Travel News You Can Use
By Judy Newell April 18, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Airlines

More nonstops to Europe

“Open Skies” started on March 30, a set of new rules that allows US and EU airlines to operate transatlantic flights between any cities they like. Virgin Atlantic, for instance, could operate Paris-New York or Rome-Atlanta flights, without originating the flights from Britain.

The largest immediate change is at Heathrow airport. Starting in April, more than 100 new flights per week between the US and Heathrow will take off. Until now, only four airlines could offer service to the US from London’s Heathrow Airport: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United and American. 

Later this year, Continental, Delta, Northwest and US Airways will begin flying into Heathrow, which is much closer to central London than Gatwick, the airport at which most Americans now arrive. Prices may or may not drop.

Federal court strikes down NY air passenger law

A federal appeals court struck down the nation’s first law forcing airlines to provide food, water, clean toilets and fresh air to passengers stuck in planes delayed on the ground at airports. The judges applauded the intent of the New York state law, but they ruled that only the federal government has the authority to enact laws regulating the price, route, or service of an airline.



International News

French ship still under pirate control

A French luxury ship is being “kept under surveillance” after it was hijacked by pirates on April 4 off the coast of Somalia. The 64-passenger Le Ponant, a three-masted ship which was returning to the Mediterranean after a Seychelles itinerary, is carrying no paying guests, but reports say 30 crewmembers of French and Ukrainian descent are aboard.

Upon receiving the news, France's Foreign Ministry said all its means would be deployed to the region to negotiate a resolution and reports now say a French team of specialized antiterrorist commandos has been sent to Djibouti to handle the hostage situation. In a press conference on April 7, the French Foreign Ministry said it was in contact with the pirates, who reported that the hostages are safe.

Somalia’s coastal waters are known to be dangerous and a hotbed for pirate activity. On February 1, the Svitzer Korsakov tugboat was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. The crew was released on March 18 after it was reported that the company paid a hefty ransom.

Beckham debuts posh resort in Brazil

Professional soccer star David Beckham and Brazilian developer Torben Frantzen unveiled the first phase of Cabo San Roque, a resort and residential community on Brazil’s Atlantic coast, south of Fortaleza.


In addition to three luxury hotels and 1,350 private residences, the project includes the first David Beckham World of Soccer training center and two auto racing attractions developed by race-car driver Rubens Barrichello, a Formula One champ from Brazil.


News from Mexico

Website offers auto insurance to US travelers heading to Mexico

Mexican auto insurance is now being offered to US drivers through the website TotalTravelInsurance.com. Although it is not mandatory to purchase Mexican auto insurance when crossing into Mexico, US or Canadian auto insurance will not suffice. The driver must have proof of Mexican insurance or be able to pay for damages. 

Travelers can access a free quote from the site. A variety of coverage amounts and deductibles are available. However, it is recommended that when buying coverage, it should equal the coverage amount of your domestic auto insurance.

Sources: Associated Press, Travel Agent Mexico News, Travel Agent, Budget Travel, OSSN


Judy Newell, a writer and travel industry executive, heads the custom tour company Perfect Journeys that specializes in luxury and adventure travel. Contact her with comments or suggestions at JudyNewell_03@msn.com  or go to her website www.PerfectJourneys.net.