Mom Says Airline Kept Serving Passenger Who Groped Her Daughter
A Texas mother has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, claiming the carrier continued to serve alcohol to an already-intoxicated man who groped her daughter during a flight.
In the suit, the mother alleges the man was already drunk before boarding the plane and was served four more drinks on the flight – three beers and a shot of tequila – before fondling the 13-year old girl in the adjacent seat, reports the Dallas Morning News.
The woman filed the lawsuit in Dallas County Court, saying the Dallas-based airline failed to protect the young girl and violated its own policies by serving alcohol to a man named Anthony Ryan who, according to the lawsuit, was “visibly intoxicated and smelled of alcohol when he boarded the plane.”
“Instead of refusing service, Southwest’s flight attendant served beer after beer to the increasingly obnoxious Ryan,” the complaint read. “Even after telling Ryan that he needed to ’slow down’ the flight attendant continued to supply him with alcohol.”
A spokeswoman for Southwest Airlines told the Morning News that it does not comment on pending litigation.
Ryan was booked for public intoxication.
The lawsuit said the assault happened during a flight between Las Vegas and San Antonio on Dec. 27. The mother was traveling with her three children and had to sit in another row with a 5-year-old child while her 13-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son sat a few rows up, the paper noted.
“Each time the flight attendant served Ryan a drink, he became more flirtatious and aggressive,” the suit said. “Near the end of the flight, Ryan began fondling the 13-year-old plaintiff’s breasts under her blanket and reached his hand between her legs.”
The girl was too “embarrassed and afraid” to rebuke the man or call for help, the suit said.
Airlines Have Banned More Than 700 for Not Wearing Masks
For months now, airlines have said that as travel began to slowly tick upward, they would heavily enforce the rule that all passengers must wear a face mask on board for the duration of the flight.
They weren’t kidding.
More than 700 passengers have been banned from flying U.S. domestic carriers since the mandate went into effect, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times.
It’s the airlines’ version of ‘No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service.’
Not surprisingly, Delta Air Lines has led the way. The Atlanta-based carrier has been more adamant, and more vocal, about passengers wearing face masks. As a result, Delta leads all carriers having placed 270 passengers on its “no fly” list, followed by United Airlines, with 150; Spirit Airlines, 128; Frontier Airlines, 106; Alaska Airlines, 78; and Hawaiian Airlines, six.
American and Southwest declined to disclose to the Times how many passengers they have banned.
“We expect our customers to comply with our policies when they choose to travel with us, and we take action when that is not the case,” American Airlines spokesman Curtis Blessing told the newspaper.
Airline representatives also said they did not share the names of those passengers they have banned with other carriers, meaning a passenger banned on one airline could ostensibly fly with another.
Airlines cannot monetarily fine violators because there is no federal regulation in place requiring passengers to wear face masks, leaving it up to each individual carrier. Sara Nelson, president of the Assn. of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents nearly 50,000 flight attendants at 19 airlines, is one of many stakeholders in the industry asking for a federal mandate.
“Flight attendants want a federal mandate, and so do lawmakers,” she said. “Just like anyone smoking on a plane faces federal charges and fines, so too should people understand the serious consequences of putting the health of others at risk by refusing to wear a mask.”
Airlines urge trial testing to speed transatlantic return
The US and UK governments are being urged to launch a testing trial for passenger flights between New York and London to speed the return of transatlantic routes and capacity.
Airlines, airports and lobby groups have called on the US and UK governments to start trialing COVID-19 testing programs at airports to help kickstart transatlantic traffic.
The CEOs of Airlines for America, Airlines UK, London Heathrow (LHR) and Virgin Atlantic Airways urged the governments to establish a testing trial between New York and London by the end of the month “to gather real world evidence and data,” according to a letter seen by Reuters.
The letter said that in the immediate absence of a vaccine the “testing of passengers in aviation provides the best and most effective frontline defence.”
The market between New York and London is the most lucrative in the world but transatlantic traffic between the US and UK remains severely depressed.
Under the current coronavirus restrictions, British citizens cannot enter the US directly from the UK, while passengers arriving in the UK from the US must self-isolate for 14 days.
Sharon Pinkerton, senior vice president at Airlines for America, said: “One of the key steps to recovery is setting up an international pilot program between the US and either Europe, Canada, somewhere in the Pacific.”
According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, two-way capacity between the US and UK stands at 80,000 weekly seats (w/c Aug. 31), compared with more than 450,000 before the COVID-19 outbreak.
There are currently 11 routes operating between the US and UK, compared with 44 at the turn of the year. All UK services are from LHR, with US flights from Manchester (MAN) and London Gatwick (LGW) remaining suspended.
In a statement to reporters, the US Transportation Department said it “stands ready to support the safe resumption of international flights between the US and Europe.”
“Conversations are ongoing between the federal government, international partners, and industry stakeholders on these matters,” the department added.
The European Regions Airline Association has also urged governments to adopt airport testing programs “to allow for a greater movement of people in a safe and controlled manner.”
The organization said: “Although the use of testing does raise questions over cost, as well as logistical considerations, more support is needed from governments to ensure its implementation and ultimately, support of European air travel. Testing should however only be in place for as long as is needed during the current crisis and should be evaluated on a regular basis.”
Miami and Palm Springs to join Southwest’s network
Southwest is expanding its route network with the addition of two new domestic leisure destinations.
Southwest Airlines intends to launch year-round service later this year to two new destinations: Miami International (MIA) and Palm Springs International (PSP) in California.
The US LCC’s chairman and CEO Gary Kelly said that each airport fits the carrier’s route system “exceptionally well.” Route details have not yet been announced and are subject to government approvals.
