FUEL SURCHARGE

From 15 February 2012, the following surcharge increases will be applied to Qantas international fares booked in Australia:

Qantas will also increase domestic Qantas and QantasLink fares from 9 February to reflect fuel costs. Increase amounts will vary by route and fare class but will average approximately 2.5%.

An increase of $2 in the fuel surcharge for domestic Qantas Frequent Flyer Classic Award redemptions (from $10 to $12) will also be implemented.

CARBON SURCHARGE

As of 1 January 2012, airlines are included in the EU emissions trading scheme and must pay a carbon price by purchasing allowances to cover a proportion of the carbon emissions generated by their flights to and from the EU.

From 15 February 2012, Qantas will add a surcharge of $3.50 each way to fares booked in Australia for Qantas flights to and from London and Frankfurt. This will be applied per passenger and per applicable sector. These surcharges will take effect for tickets booked on or after 15 February 2012 for travel on or after 1 July 2012.

JETSTAR POLICY

Jetstar will increase all domestic lead-in fares by $10 in response to higher cost inputs including fuel prices and the introduction of the carbon price. The increase will take effect on 15 February 2012 for travel from 1 July 2012 onwards.

Updated 8 February 2012

Double Points and Status Credits on Business Class flights from 26 January 2012

Virgin Australia’s Business Class is now flying on all major domestic routes.

To celebrate, every Business Class flight you take on Virgin Australia domestic and international short haul services* between 26 January and 29 February 2012, will earn double Velocity Points and Status Credits* – even on flights already booked.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Updated 30 January 2012

Virgin Australia today launched Business Class on most domestic routes across the country, giving Australian travellers choice in Business Class for the first time in over a decade. The offering includes new premium cabins with luxury leather seating and generous recline, a gourmet food and beverage service, as well as complimentary access to Virgin Australia’s lounges and priority security screening, check-in and boarding.

To celebrate the launch of Business Class, Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program is offering its members the opportunity to earn double Velocity Points and Status Credits on all Business Class domestic flights taken with Virgin Australia between 26 January and 29 February 2012. Virgin Australia also confirmed that Saver fare guests travelling between Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney on Monday to Friday will be offered complimentary beer and wine between 4:00pm and 7:00pm (AEST).

 BUSINESS CLASS FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Luxury leather seating with 62” seat pitch on the Airbus A330; and 38” seat pitch on the Boeing 737- 800
• Amenity Kits along with plush blankets and pillows on three+ hour flights
• Personalised service from a dedicated cabin crew member along with dedicated washroom facilities
• Coat check-in service with complimentary coat bag
• Newspapers until noon daily
• Exclusive Luke Mangan gourmet full service dining experience
• Premium Australian wines, beers, and spirit selection
• Priority security screening, boarding and baggage service where available
• Complimentary access to Virgin Australia airport lounges – at Sydney Airport, optional valet parking and direct kerbside access into the lounge via a dedicated security screening point and check-in desk.

 Mandarin Oriental, Paris is situated on one of the most fashionable streets in the world, Rue Saint-Honoré. The location, the interiors and the exquisite dining experience ensures guests will be assured of the ultimate in luxury accommodation. This is the most desirable address in Paris, surrounded by chic French design. The hotel features 99 luxurious rooms and 39 suites offering our guests an exclusive and eminently stylish Parisian experience.  Interiors are amongst the most spacious in the capital and combine Parisian sophistication with art deco details and oriental touches.

  Special Virtuoso Offer – Stay 2 consecutive nights and receive 3^rd night free

•   Virtuoso amenities include upgrade on arrival subject to availability, complimentatry American breakfast daily for up to 2 in room guests, one 85 Euro Spa credit per stay
•   Applies to Mandarin Room, Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Premier Suite, Atelier Suite and the Couture Suite.
•   Offer valid from 1 Jan 2012 to 31 March 2012 (Blackout dates: 1-9 March 2012)
•   Offer non combinable with other Virtuoso or Hotel promotion/package
•   Terms and conditions apply

Trump International Hotel & Tower, the only Forbes Five-Star & AAA Five-Diamond hotel with a Five-Star & Five-Diamond restaurant in New York, is an icon delivering the highest level of service, style, and exclusivity.  The 52 story hotel is located just off Central Park, at the juncture of Columbus Circle and Broadway.   Recently, Trump New York underwent a spectacular $30 million renovation featuring a dramatic color palette conveying sophistication and style for the ultimate urban experience in all 176 rooms and suites.  Most suites feature fully equipped European-style kitchens with stainless steel appliances, a 55-inch HDTV, Blue-ray DVD player and an iPod docking station.

