Month: September 2019

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Aeroflot reconfirms Five Star Global Airline rating from APEX

Aeroflot reconfirms Five Star Global Airline rating from APEX

Aeroflot has received Five Star Global Airline rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the third year in a row. Aeroflot remains the only Russian airline awarded with the coveted international status. It is indicative of Aeroflot’s high level of customer service and scale of operations, in line with many of the world’s premium carriers. Aeroflot’s 5-Star ranking was extended through 2020 on 9 September in Los Angeles, USA at a ceremony held as part of APEX EXPO, the industry’s largest PaxEx event.

Aeroflot has reconfirmed its ranking in the most prestigious Global Airline category in the APEX Official Airline Ratings, covering airlines with a large number of wide-body aircraft and a global route network. As of 2019, just 25 airlines have Five Star Global Airline status from APEX.

«The repeated confirmation of Five Star Global Airline rating from APEX is particularly important for us,” Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said. “It is an ultimate recognition of our customer service and strong positions in the global market. Despite a challenging geopolitical environment, discerning international passengers choose our superior product quality, operational punctuality and extensive connection opportunities. Aeroflot’s consistently high-quality service is an effective instrument to deliver on our 2023 Strategy’s key goal of increasing international transit traffic to 10-15 million annual passengers”.

The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ is based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights gathered through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world’s highest-rated travel-organizing app. Using a five-star scale, more than one million flights were rated by passengers across nearly 600 airlines from around the world between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019.

APEX (the Airline Passenger Experience Association) is a US-based organization comprising the world's leading airlines, industry suppliers, major media groups and related aviation industry leaders and dedicated to assessing the quality of services provided by airlines and elevating the passenger experience for four decades.

Source: www.aeroflot.ru

Rail Europe: 9 delightful photo spots along the Grand Train Tour

Rail Europe: 9 delightful photo spots along the Grand Train Tour

Fantastic views, unique natural wonders and numerous opportunities for discovery: The diversity of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland can be experienced from many different perspectives and angles. Some spots more than others beckon passengers to step off the train and explore – with the chance to capture impressions along the route in a matchless way.

1: Landwasser Viaduct, Grisons

The breathtaking pictures of the Landwasser Viaduct travel around the world, but only few travellers have seen the historic structure on the Albula Line with their own eyes. The 136-metre-long bridge spans the wild Landwasser Valley in an elegant sweep and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2008. The construction of the three main pillars in the year 1901 was an architectural feat – and it still delights numerous visitors from all over the world.

Location Landwasser Viaduct, Grisons
Railway line Chur – Filisur
Nearest train station  Filisur
Railways that pass the Landwasser Viaduct Bernina Express, Glacier Express, RhB regional trains

2: Alp Grüm, Grisons

Surrounded by a magnificent mountainscape and pristine nature lies the small station Alp Grüm. No cars can reach the picturesque station building of ashlar masonry at an altitude of 2,091 metres – this gem can only be accessed by public transport or on foot. But the excursion to this hidden paradise is absolutely worthwhile: The charms of the beautiful Bernina massif and the eternal ice of the Palü Glacier are overwhelming. The distinctive view over the entire Val Poschiavo stretching down to Italy caps off this wonderful panoramic experience.

Location Alp Grüm, Grisons
Railway line St. Moritz – Alp Grüm – Tirano
Nearest train station Alp Grüm
Railways that pass the Alp Grüm Bernina Express, RhB regional trains

3: Lago Bianco, Grisons

The Lago Bianco (“White Lake”) at the Bernina Pass is a reservoir at an altitude of 2,234 metres and belongs to the municipalities of Pontresina and Poschiavo in the Canton of Grisons. The whitish, milky-looking water, giving the reservoir its name, results from the inflow of sand and glacier water. In very cold winters, the lake sometimes adorns itself with ravishingly beautiful black ice and offers visitors a truly unforgettable natural spectacle.

The Lago Bianco (“White Lake”) at the Bernina Pass is a reservoir at an altitude of 2,234 metres and belongs to the municipalities of Pontresina and Poschiavo in the Canton of Grisons. The whitish, milky-looking water, giving the reservoir its name, results from the inflow of sand and glacier water. In very cold winters, the lake sometimes adorns itself with ravishingly beautiful black ice and offers visitors a truly unforgettable natural spectacle.