“Adding these specific airports to our route map will bring us access to additional revenue at a critical time. It matches our available fleet with demand for very popular destinations,” Kelly said.
Dallas-based Southwest has maintained a robust schedule during the COVID-19 crisis but has been steadily reducing capacity in recent weeks due to weakened travel demand. The carrier’s latest forecast expects September and October schedules to be down 40% and 40-50% year-on-year respectively.
Kelly said the addition of MIA and PSP would help to capture more leisure traffic. The expansion comes in markets where Southwest has historically favored other airports in Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Ontario (ONT).
“Palm Springs is a great California destination. Southwest has long carried more customers to, from, and within the Golden State than any other airline,” Kelly said.
“Just as we serve multiple airports in metro areas across the country, South Florida is ripe for another. Miami will complement, and augment, existing South Florida service we have in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
“Miami already sees some Southwest aircraft on a weekly basis as part of our maintenance program, so adding an ability for our customers to travel there with us is a win.”
Southwest already has a hub at FLL, just 60 km away from MIA, and serves West Palm Beach (PBI) in southeast Florida. American has long been the dominant player at MIA although Miami has become as focus city for Delta Air Lines following its partnership with LATAM Airlines Group.
Meanwhile, Southwest serves 10 airports in California, including Los Angeles (LAX), ONT and San Diego (SAN). According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, Alaska Airlines was the largest airline by departure seats at PSP in 2019, with a capacity share of 24%. United Airlines was second on 23% and American third on 21%.
Southwest on Thursday (Sept. 3) also confirmed it would double its presence at Southern California’s Long Beach (LGB), after receiving 17 new slots that were recently relinquished by JetBlue Airways. As reported by Aviation Week, the new additions double the carrier’s slots to 34.
“Southwest has established decades of consistency as the hometown carrier of California and soon will proudly offer more for Long Beach,” Southwest chief commercial officer Andrew Watterson said in a statement. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to bring more of our value and reach to our Customers in the LA Basin who prefer Long Beach, one of ten airports we serve across the state.”
TSA Sees US Air Travel’s Busiest Day Since Mid-March
On Thursday, September 3, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported the highest number of passengers moving through U.S. airports since March 17, when the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect took hold. Thursday’s number was 877,698, but, as more Americans head off on long-weekend getaways ahead of the Labor Day holiday, the agency expects today to be even busier, with passenger numbers topping 900,000.
“For travelers who have not flown since the beginning of the pandemic, the TSA checkpoint experience will be noticeably different as compared to Labor Day last year,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a press release. “Passengers also play an important role in helping us ensure they safely and efficiently get through security screening at our airports while wearing masks and respecting social distancing.”
Airlines had certainly been predicting somewhat of an uptick in air travelers over Labor Day weekend, just as they had done over Memorial Day and Fourth of July. While this improvement is certainly cause to for the travel industry to celebrate, it. Yesterday’s TSA pandemic-era record numbers still represent only a partial recovery, coming in at just under 42 percent of the passenger volume recorded for the same day last year, which was 2,109,858.
Interestingly, according to ABC News’ report, the largest proportion of Labor Day travel bookings were made for trips to Florida. Travel itinerary app TripIt said that travel-related reservations in the Sunshine State were up over 200 percent compared to 2019’s Labor Day weekend, leading it to report that, “Florida is this year’s hot spot.”
Of course, especially given the surge in COVID-19 infections that Florida experienced following the Fourth of July weekend, experts are concerned about the influx of out-of-state visitors. People moving in and out of Florida, as well as other states that are already coronavirus hotspots, could translate to yet another wave of new infections.
Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer for the Boston Children’s Hospital and a professor of epidemiology at Harvard Medical School, told ABC News: “It’s very predictable,” Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer for the Boston Children’s Hospital and a professor of epidemiology at Harvard Medical School, told ABC News. “Major holidays, where people are moving—increases in mobility lead to transmission, and you see cases start to surge two weeks later.”
Passenger Banned After Opening Exit Door, Walking on Wing of Plane
An airline passenger who had just landed at an airport in Ukraine this week was filmed calmly walking around the wing of the plane.
According to The Daily Mail, Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS6212 from Turkey landed at Kyiv Boryspil International Airport and began deplaning passengers when a woman onboard became “hot.”
The female passenger had traveled on the journey with her husband and son and was in the process of deplaning after a successful landing when she decided to open the emergency exit door and walk out onto the wing.
Footage shot of the incident at the Ukrainian airport showed a blonde woman walking around the wing of the plane before being called back to the emergency door and getting back inside the fuselage.
When asked by the police why she decided to exit the plane, the woman said “she was hot and wanted to cool down.” The female passenger was tested for drugs and alcohol, but all came back negative.
Ukraine International Airlines released an official statement to The Daily Mail:
“A passenger of flight PS6212 Antalya-Kyiv illegally opened the emergency exit of the plane after it stopped near gate 11 of terminal D and went on to its wing. The chief pilot immediately summoned the aviation security, border service, police and medical center of Boryspil Airport. The passenger was blacklisted for gross violation of aviation safety rules and behavior on board.”
Earlier this week, two women forced a flight delay after they engaged in a fistfight on a jet bridge at a New York City airport while a crowd of people watched and filmed the brawl.
Sandals Provides New Solution for Wedding Couples
Couples are paying close attention to how COVID-19 restrictions could affect their special days.
According to a recent survey from The Knot, 80 percent of engaged couples are staying closely up to date on the latest CDC guidelines and are thinking about how that might impact their future wedding plans. Many do not want to postpone their nuptials and are looking for creative solutions to keep friends and family safe.
