More Flights to New York

Signaling an upturn in the Aviation business, increased frequency between Heathrow and New York is being scheduled by Continental Airlines.

The carrier is also introducing flat bed seats in its business class cabin.

An early-evening departure from London to New York/Newark will be introduced from March 28th for the first time.

This fourth daily flight will be supplemented by a fifth daily service in October from Heathrow Terminal 4.

This will bring the total number of daily departures from Heathrow to seven, all aircraft from Heathrow will feature new flat bed seats in BusinessFirst from June 2.

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GLOBESPAN Collapse - Re-BOOK Your Flight

Following the unfortunate collapse of Globespan overnight, we are pleased to be able to offer assistance. We can re-book your flights with other operators at discounted prices so that you dont miss out on your holiday arranagements. We have flights from all UK departure airports to Florida, other US states and Canada. Please call us on 0870 990 8318.

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Airlines Get Wired Up

According to The LA Times, airlines are bringing back wireless Internet service on planes, allowing business tech savvy travelers to check their e-mails, browse the Web and log into their corporate and social networks while in flight.

Now several smaller Internet companies have come up with cheap systems that are working well. AirTran Airways, which has six departures a day at Los Angeles International Airport, said it will equip all of its 136 planes with WiFi by the end of July.

Larger carriers, Delta Air Lines, which operates more than 1,000 planes, and American Airlines, with more than 600 jets, are rolling the service out over the next year.

Under American's system, passengers can begin accessing the Internet with their laptops, smart phones and hand-held PDAs once the plane reaches 10,000 feet.

The fee will be $12.95 for flights longer than three hours and $9.95 for those that are less. Hand-held device users will be charged $7.95 regardless of the flight's length.

Virgin America has also begun offering wireless Internet service on flights between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. as well as on all flights to Boston. The airline expects to have Internet on all flights by summer.

The fee is similar to American, but it also has a red-eye special of $5.95 for those flying across the country late at night.

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Non-Essential Mexico Travel Back On

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has lifted a ban on all but essential travel to Mexico following the swine flu outbreak.

The revised advice comes three weeks after the flu outbreak reached its peak in the country. The latest FCO advice says: "Following a decline in the number of reported new swine influenza cases in Mexico since its peak on 26 April 2009, we no longer advise against all but essential travel."

The revised advice is likely to lead to a resumption of holiday flights to Mexico.

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Scrap APD

The UK is being urged to take a lead from the Dutch government and scrap Air Passenger Duty.

The call came from ABTA which claimed that as the UK enters a severe recession APD will "exacerbate the problems already being encountered by the aviation and tourist industries with significant falls in passenger numbers".

The announcement by the Dutch government that it plans to scrap its airport tax as part of its economic support measures will have the added effect of encouraging airlines to bypass the UK and re-route to Dutch airports with further damage to the UK's economy, ABTA claims.

The Industry has called for a planned rise in the tax this autumn to be abandoned at the very least.

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Continental Airlines Gets Top Honours

Continental Airlines announced that it was again rated the top airline on FORTUNE magazine's annual airline industry list of World's Most Admired Companies. This is the sixth consecutive year that Continental has topped that list.

The rankings are determined in a survey of corporate and airline executives, boards of directors and industry analysts. Companies are evaluated according to the following criteria: quality of products/services, global competitiveness, people management, quality of management, social responsibility, innovation, use of corporate assets, financial soundness and long-term investment.

Additionally, Continental was ranked among the top ten companies for management quality across all industries on the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies survey.

The results are from the magazine's March 16th, 2009, issue.

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Free Flight Upgrades

We would like to announce an American Airlines upgrade promotion that is available to all customers now.

A free American Airlines' upgrade promotion from business to first class is being offered via UK agents including AV8Tours.(tel:0870 990 8310).

It is valid for customers booking and completing travel to select US destinations from Heathrow on eligible business class fares by April 1.

The upgrade is subject to availability on either the inbound or outboundsector. Additionally, up to 100,000 A Advantage bonus frequent flyer miles can be earned when passengers fly at least two return trips on qualifying fares between Heathrow, Manchester or Dublin and the US by March 31st 2009

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Heathrow 3rd Runway

Approval for a third runway at Heathrow was given by the government yesterday.