SPECIAL – PAY FOR 2 NIGHTS – STAY 3 NIGHTS

For travel starting January 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012, reserve two nights in a newly renovated suite and receive the third night complimentary. Call your MP Consultant for further details.

The Sarojin is beautiful and peaceful – The Ultimate in Luxury in Thailand

The Sarojin imparts unique, revitalizing experiences that last!   Designed in a contemporary Asian style, the resort is reminiscent of “staying as a guest at a friend’s private estate”.

The Sarojin is charmingly ensconced in a garden setting with direct private access onto a secluded 11km white beach beside the Adaman Sea, just one hour north of Phuket International Airport in Khao Lak in the Phang Nga province of Thailand.  

56 guest residences are situated in 7 separate two storey buildings.  Accommodation is careful designed to allow abundant space and privacy to blend harmoniously with nature.  Each guest residence is privately entered by crossing a stream via the grounds and through a private garden terrace.  A truly spectacular resort!

Read more on Exclusive Offers for The Sarojin

Qantas and one of the three unions at the centre of a long-running industrial dispute have reached a truce.  The airline and the engineer’s union will be back at Fair Work Australia today to present an agreement to end their dispute.

In exchange for new work practices, the deal is understood to involve a 3 per cent pay rise.  The deal is the first between Qantas and one of the unions involved in a dispute with the airline that saw the fleet being grounded in October which lead to the government forcing arbitration.

Qantas still has to strike a deal with two major unions before peace can be confirmed. The Transport Workers Union expects to meet Qantas at Fair Work Australia when the dispute goes to arbitration next year.

Updated 19 December 2011

Checked baggage fee increase on selected international short haul flights

Following an annual review of checked baggage fees for Virgin Australia, the online checked baggage fee on selected international short haul flights has been increased.

Please note – This is not an across-the-board checked baggage fee change but only on selected short-haul international routes as detailed below:

There will be no change to airport checked baggage fees or excess baggage rates.

Updated 15 December 2011

Qantas travellers can book flights with confidence that there will be no industrial action by the pilots’ union, licensed engineers’ union and Transport Workers’ Union for up to the next four years.  Corporate travellers and corporate travel management agents benefit from the news.

The Transport Workers’ Union has confirmed that it will not launch an appeal or stay against the decision by Fair Work Australia to terminate all industrial action. [Read more...]

Glen Aros is a classic New Zealand country estate located on the north island of  New Zealand. Luxury accommodation, fine dining and an idyllic setting make this the perfect escape for complete relaxation, and the ideal base for exploring Hawke’s Bay. The residence is set at the end of a tree-lined driveway which oozes traditional elegance of a country homestead with wide verandahs, sweeping lawns and peaceful rural views of the picturesque Raukawa Valley. 

Glen Aros has extensive leisure and recreation facilities and offers accommodation for up to 12 guests with six tastefully appointed bedrooms. It is available and ideal for individual guests, an exclusive group booking, or as a corporate retreat with a fully equipped boardroom. From its beautifully secluded location, Glen Aros is just a short drive to the many attractions of this diverse region. Dine alfresco at winery restaurants or at local artisan food producers, or visit one of the many tasting rooms.  The closest airport is at Napier a 35 minutes drive away and activities include golf, skydiving, river kayaking, white water rafting, fishing or visit the Farmer’s Markets or an array of wineries.

PERIOD : 01 October 2011 – 30 April 2012 – Guest Rooms

• Single occupancy NZD565.80- NZD615.00 + GST per night
• Double /Twin occupancy NZD800.40 – NZD870.00 + GST per night
• Exclusive use of: – 4 bedroom (up to 8 guests) NZD2,530.00 – NZD2,750.00 + GST per night OR 6 bedroom (up to 12 guests) NZD3,174.00 – NZD3,450.00 + GST per night
• Includes pre dinner drinks and canapés, full country breakfast and use of all facilities.
• Terms and conditions apply.