Sandals Resorts is now offering a variety of tools to help travel advisors and couples plan a successful event.
The resort company has introduced a complimentary wedding ceremony live stream service through 2021. All couples that book a destination wedding or ReTie the Knot ceremony taking place September 15, 2020, through December 31, 2020, for events taking place in 2020 and 2021, will receive a Complimentary Wedding Ceremony Live Stream Service, allowing families and friends to attend for the virtual “I do.”
Couples can now also use Sandals virtual wedding tools to do walk-throughs, virtually meet with a wedding planner and use the company’s digital wedding planning tool to book services.
Sandals is offering a number of wedding packages for couples to make their moment extra special despite not being able to gather in large groups that include elopements and a “minimony.”
The Two Lovebirds Elopement includes Sandals custom decor, signature cocktails, breakfast in bed with mimosas, a 5×7 wedding photograph and more.
The Perfect Ten Minimony allows couples to invite eight loved ones to join and enjoy a picturesque, secluded wedding ceremony, a one-hour cocktail reception with sparkling wine, 15 percent off a Red Lane Spa experience for the bride and groom and more.
Sweetest 50 Microwedding allows for ceremonies with fewer than 50 people. Weddings booked with 20 double occupancy rooms or more come with all of Sandals’ complimentary wedding inclusions and the choice of three Bells & Whistles enhancements, with selections of a welcome cocktail party to kick off the festivities, a five-star Global Gourmet lobster dinner reception, a rum and game night or a $1,000 credit towards an Island Routes Catamaran Cruise and more.
Sequel Celebrations come from the popular anniversary program that offers a complimentary night stay for couples booked seven nights or more in a Club or Butler suite. Guests can celebrate with friends and family with a free ReTie the Knot minimony for a group of five rooms or more.
SeaDream Considers Caribbean Cruising Starting in November
SeaDream Yacht Club has devised a tentative plan to resume cruising in the Caribbean on Nov. 8 to islands that are open to tourism.
Still, U.S. travelers would likely have to take three COVID-19 tests before boarding, SeaDream executives said in a Zoom webinar Sept. 3.
The company has operated a successful short season in Norway for Scandinavian passengers. The company emerged unscathed by COVID-19, although there was a scare when a passenger tested positive after he returned home to Denmark (later, it was determined it was a false positive). The passengers and crew who were on SeaDream I all subsequently tested negative.
Emilio R. Freeman, vice president-destinations and revenue management at SeaDream, said the company is looking at seven-day roundtrips from Barbados to destinations in Grenada and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.
SeaDream, which operates two 112-passenger ships, wants to go places that are already open and off the beaten path where big cruise ships don’t go, Freeman said.
“We’re looking at this little bubble within the Caribbean,” he said, with plenty of activity for watersports as well as beachy spots for the line’s signature Caviar and Champagne Splash.
As for testing, the executives said it is likely that guests – especially those from the U.S. and other high-risk places – would need to arrive in Barbados with proof of a negative test result within the past 72 hours, and then get tested again at the airport. SeaDream would test again before boarding. The company said its rapid-result testing can test 50 people in an hour.
Once onboard, temperatures will be checked daily. SeaDream executive Andreas Brynestad noted that each cabin has its own supply of fresh air and that the air doesn’t recirculate.
When asked if passengers would be able to explore on their own – and not be required to take vetted shore excursions as required by MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises in Europe – Freeman said “at this stage we have not been asked to coordinate SeaDream-only activities ashore. As you know, a lot of people like to go off and do their own exploring, so we will probably continue with that at this stage.”
Even if U.S. residents are still considered high-risk when cruising does resume, Brynestad said the company could operate successfully without Americans onboard. He said there are direct flights from the U.K. to Barbados.
SeaDream President Bob Lepisto highlighted the company’s “Ultimate Booking Assurance,” which allows for a full refund or 120 percent future cruise credit for cancellations forced by travel restrictions until the day of departure through June 30, 2021. If there are no travel restrictions, guests can cancel anyway and the company will move their funds to a future date.
“We want you to have the ultimate booking assurance in making future plans with SeaDream,” he said.
Bahamas Paradise Offers Buy One, Get One Cruise Free
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is offering a buy-one, get-one-free offer on 2021 sailings.
Those who book a cruise to Grand Bahama Island departing between Jan. 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021, can sail again for free anytime between Aug. 16, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2022.
The company plans to resume sailing Nov. 4, 2020, onboard Grand Celebration, and March 3, 2021, onboard Grand Classica.
Bahamas Paradise offers daily departures from West Palm Beach of short cruises to the Bahamas.
The company has implemented new COVID-19 health and safety protocols for guest accommodations, common areas, recreational facilities and dining onboard.
MSC Cruises’ Sale Offers Onboard Credit, Upgrades, Kids Sail Free
MSC Cruises USA has launched a Labor Day sale that includes shipboard credit, balcony staterooms at interior rates and kids sail free on select 2021 sailings.
The deal is good on three-, four- or seven-night 2021 cruise sailings to the Caribbean and The Bahamas aboard MSC Seaside, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia or MSC Armonia.
All guests booking the promotion will receive a shipboard credit of up to $300 per stateroom, based on length of the cruise and category of stateroom booked, and a kids-sail-free offer on most sailings.
In addition, guests booking sailings on MSC Seaside or MSC Divina from Port Canaveral will qualify for a free balcony upgrade in which they get a balcony stateroom at an interior rate.
