merge.

Hotels in the vicinity of major Canadian airports

Have you ever needed to reserve a room very close to an airport due to unexpected schedule change or early morning flight?
It will be very convenient, if you know which hotels are located in the vicinity of airports.
Here are some of them!!
More details click! >>> Hotels located close to major Canadian airports

SPECIAL JR East  “Suica&Narita Express” deal

SPECIAL JR East  “Suica&Narita Express” deal
If you are planning to spend a few days in Tokyo, why not take advantage of this special offer.
The detaisl can be found in the attached PDF document.
*This special deal can only be purchased in Japan.

Information on 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic merchandise

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic merchandise is available at booths and stores in Vancouver Airport and through the website at http://www.vancouver2010.com/store/
Since VISA is one of the major sponsors for the games, only VISA and cash payments can be accepted.(Visa payment for online). Debit machine payments are not available at airport locations.
Make sure to bring your VISA card or enough cash to avoid disappointment.
B.C. sales tax is 14%. 

Information on Air Canada Fuel Surcharges
  - For International Travel Originating from Canada to Japan -
Applicable from April 1, 2009

Due to the recent decrease in fuel costs, the fuel surcharge has been reduced and applies to all tickets issued on/after April 1, 2009.  For all international travel originating and ticketed in Canada, the fuel surcharge decreases will be CAD42.00 per one way and CAD84.00 per round trip.       

Take full advantage of a OneWorld Airpass
when you are planning to visit Japan

Take full advantage of a OneWorld Airpass when you are planning to visit Japan.
Price:
1 flight coupon ¥9,000
2 flight coupons ¥18,000
3 flight coupons ¥27,000
4 flight coupons ¥36,000
5 flight coupons ¥45,000
*JP tax of ¥500 and HJ tax of ¥100 at Haneda/Kita Kyushu Airportand ¥300 at Nagoya Airport per flight coupon
Conditions:
*Black out period: 07 August, 09 to 17 August, 09
*Tickets must be purchased by 12 April, 09
*International flight into and out of Japan must be on a OneWorld carrier
*Traveler must be reside outside of Japan
*International ticket must be presented at time of check-in
*The Airpass must be purchased before arriving into Japan
*All travel must be completed within 60 days from first date of travel
*Limited to one OneWorld Yokoso/Visit Japan Airpass per person
*First domestic flight must be confirmed. Remaining flights can be either left open or changed at any time
*The totally unused ticket can be refunded with penalty of ¥5,000 plus refund processing fee of CAD$11.00
*The partially used ticket can be refunded with the difference between the fare paid andthe normal domestic fare for the portion used.

Korean Air -Business Class- 
SPECIAL PRICE LIMITED TIME OFFER TO JAPAN!!

Special invitation to Korean Air’s Brand New version Aircraft
---To Narita Airport, Kansai Kokusai Airport (Osaka) and Chubu Kokusai Airport(Centrair)--

United cabins to go cashless on North American routes

United passengers flying on routes within the US and to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean will soon need a credit or debit card to make purchases in-flight.
The carrier will accept card payments on these routes from March 23, for purchases such as meals, beverages and headphones, and after a changeover period it will cease to accept cash from this summer (the exact date has yet to be confirmed).
United will continue to accept both card and cash payments on transatlantic and other long-haul flights.

Priority Pass – Airport Lounge Access Membership

This pass allows you to access over 500 VIP lounges in more than 275 cities worldwide regardless of class of service or Airlines.
You may relax or catch up with your work while waiting for a flight.

Priority Pass: Lounge Locations and Membership Fees

Air Canada Flight Pass

The Air Canada Flight Pass is a prepaid package of electronic one-way flight credits used for travel within a selected geographic zone during a specific period. A Flight Pass is comprised of fixed or unlimited number flight credits which can be managed online with ease.

1 flight credit = 1 one-way trip including connecting flights per person

Key benefits:
Excellent value and travel cost predictability
Optimum travel flexibility
Online booking convenience 24/7 and up to one hour prior to departure
Complimentary advance online seat selection

Flight Pass factor sheet

Please call us for details

Web Check-in from your home!

Some Airlines offer convenient web check-in within 24 hours prior to flight departure.
It can be done from your home PC and mobile device with web access.
* Some exemptions may apply.

e.g. Air Canada

Nowadays, on board meals have to be purchased for majority of North AmericanAir Carriers on flights within North America,Sun destinations and Caribeean. 
Here are some samples of on board meals for purchase on Air Canada (click here)
-all drinks except alcohol provided free. 
-passengers with Latitude Plus and Latitude fares get either a complimentary snack or snack and sandwich depending on the duration of a flight.
-payable only by cash
-save up to 25% by purchasing vouchers online.
-There is no special meals on board café,  therefore passengers with special dietary requirements should prepare and bring own meals.

Passengers with special dietary requirements can request special meals on international flights up to 24 hours prior to departure. All meals are complimentary. However, most of American Air Carriers now charge a fee for alcoholic beverages.

2009 upgrade certificates
for Air Canada Aeroplan status members (Super Elite, Elite and Prestige)

There are three types of upgrade certificates, Bordeaux colored System Wide Upgrade Certificate,Light blue colored System Wide Upgrade Certificate and Moss green colored North America Upgrade Certificate.

The Special System Wide Upgrade Certificate can be used with Leisure and Tango plus fares.
The System Wide Upgrade Certificate can be used with Latitude Plus and Latitude airfares.
The North America Upgrade Certificates can only be used with Latitude airfares.

Please call JTB to find out the fare options and other conditions.
Click here for Air Canada Upgrade Certificate 2009 information

If planning to travel within Canada, the benefits of booking at Westjet should be considered.
Here is a comparison between Air Canada and Westjet.
The biggest difference between them is that Westjet tickets are transferable.
See comparison chart. Click here!!( pdf 28k)