January 2010

A new DOT (Department of Transportation) rule "prohibits" U.S. airlines from keeping domestic passengers on airplanes on airport tarmacs for more than three hours. Issued last month by the U.S. Department of Transportation after much debate, the rule--set to take effect in April 2010--also requires airlines "to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable lavatories and, if necessary, provide medical attention." Other components of the rule include a prohibition against "scheduling chronically delayed flights" and requirements related to airline customer service plans. The Air Transport Association issued a statement committing its member airlines to "comply with the new rule even though we believe it will lead to unintended consequences--more cancelled flights and greater passenger inconvenience."

By NICOLE FEENSTRA, QMI AGENCY

Transport Canada has revised carry-on regulations for flights from Canada to the United States (including Puerto Rico) effective January 20, 2010 to permit one carry-on bag on flights to the United States, in addition to limited personal items allowed in the cabin, as listed in the table below. 

We still remind travelers that as a result of recent security measures imposed by Canadian and U.S. government authorities on flights from Canada to the U.S., strict limits remain in effect for carry-on articles allowed in the cabin and longer security screening times should be expected at airports. 

Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird today announced that airline passengers who are travelling to the United States are now permitted to bring one carry-on bag with some small exceptions. This new measure replaces the temporary restriction on carry-on bags introduced as a result of the December 25, 2009 security incident on Northwest Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit.

Following the incident, Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) accelerated its actions to protect air travellers. In addition to introducing carry-on bag restrictions, Transport Canada quickly took action to issue security notices, invest in full body scanners and announce our intention to implement a screening method known as behaviour pattern recognition.

The new one carry-on bag rule takes effect on January 20, 2010 in all Canadian airports. Details are provided in the fact sheet on the Transport Canada website.

American AirlinesAmerican Airlines has officially joined Delta, Continental and United Airlines, revealing it is increasing its baggage fees for checked luggage with the new prices going into effect with tickets bought February 1, 2010.

The new price is $25 for the first back, $35 for the second. That is up $5 for each bag, so a roundtrip flight with two bags will hit you for $120. American Airlines last hiked its checked bag fees in July, when the price of the first bag rose $5 to $20 and the price of the second bag rose the same amount to $25. Six months ago it would have cost each passenger about $100 and two years ago it would have cost nothing at all.

Select passengers, including first- and business-class travelers and members of the armed services, will remain exempt from checked bag fees.


Baggage fees for the two main Canadian carriers are as follows:

Air Canada
Free Baggage Allowance -  2 pieces of luggage at 50lbs (23 kg) each, and an additional 44lbs (20kg) maximum of carry on luggage within Canada.
One free bag only for several destinations outside of Canada - $30 CAD for 2nd piece for US, $50 CAD for 2nd piece for Europe.
Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage start at $50.

Westjet
Free Baggage Allowance - 2 pieces - checked in allowance is 60lbs (27kg) per bag, and an additional 44lbs (20kg) maximum of carry on luggage within Canada.
For travel to the US: 3 checked bags (2 of 50lbs each plus 3rd bag 32 lbs). Additional bag:  $75.00
Excess baggage fees for extra/oversized/overweight luggage are $40-$75.

On the road, nothing really beats a good tip from a local on where to get the best food, catch a jazz show, or how to score tickets at a popular venue. Guide books invariably promise to give tourists the local scoop and routinely deliver mixed results.

Travel apps for the iPhone also often make that same promise to turn you into a local. Many of the guide apps I've checked out have decent information, but sometimes it's a bit too niche — tipping you off to all the dance clubs in Miami — or too general, offering to be all things to all people.

PocketSherpa is a relative newcomer and it could be a good travel companion. The application is tied to the Web site Localyte which seeks to connect travelers with "local people who are proud of where they live and want to share their local knowledge." The company dubs such folks "Localytes."

The app's description promises to connect users with more than more than 40,000 locals in 7,000-plus locations.

Upon installing the app, you have to create an account by giving an e-mail address and creating a password. After that you see a nifty globe that you can spin with your fingers to find a country you'd like to visit. Or just let it spin on its own and periodically offer recent tips from Localytes in various countries.