“We’ve seen strong interest in 2021 Caribbean sailings as guests are looking forward to future vacations with their family and getting back to sea,” said Ken Muskat, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MSC Cruises USA. “With the recent launch of Total CruiseFlex, our guests can feel confident that if for any reason they need to cancel and move their booked cruise to a different ship or sail date they can easily make the change up to 48 hours before their cruise.”
Also, members of MSC Voyagers Club loyalty program get an additional five percent discount on top of the five percent discount they automatically receive, plus up to $100 onboard credit per member, based on their membership level.
MSC Cruises has developed a comprehensive health and safety protocol that currently applies to MSC Grandiosa, which returned to service in August in the Mediterranean.
In the U.S., MSC Cruises will restart operations when the time is right, following approval by the CDC and other relevant authorities across the region in observance of their requirements and guidelines.
For more details on the Labor Day sale, click here.
Thai Airways opens diner for customers craving in-flights meals
More than 100 diners craving in-flight meals after months of travel restrictions flocked to Thai Airways International Pcl’s offices on Thursday to try a new pop-up restaurant and get a reminder of the forgotten flavors of on-board dining.
The national carrier, which has for months grounded most of its planes, has transformed the cafeteria of its Bangkok headquarters into an airline-themed restaurant and opened it to the public.
“I ate a lot,” said Pirachat Pengthongworrapetch, 36, who heard about the restaurant online. “It’s better here than in the air because it’s cooked to order.”
Thailand has halted commercial flights to try to prevent coronavirus infections.
But diners can still get to meet cabin crew, who greet them in full uniform as they enter the restaurant. It is decorated with airplane parts and seats to lend it an authentic aircraft feel.
“Spare parts from engines, windows and fan blades were used as furniture,” Thai Airways Catering Managing Director Varangkana Luerojvong told Reuters.
Each decoration has a QR code attached so visitors can look up information about the parts.
Diner Kanta Akanitprachai, 50, liked the idea of a plane meal without having to buy a flight ticket.
“I like the in-flight meals on Thai Airways, but we only get to have it when we fly,” said Kanta. “Today we get to have it here, that’s good because we want to eat.”
Varangkana said the restaurant, which serves about 2,000 meals per day, was a way to recoup some lost revenue during the coronavirus pandemic, and there are plans to turn other Thai Airways offices into similar dining experiences.
Chefs and cabin crew from the airline, which filed for bankruptcy protection in May, appeared in good spirits.
Japanese chef Jun Uenishi said the experience was different because it was his first time interacting with customers.
The Thai bankruptcy court will decide on Sept. 14 if the airline can go ahead with its restructuring proposals.
Airlines Selling Meals for People Hankering for Airline Food
Why anyone would have a craving for airline food is beyond us – although supermodel Chrissy Teigen seems to like it.
But enough people have been hankering for it that some international carriers are actually selling their leftover meals to the general public.
No, really.
Thai Airways is selling anything from stir-fried tiger prawn to beef cheek with cumin sauce. Cathay Pacific is selling meals to airport staff in Hong Kong, while Garuda, Indonesia’s national airline, is offering its food as takeaway dinners on a tray, just as if you were flying – minus the cramped seat – according to the British newspaper The Guardian.
Rubi Haliman, from Tangerang, Indonesia, has already ordered four meals from Aerofood ACS, the catering company for Garuda.
“We get the whole set [of potted dishes],” he said. “My favorite was nasi daun jeruk: rice with lemon flavor.”
On the side, he was served an egg tofu, and for dessert, jongkong, a traditional Indonesian sticky rice pudding.
Some folks are so starved for anything in airlines that some airlines have even advertised flights that lead to nowhere. In Taiwan, Taipei’s Songshan airport allowed hundreds of people to check in and board an aircraft that did not take off. Since then, some airlines have offered short tours that return back to the same departure airport.
Travel Advisor Launches THE HUB Social Media Platform
A new social media platform – THE HUB – is designed to bring the travel industry together to find ways in which to thrive in the age of the coronavirus, said Tom Brussow, owner and president of Sunsational Beach Vacations, who co-founded the platform with Pat Miller, a broadcasting professional and marketing consultant for small businesses.
“As a practicing agent, I’m worried about the position the travel industry is in and where we will all be in 12 months,” he said. “I quickly saw the need for a place to connect and combine forces with other agents and suppliers – knowing that we would be stronger together in this very challenging time. While there is a lot out there for agents, I couldn’t find the community that provided all of the information I wanted under one roof. I thought other agents might be feeling the same way, so we took the leap and launched THE HUB.”
In effect, THE HUB enables travel advisors, suppliers, tourism boards and DMCs to work together to create a shared vision with specific action plans and strategies to help the industry “return to prosperity in the weeks and months ahead,” he said.
During weekly Path to Prosperity Travel Think Tank sessions, “the ideas and opportunities the group identifies will be added to the plan and prioritized according to impact, resources needed and the timeline for implementation,” he said.
Added Miller, “We truly believe that this is a vital part of the recipe for how we get back to a much better place. We are also in a very unique position to lead on this initiative because we are a world-wide platform not affiliated or beholding to any consortia, supplier, host or association and our membership reflects that. As a result, we can address and serve the needs of the entire industry in a very effective and affordable way.”
Among many other things, THE HUB is creating destination communities for advisors, which will arm them with all the tools and information they need to promote and sell those destinations.
It will also unveil the Manifest, which will consolidate industry events and deals in one place.
Membership for individual travel advisors and suppliers is $19.99 per month. Discounted rates for organizations with multiple members are also available.
Prospective members can take advantage of a complimentary 14-day trial.
Tom Cruise Rents Out Two Cruise Ships for Movie
One of the world’s most famous actors has rented out two Hurtigruten cruise ships through his movie production company to help house cast and crew.