The highly controversial plans were approved along with a range of measures designed to limit the environmental impact through strict controls on noise and pollution.

However the decision is expected to prompt a legal challenge from environmental groups opposed to expansion of the London hub.

The plans will result in the demolition of a village to increase capacity at congested Heathrow, with five years of construction work expected to start in 2015.

Airlines, unions and business leaders welcomed the long-awaited and delayed approval which also includes a possible a new high speed rail link.

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Continental Airlines First Biofuel Flight

Continental Airlines, way ahead of its domestic and global competitors announced its plans for the first biofuel-powered demonstration flight of a U.S. commercial airliner, to be conducted in Houston on Jan. 7th, 2009.

The demonstration flight, which will be operated with no passengers, will be powered by a special fuel blend including components derived from algae and jatropha plants-- sustainable, second-generation fuel sources that don't impact food crops or water resources, and don't contribute to deforestation.

"This flight represents another step in Continental's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and identifying sustainable, long-term fuel solutions for the aviation industry," said Continental Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner.

As part of a broader industry effort, Boeing and other industry leaders, including airlines and engine manufacturers, are helping to guide the aviation sector toward sustainable biofuels produced through advanced biomass conversion technologies and processes that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gases throughout their lifecycle. Sustainable biofuels for aviation incorporate second-generation methodologies relative to fuel source selection and processing, which are uniquely suited for aerospace use. These biofuels can then be blended with kerosene fuel(Jet-A) to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Continental's participation in this project is part of a company-wide commitment to environmental responsibility.

On average, Continental burns approximately 18 gallons of fuel to fly one mainline revenue passenger 1,000 miles, which represents a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption since 1997. This is due in large part to the efforts of its employees in streamlining operational procedures and to an investment of more than $12 billion to acquire 270 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft and related equipment. Continental remains committed to further improving fuel efficiency in the decade to come, including investing in its fleet with orders for more than 50 Boeing 737-900 Next Generation aircraft, and 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Continental has also reduced, by 75 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions from ground equipment at the carrier's largest hub, in Houston, through switching to electric ground service equipment and other new technology. This technology is now being tested for use in cold climates.

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AV8Tours fights APD Levy

AV8Tours along with other leading members of the Travel Trade are fighting against an increase in Air Passenger Duty announced by Alister Darling in his pre-budget report.

Mr Darling told Parliament that from November 1st 2009 there will be a four band structure set at intervals which will be based on the distance travelled from London set at 2,000 mile intervals.

The charges will be levied across four bands:

Band A, covering flights to Europe, will rise to £11, from £10.
Band B, covering flights of up to 4,000 miles including destinations such as Egypt and the US, will rise to £45, from £40.
Band C, covering flights to the Caribbean, will be increased to £50, from £40
Band D, covering flights to Australia and New Zealand, will rise to £60, from £40.

APD will rise again in November 2010 - to £12 in band A, £60 in band B, £75 in bandC and £85 in band D. Passengers who opt to sit in premium cabins will be taxed at double these rates.

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Free Things To Do in Miami

Miami is a vibrant and exciting place to visit but did you know there are plenty of things to do for FREE during your holiday in Miami:

1. Tour the Art Deco District: The most striking examples lie between Sixth and 23rd streets, on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. Self-guided tour maps are available from the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive.

2. Little Havana: Home to exiles escaping Castro's Cuba, Miami embodies the spirit of Cuba through its sights, sounds and smells. Stop by at night to hear the sounds of Cuban music on every street corner.

3. Holocaust Memorial: In 1990 this memorial opened on Miami Beach to honor the 6million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The solemn and moving tributes to the lives lost makes for a powerful visit, and sculptures on site, especially the "Sculpture of Love & Anguish," are not to be missed.

4. Spanish Monastery Cloisters: William Randolph Hearst brought this monastery backf rom Spain in numbered pieces, and it was finally put together at its current location in 1954. The stones of the original building date to the 1100s.

5. Miami Art Museum: This collection of post-World War II American artwork is free to the public the second Saturday of every month.

6. Miami Beach Botanical Garden: The garden covers more than 4 acres and is open between Tuesday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Free Things To Do In Orlando

Orlando is the place to be on holiday. With so much to do, it is sometimes refreshing to find that there are some free activities for you to enjoy. Here is our list of the top 5 free activities to try in Orlando.

