For more information call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578
Friday, May 28, 2010
Girl Getaway Package in Cancun & Punta Cana
For more information call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578
Girl Getaway Package in Cancun & Punta Cana
For more information call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578
Save up to $280 Plus Kids stay free in Cancun!
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Save up to $290. per couple in Los Cabos
For more information call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578 Thursday, May 13, 2010
Norwegian Epic sails summer 2010. Be there!
NCL started it all with Freestyle Cruising® – where people can enjoy a cruise without being handed a schedule. A vacation where you are free to do whatever. And now we’re following one success with another. Welcome to Norwegian Epic: NCL’s incredible new ship that reinvents cruising yet again. You’ll want to be one of the first to experience this ship’s day and night entertainment where you can wander from one exciting venue to another. Aboard Epic, there are as many ways to have fun as there are to have dinner. And she’s got the most innovative and wide-ranging accommodations at sea. Norwegian Epic sails summer 2010. Be there. For more information, brochures and bookings call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578
Visit Epic Home for more pictures and details...
Visit Epic Home for more pictures and details...
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The 10 worst travel rip-offs ... and how to avoid them
We've all dealt with the unpleasant experience of an inflated travel bill, whether it's getting socked with extra fees at the airport or discovering fine-print charges for a hotel room. Being an active and aware consumer, however, can protect you — and your wallet. Read on to discover the 10 worst travel rip-offs currently plaguing the industry, and how you can avoid them.
1. Carry-on bag fees
A few weeks ago, Spirit announced it would begin charging for carry-on bags, to the tune of up to $45 per bag. Since then, the industry has been in an uproar, with five other airlines pledging not to add similar fees on their respective flights. The pushback is obvious—not all travelers take baggage, but most travelers have at least one carry-on. Add a price tag to the carry-on and you challenge even the lightest of travelers.
As for the argument that charging for a carry-on will reduce boarding and deplaning times, well, it remains to be seen if this new fee will result in increased efficiency at the airport. To me, it just sounds like creative justification for hitting travelers with a new (and nearly unavoidable) fee.
To avoid a carry-on bag fee, the strategy is simple: Don't fly Spirit.
2. All other baggage fees
While we're on the topic of bags, let's consider the relatively new development of airlines charging for checked bags. American was the first carrier to do so in May 2008, and many carriers quickly followed suit. What started off as a seemingly bad idea (for customers, natch, not the airlines) unfortunately turned into an industry standard. Two years later, there remain just two lonely standouts that don't charge customers for their baggage: Southwest (two checked bags free) and JetBlue (one checked bag free).
Why are baggage fees a rip-off? Simply put, the act of traveling typically necessitates a bag. Of course, you can be creative and try to pack as light as possible, but for most people, taking a trip longer than two days will require a suitcase. Given that the fees aren't insignificant (ranging from $15 to $45 for the first checked bag), the extra charges for such basics can really add up.
To avoid paying for bags, you could limit your air travel to Southwest and JetBlue, or you could strive to travel light and only pack carry-on bags when using other airlines. You could also investigate the cost of shipping your belongings ahead to your destination, as well as back home, a few days before your departure and return.
3. In-person vs. online fees
This pricing discrepancy in the airline industry is downright sneaky. For example, check a bag with Continental, Delta, or United at the airport and it'll cost you $25. Do so online, though, and it's slightly cheaper—$23. US Airways charges $25 for an in-person baggage check or $20 to check a bag online. The airlines are passing on their costs of having to employ customer service reps, baggage personnel, and the like to you, the customer. Use those employees and their services by checking a bag at the airport and it'll cost you. This difference in fee pricing is discriminatory to those without Internet access, as such customers are penalized in the pocketbook simply because they're not online.
The best strategy is to use the Web as your default for all travel purchases. If you're skittish about booking online, plan on putting in a good amount of preliminary research to ensure you won't be penalized by booking in person or over the phone.
4. Fees to choose your coach seat in advance
SmarterTravel columnist Ed Perkins considers full-fare coach/economy class seating a big rip-off, as you're paying "top dollar for a lousy product." Now, let's add insult to injury—extra charges to choose that lousy coach seat in advance. Currently, coach seat selection fees are in place with AirTran and Spirit.
With most other airlines, you can choose your seats in advance without paying extra on your final ticket cost. And why not? This is what you're purchasing. I can think of few other industries where picking out your exact product results in a surcharge. It's like an extra fee for test driving a car, or one for handling which apples you choose to purchase from the supermarket. In other words, a rip-off.
If you don't mind a random seat assignment, forego choosing your seat in advance with AirTran and Spirit to avoid the fee. Or, conversely, avoid these fees altogether by choosing competitor airlines.
