Monday, November 29, 2010

Japan Airlines Expands Codeshare Agreement With Australia's Jetstar

Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced a new code-share partnership with Jetstar Airways on the Japan - Australia route. The announcement was made on 24th of November and it comes into effect from 25th for both sales and flights.

The arrangement incorporates flights run by Jetstar on routes linking Japan's major cities - Tokyo and Osaka with Gold Coast in Queensland Australia.

JAL, in a bid to stay afloat, has announced a number of code-shares in the recent past on routes that it no longer operates on and in the process effectively becoming a booking agent for partner airlines.

Jetstar flights operating daily and linking Japan and Australia will now feature JAL’s designator. The codeshare agreement only incorporates the economy class on these flights.

Fares offered by JAL under the arrangement will be inclusive of on board meals and soft drinks. For additional alcoholic drinks and snacks one has to pay onboard the flights to and from Australia.

JAL suspended its own cheap flights to and from Australia in 2007. This new codeshare arrangement with the Jetstar Airways allows JAL to uphold its network between Osaka and Australia.

However, this is not the first business deal between JAL and Jetstar. In the year 2007, JAL has marketed flights operated by Jetstar that connect Tokyo and Osaka with Australian city of Cairns. JAL offers air tickets on Qantas flights to Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne served by codeshare flights with Qantas Airways via Singapore.

JAL presently operates one daily flight between Tokyo and Brisbane, and between Tokyo and Sydney. It also features codeshare flights operated by Qantas between Japan and Australia.

Jetstar Airways, a subsidiary of Qantas, is an Australian low-cost airline that offers cheap flights. Jetstar’s major hub is the Melbourne Airport while its focus cities are Perth, Hobart, Auckland and Darwin.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thai spa offers 'ultimate luxury'

Travellers looking to fly to Phuket for a spot of luxury could consider a stay at the Banyan Tree.

Erin O'Dwyer, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, explained the resort offers guests "the ultimate in Thai luxury" within its 68-acre complex. In addition to a private swimming pool, outdoor sunken bath and meditation pavilion, the hotel also has a 18-hole championship golf course and 25 spa rooms offering a whole host of traditional and non-traditional Thai treatments.

First opened in 1994, the Banyan Tree has its own spa academy plus a marine lab which focuses on protecting turtles in the region. Recently, the resort has also expanded to include 22 villas that are designed to offer luxury accommodation for families, with special children's rooms and two pools.

News Source

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Five Ways to Get Cheap UK to UAE flights

Planning a trip to UAE? With slight forethought and little flexibility, you can reach your favourite destination without burning a big hole in your pocket.

Keep yourself updated on airfares of different UAE fights from UK. Look out for promotional fares from major airlines as well as budget carriers.

Be flexible in your flight schedules. Late-night flights, early morning flights and connecting UAE flights offer much affordability.

The internet is the best place to search for airfares to various UAE cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Some travel portals like www.southalltravel.co.uk can offer you best deals and packages.

Buy air tickets through consolidators, who purchase bulks of cheap tickets from the airlines and sell them to the travellers for some commission.

November to April is generally considered as the peak season to visit UAE. If you are flying off-season, make sure you inquire about standby fares.