Starwood Announces Promotions at Mexico Resorts

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has created a promotion called “Sensational Savings” that offers free nights in resorts in Mexico. Starwood properties in destinations such as the Yucatan Peninsula and Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Punta Mita are now participating in the offer. To take advantage of this offer, just book a minimum of four nights at one of the resorts in Mexico and the fourth night is free. With a seven-night stay, the seventh night is also free. Participating hotels include Westin Cancun Resort & Spa, Westin Lagunamar Resort, Le Meridien Resort & Spa Cancun, Westin Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Sheraton Buganvillas Resort & Convention Center, Westin Los Cabos Resort & Spa, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort Los Cabos, St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, and a choice of five 17th Century Haciendas in the Yucatan and Campeche. The Haciendas are members of The Luxury Collection. These discounts apply not only to rooms but also to food and beverages.


When booking four nights, guests receive $200 in credit for food and beverage consumption, and an upgrade in room category, subject to availability. With stays of seven nights or more, guests receive $300 worth of credit for food and beverages per room account, plus an upgrade in room category, subject to availability. The Sensational Savings promotion will be available at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort with additional benefits. A four-night stay will receive $400 credit in food and beverage consumption, and a total of seven nights booked earns a credit of $700 in food and beverages. This offer is available until the end of the year, subject to availability. For reservations or more information, call toll free 866-782-9838

U.S. State Department Alerts Travelers to Chinese Quarantine

The U.S. Department of State is alerting U.S. citizens to the quarantine measures imposed by the Government of China in response to the 2009-H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic that may affect travel to China. This Travel Alert expires on Sept. 30, 2009. Current quarantine measures in China include placing arriving passengers who exhibit fever or flu-like symptoms into seven-day quarantine. Although the proportion of arriving Americans being quarantined remains low, the random nature of the selection process increases the uncertainty surrounding travel to China. The selection process focuses on those sitting in close proximity to another traveler exhibiting fever or flu-like symptoms or on those displaying an elevated temperature if arriving from an area where outbreaks of 2009-H1N1 have occurred. The State Department has received reports of passengers arriving from areas where outbreaks have occurred (including the U.S. and Mexico) being placed in precautionary quarantine simply because they registered slightly elevated temperatures.


In some instances, children have been separated from their parents because either the parent or the child tested positive for 2009-H1N1 and was placed in quarantine for treatment. This situation presents the possibility of Chinese medical personnel administering medications to minors without first having consulted their parents. The Department of State has received reports about unsuitable quarantine conditions, including the unavailability of suitable drinking water and food, unsanitary conditions, and the inability to communicate with others. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.

Four Points by Sheraton Debuts in Midtown-Times Square

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. introduced the Four Points by Sheraton brand in New York City’s Times Square. Owned by Times Square West, LLC, Four Points by Sheraton Midtown-Times Square occupies a prime location on 40th Street in the heart of the New York City’s Broadway theater district. The newly constructed, 244-room hotel is the brand’s third hotel to open in New York City and joins Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan SoHo Village and Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea. Four Points by Sheraton has stepped up its growth in New York City as part of the brand’s comprehensive global rejuvenation campaign. In the past five years, Starwood and its partners have invested more than $1 billion to reinvent Four Points by Sheraton resulting in a 70 percent turnover of the portfolio driven by major property renovations, conversions and new-build hotels. The brand also recently opened its first vacation resort hotel in Punta Gorda, Florida and launched its first prototype hotel in San Antonio, Texas. The hotel’s guest rooms all feature the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, free high-speed Internet access, as well as 32-inch, flat-screen televisions. For more information call 866-782-9838

Southwest Kicks Off Services from New York LaGuardia

Southwest Airlines kicked off its new service out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport over the weekend with its “New Service, New Attitude, New York” themed celebration. Southwest Customers and employees dined on New York-style bagels while being serenaded by Southwest’s rapping flight attendant, David Holmes.


New Yorkers can enjoy Southwest’s service and low fares, while Washington, D.C.- and Chicago-based customers now have a new low-fare option for flying to La Guardia, according to Greg Wells, Southwest’s senior vice president of operations. Southwest Airlines is now serving New York City travelers from LaGuardia with eight daily nonstop flights -- five daily nonstops to Chicago Midway and three daily nonstop flights to Baltimore/Washington. In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines will offer direct or connecting service to more than 45 destinations from New York City, including Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Diego. Southwest operates from Gate B4 in LaGuardia’s Central Terminal Building.


Earlier in the week, Southwest Airlines celebrated at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park in New York City with customers and employees. Southwest employees will continue its community involvement with volunteer activity at Flushing Meadows, where employees will clean up the park.