Tom Cruise, who has resumed filming the seventh installment of his ‘Mission: Impossible’ movie series, had his production company Truenorth rent out the two ships after filming moved to Norway. The cost for one month was a reported 500,000 euros, or $591,545 in U.S. dollars.
“We can confirm that Hurtigruten has entered into an agreement with the production company Truenorth for the charter of two ships from the end of August until the end of September,” Oystein Knoph, press officer for Hurtigruten,” confirmed to TravelPulse. “The ships in question are (newly upgraded) MS Vesteralen and (the brand new battery-hybrid powered) MS Fridtjof Nansen.”
Cruise apparently rented the ships for cast and crew to stay during their time in Norway in the hopes of halting the spread of the coronavirus. The filming for ‘Mission: Impossible’, in which Cruise plays special agent Ethan Hunt, resumed in London in July after a five-month hiatus due to the virus. The film is set for release in November 2021.
It is not known if either ship will be staffed by Hurtigruten crew.
According to the British newspaper The Daily Mail, film companies are apparently exempt from Norway’s quarantine rules. However, cast and crew had to pass two tests for coronavirus within 48 hours of landing in Norway and a series of daily rigorous health checks were in place.
It was Norway that was the backdrop for the series’ most famous scene, from ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ where Cruise hangs off the edge of Pulpit Rock, almost 2,000 feet above the ground.
Cruise is known for doing his own stunts during his films, as well as for taking the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series on the road for filming.
How MSC Cruises Is Operating Safely in the Mediterranean
MSC Cruises has so far — knock on wood! — been operating safely in the Mediterranean. The MSC Grandiosa departed Aug. 30 on its third voyage since the COVID-19 pandemic began. TravelPulse discussed the resumption of operations with Ken Muskat, executive vice president and COO of MSC Cruises USA. Here is an edited transcript.
TravelPulse (TP): Does MSC Grandiosa’s safe cruises thus far prove that cruising can be safe during these times if tough protocols are in place?
Ken Muskat (KM): The completion of MSC Grandiosa’s first two Mediterranean voyages — since the temporary halt of operations in March — as well as her third voyage, which began on Sunday, August 30, has reflected a successful implementation of MSC Cruises’ new and comprehensive health and safety protocol.
A good example of this is the Universal Health Screening of every guest prior to embarkation, including a temperature check, a health questionnaire and a COVID-19 antigen swab test. With this measure, we went above the guidance that was required by key international and regional authorities, and the protocol is doing what it was meant to do.
During the embarkation of the second cruise, a young man tested positive at embarkation (that’s both at the first antigen test as well as the second molecular test). As a result, he and his traveling party (his family) were denied boarding. In addition, so were the other guests — 15 in total, including the young man and his family — who had traveled to Genoa by van together with them.
The restart of MSC Grandiosa has given some proof that cruise ships, with the new protocols in place, can be a protective healthy bubble.
TP: Your guests must explore ports in Italy and Malta only on MSC Cruises-organized shore excursions. Why?
KM: This allows us to ensure that the same high standards of health and safety that are applied on board are also applied ashore. For instance, transfers are properly sanitized; tour guides and drivers are wearing personal protective equipment, and the attractions we are visiting are following the same strict standards that we have on board.
TP: What would happen if someone onboard did show symptoms?
KM: We have a fully equipped onboard 24/7 Medical Center with highly qualified medical staff who are fully trained for COVID-19 treatment and who are supported by a 24/7 ashore medical team. Our comprehensive isolation procedure will deal with suspected cases, and the onboard medical team will establish direct contact with ashore laboratories to treat the case in conjunction with the local health authorities. We have dedicated isolation staterooms on board, which have their own air supply and dedicated medical team. Close contacts of any suspected cases will also be tested and treated if necessary.
TP: Where are most of the passengers coming from on MSC Grandiosa? Italy? Or the 25 other Schengen countries that have abolished internal borders?
KM: Approximately 90 percent of our guests for these initial cruises have come from Italy. The rest have come from other Schengen countries with France being the second most important source market.
TP: Have most of the passengers been following the rules, save for the one family that left the approved shore excursion?
KM: Our main objective when establishing our new protocol has been to reduce the risk of a suspect case joining the ship, to prevent and mitigate the risk of transmission during the vacation, as well as ensuring we have a dedicated response plan in place should someone fall sick.
Starting with testing at the pier, our guests have been extremely cooperative and understood that our Universal Health Screening is providing them with the confidence that everyone on board the ship is healthy.
We’ve also seen that our guests are very comfortable with the protocols on board as they are going out and enjoying the services while being reassured that the various measures are being applied on board and in all the ports. This includes our guests adhering to the required hygiene rules such as wearing masks and keeping appropriate distance from guests outside their social bubble.
Guests also enjoyed and respected the new buffet system – whereby guests tell the server the food they want, and it is plated for them – with some preferring the new approach and feeling it was more efficient.
MSC for ME wristbands were also distributed to everyone to facilitate proximity and contact tracing on board. The smart wearable wristband collects data related to interactions on board and ashore during excursions. The complete history of all contacts between guests, guests with crew and among crew members can be traced and identify anyone on board who may have been exposed to a positive or suspected positive COVID-19 case. Guests wore these bracelets throughout the week and were also able to make good use of them for contactless bookings and payments in particular.
The small number of guests that chose not to follow the rules and processes set out in the protocol, such as a family of three who broke away from their organized shore excursion, were not allowed to put other guests at risk and were denied re-embarkation. By departing from the organized shore excursion, this family broke from the “social bubble” created for them and all other guests.
