Lufthansa delays start for Munich – Tehran

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Lufthansa delays start for Munich – Tehran from March to July 2016.

Culinary takeoff with AX meetings & events

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Do you want to enjoy a delicious cocktail or lunch with a fantastic view over the rooftops of the city from a lofty height? We know the best hotspots around the world, and can find the right restaurant for you. How about Les Ombres Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower, Ice Q at 3,048m in Sölden, or Siroco restaurant – famous from the movie – high above the night-time bustle of Bangkok. Not exclusive enough? Then maybe a private dinner on the new Redentore Terrazza at the Gritti Palace in Venice? Our Meetings & Events specialists will find the perfect location and would be happy to set up an individual proposal for your next event above the clouds.

Canada: Mandatory entry permit (eTA)

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Starting March 15, 2016, Austrian citizens will require an electronic entry permit before flying to Canada – the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). A fee of CAD 7 is charged for the eTA. It remains valid for five years from the date of issue as long as the travel document specified during application does not become invalid before the end of this time period. On arrival, travelers may be questioned (suspicion of plans to start working in Canada) or asked to prove sufficient financial means for their stay.

Update März 2016: According to the latest information on the website of the Government of Canada, there is a transitional period until autumn – travellers who do not have an eTA can board their flight, as long as they have a valid passport. Nevertheless it is advisable to fill an eTA – to play it safe!  

Important new entry requirements for the USA

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Individuals who have traveled to Iraq, Iran, Sudan or Syria since 03.01.2011, or who have citizenship  for one of these countries in addition to Austrian citizenship, will require a visa to enter the USA from now on! These new conditions were only recently made public by the US State Department, and override the existing “ESTA-Travel Authorizations” for visa-free entry to the USA for these groups of people. This also affects ESTA travel permits which have already been granted!

IMPORTANT: Please refrain in these cases from applying a new passport or to enter a second one (without stamp). These are false statements and may result in denied entry!

Furthermore, all travelers entering through the visa exemption program require a biometric passport (with a chip). Detailed information about the new conditions can be found here.

Our visa support is happy to help with inquiries & the processing of visa applications (visaaustria@ax-travel.at).

 

 

Austrian is also tightening up its booking rules

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As already extensively reported in December, Lufthansa has announced its new, more restrictive booking guidelines (no double-bookings, no creative ticketing etc.). Austrian Airlines has also informed the travel sector that these rules will now  be applicable for all Austrian Airlines flight tickets and that the booking process will be monitored more strictly. In case of non-compliance, serious additional charges may result. In order to avert damages for you and for ourselves as a travel agency, we will of course – as is already the case with Lufthansa flight documents – strictly follow these booking rules. You can view the summary (Article from Dec. 15) again here.

Swiss offers Internet and trial telephone service on long-haul flights

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With the introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER to long-haul fleets, SWISS will offer on-board Internet for the first time starting in February. At the same time, a one-year test phase for roaming telephone service will begin. Internet users can choose from three different data packets (starting with 20 MB for 9 Swiss francs). Telephone services (including SMS & data) will only be allowed during service times on overnight flights. As soon as the cabin light is turned off, use is no longer permitted. The new Boeing 777-300ER will primarily be deployed for the routes to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Los Angeles, San Francisco, São Paulo and Tel Aviv.

Pre-flight on-board shopping with Lufthansa

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Starting now, passengers can pre-order their desired items from the in-flight shopping selection online at www.LH.com/preflight-shopping before their flight with Lufthansa. This free “pre-flight shopping” reservation is non-binding and available up to four days before departure. On board, flight passengers can look at their pre-reserved products (such as perfume, cosmetic items, cigarettes etc.) without obligation, and pay for them directly with cash, credit card or Miles & More miles. This new service will begin immediately on all transcontinental Lufthansa flights as well as on selected flights within Europe offering in-flight shopping.

Airberlin Group: Dallas canceled again, new summer destinations with Niki

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Air Berlin  will no longer be adopting their new route – initially scheduled  for May – operating between Düsseldorf and Dallas, due to a lack of demand. Instead, Niki plans to introduce new destinations within the summer season – such as from Graz to Ibiza (on Wednesdays). With flights planned, from Vienna to Faro and Dubrovnik (2x per week each) as well as Split and Mahon (1x per week each).

Toronto – a new destination for Brussels Airlines

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Starting March 26, 2016, Brussels Airlines will now fly to Toronto five times per week. Toronto is the fifth-largest city in North America and the largest and liveliest in Canada. The most popular landmark in Toronto is the CN Tower, an architectural wonder thanks to its height of 1,815 feet, as well as an award-winning attraction for fine dining and entertainment.

What does the outbreak of the Zika virus mean for travelers?

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The Zika virus is spreading rapidly – particularly in Latin America, but there have been cases in other locations. Pregnant women in particular should avoid travel to affected countries. In principle, however, all travelers should inform themselves and prepare well beforehand (take along suitable insect protection etc.). At the moment, there is no vaccine against the Zika virus.