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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Beaches BFF Girls Getaway w/ Supreme Clientele Travel
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Friday, June 25, 2010
All-Inclusive Caribbean Getaways via JFK!
For more information call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578 Rental car companies emulate airlines, embrace added fees
By now, it's clear the airline industry's nickel-and-diming is here to stay. In fact, confirmation came last month, when the DOT reported the nation's airlines generated $7.8 billion in "ancillary revenue" in 2009, up 42% from 2008; baggage fees alone totaled $2.7 billion. We all know the airlines aren't about to stem that revenue stream.But rather quietly, consumers are being squeezed by the car rental sector as well. Hertz recently reported domestic rental revenues rose 9.8%, and cited pricing and ancillary revenues as the first two contributors. Similarly, Avis recently reported domestic ancillary revenues grew 12% on a per-rental-day basis.
For travelers, determining that bottom-line rate keeps getting tougher. In fact, you may define that term "rate" differently than most rental companies do, since they exclude a bunch of charges you might deem necessary.
A la carte cars
On two separate occasions in recent years, this column addressed the exorbitant taxes and surcharges that local municipalities often levy on out-of-town renters: " Can Congress Protect You from Car-Rental Taxes?" in August 2007 and " What's a Rental Car's Bottom-Line Price?" in April 2005. So, for example, if you're renting in Florida, you can expect to see a "battery & tire surcharge" on your bill.
However, those columns addressed fees that were imposed by governments and airport authorities, not by the rental firms themselves. Unfortunately, the onus remains squarely on the customer to inquire about such charges and clarify the fine print before booking. The Federal Trade Commission, in conjunction with the American Society of Travel Agents, provides tips for renting a car, and suggests you ask about charges that could increase an advertised base rate. Car Rental Express, a booking site, bluntly warns: "Sometimes companies have hidden charges that can increase the base rate by a significant amount."
So to break this down, there are fees levied by authorities and fees levied by rental companies. In addition, some of the latter are mandatory and some optional. So if in doubt about what's extra—ask in advance. The Internet is filled with blog comments from renters who feel ripped off.
Familiar fees ...
What follows are some common rental fees, culled from the websites of the ten largest rental firms; such info is most often found in the FAQs section. Unfortunately, no one company ranks better than the others when it comes to tacking on fees.
• Fuel. Should you pump your own? If you can, yes. Most companies offer a prepaid tank at a lower cost than the local going rate, but won't provide a refund for unused gas, so this often ends up costing you more in the end. If you don't choose the prepaid option and return a car less than full, expect to pay a much higher per-gallon rate than if you pumped it yourself.
• Special equipment. Safety seats, GPSs, cellphones, ski racks, snow tires—all come with a price.
• Additional drivers. These run about $12 a day, and don't assume spouses are covered, because they may not be.
• Underage drivers. Fees vary by company and by state. In New York, National charges an additional $23.50 per day for those 21-24, and an additional $70 per day for those 18-20.
• Late returns. These can get pricey. As Advantage notes, "charges are usually assessed in one hour increments until the hourly rate exceeds the daily rate."
• Vehicle license fees. These are still mandatory in some states, averaging about 5%.
... and not so familiar fees
Here are some fees that may be new to you.
• Mileage caps. The days of unlimited mileage are over for quite a few renters. As Enterprise notes: "Mileage allowed can and will be different depending on what part of the country you want to pick up the vehicle, when you want to pick up the vehicle and what size vehicle you would like to rent." With some firms, it may also depend on whether the location is corporate-owned or franchised. If you plan a long trip, this can get costly, so ask in advance. For shorter rides, Thrifty claims you'll save $3 to $7 per day with a cap.
• Energy surcharges. Budget and Payless call it an ERF, Energy Recovery Fee. By any name, it's mandatory, not optional.
• Roadside assistance. Changing flat tires and replacing dead batteries is always free, right? Check again—not in all cases. Better coverage, such as Dollar's RoadSafe or National's Roadside Plus, may be an extra-cost option.