Location Lago Bianco, Grisons
Railway line St. Moritz – Ospizio Bernina – Tirano
Nearest train station Ospizio Bernina

Railways that pass the Lago Bianco

Bernina Express, RhB regional trains

4: Rhine Gorge, Grisons

The Rhine Gorge between Reichenau and Ilanz hasn’t been dubbed “Swiss Grand Canyon” for nothing. It counts among the most spectacular landscapes in the Canton of Grisons and is unique even in the whole area of the Alps. More than 100,000 cubic metres of rock plummeted into the deep during the gigantic rockslide of Flims and laid the foundation for this imposing scenery. Having wound its way through the Alps for ages, this section of the Rhine undoubtedly is among the most impressive attractions of Switzerland.

Location Rhine Gorge, Grisons
Railway line Chur – Andermatt
Nearest train station Versam-Safien
Railways that pass the Rhine Gorge Glacier Express, RhB regional trains

 

5: Railway bridge Eglisau, Zürich

The Railway bridge of Eglisau is a single-track bridge spanning the Rhine in the village of Eglisau in the Canton of Zurich. It sits on the line from Bülach to Schaffhausen and has been ranked as a cultural asset of regional importance. It has therefore been assigned the status of a protected historical monument. This landmark of the Rhine town is among the most important railway bridges of the Swiss railway network and extends over a total distance of 457 metres.

Location Railway bridge Eglisau, Zürich
Railway line Bülach – Schaffhausen
Nearest train station Eglisau
Railways that pass the Eisenbahnbrücke Eglisau

Various SBB trains

 

6: Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen

Standing high above Europe’s largest waterfall and feeling the roaring of the waters in one’s body – visitors can experience just that at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. Over a width of some 150 metres, 700,000 litres per second thunder down the rocks and create this impressive natural spectacle. From Zurich or Schaffhausen, travellers reach the stop “Neuhausen Rheinfall”. Here, two modern lifts lead directly to the waterfall. Now, the spectacle can be experienced from up close – during a stroll along the Rhine Falls basin or even on a boat cruise.

Location Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen

Railway line

Zürich – Schaffhausen bzw. Winterthur – Schaffhausen
Nearest train station Neuhausen Rheinfall

Railways that pass the Rhein Falls

Various SBB trains

7: Sitter Viaduct, St. Gallen

The Sitter Viaduct near St. Gallen is Switzerland’s highest railway viaduct: Towering all of 99 metres above the ground, this stone-and-steel construction spans the Sitter river. The Voralpen-Express, which crosses the 365-metre-long bridge, offers guests a chance to discover Switzerland from a different side: Rolling past gentle hills, picturesque villages, and lovely orchards, the train winds its way through the softly undulating Toggenburg and takes passengers to the history-steeped city of Lucerne at the shores of Lake Lucerne in little more than two hours.

Location Sitter Viaduct, St. Gallen
Railway line St. Gallen – Wattwil
Nearest train station St. Gallen Haggen
Railways that pass the Sitter Viaduct

Voralpen-Express, SOB regional trains

 

8: Lavaux, Lake Geneva

With more than 800 hectares of vine area, the sun-kissed vineyard terraces of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lavaux are the largest contiguous wine-growing area in Switzerland and offer truly charming views. Not only wine enthusiasts get their money’s worth: Below the terraced vineyards, Lake Geneva lies glistening and snow-capped mountains adorn the horizon. The Lavaux with its scenic, cultural and culinary highlights is a region for panorama lovers and gourmets. A lovely view of the delightful vineyard terraces can also be enjoyed from the train.

Location Lavaux, Lake Geneva
Railway line Montreux – Lausanne
Nearest train station Lutry
Railways that pass Lavaux Various SBB trains

9: Lake Walensee, St. Gallen

The mild climate, the fjord-like lake, and the impressive backdrop of the Churfirsten mountain chain: The Walensee region is a world of its own. Numerous villages are located around the lake, each one special ­– and Quinten a case in point: Due to its almost Mediterranean climate, the car-free village is immensely popular. Protected from chill north winds, the choicest grapes, kiwis, figs and other tropical fruits flourish here. The village is only accessible by boat or on foot. On the train ride between Chur and Zurich, passengers enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Walensee.

Location Lake Walensee, St. Gallen
Railway line Zürich – Sargans
Nearest train station Murg
Railways that pass Lavaux Various SBB trains
Holland America Line Exclusive Club Orange Program Available on All Ships by October 2019

Holland America Line Exclusive Club Orange Program Available on All Ships by October 2019

Holland America Line’s popular new Club Orange premium amenities program will be available on all ships in the fleet by October 2019. Currently on nine ships, Club Orange gives guests an additional level of luxury and service with priority access, exclusive amenities and special events.