Cuba Travel to Start Nonstops From L.A. To Havana Next Week

Cuba Travel Services, Inc. will relaunch weekly nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Havana next week. Departures will be from Los Angeles International Airport at Terminal 6. Cuba Travel Services, Inc. had to shut down their nonstop Los Angeles to Havana flights due to the Bush administration. It has been able to restart the service since the Obama administration reversed the Bush administration policy to allow Cuban Americans to once again visit family annually and without limitations on the definition of who is considered family.


In addition to servicing the Cuban American community on the West Coast under the Office of Foreign Assets and Control and U.S. Treasury guidelines, Cuba Travel Services, Inc. will be able to provide a more accessible route and cost-effective travel services to journalists, government officials and researchers that qualify under a general license and sports teams, religious organizations, educational facilities and other organizations or individuals who qualify for and are issued a specific license to travel. For more information, visit www.CubaTravelServices.com.

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Jet Blue Expands Ft. Lauderdale, L.A. Service

JetBlue Airways announced the expansion service from both Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles. The airline will launch two new international flights from Ft. Lauderdale, and two new domestic flights from L.A.

From Ft. Lauderdale, JetBlue will fly two new international flights to Cancun, Mexico and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. JetBlue will offer daily roundtrip flights to each destination.

"JetBlue is proud to continue our international expansion from Ft. Lauderdale by expanding south of the border to Cancun and Santo Domingo," said Scott Laurence, JetBlue's vice president of network planning.

Service to Santo Domingo will be on a 150-seat Airbus A320 aircraft, while flights to Cancun will be aboard a 100-seat Embrear 190 jet. Both feature roomy leather seats, seatback entertainment, industry-leading legroom and unlimited free snacks and drinks.

JetBlue is also expanding its domestic routes from LAX to both New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston's Logan International Airport. Both are now available as non-stop flights. With the new flighsts, LAX becomes JetBlue's 56th destination offering twice daily service. LAX joins Burbank and Long Beach offering flyers more options for coast-to-coast service.

"As one of the world's largest entertainment, cultural and business centers, savvy Los Angeles travelers continue to select JetBlue's higher standard of service for their travel needs and today we are excited to give the L.A. Basin even more options," said Dave Barger, JetBlue's CEO.

Struggling airlines launch more 'a la carte' fees at fliers

Figuring out the cost of his parents' recent trip between Dallas and southern California was "a nightmare" for frequent flier Thomas McDonnell.

Comparing airline baggage fees and other extra charges was so difficult that McDonnell had trouble determining the most economical flight. "It was so complicated that driving became a strong option," says McDonnell, of Austin.

McDonnell's frustration is shared by many fliers who are confronted with an ever-expanding array of fees for services that once were included in the price of an airline ticket. They complain the charges aren't transparent, are misleading and even a rip-off — so much so that William Maloney, president of the American Society of Travel Agents, says Congress may need to force greater disclosure.

"There's an increasing feeling among consumers that they're being taken advantage of," Maloney says. "Consumers have more rights when they buy a hammer at a hardware store than when they buy a $1,000 airline ticket."

But the fees — what airlines call à la carte pricing — aren't going away. More airlines are imposing or expanding them to offset big losses in revenue as fewer people fly during down economic times, and fuel prices are again on the rise. Even Southwest Airlines (LUV), a longtime opponent of extra charges, announced new ones last month.

The airlines justify fees as letting customers choose the level of service they're willing to pay for and say passengers are getting used to them. And ultimately, as aviation consultant Michael Boyd says, "It's business, and they (airlines) have the right to charge for whatever they want."

Sorting out the airlines' fees can be a time-consuming task.

It took a week for a USA TODAY reporter — who, unlike most consumers, was assisted by airline public relations staff — to compile 28 different types of fees charged by 14 major airlines.

Even professional travel agents such as Maloney's members and big companies with travel departments have trouble sorting through them.

"Budgeting travel costs becomes difficult without knowing the full price employees will spend on air travel," says Kevin Maguire, president and CEO of the National Business Travel Association, which represents more than 4,000 travel managers and suppliers.

When the group surveyed corporate travel managers on the issue of fees last fall, 76% of 230 who responded said airlines were misleading the public.

Some fees are 'absolutely crazy'

Excluding yearly membership fees to use airport lounges — which cost $525 at United Airlines (UAUA)— the most expensive fees that airlines impose are for international ticket changes and overweight bags.

Delta Air Lines (DAL), American Airlines (AMR) and US Airways (LCC), for example, charge $250 apiece, or $1,000 for a family of four, to change an international ticket between some destinations. United charges $400 for a bag weighing 71 to 100 pounds on flights to Africa, the Middle East and some Pacific destinations.