5. Charges for pillows, blankets, and headphones in-flight
Here we have another case of the airlines charging for items that used to be included in the price of your ticket. Nowadays, with "unbundling" being all the rage, you can expect to pay up to $12 for a kit including a small pillow, blanket, and earplugs, and a buck or two for headsets. Essentially, the charges here are born of convenience—you're paying because you're in the right spot at the right time. Truly, can you think of any other scenario in which you would shell out up to $12 for what is essentially a square of fleece and a static-cling pillow? You're better off packing your carry-on bag wisely and including your own fleece, pashmina or scarf, sleep mask, and pillow—you'll get higher-quality products and a more restful experience.
6. Fees to redeem your frequent-flier miles
Accrued miles on US Airways? Try to book a flight using your frequent-flier miles and you'll be charged anywhere from $25 to $50 just to redeem your "reward." This extra fee negates the "free" element of reward travel—you've upheld your end of the bargain by being loyal to your airline, but when you ask the company to uphold its promise of a free flight for your efforts, you get slammed with a surcharge. If it sounds unfair, that's because it is.
While most other airlines will let you book award travel for free online, try to do so in person or over the phone and it becomes a different story. A whopping 11 domestic airlines charge frequent flier redemption fees for non-online transactions, and the penalties range from $15 to $40.
Bottom line? If you're going to book award travel, do so online—and if you're traveling with US Airways, consider switching your loyalty program to a different carrier.
7. CDW/LDW insurance for rental cars
The collision-damage and loss-damage waiver insurance on rental cars may not be necessary. In many situations, your own insurance provider and credit card offer similar protections in the case of damage or theft. Contact your car insurance and credit card companies to determine your current coverage. Once you've determined that you have the insurance you need, you can decline these extra charges with confidence that you're not paying twice for the same services.
8. Bank surcharges on foreign credit card transactions
There are many rip-off fees associated with credit card use nowadays, but among the worst may be surcharges for purchases/exchanges on foreign soil. The 2% fee is small, but it's a fee for doing absolutely nothing. The best way to work around this gouge is to limit the times you use your card while overseas. Make fewer credit card purchases, and consider cash instead. ATM debit cards often have better exchange rates and minimal fees—just make sure you safeguard your currency if employing this method.
9. Add-on fees that should be factored in the base price
Add-on fees are the ones that most commonly get you by surprise—common-sense items or services that you thought you were already paying for when you booked. These add-on fees can include daily "resort" or "housekeeping" costs at hotels, licensing or other usage-related surcharges on rental cars, and (perhaps the worst of all) fees just to make a transaction in the first place. To avoid unpleasant surprises such as these, be sure to read all fine print up front before you book. Check the travel provider in question on user-review sites and consumer-protection agencies (such as the Better Business Bureau). If you can avoid these companies entirely, then you won't be subject to their rip-off fees.
10. Hotel Wi-Fi charges
Nowadays, many consider the Internet to be a utility, as essential to your hotel stay as running water and electricity. Indeed, many hotels have recognized this and include high-speed wireless Internet access in the guest room rate. Not all do, however, and without reading the fine print, you might pay up to $14.95 per day for the privilege of using the Internet in your hotel room. Others may offer free Internet access only in public areas, and you'll get charged if you log on in your room. If you're a frequent business traveler or just like to stay connected during your vacation, call and ask the front desk clerk if there are fees to use the Internet. If so, you might want to consider taking your business elsewhere.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
All-Inclusive sale from Almond Resorts w/ Supreme Clientele Travel
For more information call Supreme Clientele Travel (407)413-9578
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Harry Potter Vacation Packages@ Universal Resorts w/ Supreme Clientele Travel
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carmelo Rivera <supremeclienteletravel@gmail.com>
Date: 2010/3/5
Subject: Harry Potter Vacation Packages@ Universal Resorts w/ Supreme Clientele Travel
To: Posterous <post@posterous.com>
From: Carmelo Rivera <supremeclienteletravel@gmail.com>
Date: 2010/3/5
Subject: Harry Potter Vacation Packages@ Universal Resorts w/ Supreme Clientele Travel
To: Posterous <post@posterous.com>
Nickelodeon Ultimate Vacation Packages w/ Supreme Clientele Travel!
Call Now for reservations and quotes..
Nickelodeon @ Sea- Exclusively on Norwegian Cruise Line..
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Get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan w/ Magic Your Way Package!
Purchase a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package with accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.
Booking and Travel Window:
- Booking Window: May 3 – Aug. 14, 2010
- Travel Window: Valid for stays most nights Aug. 15 – Oct. 2, 2010
Sample Pricing:
- $1,843 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort. That’s like paying $77 per person, per day!
- $1,440 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. That’s like paying $60 per person, per day!
