Can A Travel Agent Find You A Better Deal?

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available from travel agents in Philadelphia. This informative article should help you focus on the central points relating to PA travel agents.

Online travel sites are also starting to offer insurance but it rarely covers all of a trip and there are still fees involved to change everything. Online reservation software can make the difference in travel agency growth or decline. Travel companies work on small margins and efficient online reservation software is the lifeblood of travel companies. Online travel agents might ask themselves whether it is worth displaying such advertisements.

Indian travel agents also take care of various other factors like travel guide books and timetables, sale of in-house insurance, car rentals and the services of an on-site Bureau de change. They also help in the foreign currency exchange. India is blessed with enormous breathtaking scenic beauty, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From snow-topped mountain ranges to Emerald Green Ocean, vast wilderness areas to thrilling adventure zones, India has got it all.

If your facts on travel agents in Philadelphia are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important PA travel agent information slip by you.

Travel agents have access to the latest information on hotels, flights and destinations that a client doesn't have access to. This knowledge is invaluable. It is therefore essential for travel-related websites to offer useful, pertinent and easy-to-find information alongside a booking facility if appropriate. The Internet can be used to fully research a destination, book all aspects of the holiday including travel and communicate others who have the same ideas or have been through similar experiences. Visits by residents of Great Britain accounted for virtually all of this decrease, falling by almost 16,000 (7%) to 208,300. Meanwhile, visits by residents of Other Europe and North America recorded slight increases to 149,500 and 45,200 respectively. Visitors enjoy an almost infinite number of options covering every type of cuisine imaginable. Dubai hotels offer some of the highest quality meals to be found.

Ask friends for recommendations -- eventually someone will offer a glowing recommendation of a travel agent. Remember that different agents will have different expertise. Ask your travel agent about the nitty-gritty details of your trip, including airport connections, bus and taxi services, tipping, foreign currency conversion, and safety concerns such as government-issued travel advisories and warnings. Most importantly, get a phone number that you can use for after-hours emergencies (at the airport early Sunday morning after your wedding, for instance) and on your trip (preferably toll-free or collect if calling from outside the country).

Supplier membership includes companies that provide and sell travel related products and services used by or sold by travel agents. Our goal is to drive more business to you through our agent members who have valuable specialty training and expertise in your target market. It is important that these agents have a resource to find and utilize all suppliers that sell products and services within their specialized area. Suppliers who compete with agents by offering online sales can find themselves in a thorny relationship. Many operators also believe their products are too complicated to be booked online, or that travellers need someone to talk them through visas, insurance and other requirements.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of travel agents in Philadelphia. Share your new understanding about PA travel agents with others. They'll thank you for it.

October 10 2009 | vacation | No Comments »

Grab A Last Minute Holiday Bargain And Save Money

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about cheap holiday deals. When you start sharing the fascinating holiday facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

Barcelona is Spain's showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi's bizarre organic turrets and balconies. For a more provincial experience, the Valencia town of Bu goes wild every year with the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region's surplus tomatoes - following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streets and pelted about in a friendly riot. Barcelona is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With a rich cultural and artistic history, the sights and sounds of Barcelona can only be truly understood on a visit there.

Magaluf is one of the biggest party towns in Europe, with a huge number of bars, pubs and nightclubs to cater for all kinds of tastes. In addition there are wonderful award winning white sandy beaches and a plethora of accommodate and on options. Magaluf is a great place for party and relaxation. It is one of the most lively holiday resorts in the whole area.

The more authentic information you know about cheap holiday deals, the more likely people are to consider you a cheap holiday deals expert. Read on for even more cheap all inclusive holiday facts that you can share.

Exchange rates are also having a big impact, which put many European destinations out of the price range of travellers. As a result of this, holidays in countries that don't use the Euro have become particularly popular, with Turkey the frontrunner. Besides enjoying the beautiful landscape, travelling abroad may give us benefits of learning other languages and cultures. One of the country that is famous as holiday destination is Spain.

Package holidays to Icmeler put you and your family in the perfect position to explore the best that Turkey has to offer. This resort is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey which makes last minute deals to Icmeler a coveted prize. To avoid the possibility of missing out on some amazing holidays, book cheap holiday deals to Icmeler online and you will be able to enjoy cheap holidays to this popular resort that rival the cost of any last minute deals you might be able to find.

Istanbul, with one part in Europe and the other in Oriental Asia, is a fascinating city with its frenzied market places, imperial residences and minarets, and sporting a lively ambience of contemporary art and musical entertainment. Istanbul, once a capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, has enough sights and sounds to keep you busy for days on end, from the Blue Mosque to the Spice Bazaar. But it's the seaside that many people come for, and the long sunny days and turquoise waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here about cheap holiday deals to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about cheap all inclusive holidays.