But it's often the little charges that can be most infuriating for many passengers.

Frequent flier Scott Jozefowski says some fees are "absolutely crazy," including one he saw invoked on a US Airways flight in April.

When the woman sitting next to him was cold and asked for a blanket, Jozefowski says, the flight attendant told her she could buy it. US Airways charges $7 for a pillow and blanket set. The woman dodged the charge, he says, by persuading the attendant to lower the air conditioning.

More irksome, Jozefowski says, was the $3 he was charged for a 4-ounce bag of trail mix on a Northwest Airlines flight to Hawaii last year.

"Everyone on that plane paid $400 or more for that flight, and the airline couldn't even give us peanuts," says Jozefowski, an education consultant in Purchase, N.Y.

That's since been remedied. Delta acquired Northwest in October and has restored free snacks, including peanuts, on Northwest flights, says Delta spokesman Kent Landers.

McDonnell, the frequent flier from Austin, finds booking fees the most irritating. Most airlines charge a fee to passengers who book a ticket — even a free frequent-flier ticket — on the telephone instead of online.

"It seems moronic to pay a representative of the business when I am trying to spend money," McDonnell says.

But the airlines need the money that the fees generate during down economic times when people are traveling less. The fees produce substantial revenue.

AirTran (AAI) expects to generate $300 million this year from fees for checked bags, ticket changes, business-class upgrades, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi and other services.

United Airlines said last year it expected to annually collect $275 million from fees for the first two bags that passengers check on its flights.

In April, US Airways said its "à la carte revenue initiatives" have brought in more than $255 million since they were initiated in May 2008. They're expected to bring in $400 million to $500 million this year.

"Our à la carte business model is a necessary way to generate revenue during a time when capacity exceeds demand," says US Airways spokeswoman Valerie Wunder.

Airlines began imposing the fees last year to help offset what then were record-high fuel costs. Although many of the fuel surcharges airlines imposed then have since come off, other fees have remained and been expanded.

Last month, Delta scaled back its plans for a $50 fee for a second checked bag on all international flights. When competitors didn't adopt a similar policy, the airline said the fee, to begin July 1, would apply only to travel between the United States and Europe.

But that's a rarity. Boyd, the airline consultant, says travelers shouldn't expect fees to disappear. "Fees," he says, "are a way of life now."

Paying for what you use

Some airline industry experts, such as Ohio State University's Nawal Taneja, say the airlines are damaging themselves by slapping on so many fees. They're alienating passengers, he says.

"Airlines are doing strategic moves that passengers are not accepting," Taneja says, and "the elastic is about to break."

Taneja, a business strategist who has written five books about the airline industry, says airlines should only charge extra for products and services that cost them money, and the fees must be reasonable.

"Airlines must do it in a manner that gets them money but is not offensive to the customer or destroys their image or brand," Taneja says. "A $250 change fee for a free frequent-flier ticket is unreasonable."

Others agree with his assessment. Consumer advocate Brandon Macsata also says the fees are driving away customers. Those most affected are seniors on fixed incomes, college students and lower-income families, he says.

"Marketing economics 101 dictates that higher fees equates to fewer customers," says Macsata, executive director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights. "It doesn't matter whether it is a durable good at a retail store, food at a restaurant, automobiles at a car dealership, or excessive airline fees for everything under the sun — they restrict markets, not grow them."

The airlines clearly don't buy that argument.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air (ALGT) and European discount carrier Ryanair— which recently confirmed plans to charge to use the toilet — "successfully charge separately for most customer services without great criticism," says David Castelveter, vice president of the Air Transport Association, which represents U.S. airlines.

"Is hotel demand down because hotels charge extra for items in the minibar and Internet connections?" he asks. "What about à la carte at the movies, opera or ballpark?"

Christopher White, spokesman for AirTran Airways, says the airline is seeing a change in passenger behavior, with customers beginning to "embrace à la carte pricing."

Passengers like paying only for services they use, White says. And without à la carte pricing, he says, AirTran wouldn't be able to offer the $39 one-way fares it offers on some routes.

WHO declares first flu pandemic in 41 years

The World Health Organization scaled up its flu warning to its highest level Thursday, declaring the first global influenza pandemic in 41 years as cases of H1N1 continued to mount in the USA, Europe, Latin America and Australia.

"The scientific criteria for a pandemic have been met," said Margaret Chan, director general of the WHO. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic."

The decision marks the agency's formal recognition of the magnitude of the challenge posed by a novel, H1N1 flu virus now spreading unchecked among people who, because the virus is new, are virtually all susceptible to it.

