News and Deals For the Global Traveler

As Brazil becomes one of the world’s major players in investment opportunity, airlines are vying to offer new flights and routes. American Airlines launched service from Miami (MIA) to Recife (REC) and Salvador da Bahia (SSA) on Nov. 2 and to Belo Horizonte (CNF) on Nov. 4. Delta Air Lines inaugurated daily flights from Atlanta (ATL) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) and Manaus (MAO) in late November, along with four weekly flights to Recife and Fortaleza (FOR) in northern Brazil. On Nov. 21, TAM began nonstop flights from Orlando (MCO) to São Paulo (GRU) in addition to its existing flights from New York (JFK) and Miami to Rio, bringing its total to 10 daily flights between the United States and Brazil. Meanwhile, deluxe hotels are springing up along the beaches adjacent to Brazil’s northern cities, luring business travelers to linger on.

JAL and Jetstar Codeshare
Japan Airlines began codesharing on Jetstar Airways’ Osaka (KIX) – Gold Coast (OOL) – Sydney (SYD) routes on Oct. 1, adding the Tokyo (NRT) – Cairns (CNS) routes beginning Dec. 18. The JAL designator will be added on flights between Osaka (KIX) and the Gold Coast (OOL), as well as five-times-a-week Gold Coast (OOL) – Sydney (SYD) connection services operated by Jetstar. The new codeshare agreement also covers Jetstar’s daily service between Tokyo (NRT) and Cairns (CNS). For information, visit www.jal.com.

Fastly Superior
Virgin Atlantic has cut check-in time for flights from Heathrow (LHR) to 40 minutes for its Upper Class passengers, offering the fastest escape from any airport in the United Kingdom. Using Virgin’s Drive-Thru check-in and the Private Security Channel, travelers can arrive less than an hour before departure. This speedy exit was made possible with the opening of Virgin’s Upper Class Wing at Heathrow. For information, visit www.virginatlantic.com.

Expedited India
Greaves Tours, specializing in travel to India, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka and the islands of the Indian Ocean, has acquired its own Super King Air B200 private plane, accommodating six passengers. Guests on Greaves trips can now avoid long waits for scheduled flights, backtracking to hub cities, overnight layovers and long transfers by train and car. The trip from Jaipur to Delhi, for example, is a five-hour drive but only 45 minutes by air. The aircraft provides one more link in the Greaves luxury experience, which includes 5-star hotels, chauffeured sightseeing and behind-the-scenes excursions in India’s unique culture. For information, visit www.greavesindia.com.

Get Carded
The air charter company Air Partner has launched the Air Partner JetCard, offering personalized service, aircraft flexibility and simplified pricing at fixed hourly rates. Members customize their private air travel program by purchasing 10, 25, or 50+ flighthour increments in any of the four cabin size options. Members can choose different cabin sizes on a trip-by-trip basis and know the exact cost before traveling. The card is available in three areas: Continental United States, Europe and Mexico/Caribbean. There are no long-term commitments, monthly fees or hidden charges. Hours never expire, and a member’s investment is fully refundable at any time. For information, visit www.airpartnerusa.com.

Icelandair Adds Economy Plus
Business travelers can now book Icelandair’s Economy Plus, between Economy Class and Saga Class, offering wider, more comfortable leather seats, more legroom and complimentary beer, wine and meals. Passengers booked in the new class also benefit from business-class checkin and lounge access. Passengers in all classes will enjoy the upgraded entertainment system with personal computer screen and control panel offering a wide menu of options. For information, visit icelandair.com.

Dine on the Ground, Sleep in the Air
Maximize sleep time on board Iberia Airlines’ flights to Russia and Israel by dining in Madrid (MAD) before boarding. Premium passengers to these destinations can now join those bound for South America, Mexico and South Africa who already enjoy this option of having dinner in the Velázquez VIP lounge in the Terminal 4 satellite. For information, visit www.iberia.com.