About the author: HolidaysIT.com allows you to compare and book cheap holiday deals and cheap all inclusive holidays to help save you time, money and effort. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this paragraph and links are kept unchanged.

September 15 2009 | holiday | No Comments »

Iceland Trip Planning

Located between Europe and North America, Iceland is a mountainous island in the North Atlantic. Although she can be a bit austere, Iceland is a country of exquisite splendor. Eruptions of lava, hot springs, geysers, spectacular fissures and awesome glaciers seem surreal at times, but they make this land utterly remarkable. Iceland was settled by the Nordic and Celtic people, in the 9th century AD. Indeed, a Norwegian Viking named Ing?lfur Arnarson, established the first settlement on what is today known as Iceland?s capital, Reykjavik.

Of all Iceland?s wonders, perhaps the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are the most famous. A surprisingly large number of people believe they can only be seen in winter, but that is not true. They are visible all year long. The Midnight Sun, which occurs in Scandinavia during early summer, is another popular favorite. During this phenomenon, you can see the sun at midnight, and if you want the opposite, catch the Polar Night, during the winter months.

At some point of their vacation, visitors usually find themselves in Reykjavik City. Iceland?s capital is thought to be one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world. The nightlife in Reykjavik is vibrant, with an amazing variety of pubs, bars, cafes and dance halls. In fact, live music is fast becoming a trademark of this city. You can find a concert on almost every night of the week. There is also a variety of local craft shops and Scandinavian designer stores in Reykjavik, and the Kringlan shopping mall is a popular draw for locals and tourists alike.

Of course, if you come to Iceland, you simply must try a whale-watching tour. A natural habitat for whales, dolphins and seals, the ocean surrounding Reykjavik is ideal for catching a glimpse. Tours will generally pass by Puffin Island, too. Built in 1988, and considered to be Reykjavik?s landmark, the Perlan, or Pearl, is located under a large glass dome. This dome sits atop huge tanks, which are used to store the natural hot water for heating the city, and houses a rotating restaurant. The cuisine is divine, and the views spectacular.

Is Viking history your thing? If so, check out some of Reykjavik?s museums. Also make sure to visit the Sun Voyager, which is a massive steel sculpture of a Viking ship. Created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, it can be found on Mt, Esja, and is best viewed at sunrise or sunset. Another stop that is well worth making is the Restaurant Fjorugardurinn. Here you will experience a traditional Viking feast, amidst Viking d?cor. This unique eating establishment allows you to step back, and get a first-rate taste of Viking culture.

A very popular tourist attraction in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. This outdoor, geothermal seawater pool is approximately 45-minutes, by car, from Reykjavik. The fluorescent blue pool, covered in steam, stays at about 104-degrees all year long.

This amazing country offers tourists a wide variety of unique experiences, and all of them delight and awe. Dramatic, striking, and eerily austere, a trip to Iceland is truly memorable.

August 13 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Top Tips For Booking A Last Minute Holiday

Are you looking for some inside information on cheap last minute holidays? Here's an up-to-date report from the family holiday experts who should know.

There are literally thousands of cheap last minute holidays to a wide range of sunny holiday destinations including Tenerife, Cyprus, Egypt, Florida, Spain, Portugal and a host of other places. Browse our last minute deals and then call our friendly travel advisors to book your holiday. Antigua is very popular for all inclusive last minute holidays abroad, as the island has a large selection of resorts and many are all inclusive. The holiday site offers a wide range of cheap last minute holidays and late breaks to suit all tastes and budgets. Check out our holiday weather page to see just how warm you will be.

Find a wide range of last minute holidays from the Association of Independent Tour Operators' membership of 160 specialist tour operators. If you want to check out a great selection of last minute holidays from AITO members then go straight to the last minute holidays search page. The number of people booking last minute holidays abroad is increasing every year due to two main factors. Firstly, people's lives are busier, with both partners in the typical family often working, making more difficult for people to know in advance when they will be able to take time off to travel on holiday. Use the search on the left for easy access to our cancellation holidays as well prices on last minute holidays to your chosen region. We have holidays to suit every budget and range from luxury winter sun deals to cheap summer holidays.

The information about cheap last minute holidays presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about late family holiday deals or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

Last minute holidays are available all year round and late deals to the Algarve offer plenty of winter sunshine. Last minute holiday bargains make short weekend breaks to the Algarve entirely possible too. With the very latest prices, and a fantastic range ensures you get the best choice of last minute holidays at rock bottom prices. We have a full and varied range of last minute holidays suitable for couples, families, groups of friends, celebrations, get-togethers and short breaks throughout the world. Why not book a last minute holiday to somewhere more unusual?