1. Disney Downtown Area: Located between Typhoon Lagoon and Epcot Center. There are shops and restaurants dedicated to the legendary characters, and for the serious shopper, head for the largest Disney character store in the world.

2. Cape Canaveral: Space Coast is a 45-minute drive east of Orlando, and the crown jewel of the coast is Kennedy Space Center. The visitor center is excellent - but has an entrance fee. If you're jus tinterested in seeing the shuttle launch, you can check the schedule at http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ ; on a clear day it can be seen from almost anywhere in the area.

3. Cocoa Beach: You simply have to visit the ocean, and especially Cocoa Beach. Just 1 hour's drive from Orlando, it makes a great day out if you also take in Cape Canaveral.

4. Winter Park Classic Movies: Classic movies are shown on the second Thursday of each month . Sit back and enjoy.

5. Eola Park: Orlando hosts a 43-acre green space around Lake Eola. There is a one-mile walking trail around the lake, concerts in the amphitheatre and boats to rent.

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Inaugural Travel to America

Inaugural Travel Set to Reach Record High .

Whilst the recent presidential election marked the end of a long and twisted campaign trail, it may not be the last record-breaking activity in the Presidential campaign.

Experts predict that the 56th Presidential Inauguration ceremony and related activities on and around Jan. 20th 2009 could attract an unprecedented number of visitors to the Washington, D.C. area.

The nation's capital is one of the most historically rich destinations in America, and there are dozens of museums, monuments and historical sites ..

For example, AV8Tours travel experts recommend that for your holiday in USA:
Watching the inauguration parade along Pennsylvania Ave. where no tickets are required.
Booking a hotel close to a Metro stop to reduce travel time and avoid crowded streets .
Looking for hotels outside the D.C. city limits where there may be lower prices and more vacancy.
Booking tickets for attractions online in advance to ensure your space and avoid standing in line.

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Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

With effect from January 12th, 2009, any Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be required to obtain a travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S.A. under the VWP.

ESTA is now accessible online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for citizens and eligible nationals of VWP countries.This modern system enhances the security of the VWP and will allow the U.S.A. government to continue and expand the VWP, which allows visitors from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization? The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It requires the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the U.S.A.

Why is a travel authorization via ESTA soon required for VWP travelers? Recently enacted U.S. legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the VWP. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

Who will need to submit an electronic travel authorization? All nationals or citizens of visa waiver countries who plan to travel to the U.S. for temporary business or pleasure without a visa will need this authorization to travel prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.

How do you apply for authorization to travel to the U.S.? To apply for travel authorization, please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Answer all required questions and submit your application for travel authorization.

When will travelers be required to obtain pre-travel authorization? All travelers will be required to obtain a travel authorization via ESTA to travel under the VWP as of January 12, 2009.

When should you start using this Web tool? The ESTA Web site is already operational, and the U.S. government recommends all those eligible to travel to the U.S. under the VWP to begin using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization this autumn. An approved travel authorization via ESTA will be mandatory as of January 12th, 2009 for travel to the U.S.A. under the VWP. All responses must be provided in English.

Can someone else apply for me if I don’t have access to the Internet? Yes, a friend, relative, or your travel agent or operator, or other third parties may file an application on your behalf.

What information does a traveler need in order to complete the travel authorization form? The traveler must provide biographical data including name,birth date, and passport and travel information, as well as answers to questions regarding eligibility to travel under the VWP. Again, all answers must be submitted in English.

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Lie Flat on Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines has announced that it will start rolling out its new business class lie-flatseat on flights from the UK in summer 2009.

The airline, which now operates three daily flights from London Heathrow to New York and two to Houston, said the installation will start in its Boeing777 aircraft, which fly on the transatlantic routes.

The roll out will then move to its 757 aircraft, used from regional airports,then to its 767-400s, and will be fitted on its 787s, due to be delivered in 2010. All of its fleet will have the new seat by the end of 2012 or early 2013, said senior director UK and Ireland Bob Schumacher at World Travel Market.

Meanwhile, the airline awaits approval from competition authorities in the USand Europe over its planned joint venture with United Airlines, Lufthansa andAir Canada.