• Frequent traveler service charges. Want to earn "free" miles through the rental firm's participation in an airline loyalty program? Rates can run $4.50 per day.
• No show fees. These are relatively new for renters, and could cost you $50, plus taxes and surcharges.
• Early return. Yes — a fee for returning early, not late. Alamo adds $15 when the car comes back one day earlier and the total daily/weekly charge is less.
• Changes. You probably know about fees for returning to other locations, which can be exorbitant. But extending a rental can incur charges too; at Avis, it's $10 per day.
• Peak surcharges. Look for blackouts on special rates.
• Toll programs. Such options can be convenient, but beware of fees; Hertz, for example, will charge you $2.50 per day for PlatePlass, in addition to the toll charges.
The list keeps growing
Here's a grab bag of other surprise fees that may appear on your statement:
• Special cleaning charge if pets shed or make a mess.
• Penalties for crossing state lines in violation of restrictions.
• Additional liability insurance when traveling outside the U.S.
• "Premium location" fees.
Then there's the greatest rental revenue generator of them all: collision damage waiver. As I pointed out back in 2004, CDW may or may not make sense for you.
It's obvious some renters are confused by this plethora of fees. The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York advises: "Read the contract before you sign it. Most firms have written their contracts in plain language for all to comprehend." However, news reports indicate many customers remain unaware of such policies as toll pass fees, though they're imbedded in the legalese.
Travelers, have you found new fees on your recent car rentals? Share your stories below.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
How should airlines accommodate obese passengers?
Now that the federally-mandated three-hour tarmac delay rule is in place, and hasn't brought down the airline industry, maybe Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood needs to have his Department of Transportation address a far more common aviation crisis: the growing number of people who are too fat to fit into tiny airplane seats and the discomfort they cause their seat mates.
Without a doubt, Marsha St. Clair, a Los Angeles-based retiree, would agree. St. Clair flew recently with her busband and sat next to a woman who was so obese that she "spilled over" into a third of St. Clair's middle seat on a Boeing 757, forcing her to remain in full body contact for the duration of the five-hour flight. "I paid for an entire seat, but only got less than two thirds of it," she says. "Please tell me that there is an FAA regulation regarding this situation."
Well, Marsha, there isn't. But there should be.
Although some airlines have rules addressing such situations, including Southwest, which requires "passengers of size" to purchase a second seat, there's no standardized regulation.
But with figures from the National Center for Health Statistics stating that more than one-third of adults are obese, and that another third are merely "overweight," something needs to be done.
Now I realize that some people will say that obesity is a genetic condition or a handicap, and it may well be, although the fact that the ranks of the obese in the U.S. grow year after year suggests that it's not (DNA doesn't mutate quite that quickly).
But let's for the sake of argument say that obesity is a handicap, something beyond the individual's control.
In that case, it should be treated just like any other physical challenge. What can be done? Well, one solution would be for the D.O.T. and other nations' transportation authorities to mandate that all airlines install extra wide "obesity" seats in their economy class sections. Each plane could have, say, one or two rows with two by two seating instead of the usual three by three configuration. Obese passengers could be pre-assigned these seats, either for the usual economy fare, or perhaps by paying a small premium. These seats wouldn't enjoy any other special services or extra legroom, just extra width.
If no obese passengers are flying on a particular flight, normally sized passengers could upgrade at the last minute to these more comfortable seats, by paying a premium, or get them by luck of the draw if there are no takers. Airlines such as jetBlue already charge more for extra leg room, but I'll bet what a lot of passengers really want is more room for their posteriors.
Barring that solution, or in addition to it, the D.O.T. should require all airlines to publish clear policies stating how they will protect squished and uncomfortable passengers such as St. Clair, who find themselves getting less than what they paid for. It's only fair.
Travelers, how do you think airlines and regulators should account for obese passengers? Leave your comment below, and please keep it civil.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Universal Orlando Debuts Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal Orlando officially unveiled its new $265 million attraction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, on Friday, June 18. The 9 a.m. opening commenced when the large curtain that resembled an oversized invitation and covered the attraction entrance fell and Daniel Radcliffe, star of the Harry Potter films, as well as other cast members, greeted the first official guests of the 20-acre attraction.