TP: Does it appear that people are enjoying the cruise despite face masks and social distancing?
KM: The feedback from the first two cruises has been positive. Guests understand that protocols such as wearing face masks in public spaces and social distancing have been put in place for their own health and safety, and they are comfortable with them.
From an onboard experience perspective, we have opened all major facilities and services that our guests would have expected pre-COVID (i.e. specialty restaurants, cafes, shops, theaters, spa etc.), but in a far more spacious setting as we sail at a reduced capacity.
Our guests came back from the shore excursions happy and were reassured that the same high standards we’re applying towards health and safety on board was also able to be undertaken by our tour operators and tour guides.
Planning a family visit to Paris, post COVID-19
With more time on our hands, now is a great opportunity to get inspiration for your next trip to Paris! Planning a visit to Paris with the entire family? As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, The French capital welcomes millions of visitors a year, including many families with children.
Paris is known for its world class shopping and fine dining, which may not be ideal when you’re visiting with your children. However, Paris is a very family friendly travel destination and the possibilities are endless for making your visit memorable for you and your children for years to come.
Pick a family friendly hotel
There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Paris, but sometimes these may not always be the best options for travelling with children. We’ve found the best family friendly hotels in Paris to suit families of 3 or more:
Hotel Regina Louvre
The Hotel Regina Louvre is located in the very heart of Paris on the Rue de Rivoli, right across from the Tuileries Gardens, and the Musee des Arts Décoratifs and the Musée du Louvre (of course!). The elegant five star hotel, which has been open for 120 years, has a special Family offer proposing 20% off of their accommodations in family rooms or family suites, with a buffet breakfast included. It is the perfect location as you’ll be able to access the main tourist sites by foot or a short taxi ride.
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
The Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is situated nearly at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Among its proposed amenities, the Hotel offers a child minding service. Because of its location, you’ll be able to easily get to the Champ des Mars where the children can enjoy playing in the gardens as you take in the view of the Eiffel Tower.
Sofitel Paris Arc du Triomphe
Located next to the Champs-Élysées, the Sofitel Paris Arc du Triomphe is a five star hotel with suites and apartment style accommodations that are perfect for families. The hotel also offers babysitting upon request, as well as baby beds, baby bathtubs and booster seats for those traveling with infants and toddlers.
Grand Hotel Saint-Michel
Within Paris’ Latin Quarter, the Grand Hotel Saint-Michel is a four star hotel offering a special Family Quadruple room comprised of two connecting bedrooms, each with a large double bed and a bathroom. Your kids will love to explore the nearby Luxembourg Gardens as well as the Roman ruins in the Latin Quarter
Hotel Lutetia
Situated in the very chic St. Germain-des-Pres neighborhood, the newly renovated historic five star hotel proposes The Set Family Adventures. This package includes personalized advice from the hotel’s head concierge about family activities, plus you’ll get special in room surprises, kid friendly menus as well as games and treasure hunts in the hotel. Kids will love this one of a kind experience!
Choose a private apartment
If hotels aren’t your thing, renting a private apartment in Paris for your family is always a choice – offering you the most convenience and adaptability. With a private apartment you’ll have the chance to experience life as a Parisian family and be able to cook for your children at home rather than going out to eat for every meal.
Kid friendly restaurants & cafes
There are hundreds of excellent fine dining restaurants in the city of Paris, but unfortunately not at all are kid friendly. It is definitely important to check beforehand that both the atmosphere and the menu will be appropriate for young children. Our top kid friendly restaurants in Paris are:
Chez Hé
Chez Hé is the ultimate for kid friendly dining in Paris. The Chinese restaurant, located between Bastille and Nation, offers a playground of 350 square meters for children ages 2-12 in their lower floor. The playground features a pirate ship, a labyrinth, a giant interactive screen, ball pit, and a giant slide.
Hotel du Collectionneur brunch
The Hotel du Collectionneur, in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, near the family favorite Parc Monceau proposes a special kids brunch at 44 euros for children up to 12, while children under 6 dine for free. In addition to the kids approved brunch menu, your children will be entertained by games and activities.
Bonpoint
The beloved French children’s clothing brand Bonpoint has a tea room in their flagship store in the 6th arrondissement. Rumor has it that former first lady Michelle Obama brought her two daughters here when they visited Paris in 2009. The tea room looks out onto a beautiful inner courtyard
Le Cafézoide
The Cafézoide is considered to be the first concept café for children, where kids can eat and play in a casual and fun environment. Located in the 19th arrondissement next to the the Bassin de la Villette, the kid’s cafe has a special menu and games for children of all ages.
Super Cafe
Super Cafe, located a bit off the beaten track in the 20th arrondissement, is another kid friendly cafe that will be sure to delight. The large terrasse provides a place to eat while children can play outside, and even ride tricycles. There is also a free children’s library at the café, the perfect chance for your kids to practice reading in French!
Parks and gardens
Paris is blessed with a multitude of green spaces located all throughout the city. Every neighborhood usually has at least a small square where one can sit on a bench and enjoy a bit of nature in the midst of the city. On weekends you will find Parisian families flock to the parks with their children for picnics, games and outdoor family activities The favorite parks and gardens for kids are:
Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens are a paradise for children (and adults as well!). Located in the 6th arrondissement, the large gardens propose several recreational activities for children including toy boat rentals, pony rides and an antique carousel.
Tuileries Gardens
During the summer, the Tuileries gardens are home to an amusement park with a huge ferris wheel. In addition to amusement park rides, children can enjoy games, ice cream and other delights.
Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is another excellent choice for a family outing in Paris. Aside from just enjoying the parks and gardens, there are galleries and a zoo. The galleries include a Children’s Gallery, a Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology with huge crystals, the Gallery of Evolution, an interactive Virtual Reality Gallery and a Gallery of Paleontology where kids will get to see dinosaur bones.
Museums for kids
Because the weather in Paris can be sometimes unpredictable, it is always good to have some indoor activities as a back up plan. Luckily, among the many museums in Paris, there are several which are perfect for children:
Cité des Enfants
The Cité des Enfants, located in the Parc de la Villette, is a science museum. The museum is dedicated to children from 5 to 12 years of age, featuring six themed areas where children can learn, interact and play: body, communication, a TV studio, water games, garden and a factory.
Palais de la Découverte
The Palais de la Découverte is another science museum, located in the 8th arrondissement just off the Champs-Élysées. Founded in 1937 by a French physicist, the museum’s goal is to make science come alive for children. Permanent exhibitions are centered around physics, the Earth sciences, the life sciences, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry and technology. The museum also has a planetarium which kids will really love.
Arts et Métiers
The Musée des Arts et Métiers may not be one that typically comes to mind when thinking of Parisian museums, but it is one of the most unique in the city. Dedicated to technology and industry, the museum’s collections features innovative historical inventions and scientific and technological instruments. It is also the place in Paris where you’ll be able to see the famous Foucault’s pendulum (1851) which was the first experiment that demonstrates the Earth’s rotation.
Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is the modern art museum in Paris, housing a modern collection dating from 1905 to the 1960s and contemporary collection spanning 1960s- 1990s. The progressive collection contains artworks from the 1990s to the present day. Children will love the unique architecture of the building, comprised of multi color tubes on the exterior. The museum has a children’s gallery as well as a children’s studio for activities.
Tours for kids
If you’re planning on visiting one of the major art museums or monuments in Paris such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay or Chateau of Versailles, you may consider booking a private tour designed especially for children. These tours are run by professional guides with experience teaching children and feature special art lessons and activities to keep the children entertained during your tour.
Disneyland
Disneyland Paris is located 20 miles to the East of Paris city center, and is easily accessible by the RER(Regional Express Network) train. Take the RER A from Charles de Gaule Étoile, Auber, or Châtelet stations in Central Paris to the Marne-la-Vallee station (the line’s terminus). The ride last 40 minutes. There are also shuttles from the center or Paris and some hotels offer transportation as well. Disneyland Paris may be smaller than DisneyWorld, but it does have something that none of the other Disney parks have yet: Ratatouille the adventure. It is one of the most popular attractions at Disneyland Paris, featuring a features a trackless ride in 4D.
Other tips
Paris is certainly a kid friendly destination, you just need to plan ahead for where you’re going to go! Keep in mind that Paris is a walking city, so it is easy to get around with children and a stroller. Also, something to remember is that the Paris Metro is free for children under 4, and children up to age 10 travel at half price.
By Maria Pasca
Qantas international routes likely to remain on hold until next summer
CEO Alan Joyce said there will be an even stronger business case for nonstop long-haul routes after the COVID-19 crisis.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the Australian flag carrier is assuming it will restart international routes with its Boeing 787s in its next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2021.
International capacity could reach 50% of pre-COVID levels during the 2021/22 fiscal year starting July 1, 2021, he said during the virtual CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation summit. He noted that the carrier does not plan to see substantial international service until July 2021.
Some international service could resume earlier if travel bubbles open up between Australia and certain markets such as New Zealand, Japan, or other Asia-Pacific nations with similar records in controlling the pandemic, Joyce said.
The CEO added that Boeing 787s “will be the right aircraft” for the post-COVID international market. They will allow Qantas to operate a broad network, with a good premium mix, and fly long-haul routes that avoid stopovers.
There will be an even stronger business case for long-hual nonstop routes after the COVID-19 crisis, Joyce said. This would include the Perth (PER)-London (LHR) route Qantas operated before the pandemic, and planned routes such as PER-Paris (CDG) and Sydney (SYD)-Chicago (ORD). The 787 “will allow us to take those opportunities,” he said.
In contrast, Qantas has put its 12 Airbus A380s into long-term storage for at least three years. Joyce said the airline does not foresee enough demand for these aircraft until the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Qantas was set to place a firm order for A350-1000s before the pandemic hit. The plan was to use these aircraft to operate its Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul routes from Australia’s east coast cities to London or New York. The carrier was “literally a couple of weeks” away from confirming this order before it was forced to postpone due to the COVID crisis, Joyce said.
The airline still plans to place this order when it has improved its financial situation and balance sheet, Joyce said.
Video: Dubai skyscraper dream jump
What sounds like a nightmare for most is still a dream for others; to BASE jump off the world’s second highest residential structure with the most qualified athletes in the world, from XDubai.
New ‘Back to Savings’ Sale From Club Med
Club Med announced its new “Back to Savings” promotion on August 31, open for bookings now through November 4, 2020, for travel through May 1, 2021.
The sale features rates starting at $125 per night per adult for participating Club Med resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida. The rates originally begin at $250 per night per adult.
The promotion also includes up to $500 air credit, and a 50 percent discount on children under sixteen. Children under four stay for free.
Club Med also currently offers a free cancellation policy for stays on or prior to July 2, 2021, which grants guests a full refund when canceling up to 15 days prior to the travel date. Its Emergency Assistance Program covers all guests traveling before April 30, 2021, for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those incurred by COVID-19.
Club Med’s Safe Together protocols are enhanced hygiene and safety measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19. They include wellness checks for staff and enhanced cleaning protocols.
For a full list of participating Club Med resorts, please visit ClubMed.com/BacktoSavings.