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Delta and Northwest Airlines Merge

The Northwest Airlines name will go following completion of its merger with Delta Air Lines. The combined carrier will carry the Delta name and be based at its headquarters in Atlanta.

The merged airline will serve more than 375 cites worldwide - more than any other airline - with approximately 75,000 employees handling more than 170 million passengers a year.

The merger will occur through an integration process over the next 12-24 months after being cleared by the US Department of Justice. Passengers have been advised to continue to check-in and do business directly with the airline operating their flight just as they did before the merger.

As a combined company, Delta will maintain all its hubs at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, and Tokyo-Narita - each of which will benefit from improved global connectivity.

The deal is expected to generate $2 billion or more in annual revenue and cost savings from more effective aircraft utilisation, a more comprehensive and diversified route system, and cost cuts from reduced overhead and improved operational efficiency.

The company expects to incur one-time cash costs not exceeding $600 million to integrate the two airlines.

"It has a best-in-class cost structure and strong liquidity balance that better positions the company to adapt to the weakening global economy," a statement said.

CEO Richard Anderson said: "Delta is combining the best of two industry leaders to create a premier global airline that will be unmatched in the scope and level of service we offer our customers.

"As we have been proving, this is a different type of merger for the industry thanks to the complementary nature of the two airlines and the calibre of the people who will make this the most successful merger in airline history.

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Toddler Fun in Orlando

Disney has so many rides and attractions that even your toddlers can enjoy. So, why not take your little ones on your holidays to Orlando. Here is a sample of where to take them:-

Magic Kingdom: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (even if it has a long line get in it--the ride never stops so the line moves quickly), Mickey's Toontown Fair, Dumbo (go to this one as soon as the park opens--it is very popular and late in the afternoon the line is a mile long and moves slowly), Tea Cups (you can make it spin as fast as you want or just let is slowly coast along for the little ones), Adventures of Pooh (ride in cute little honey pots), Peter Pan's Flight (if you little one is really scared of the dark or going up a little high you may not want to do this one but if not it is really cute), Small World, Mickey's Philharmagic (best 3-D ever), Alladin's Flying Carpet and Jungle Cruise. Don't miss Spectromagic Parade and Wishes Fireworks. Do not do Snow Whites Scary Adventure unless you have a true brave one--it is dark and scary.

Animal Kingdom: Do the Safari first thing in the morning to see the most animals, walk through the Trail and the Trek, do not miss the Lion King Show and Flights of Wonder (unless your little one is really scared of birds because they fly right over your heads--most kids love it though). Go down to Camp Minnie Mickey. If they don't mind getting wet Kali River rapids is fun too. Take the train down to Rafiki's Planet Watch to a little petting zoo. Let them dig and play at the Boneyard and the Tricertop Spin is like a Dumbo ride but with flying dinosaurs. Note: even if your little one thinks they like Dinosaurs and want to ride the ride--even if they make height requirement be aware that it IS SCARY!

MGM: Fun character meet and greets with the Power Rangers, Little Mermaid Show is good (has one sort of scary part with Ursula), Playhouse Disney Live On-Stage, Backlot Tour, Beauty and the Beast Show, Lights Motors Action Show (a little loud but the kids seem to love it anyway because it is exciting), and they LOVE to play in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground!!! Fantasmic is a great show but may scare some little ones--would recommend sitting near the back so you could leave if you had to. The Stars and Motor Cars parade is great because all of the characters ride in it and many even walk and come right up to the kids.

Epcot: Living Seas, Turtle Talk with Cruch is FUNNY, Living with the Land, Journey Into Immagination with Figment , Honey I Shrunk the Audience is SCARY in parts so be aware of this and don't let the name fool you, Test Track for the braver ones, go to all of the Kidcot Stops for crafts, just many many things to see (try to catch some of the street performers).

Typhoon Lagoon is the best water park for little ones.

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Golfing in Florida

There are 1,067 golf facilities in Florida. Since many facilities have more than one golf course, it turns out that this equates to an astonishing 1,216 courses. What does all this mean? It means that, if you’re a golfer, Florida is the place. No other state in the U.S.A. comes close to the abundance of fine layouts found here.

But Florida isn’t just about the world-class tour resorts seen on television. It has plenty of friendly municipal courses and historic links.