Most popular sites have a section devoted to cheap last minute holidays for anyone who can pack up and go at a moment's notice. If the dates can't be changed, the destination can be selected based on the price. If you are prepared to wait until the last minute to find last minute holidays abroad before booking. This may mean that you will fly as soon as the next day and this is a gamble! So last minute holidays can be great if you are flexible, and since more and more people do it that way, the deals are there more often and with bigger savings. Your vacation flights will then be joyful as you'll know just how much you saved while the person sitting next to you might have had to pay full price.

Holidays in Turkey or Spain are ideal for families seeking private relaxation. What's more, you could find holiday deals with flights that leave from a variety of nationwide airports, including Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast. Our special offers also incorporate a range of accommodation options, including self-catering flats, one to five star hotels and all-inclusive package holidays abroad. Package deals are generally better value if you are booking a last minute getaway whereas booking your travel and accommodation separately can turn out to be quite expensive. Check exactly what is included in the package to see if extras like hotel transfers and meals are included, and if there are any additional costs like administration or booking fees that could drive up the overall cost of the trip.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about cheap last minute holidays.

August 08 2009 | holiday | No Comments »

Tips For Finding The Best Cheap Family Holidays

The only way to keep up with the latest about cheap family holidays is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about last minute holidays, it won't take long for you to become an influential authority.

With great beaches and a wide selection of hotels, villas and holiday complex's as well as the city hotels in Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid you really are spoilt for choice. Worldwide hotels, villas, apartments and dynamically packaged holidays are all available. The booking engine offers live availability and gives instant confirmation of bookings. We bring you some of the best travel information ranging from luxury hotels to cheap hotels in Greece, as well as how to make you holiday to Greece more enjoyable and rewarding for you and your family.

All you need to do is find cheap travel and you have a bargain holiday on your hands! There are some ideal for outdoor sports all year round and interesting conservation work in the Rodopi Mountains. All their Bulgaria holidays are provided by operators committed to supporting local people & the environment. Grab a late deal on bargain package holidays for 2009 with last minute holiday deals to popular Mediterranean and USA destinations including all inclusive breaks to Egypt and Turkey.

If your holiday facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important cheap family holiday information slip by you.

Search from self catering holidays right through to all inclusive holidays with free child places and only returns the best deal found. All you need to do is enter the children's ages on the last day of the holiday and the database will show the best deal available. Your cheap family holiday deals to Greece should include a stop in Santorini for some fun things to do. The most exciting thing to see is the Santorini Volcano. The most important aspect of all cheap family holidays is the peace of mind you have in being able to budget for the total cost of your holiday deal without any unexpected costs. Last minute inclusive holidays can be luxurious or more economical.

While this system works best for late deals from major chains, if you're booking early at a high street travel agent, it is still possible to lop 100s off the price by haggling. Make the most of the summer holiday, choose from a selection of great value deals to exciting destinations for the whole family to enjoy. Soak up the sun on a 7 night holiday to Turkey, Canaries or Egypt. Bargain priced late weekend breaks or last minute holiday package deals are often available with "build your own", self catering or all inclusive packages plus special offers on cheap flights and hotels in Europe. Late breaks with UK online travel agents are easy to book with email confirmations for flight and hotel breaks often only seconds away.

On the northern Adriatic coast centred around the large port of Durres, the beaches are sandy and shallow, making them ideal for families although they are crowded in high season. The unspoilt southern Ionian coastline, south of Vlora is more rocky, with the mountains coming down to the sea, and watersports and diving on offer. Take the family to our specially selected holiday deals and enjoy the real magic of family holidays. If children are happy parents are happy spending valuable time together. It couldn't be easier to find your ideal family holiday. All you need to do is choose where you want to stay and you won't find a fairer price.

Those who only know one or two facts about cheap family holidays can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

August 01 2009 | holiday | No Comments »

Travel Tips For Hungary

The perfect part of the year to vacation in Hungary is in the fall or autumn. Autumn fills the streets and countryside with cool breezes from the Mediterranean and also offers less crowding in the streets and hotels. The winter can be extremely cold and frequent snow showers are common. Summer months are usually very humid and warm and the streets are much more crowded as are the hotels.

Hungary is situated in central eastern Europe and consists of flat land that offers only a few rolling hills and occasional small mountain.

The majority of Hungary is covered in either woodlands or wetlands and will boast an array of wildlife for the adventurous explorers. The national parks offer a way to get a peek at the countries wildlife in a safe environment. The tectonic fault line is where Hungary lays so the many hot springs will bring enjoyment to those wanting to rest their mind and their bodies. Several spas offer hot springs along with their other first class treatments.

Europe?s most impressive architecture is located in Hungary such as the Esztergom Basilica, the third largest church in Europe. The Pannonhalma Archabbey is located in Hungary and is known as the second largest abbey in the entire world. There are many unique and exquisite architecture designs found in Hungary including the popular baroque castle in Budapest.

Budapest is a very rich historical city that brings in many tourists. The city is located on the Danube river banks and the beauty is taken in by people from all over the world who visit here. One of the more popular landmarks is the Buda castle.