The area recreates Hogsmeade Village, where buildings are covered with artificial snow and crooked chimneys and house the attraction’s main restaurant, Three Broomsticks, as well as Hog’s Head Pub, where non-alcoholic butterbeer, pumpkin juice and even a house brew are available. The village is also home to Zonco’s joke shop; Honeyduke’s confectionary shop; Ollivanders wand shop; Dervish and Banges magic store, which sells quidditch equipment, triwizard clothing, spectrespecs and remembralls; as well as the Owl Post, where letters are stamped with a Hogsmeade postmark and Wizarding World of Harry Potter stamps are available for purchase.
The attraction’s three rides include Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge, both of which were existing roller coasters that were repurposed in order to be incorporated into the Harry Potter theming. Near the entrance of Dragon’s Challenge is Hogsmeade Station, where guests about to board the ride will find lockers to store their belongings, in addition to the Hogswarts Express train. The attraction’s signature ride is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located in a soaring Hogwarts Castle. The ride, which incorporates 360-degree filming techniques as well as four-dimensional effects, is an approximately hour-long experience, including the pre-ride queue, featuring a Griffin statue, Hogwarts Castle dungeon, a greenhouse, the office of Albus Dumbledore and finally, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
For Universal Studios tickets call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578
Friday, June 18, 2010
Now Open! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter@Universal Orlando Resort
For more Information and Bookings call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578 Friday, June 11, 2010
Adult and topless pools make a splash in Vegas
Adorned with lip stud, bellybutton ring, star tattoos and perfect makeup, off-duty exotic dancer Erika Murphy leaps into the pool at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino like a happy seal and flutters her bikini-covered tush to hip-hop music blaring on the mega-sound system. Another woman struts poolside showing off a tattoo above her low-riding swimsuit bottom that reads: "Lucky You."
Around them, several thousand attending the weekly "Rehab" party toss back beer or fruity drinks in plastic cups, smooch on daybeds, troll for hookups or merely gape at a level of revelry usually not reached at 2 p.m. on a Sunday.
"I've never seen anything like this, ever," says Detroit-area financial adviser Jeremy Bachusz, 30, watching from the sidelines with pals on a Vegas getaway. "It's not going to happen anywhere else."
You can bet on that. Sin City, the adult fantasyland where almost anything goes, is taking pool parties to a new level — or new depths, depending on your point of view.
PHOTO GALLERY: Las Vegas adult pools
READ MORE: A detailed guide to Vegas party pools
Using the same strategies that have made its nightclubs tabloid-headline hotspots, resorts and club owners are focusing on what they call "daylife." It's not about swimming. Adult pools and pool parties are making a splash with reserved cabanas renting for hundreds or thousands daily, pricey bottle service and scantily clad servers awaiting beyond the velvet (or hemp) ropes at the entrance.
A few years back, a handful of watery hangouts wooed the over-21 crowd. Now there are more than a dozen, with more to come. About half allow what's euphemistically promoted as "European" sunbathing. Translation: topless.
Like Vegas nightspots do, adult pools (some run by nightclub groups) charge admission and often use celebrity "hosts" as bait. The Hills reality-TV starlet Heidi Montag revealed her eye-popping plastic-surgery overhaul at the new LIQUID Pool Lounge at CityCenter's ARIA resort.
On a recent Saturday, The Hills' Audrina Patridge celebrated her 25th birthday in the primo cabana at LIQUID. Attired in a fringed bikini, she sweetly held court on a banquette while regular folk gaped from the general pool area.
Pronouncing daytime pool parties "better than nighttime, because you're in the sun," the über-tan brunette went through her paces to publicize LIQUID. She squealed as singer boyfriend Ryan Cabrera interrupted his Super Soaker squirt gun fight in the cabana's private plunge pool to plop into her lap for a photogenic display of affection.