The WHO is working closely with vaccine makers, who are just wrapping up production of seasonal flu vaccine for fall and gearing up to produce the first doses of an H1N1 vaccine by September. The agency urged member nations to maintain their vigilance to detect ominous changes in the virus's behavior and, if the virus is widespread, to focus on caring for patients.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: World Health Organization | Swine flu | Margaret Chan

Although Chan described the pandemic as "moderate in severity," she stressed that flu pandemics are unpredictable. "The virus writes the rules," she said. "This one, like all influenza viruses, can change the rules without rhyme or reason, at any time."

On Thursday, the WHO said 74 countries had reported nearly 28,774 cases of H1N1 flu, including 144 deaths.

H1N1, better know as swine flu, has continued to spread during the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Normally, flu viruses disappear with warm weather, but so few people have developed immunity to the new virus, it continues to smolder, especially in New England, New York and New Jersey.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Thomas Frieden, who orchestrated New York City's response to the epidemic as health commissioner until he took over the CDC this month, said public health officials from Miami to Seattle long ago set in motion all of the appropriate steps for responding to a pandemic.

"This is not a surprise," he said. "It was expected based on the data."

He echoed Chan's assessment that the WHO announcement is more a reflection of the epidemic's geographic reach than the virus's virulence. "This doesn't mean there's any difference in the level of severity of flu," he said. "This is not a flu that is anywhere near as severe as the 1918 flu, for example."

Frieden said federal, state and local health officials have worked for years to prepare for a pandemic that many believed was inevitable. They have bought millions of doses of antiviral drugs for national stockpiles, prodded makers to vastly increase their capacity to produce flu vaccine and staged desk-top simulations to explore the best strategies for coping with an epidemic. State and local health officials are planning a series of regional meetings to discuss how best to respond to the pandemic as it evolves.

"When you're talking about pandemic influenza, you're talking about a marathon not a sprint," said the WHO's top flu expert, Keiji Fukuda.

Fortunately, most cases of the H1N1 flu run their course without complications. Most patients require no medical treatment, but about 2% of patients develop severe disease, often life-threatening pneumonia. Most deaths have occurred in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, a marked change from seasonal influenza when most deaths occur in fragile elderly people, Chan said.

Most of those who have died suffer from underlying illnesses, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and immune deficiencies. So far about 8% of 13,217 patients in the USA have had to be hospitalized, according to statistics from the CDC.

Frieden noted that common-sense precautions can not only help reduce the spread of the disease, but also save lives. He urged people to "stay home if you're sick. Cover your mouth when you cough. For those who become sick, seek care promptly," noting that rapid treatment with antiviral drugs "makes a difference."

Anyone with an underlying chronic illness plus a fever of at least 100.4 degrees and a cough or a sore throat should consult a doctor, he said. Women who are pregnant and infants under age 2 are also at risk and should see a doctor if flu symptoms arise.

"Although we have not seen large numbers of severe cases in this country so far, things could possibly be very different in the fall, especially if things change in the Southern Hemisphere, and we need to start preparing now in order to be ready for a possible H1N1 immunization campaign starting in late September," said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Ann Schuchat of the CDC said the federal government so far has allotted nearly $1 billion for vaccine development and clinical trials. So far, the Department of Health and Human Resources has placed orders with five manufacturers for $650 million worth of vaccine for the new virus along with $280 million of a booster to increase its potency, if necessary.

The last pandemic — the Hong Kong flu of 1968 — killed about 1 million people worldwide. Ordinary flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide each year.

10 great multi-generational camps across the USA

Sign up for playfulness at these multi-generational camps that have activities geared for all ages and abilities. "The camp experience benefits everyone, from the very young to the young at heart," says Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association (CampParents.org). She shares her list of great places to go to camp with the kids with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

Medomak Camp
Washington, Maine
"Unplug, relax and reconnect with what's important: family, community and the environment" at this camp on coastal Maine, Smith says. Adults and children enjoy counselor-led activities such as archery, sailing, sculling, arts and crafts, tennis and photography. Adults can enjoy massage, yoga, local Maine beer and cheese tastings. 866-633-6625; medomakcamp.com

Camp Motorsport Adult/Child Sampler Weekends
Alton, Va.
"Enjoy the excitement of driving or riding together in the cars and carts here," Smith says of this camp at the Virginia International Raceway. No experience is required, as half the participants, from grandparents to kids, have never done it before. Stay in traditional camp dorms or opt for the resort hotel on property. 434-822-2999; campmotorsport.com