Club Orange is available to purchase for a limited number of non-suite staterooms on each sailing, and features stateroom upgrades within the category booked and a special “Captain’s Choice” onboard event. Guests in Neptune and Pinnacle suites will also receive all of the benefits of Club Orange at no additional charge (excluding the stateroom upgrade and onboard event). All Club Orange guests are privy to extra privileges — from a private dining venue to priority services and a dedicated concierge hotline.

“Club Orange is fast becoming a favorite on board with its exclusive services like priority access and private dining, so we’re pleased to expand this program fleet wide so even more guests can take advantage of the benefits,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Club Orange is an exceptional value and our guests appreciate how much the extra touches and services enhance their cruise experience. And with the newly added stateroom upgrade and special event for guests purchasing the program, the value is even greater.”

New Amenities for Club Orange

Guests who purchase Club Orange will receive an upgrade within the booked category to the best available stateroom. The upgrade will be based on availability at the time of Club Orange purchase. Also new to the program is a “Captain’s Choice” event that takes place during the cruise, also exclusively for guests who purchase Club Orange. The event could be one of several planned special experiences that may include a behind the scenes hotel department tour, exclusive pre-opening shopping access, private coffee chat with Music Walk musicians and cast members and more. 

Priority Access

Amenities that come with the exclusive Club Orange program include priority check-in and disembarkation, priority tender service and priority alternative restaurant reservations made on board. Club Orange guests also have a dedicated line at Guest Services and the shore excursion desk, as well as a dedicated concierge hotline on board for dining reservations, tour assistance, general questions and support.

Private Dining

For most of the fleet, a dedicated section of the dining room will be designated for use by Club Orange guests for breakfast and dinner. On Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, a separate Club Orange restaurant is open every day for breakfast and dinner. The venue serves the same menu featured in Pinnacle Grill for breakfast and the dining room for dinner. Menus on all ships will feature additional daily dishes exclusive to Club Orange.

Additional benefits to Club Orange members include an enhanced in-stateroom à la carte breakfast dining menu with complimentary premium selections such as steak and eggs or smoked salmon Benedict, a welcome glass of sparkling wine at dinner on embarkation day, premium bathrobe for use in stateroom (and available for purchase and monogramming), and an exclusive Club Orange tote bag.

The cost of Club Orange is $35 per person per day on Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam and $25 per person per day on all others ships. The first and second guest in the same stateroom are both required to purchase the program. There is no additional charge for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom. Club Orange must be purchased prior to cruise departure and is not available for purchase on board.

United Airlines Announces 12 New and Expanded International Destinations from Chicago, Denver, New York/Newark and San Francisco

United Airlines Announces 12 New and Expanded International Destinations from Chicago, Denver, New York/Newark and San Francisco

United Airlines unveiled an expanded international schedule from its hubs in Chicago, Denver, New York/Newark and San Francisco. United's announcement includes brand-new service to Nice, France; Palermo, Italy; and Curacao. The airline also announced customers will have more options when planning travel to Europe with additional flights to Amsterdam; London; Frankfurt, Germany; and Zurich and will resume its seasonal summer service earlier to popular destinations including Athens, Greece; Naples, Italy; Porto, Portugal; and Barcelona, Spain.

"United's global network is a tremendous source of pride for our employees and loyal customers – we're always looking for ways to grow and expand our network to connect our customers to more destinations around the world," said United's International Network Vice President Patrick Quayle. "These new additions help position United as the airline of choice for customers planning their business or leisure travel."

New seasonal service between New York/Newark and Curacao, Nice and Palermo

Just in time to escape the winter weather, United is adding Curacao to its Caribbean route network and enabling customers access to all of the ABC islands, including Aruba and Bonaire. Curacao, United's 21st island destination in the Caribbean, will operate on Saturdays beginning Dec. 7, 2019, with Boeing 737-700 aircraft, subject to government approval.

United's unparalleled global route network provides customers with easy access between the United States and many of the world's top vacation destinations. Beginning May 2, 2020, United will offer customers daily nonstop service between New York/Newark and Nice, France – the gateway to the French Riviera. The airline will operate service to Nice with its premium Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring 46 United Polaris business class seats – offering the most premium seats between the United States and southern France of any U.S. airline.