The day before, mohawked Jamaican music star Sean Paul headlined a more raucous pool party — the season's grand opening of "Ditch Fridays" at Palms Casino Resort. Started four years ago to coax locals to leave work early to blow off steam and money on Fridays, the bash now is a Vegas institution. Before going onstage, Paul, 37, watched two go-go dancers in bikinis and thigh-high stiletto boots warm up the crowd, packed shoulder-to-shoulder.
"A lot of drunk people," he observed with a smile, adding that "I'm holding my drunk awhile" until after performing. While he belted out lyrics, partiers belted down beer or had sunscreen sprayed on by roving Hawaiian Tropic models. Their bikinis seemed modest next to the plunging lamé suits, spike heels and surgically-enhanced décolleté displayed by more than a few Ditch Fridays attendees. "Yo, sexy ladies!" Sean Paul yelled.
Where tops are doffed
Deejays spin at most Vegas adult pools, including TAO Beach at The Venetian and WET REPUBLIC at the MGM Grand resort. The two are happening spots in the spring, summer and early-fall pool season.
But there are more tranquil waters with eye candy you can't get at most U.S. swimming holes.
At the AZURE pool at The Palazzo, guests and outsiders can get massages or nibble on Wolfgang Puck's $35 lobster salad served by young ladies in white bikinis. At the Fortuna pool in the just-expanded Garden of the Gods at Caesars Palace, gamers play at swim-up blackjack tables.
Those expecting rowdy orgies at topless pools are in for a surprise. The one at Wynn Las Vegas is for guests only, and owner Steve Wynn bans rap there, staffers say. An older, upscale crowd — all but one fully clothed on a recent day — lounges on in-pool "lily pads" or gambles at tables by the bar.
Topless venues are far less titillating than most imagine. Women aren't required to doff tops, and many choose not to. Behavior often is more refined than at big party pools (but what goes on behind closed curtains of pricey cabanas with daybeds at Vegas adult pools is a different story).
The most licentious behavior seen on a recent tour: a man caressing his companion's upper region at the Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage. Pool managers say X-rated acts aren't tolerated: A topless pool at the Rio resort run by the Sapphire Gentlemen's Club voluntarily closed last summer after undercover police reported being solicited.
'Spring break on steroids'
The monster party is Rehab, which has been described as "spring break on steroids," even though bare breasts are taboo. Now in its seventh season, it started for locals who worked in casinos and elsewhere to let loose on their day off, says Vegas Hard Rock chief marketing officer Phil Shalala, 37, sipping a Red Bull energy drink. Word spread, and now "we might get 4,000 on an average day. Last year, in one of the worst years for this economy, Rehab (revenue) was up 20%."
This season, it's up 19.6% over last year, he says. Admission typically runs $50 for non-local men; $20 for women who don't live in Vegas. Locals get discounts or get in free.
Shalala credits Rehab with turning on the spigot for Vegas adult pool parties. The trend is "a positive one for this town," he says, "helping everyone out" with revenue to supplement gaming, dining, clubbing and shopping. Indeed, pools keep popping up, from the just-opened Encore Beach Club (a party pool at the Encore resort) to the Nikki Beach pool complex, due at the Tropicana resort next season.
Over at Rehab, the bathing-suited are cavorting in the Hard Rock's 3-acre pool complex. They include bachelor partiers and swingers' convention attendees. Murphy, 29, who says she was not brought in to entertain (as is said to occur at some Vegas pools), engages in sexy dance moves with just-made male and female friends. Up on cabana row, a brunette in yet another bikini — tips stuffed into her cleavage — pours free Grey Goose vodka samples.
It's not even 3 p.m., but Rehab rages on.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Singer Reba McEntire Set to Christen Norwegian Epic in New York
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Reba McEntire, one of country music’s leading artists, will christen the company’s newest ship, Norwegian Epic. The christening ceremony will take place in New York on July 2, 2010 on board Norwegian Epic.