You may even be admitted to some of Florida’s private clubs if you play with a member or if you ask your club golf pro to call ahead to arrange a game. Or, you may want to take advantage of golf privilege cards, which offer special pricing on many courses and often include access to private clubs.

If you prefer to travel light, or decide to play a few rounds of golf on a whim, you’ll be happy to know that most facilities rent excellent, pro-line quality golf clubs. You may even be able to closely match the set you left at home.

Florida has three levels of courses: tough, legendary PGA Tour calibre tracks; challenging courses; and layouts so easy it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. The vast majority are in the “challenging” category, but you’ll need to select the one that best fits your game.

If you do go for the famous tracks, you should play from the set of tees that will allow you to walk away with fond memories of your round, not frustration from a day of torture. The special features that make celebrated courses famous are still in front of you and awaiting your attempt to defy them. If you play from the middle tees, you have a better chance to see what a Tour player is really up against in the heat of a tournament. You’ll play faster, have a more enjoyable experience and not hold up all the other golfers on the course who are attempting to create their own lifelong reminiscences.

Of course, if you are a scratch player and you want the full experience of some of the best and most difficult courses in the world, Florida’s got them here for you. Go to the back tees and fire away. Just pick the right track, and enjoy your day in the Florida sun.

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British Airways Cuts Fuel Surcharges

British Airways has followed Virgin Atlantic in cutting its fuel surcharges as airline passengers finally benefit from the fall in the cost of oil. The reduction will bring down the cost of a return trip to long-distance destinations such as Los Angeles by up to £26 for economy passengers, bringing the levy down to £192. Shorter trips such as New York will cost £20 less, with the surcharge falling to £136.

These cuts, which are the same as those announced by Virgin, will mean that passengers in the slightly more spacious World Traveller Plus cabin will get more modest reductions. The £10 cut on trips to destinations like New York, will bring the fuel surcharge down to £166 for return trips. While the levy on journeys over nine hours will be £229, £13 less than before.

However the surcharges levied on business and first class passengers will be unchanged as will those on anyone travelling on shorter flights.

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Virgin Atlantic Cuts Fuel Surcharges

British airline Virgin Atlantic said it has cut its passenger fuel surcharges following the drop in oil prices.

From 2300 GMT on Wednesday 15th October, Virgin Atlantic will reduce the charge by up to 13 pounds per passenger, depending on the destination and class of cabin, the airline announced.

Passengers travelling on longer flights in economy class will benefit from the full 13-pound cut, taking the charge to 96 pounds.

Passengers travelling in premium economy class will pay five pounds less on shorter flights and 6.50 pounds less on longer flights.

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Fly Like James Bond on Virgin

The new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, is out on general release on 31st October in the UK. But....did you know that some of the scenes in the new movie were filmed at The Base , Virgin Atlantic's amazing new facility near Gatwick Airport, the largest cabin crew training facility in Europe. Giancarlo Giannini who plays Mathis and Daniel Craig, completed filming in just one day. A few days later the 007 cast, crew and a huge amount of cargo took a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 to Panama to continue filming.

Virgin Atlantic flights are the coolest way to fly UK to USA. We have some exclusive fares for you. Simply fill out our on line enquiry form and our Florida experts will find the right flight at the right price for you.

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XL.com - Rebook your Flights

Are you affected by the collapse of the XL Leisure Group?

If so....we can help. We have access to unpublished fares from Virgin-Atlantic and other trans atlantic carriers that can help you to still go on your dream holiday.

Call us, email us, blog us or fill out our enquiry form......we have reservations staff on hand to assist you.

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Delta and Northwest Merger Talks

Northwest Airlines has entered into formal merger discussions with Delta Air Lines and will look for another partner if Delta tries to merge with United Airlines instead, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said in a newspaper interview.

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar confirmed the talks in an interview with the Star Tribune, saying he met with two Northwest executives Tuesday in his Washington office.

The Minnesota Democrat said Ben Hirst, Northwest's senior vice president of corporate affairs and administration, and Andrea Fischer Newman, Northwest's senior vice president of government affairs confirmed that Delta is considering both Northwest and United as options for a merger.

During the meeting, Oberstar said the executives talked about how a merger would yield cost savings and that the two carriers' route networks are complementary, with Northwest strong in the Pacific and with Delta with a major presence in the Atlantic.

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