How the Continental-United merger will affect business travelers
Now that United Airlines and Continental Airlines have tied the knot, business travelers will be wondering how this latest merger will affect them, and if additional airline consolidation is likely in the near term. Assuming the deal clears all hurdles, just four network airlines will remain, down from six two years ago before the merger of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines.
For most travelers, the impact of the Continental-United merger depends most on where they live and where they fly most often. The combined route network of the two airlines may benefit those who live near a large hub operated by one of the airlines or those who fly to one of those hubs frequently. The addition of United's route network gives Continental fliers a combined airline that is very strong in the North Central U.S., with hubs in Chicago and Denver, as well as a major presence along the West Coast and across the Pacific.
For United's customers, the new airline will have a much stronger presence in the New York market with Continental's enormous Newark hub. United's business travelers will also benefit from Continental's expansive route network to Europe and beyond from Newark as well as Continental's stronghold in Latin America. The combination of Continental's Newark hub and United's Washington Dulles Airport hub also gives the new airline a much greater presence in the Northeast.
For anyone who's ever been stuck at Chicago O'Hare or Houston Intercontinental Airport during inclement weather, the new airline will be able to re-route east-west traffic across the other hub if one is paralyzed by snow, ice, hurricanes, or thunderstorms – assuming there are open seats on flights transiting through the alternate hub.
Winners and losers
While many business travelers will appreciate a larger route network, those benefits may be offset by a reduction in service or routes that generally accompanies a merger. With only a handful of redundant city pairs, the greatest capacity cuts are likely to be implemented on hub-to-hub routes, like Chicago to New York, Chicago to Houston or Houston to Denver.
In addition to reducing capacity on redundant routes, mergers often leave airlines with too many hubs too close together. Downsizing or eliminating superfluous hubs is one way to cut costs. Smaller hubs or those located too near to others are most vulnerable. Continental's smallest hub in Cleveland, operating in the shadow of United's mega hub at Chicago O'Hare, is the most likely candidate for a decline in service, but other hubs may also lack immunity from service cuts.
With Continental's international hub at Newark sitting in the largest airline market in the nation, United's Dulles International Airport hub in Washington becomes a likely candidate for downsizing. Additionally, with giant hubs centrally located in Chicago and Houston, United's Denver hub becomes strategically less important.
Although Denver is a growing market, United faces substantial low cost competition from Southwest, which has expanded rapidly in Denver since entering that airport a couple of years ago. United is also challenged by a revitalized Frontier Airlines, now combined with Midwest Airlines under the Republic Airways umbrella. United's market share in Denver has already declined substantially since Southwest's arrival and it may be a lost cause to defend that hub in the end.
Business travelers located in smaller cities, who often have a choice of flying through any one of several hubs operated by different airlines to reach their ultimate destinations, may find themselves with fewer options as a result of mergers.
Fewer flights may mean longer wait or transit times. Decreased competition and fewer airline choices will likely drive higher airfares at least in the short term. In the longer term, other airlines – particularly low-cost carriers in search of lucrative routes — may step in to restore some lost capacity and thus bring airfares back down.
More mergers on the horizon?
While current Continental or United customers will be most affected by this merger, it is likely not the last one on the horizon. Doug Parker, CEO of US Airways, has been very vocal about US Airways' desire to find a merger partner in recent years and it is likely they will locate a partner soon.
In some ways the most logical partner for US Airways would be American Airlines. With the two most recent mergers, American Airlines has lost its lofty perch as the nation's No. 1 airline, and has now dropped to a distant third place behind its two greatest rivals (United and Delta). Should American feel the need to grow, combining with US Airways would complete the morphing of the big six into the bigger three and create three mega airlines of approximately the same size. But American may have other growth options.
American has had a long-standing code sharing agreement with Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and recently began a partnership with jetBlue to share passengers flying through New York's JFK Airport. Both of these airlines, though much smaller, are generally profitable and together could bring American up to the size of Delta and United. Until recently a merger between a major network airline like American and a low-cost carrier like jetBlue was unthinkable, but differences between the major network airlines and the low-cost carriers have narrowed significantly in recent years as the majors cut costs and airlines usually offer the same low fares.
If American is not interested in acquiring US Airways, a different suitor may also come from an unexpected place. The recent acquisition of Frontier and Midwest Airlines by regional carrier Republic Airways opens up some new possibilities for US Airways and other airlines. Regional airlines enjoyed prolonged prosperity in the past decade, but are now threatened by the ripple effect from recent capacity cuts and mergers.
Republic's acquisition of Frontier and Midwest to solidify its future is a game changer. Following this unprecedented move, it is entirely possible that Republic or another regional airline could make a bid for US Airways or another larger airline. In this current round of merger mania, every U.S. airline is now in play. It's difficult to say what the industry will look like when it all ends, but fewer airlines will most likely equate to fewer choices and higher airfares for business travelers.
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