McEntire, who recently hosted the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, has achieved legendary status in the music world having sold over 55 million albums worldwide; earned 34 number one singles and won 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards and two Grammy Awards. She is also an avid cruiser and has taken several family cruise vacations, most recently on Norwegian Gem in the Mediterranean.
Norwegian Epic will feature a number of innovations in cruise ship entertainment, including productions of Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams & Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City, Howl at the Moon and Nickelodeon at Sea. In keeping with its focus on exceptional entertainment, NCL said it said that it was fitting that an entertainer like McEntire christen the new ship. “I met Reba and her family on Norwegian Gem and saw how much they were enjoying the freedom and flexibility that Freestyle Cruising offers,” said Kevin Sheehan, CEO of NCL. “Later, I discovered that they are frequent customers on our ships which is why I believe that Reba is the perfect choice to christen our largest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic. We are more than thrilled that such a celebrated performer as Reba, who also has experienced our product firsthand, will serve as Norwegian Epic’s Godmother.”
Inaugural festivities for Norwegian Epic will take place in New York at 2 p.m. EST on July 2. In addition, Norwegian Epic will serve as the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4, 2010. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. EST and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.For more information and bookings call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Luna Park opens at Coney Island
Historic Coney Island amusement park in Brooklyn has gotten an update, just in time for the summer season.Saturday marks the grand opening of Luna Park at Coney Island, featuring 19 state-of-the-art rides.
One thriller, "Air Race," makes its world debut here. The attraction promises riders an experience similar to that of fighter pilots, flipping them upside-down and generating strong G-forces.
Luna Park, on about 3 acres on the former Astroland site, has no admission fee. Rides run $3-$7; wristbands costing $26 on weekdays and $30 on weekends give four hours of unlimited rides.
The second phase of the updated Coney opens in 2011, with two custom roller coasters, a "human slingshot" attraction and go-karts.
Meanwhile, Six Flags America near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., celebrates the grand opening of Thomas Town, a family area based on popular Thomas the Tank Engine, on June 5.
It boasts more than a half-dozen rides and attractions, including a replica of Thomas the Tank Engine that takes guests on a spin through Thomas' home on the Island of Sodor.
Other rides on the 3 1/2-acre addition include Bertie the Bus, Harold the Helicopter and a Cranky the Crane drop tower. Thomas Town includes a multistory play structure.
Amtrak to Start Screening Passengers, Carry-On Baggage
The Amtrak Police Department is now periodically conducting random screening of Amtrak passengers and their carry-on baggage at Chicago Union Station. The initiative is part of an ongoing commitment by Amtrak to improve safety and security at stations and on trains across its national network. It is not, Amtrak insists, in response to any threat.
Randomly selected Amtrak passengers and their baggage, handbags, backpacks or other personal items may be screened or inspected as they board trains. The inspection will be completed as quickly as possible, usually less than a minute, in a manner designed to respect passengers’ privacy as much as possible. Dangerous, hazardous and illegal items, including all firearms and other weapons, are prohibited in carry-on baggage. "Amtrak has been conducting these security screenings on a random basis along the Northeast Corridor and during special events elsewhere, in some cases in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration,” said Amtrak Chief of Police John O’Connor.
In addition to the carry-on baggage screening, Amtrak Police explosive detection dogs will continue to patrol on the platforms, on-board trains, and throughout the station. Some of these K9’s are trained to detect specific materials on or around passengers.
A passenger who does not consent to the inspection or other security procedures will be denied access to Amtrak trains. In such cases, an Amtrak police officer will accompany the passenger to the ticket office, where a full refund may be given, without fee or penalty, even if the ticket is ordinarily non-refundable. The ticket may be refunded in cash, credit or travel certificate, depending on how it was paid.
Screening and other security activities are done on an unannounced and unpredictable basis. Therefore, no further public announcements regarding this type of screening are anticipated. An average of 55 Amtrak trains come and go from Chicago Union Station every day, with more than 8,500 Amtrak passengers using the station daily. With more than 1.5 million passengers, it is the fourth-busiest station in the Amtrak system.
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