Once you do pick a country, a menu bar at the top lets you see newspaper links, travel services, and wikitravel entries. You can peruse a list of Localytes or see a recent Q&A about the country. To narrow it down, there's a search option to find the specific city you would like to visit.

Under the Localyte heading, you can post a question for the local experts. I asked for a recommendation of a good Indian restaurant in my hometown of Washington and two hours later had a suggestion. One of the neat things about the Localyte approach is that each posts a profile you can check out to get an idea of who your expert is. Many of them offer guide, transportation or other services.

You can make direct contact with them to ask about their area of expertise — whether tour guide, personal training, childcare or quite a few other options.

The direct connection to a local is intriguing. But it also raises some red flags, since you are essentially linking up with a stranger. The Web site, which does not vet its citizen experts, even warns: "The great majority of people in the world have good intentions. However travelers and tourists can be targets of crime or scams."

To help you judge whether you want to take the advice that's offered, the Web site offers details about the Localytes' backgrounds, including what they say about themselves and answers they've provided to others' questions. The Localytes are also rewarded for their answers by the Web site's community through an e-Bay-style reputation system.

Unfortunately you can't access all that information through the app, but the app does present the Localytes in order of their ranking, as determined by the site's readers. And if they are one of the top Localytes in their country, you'll see a badge next to their name.

Since it's free, it's not too hard to give PocketSherpa a test drive to seek a local tip. Or just check out the Q&A section for your destination to get a couple ideas. For the adventurous, a Localyte could deliver that oft-promised local experience in an unfamiliar city.

WestJet is introducing new fares for our Eastern triangle routes: Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

The earlier you book, the more you save.
Here’s an example of great new fares to take advantage of:

Here are some other reasons to book WestJet:

Guaranteed reservations: They never overbook their flights;
• if you booked it, you’re on it.

All jet service: WestJet flies the most modern fuel
• efficient fleet in North America. Their aircraft are outfitted with more legroom, live seatback TV and leather seats.

Web & Mobile check-in: Check in online or on your
• Blackberry/PDA, select your seat and have your boarding card emailed directly to you.

Breaking News Travel (BTN)

Throughout 2010, Fairmont will open seven distinctive new hotels in growing markets around the globe. While most are newly developed properties, Fairmont will also throw open the doors at two of the world’s most celebrated addresses: The Savoy in London and the Peace Hotel in Shanghai.

The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel - paying homage to its original Edwardian and Art Deco design, The Savoy will once again lay claim to its long-standing status as London’s premier social destination when it unveils the culmination of a nearly two-year, £100 million restoration program. A top to bottom endeavor encompassing the entire building, including 268 guest rooms and suites, the courtyard and famed American Bar, the public areas and guestrooms, the extensive restoration includes a luxurious new Royal Suite and the complete remodel of the legendary River Restaurant. The famous Savoy Grill will return under the operations of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. New additions include The Beaufort Bar, an opulent new venue for champagne and cocktails and the Savoy Tea Shop, a charming patisserie and take-away café, offering an array of the Savoy’s own blend of fine teas and gourmet treats. Within the Thames Foyer, the re-introduction of a stunning winter garden gazebo beneath an ornate glass dome will provide the perfect spot for afternoon tea. Opening Q2/Q3 2010.

Fairmont Peace Hotel is the new name for the newly restored Peace Hotel, a Shanghai landmark for over a century. Situated on the Bund, the 12-story, 269-room property enjoys a premier downtown location, facing the Pudong area over the Hangpu River. Once the height of international glamour, the new hotel will resurrect the much-loved Jazz Bar, a Shanghai institution since the 1930s. The 9th floor will also host the famed Peace Hall, where the property’s iconic sprung-wooden dance floor still evokes memories of old Shanghai cabarets and gala parties. Opening Q2 2010.

Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel in Saudi Arabia, will be the focal point of the iconic Abraj Al Bait Complex, which includes seven towers and is adjacent to the Masjid al Haram, the holiest site in Islam. The 858-room hotel will offer Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle product offering, numerous dining outlets and conference facilities. The 76-storey hotel tower, at 577 meters (1893 ft.) high, will be among the world’s tallest and features a 40-meter (130 ft.) clock, more than five times larger than Big Ben in London, which will announce daily prayers to the Muslim world. A Lunar Observation Center and an Islamic Museum will add to the fascination of this one-of-a-kind property. Opening Q3 2010.

Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver will open the doors to a 377-room luxury hotel with 175 residential condos. Perched on the edge of the ocean, the hotel will have an unrivalled location adjacent to the Vancouver Conference Center expansion and will provide spectacular views of Stanley Park, the Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the city of Vancouver. A Willow Stream Spa and Fitness Center and Fairmont Gold, will make this property a favorite for business and pleasure. Opening Q1 2010.

Fairmont Pittsburgh offers 185 rooms and suites at the heart of Pittsburgh’s newest cultural district. The hotel has breathtaking views of PNC Park and the Pittsburgh skyline on one side and Mount Washington and the historic downtown on the other. Located in Three PNC Plaza-a mixed-use building complex intended for certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System(TM)-the hotel will combine the finest luxury accommodations and state-of-the-art facilities with responsible tourism. From the theater, entertainment and financial districts, to shopping, sightseeing, and world-class sports facilities, Fairmont Pittsburgh is the ideal ‘home base’ for visitors of this famous town. Opening Q1 2010.

Fairmont Beijing is a modern wonder amid ancient dynasties. The hotel is home to 222 rooms, including Fairmont Gold. Fairmont Beijing is conveniently located near the city’s major cultural, shopping and business areas, including The Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With its signature rose-gold glass curtain façade and exceptionally crafted architecture, meeting spaces mix state-of-the-art technology with the traditional style of old Beijing ‘courtyard’ culture. For the ultimate in relaxation a visit to the three-level, 2,000 square meter Willow Stream Spa, provides the ideal sky-high level rejuvenation experience. Currently in soft-opening phase; progressively opening Q1 2010.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort sits along South Africa’s sublime east coast, nestled between a forest reserve and a shimmering sea. The resort’s exquisite natural beauty is dotted with pockets of urban flair and enhanced by the rich Zulu heritage of the KwaZulu-Natal province. 154 rooms offer scintillating views of the Indian Ocean, oversized verandas, and elegant decor of stone, wood and earth tones inspired by the area’s breathtaking natural surroundings. Part cultural wonderland, the region boasts thousand-year-old battlefields and renowned eco-parks; part natural playground, it offers unique game-viewing and safari opportunities. Opening Q2 2010.

Name of restaurant:  FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar 

Address:  31 South 7th Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 / Web site:  www.firelakerestaurant.com

Executive Chef:  Chef Paul Lynch. 

We are first and foremost a Minnesota restaurant.

Our philosophy is very simple, buy the very best regionally sourced products, prepared over real burning wood, and served in a pure and un-contrived manner. Our name says who we are.  We are a restaurant about the complex flavors of real burning wood (FIRE) from the land of 10,000 lakes (LAKE).

We are indebted to our local growers for their commitment to excellence in helping us provide a real Taste of Place for you.  We want you to experience the wealth and depth of real Midwestern food.

The best ingredients, lovingly grown, prepared and served in a warm and timeless environment.  Locally Grown.  Perfectly Seasoned.

Recipe:  Perfect for the Holidays!  

Maple Glazed Yam and Apples

Serving Size  : 20

Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------  ------------  --------------------------------

  5        pounds  Tart Cooking Apples     approx: 12 ea -- Peel, Core, slice ,Half

  3        pounds  Yams -- Peel, half slice 3/8"

 1/4      cup  Brown sugar

  5        ounces  Maple syrup

  8        ounces  Whole butter

  2        tablespoons  Rosemary -- chopped

            salt

            white pepper

Using a apple peeler machine, peel, core and slice apples.  Cut in half.

Peel yams, cut in half end to end then slice 3/8" thick.( creating half circles).

Alternate slice of yam and two slices apples in Baking Dish pan. Drizzle with maple syrup and chopped rosemary.   Sprinkle with brown sugar and dot with slices of cold butter.

Cover with aluminum foil, bake @ 350 for 1 hour.

Bonus: $500 onboard credit

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