Video: Supersonic Concorde from the cockpit, take-off and landing
Highlights from a 2003 flight on the British Airways Concorde SST, including Captain’s commentary of the unique take-off, breaking the sound barrier and landing plus food & life onboard. Shows what it was like as a passenger on board the the aircraft at MACH2.0 and 57000 feet.
Skyline Editorial: Travel trends in the “new normal”
Spring, summer, and fall travel with a global pandemic unfolding, the usual business travel, family vacations, sun-drenched beach getaways, road trips, and extended voyages to far-flung destinations like Europe and Asia experiences might look a little different this year. The trend has been to go for road trips and staycations instead.
Coronavirus outbreaks continue to flare up around the world, international travel restrictions remain in place, and over half of the world’s airplanes are still grounded. Many families and business travelers are also feeling a financial sting due to the economic downturn. And folks who had already made plans have likely been forced to cancel them.
With that in mind, we don’t know exactly what travel will look like in the future, but one thing is certain: You can expect change. Some countries and U.S. states have already begun relaxing their stay-at-home orders, while others are extending their lockdowns by several weeks. So, lots of people have been enjoying staycations. Meanwhile, airlines continue to cut flight schedules and most international travel remains prohibited.
In order for anyone to consider traveling again, though, they have to feel comfortable first. To that end, the U.S. Travel Association published new hygiene guidelines formulated by medical professionals to help companies meet the public’s health needs as they consider “travel in the new normal.”
Regardless of the type of trips travelers end up booking, sanitation will be on the top of their minds. Cleanliness, hygiene, and health will be the “holy trinity” for travel decision-making.
Travel companies, including hotels and airlines, will do everything possible to implement and publicize new sanitation efforts. Many travel brands already seem to be putting these policies into practice. Many airlines like Delta and American are limiting the number of passengers on flights in an attempt to create more social distance between people on board.
When it comes to lodging, short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO could outperform hotels in the near-term as travelers attempt to avoid interactions with strangers. However, hotels will tout new cleaning practices to their advantage. The bigger hotel brands that are able to advertise their new hygienic and socially distancing measures will outperform all other hotels. New practices such as promoting mobile check-in, discouraging groups in public areas and even advertising low occupancy rates as a guarantee that guests will have more space to move about hopefully will encourage occupancy rates.
We predict that people will largely look to visit domestic and drivable destinations because of new health and economic concerns. We’ll see more three- and four-day trips because of finances, work pressures, safety concerns, and changing school schedules. Even if that goes smoothly, international trips still might not be on the horizon for a while.
Wide-open-space and wellness destinations have been very popular. Given how long folks have been cooped up in their homes, many travelers will gravitate toward the great outdoors. The U.S. National Park Service is already bracing for an unprecedented influx of visitors this summer, and quickly implementing new safety measures.
The good news is when it comes to flying airlines will maintain their current flexible change policies and fee waivers, as well as offer attractive fares to woo passengers back onto planes. Airlines will likely apply more flexible restrictions to fares that allow at least one change to reservations so that passengers can purchase with a little more confidence and reassurance around changing flights.
2020 travel is shaping up to be a very different year indeed. Voyagers and road warriors who do decide to take a trip will have to contend with major concerns surrounding finances and health, even as airlines, hotels, and destinations adjust to the new normal with heightened sanitation standards.
The most important thing, however, will be to keep yourself and those around you healthy and to plan to travel when you are comfortable doing so based on your own personal concerns.
By Aram Gesar
Cruise the Magnificent Mekong with new ship Viking Saigon
Viking is launching a new ship next Summer for its popular Magnificent Mekong cruise tour. Currently, under construction, the 80-guest Viking Saigon℠ is scheduled to debut for the 30 August 2021 cruise tour departure; the river cruise portion of the itinerary sails between Kampong Cham, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.
“For many of our guests, Vietnam and Cambodia remain top destinations because of their significance in world history,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We have led the river cruise industry with our fleet development and experiences that bring travelers closer to the cultures of the world for more than two decades. This will be the most modern vessel on the Mekong and will feel like ‘home’ to our loyal Viking guests who are familiar with the comfortable design of our ships.”
Viking Saigon
Purpose-built for the Mekong River, the new Viking Saigon will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the clean Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms will have hotel-style beds and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a Veranda or French Balcony. Guests on the three-deck Viking Saigon will also enjoy a Spa & Fitness Centre, Infinity Pool, and open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.
Magnificent Mekong
During this 15-day journey, guests explore the cultural treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia with 16 guided tours. Hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) bracket an eight-day Mekong River cruise on this unique cruise tour itinerary, during which guests can enjoy shopping in Old Hanoi’s markets; exploring the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat; visiting Ta Prohm, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins; and seeing the sights of Phnom Penh by cyclo rickshaw. On the river cruise portion of the itinerary, guests can discover silk towns, fishing villages, monasteries, and floating markets.
Multiple departure dates beginning in August 2021. Pricing starts at £5,195.00 per person, including airfare from select UK airports. See Mekong Cruises and Vikingcruises.com for more details.
The Most, Least Expensive Luxury Hotel Rooms Around the World
Luxury for All Budgets
The Luxury Bed Co. recently analyzed prices from Booking.com for hotel rooms with a double bed for two adults with a check-in date of October 7, 2021, and a check-out the following day. Using Euromonitor’s list of the world’s most-visited cities and an article from The Culture Trip detailing the most extravagant cities around the world, the U.K.-based company put together a comprehensive list of 100 luxury rooms ranging from less than $80 to nearly $12,000 per night. Here are the five most expensive and cheapest.