Cheley Colorado Camps
Estes Park, Colo.
"Families stay in covered wagons that sleep four people per wagon," Smith says of this camp near Rocky Mountain National Park. "Activities include a moviemaking day with camper screenings in the evening, technical climbing, riflery, crafts, horseback riding, day hiking and a "cinnamon roll hike to a general store about 1 mile away in town." 970-586-4244; cheley.com

Camp Tecumseh YMCA
Brookston, Ind.
"In addition to Family Camp, Tecumseh offers Grand Camp, a weekend just for grandparents and their grandchildren," Smith says. Soar into the lake on a Huck Finn-style rope swing, learn to play the popular ga-ga game or visit three-house treehouse, a hiking destination for an away lunch or overnight stays. The camp's private cabins have carpeting, a bathroom and built-in bunks. 800-382-2267; camptecumseh.org

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps
Newton, N.J.
"From hiking the Appalachian Trail and boating on the 110-acre lake to making candles and pressing apple cider, there's something for the entire family here," Smith says. "Join other families who want to develop or renew an appreciation for each other, while enjoying the peace and tranquility of beautiful Fairview Lake." The head chef is sensitive to vegetarian preferences as well as campers with special food needs. 800-686-1166; fairviewlakeymca.org

Bishop Stoney Camp & Conference Center
Santa Fe
"Located on 216 acres in the majestic forested countryside east of Santa Fe, Camp Stoney offers a variety of options in an enchanting setting," Smith says. Plan a mini family reunion and stay in cabins, which are divided into two rooms, or teepees, which are popular with the kids. You don't have to be religious to enjoy this Christian camp, as morning prayers and evening devotions are optional and mostly singing. 505-983-5610; campstoney.org

Camp Lakamaga
Scandia, Minn.
"Accommodations are in troop houses, cabins, yurts or platform tents" at this camp owned by the Girl Scouts, Smith says. Take the grandkids geo-caching, an outdoor treasure hunt using GPS co-ordinates, or go with your mate. Get in touch with your inner child and play relay games and obstacle courses on the lawn. Sign up for horseback riding, archery, biking and boating. 651-433-4580; girlscoutsrv.org

Big Lake Youth Camp
Sisters, Ore.
"Enjoy the natural beauty of Central Oregon while mountain biking through hemlock and fir trees" at the family camp sessions here, Smith says. "Do a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, canoe and wakeboard on the clear, clean lake, then eat delicious meals." Campers young and old rave about the homemade bread and pasta sauces served here. 503-850-3583; biglake.org

Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls and Greenwoods Camp for Boys
Decatur, Mich.
"Every night there's a different evening program here, from singing around the campfire to family talent shows, " Smith says. "It's about spending quality time together." Adults have as much fun as the kids with golf, waterskiing, fishing, climbing, windsurfing, archery, riflery, tennis and sailing — together or solo. 888-459-2492; lakeofthewoodscamp.com

Camp Alleghany
Lewisburg, W.Va.
"This is an affordable, fun family camp in the Alleghany Mountains," Smith says. "Registration includes a three- or four-day stay, a platform tent with cots for each family, and three buffet meals each day." Swim and canoe on the Greenbrier River, or bring bikes and ride along the Greenbrier River Trail. The nearby town of Lewisburg has antique stores and there's live, professional theater at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre. 304-645-1316; campalleghany.com

For more information and travel guides call 407-413-9578
Supreme Clientele Travel

New in New York: Elevated park, Lady Liberty reopening

From the reincarnation of an old rail line to the reopening of Lady Liberty, the Big Apple is celebrating some big doings this summer.

All aboard to an oasis of green:

This week, an unused stretch of elevated-rail tracks was christened as The High Line, a landscaped public park that extends from the Meatpacking District to Chelsea on Manhattan's West Side. Built in the 1930s to take dangerous freight trains off the city's streets and virtually abandoned nearly 30 years ago, it now offers strollers (no bikes or skateboards allowed) a lofty urban oasis. Information: 212-500-6035 or thehighline.org.


Lady Liberty in tip-top shape:

Starting Saturday, Ellis Island's Statue of Liberty crown — which reopens July 4 for the first time since 9/11 — will accept reservations for the 354-step climb to the top. The $3 tickets will be combined with reserved ferry tickets, which cost $12 for adults. Park service advice: Reserve ahead of time for summer and holiday visits, because access is limited to an average of 240 visitors a day. Information: 877-523-9849 or statuecruises.com.

Titanic and more:

Opening June 24 in the former home of The New York Times' printing presses, a 60,000-square-foot space called the Discovery Times Square Exhibition will host experiential shows as "Titanic: The Artifact Collection" and "Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia." For more information and brochures call
Supreme Clientele Travel @ 407-413-9578