FOR THE LOVE OF AIRPORT LOUNGES | Top Frequent Flyer’s VIP Airport Lounges for your moment of Zen by Kathy Marino

In Movies that Move Us, Clooney’s high-flying character, Ryan Bingham in ‘Up in the Air’, details the life of a 10-million-miler Frequent Flyer  -  from the free round-the-world airline tickets to ticket agents first name greetings complete with complimentary cocktails,  seriously, how could anyone resist Elite status and those lovely hidden check-ins for a slip into an Executive Lounge to relish in a stress-free relaxing environment for a  moment  of zen while awaiting departure?  Thus, we’ve listed HAUTEOC TRAVELER’s Checklist of TOP Frequent Flyer VIP Airport Lounges  … Continue Reading

FIT4TheFLY | Richard Simmons Functifies Air New Zealand’s Air Safety Video in Classic Retro 80′s

Most air travelers tune out when a pre-safety flight video plays. People usually turn on their IPods, get themselves comfortable, and do everything but pay attention to the character telling them how to buckle up.

For Air New Zealand, neon colored lycra, celebrities and retro moves are becoming a comical way to get their passengers to pay attention to safety precautions before flying. With help from Richard Simmons, their pre-safety flight video will be paving the way for “infotainment”, where viable information is shared and retro-dance moves brings entertainment to all ages. – Erica Martinez

Air New Zealand’s safety ambassador for its new inflight safety video is US fitness legend Richard Simmons. “Simmons’ fitness moves will definitely ensure that all eyes are on the safety briefing.” Simmons will be putting Air New Zealand customers through their paces, as he takes them step-by-step through the airline’s pre-flight safety briefing.

The inflight video features Air New Zealand cabin crew and Les Mills fitness instructors working out in colorful lycra, fluorescent leg warmers and sweat bands. Simmons is also assisted in conveying the key safety messages with some celebrity cameo roles by the Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan, sporting a bright yellow headband, television personality Paul Henry, in orange shorts and pink sweat band, and Silver Fern Temepara George in some stunning silver hot pants. … Continue Reading

AIR TRAVEL | VIRGIN AMERICA’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Takes Flight with Corporate Rewards for small and mid-size Businesses

Virgin America, the California-based airline that is reinventing flying today announces Elevate, Inc., a corporate rewards program aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. Since its launch, Virgin America has attracted a loyal following of business travelers for its award-winning service and business-friendly amenities.  The airline has taken top honors for ‘Best Business/First Class’ for three years in a row in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Business Travel Poll for its upscale service, fleet-wide WiFi, standard power outlets and uniquely business-friendly onboard experience.  Elevate, Inc. is designed to reward companies that spend a minimum of $20,000 per year on travel with Virgin America with a generous reward program ensuring future travel discounts.

“We are pleased to expand our rewards program beyond the individual and toward rewarding small and medium-sized businesses.  Our airline is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative amenities and we are proud to be the airline of choice for savvy business travelers as we continue to expand into major markets like Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago,” said Diana Walke, Vice President of Planning and Sales for Virgin America. … Continue Reading

AIR TRAVEL | Shanghai Airlines Adds 32 New Destinations to Global Airline Alliance SkyTeam

SkyTeam, the  global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity, announced today that Shanghai Airlines, China’s first commercial airline, will become part of SkyTeam under the wings of parent company China Eastern, which is already in the process of joining the alliance in 2011. (photo by Josie Stoneking)

China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines merged in February 2009. In June 2010 China Eastern signed an agreement to join SkyTeam. As a result, both Shanghai-based airlines are scheduled to join SkyTeam in 2011.

Shanghai Airlines customers will enjoy SkyTeam alliance benefits such as earning and redeeming of frequent flyer miles across the global network, elite recognition, priority passenger service and access to more than 420 lounges worldwide. … Continue Reading