In addition, beginning May 20, United will be the only airline offering nonstop daily service between the United States and Palermo, Italy, the capital city of Sicily and United's fifth Italian destination: the most of any U.S. airline. Service to Nice and Palermo is subject to government approval.

In the last two years, United has announced 26 new international routes, including nonstop service between the United States and Prague; Cape Town, South Africa; Tahiti, French Polynesia; Naples, Italy; Porto, Portugal; and Reykjavik, Iceland. United offers the most international destinations from New York City of any U.S. airline.

Offering more international service from Chicago than any U.S. carrier

United will begin daily nonstop year-round service between Chicago O'Hare and Zurich on March 28, 2020. Offering the most flights of any U.S. airline to Switzerland, United will operate service between Chicago and Zurich with its premium 46 Polaris business class Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. From Chicago, United Airlines operates to more year-round international destinations in Europe, Asia and South America than any airline. Zurich is its seventh year-round European destination from Chicago. The new service will complement existing flights from New York/Newark, San Francisco, and Washington.

Offering customers more options to get to Amsterdam and Frankfurt

In addition to United's brand-new and extended routes from its New York/Newark gateway, United announced the addition of a second daily flight between New York/Newark and Amsterdam and Frankfurt, Germany. The additional flights, beginning March 28, 2020, will enable more customers from across the United States to easily connect to Amsterdam and Frankfurt. United, the U.S. carrier with the most flights to Germany, will operate its second daily year-round Frankfurt service with its premium Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with 46 United Polaris business class seats. The airline will operate its second daily seasonal flight to Amsterdam with Boeing 767-300ER aircraft featuring 30 United Polaris business class seats. United currently offers nonstop service from five U.S. cities to Amsterdam, including Chicago, Houston, New York/Newark, Washington and San Francisco.

Increasing service to London and New Delhi

Subject to government approval, United will expand service between Denver and London to year-round, beginning Nov. 1, 2019, with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. United is the only carrier offering customers both nonstop trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights from Denver. In addition to London, United offers nonstop year-round service to Frankfurt, Germany, and Tokyo/Narita.

Originally announced as seasonal service between San Francisco and New Delhi, United is expanding the route to year-round service. United will provide business and leisure travelers nonstop access to India from the U.S. West and East Coasts. United will operate its first nonstop service from the U.S. West Coast to India with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft beginning Dec. 5, 2019.

Planning a European summer getaway has never been easier

United announced it is extending its seasonal services between New York/Newark and Athens, Greece; Naples, Italy; and Porto, Portugal, and between Washington and Barcelona, Spain. United will resume service one month earlier between New York/Newark and Porto, Portugal, on March 28, 2020, and will resume service between New York/Newark and Athens and Naples, and between Washington and Barcelona two weeks earlier, on May 8, 2020.

The only airline to fly nonstop between the U.S. and Cape Town, South Africa

Announced in April of this year, United will begin operating the first-ever nonstop service between New York/Newark and Cape Town, South Africa, on Dec. 15, 2019, with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. United's new service decreases the current travel time from New York to Cape Town by more than four hours and will provide customers from more than 80 U.S. cities with easy, one-stop access to Cape Town at United's New York/Newark hub.

Offering customers more premium seats across the Atlantic

Earlier this year, United announced the next step in its commitment to making more customers more comfortable by adding more premium seats on aircraft serving some of the most popular business and leisure destinations. United has been adding more United Polaris business class seats on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The reconfigured aircraft feature 16 additional United Polaris business class seats in the premium cabin – a more than 50 percent increase in all-aisle-access seating – bringing the total premium cabin seat count to 46. The aircraft also feature 22 United Premium Plus seats; 47 Economy Plus seats and 52 United Economy seats.

Every customer. Every flight. Every day.

In 2019, United is focusing more than ever on its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers' best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to today's announcement, United recently announced that customers on all domestic flights can now choose from three complimentary inflight snack items, announced that luxury skincare line Sunday Riley will make products exclusively for United customers to experience in amenity kits, released a re-imagined version of the most downloaded app in the airline industry, introduced ConnectionSaver, a new tool dedicated to improving the experience for customers connecting from one United flight to the next and made DIRECTV free for every passenger on 211 aircraft, offering more than 100 channels on seat back monitors on more than 30,000 seats.

Source: hub.united.com