Travel News for March

Virgin Atlantic trials on wearable technology at Heathrow’s London airport.    The staff are using Google Glass’ and Sony Smart watches as part of a pilot scheme aimed at boosting customer service.

Venice Delays Cruise Ship Restriction for another two months.   The ban which was scheduled to begin in November of this year will now begin in January 2015.   No large cruise ships will be allowed in the Grand Canal.

U.S Government Looks to High Tech Solutions for Faster Airport Screening. They are pushing for private contractors to create a screening machine with screen and walk capability for use at the nation’s 160 international airports.   They would like to screen 250 people per hour.

DFW airport to rebuild gates at Terminal D for the Airbus A380.  

Berlin’s Aging Airport fastest growing in Europe.    It has grown at more than twice the pace of London’s Heathrow, which is the busiest hub in Europe.  

Hotel CEO’s talk about free Wi-Fi, Twitter, and Room Service.    Five of the hotel industry’s top executives are getting together at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles to discuss the travel industry’s latest developments and challenges.

Say Goodbye to Bereavement Fares at American Airlines.    This special last minute discount fare will no longer be offered.

Adventure Canada’s Northwest Passage declared Canadian Signature Experience.   The Canadian Tourism Commission has revealed its collection of 2014 program of 17 day voyages. 

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation is planning the construction of an international harbor on the outlying island group of Penghu to meet demand from international cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has announced it will transfer the Rhapsody of the Seas from Alaska to Europe in the summer of 2015 to cruise from Istanbul in the Black Sea.

Costa Pacifica Cruise Ship according to an Italian report has just had an outbreak of Measles on board.

State Department has issued a travel warming for the Ukraine.

Southwest Airlines has announced a new service to Mexico.

More Damage to Pompeii Ruins.   Bad weather has been blamed for the latest collapses but it is thought that decades of neglect and mismanagement are the real culprits.

Universal increases its Theme Park prices.    One day ticket is now $96 for adults and $90 for children.  The prices do not include tax.

United enforces carry-on bag rules.  They are getting tough with oversized carry-on bags.  It has installed new equipment for checking bag sizes at many airports.   You will be allowed one bag 22x14x9 inches.    If it is bigger than the allowed size, you will be sent back to the ticket counter to check in the bag for a $25 fee.  

France rejoins Eurail Select Pass after a year’s absence.  

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel  at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.