Hungary is richly inspired when it comes to the arts. You will find embroideries, paintings, carvings, and pottery pieces that would flatter anyones art collection. Folk dance is adored throughout the country and many famous musical composers originated in Hungary.

Hotels in Hungary offer reasonable prices for guests with beautiful rooms throughout the year. The summer months may be slightly higher and finding a room harder with so many tourists flooding the streets. Autumn and winter months have the better rates and offer less crowding during your stay.

Hungary cuisine offers soups, smoked meats and sausages. Most menus will include beef, veal, chicken and pork entrees and of course the famous goulash. Goulash is a Hungarian dish offered throughout the country but may be prepared differently in many places. Expect a glass of wine to be served with dinner since Hungary produces red and white wines in there many vineyards. Beer, fruit juices and coffee are also produced in Hungary.

The common currency in Hungary is the Forint but the EURO is accepted at most places throughout the country. If you are a member of the European union you will not be required to obtain a visa to visit or work in Hungary. U.S. citizens will be required to have a valid passport as well as a visa if their trip is going to be for longer than 90 days.

Clinking glasses together may have you seen as rude or impolite as it was a decree to remind locals of the treatment their 13 generals turned martyrs in the 19th century. The decree was to last 150 years, ending in 1999 but many still uphold it as tradition.

July 29 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Travel Tips for Vacationing with Babies

We all love to take time to get away from the stresses of life to enjoy a vacation. Many people think that if they have a baby or very young children, they can no longer take a vacation. Traveling with babies can be made much easier by planning and implementing measures that will make your vacation fun and relaxing.

A Last Escape Before Baby Makes Three

Vacationing when pregnant, or the babymoon, is a great way to enjoy the remaining time of life as a couple. Many couples decide to book a getaway to celebrate, relax and enjoy their last diaper-free break for a while. The best time to travel while pregnant is during the second trimester, weeks 14 to 27. By then, morning sickness should have abated, energy levels should be higher and you should be feeling "blooming". After that, while Canadian airlines will accept you for travel right up to the final weeks of your pregnancy, there's a good chance that you'll be keener to rest more than travel. Plus, there's a greater chance of premature labor in the final weeks.

When to Go: You'll want heat, but not too much heat, lots of comfort, good food and relaxation. Stick to familiar vacation spots - you'll need to feel confident that the food and environs will suit you. This is no time for surprises. Florida and the Caribbean are favoured destinations for a babymoon, but there are plenty of beautiful spots in our own backyard - Vancouver Island, Toronto and Ontario's West Coast, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia...

What to Wear: Your loosest clothes and lots of layers. Make sure there's plenty of space in your clothing in case junior undergoes a growth spurt. If you're visiting a sun spot take a heavy-duty sunscreen - mom-to-be skin can be extra sensitive. Pack too your favorite snacks and over-the-counter medicine. Don't forget your medical notes - just in case.

Traveling With Babies

Traveling with a baby can help him or her experience new environments and encourages family bonding. The following tips will help you have a better travel experience with your baby.

Location: Make sure you choose an appropriate destination for a baby. Research destinations by using the internet and traveler reviews. Family-orientated travel guides are useful. Babies will not enjoy too much heat or cold.

Enlist Baby Travel Services: There are online baby supply companies who will deliver changing, feeding, and bathing supplies your baby will need while away from home, to any worldwide travel destination. You can shop for all the supplies your baby will need for traveling without leaving your home.

Travel Assistance Insurance: Obtaining travel insurance will ensure that your baby will receive proper medical care in case of an illness or injury. Coverage should include the ability for flights home if treatment is required in the US.

Family Friendly Vacation: There are baby and toddler friendly resorts and hotels that cater to families. Make sure that where you stay has appropriate baby supplies such as a crib and highchair.

Allow Baby to Adjust to New Environment: Maintain a routine with familiar food, toys, and blanket. The baby should not receive too much stimulation within the first couple of days. They should rest and get use to the new environment.

Vacationing with babies can be a fun experience for parents. It is important to remember that it is a vacation, so adults should take time each day to relax. With a little planning and preparation, you and your baby will have a great vacation.

July 21 2009 | vacation | No Comments »

UK Flights to Switzerland

Switzerland is known as one of the most prosperous nations in the Western world. The country is filled with quaintness and a unique quality that keeps UK tourists visiting from year to year. The cities of Zurich and Geneva are ranked as the two places in the world with the highest quality of life.

Switzerland is also famous for its supreme quality goods and banking service. The country is not included in Europe, although it has France, Germany, and Italy as neighbours. Switzerland acts as the origin for many significant international organisations, (as Switzerland has for long taken a neutral stand on several wars and politics) like the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Trade Organisation.

As Switzerland is a sought after destination, the prices are reasonable. You may take a flight from the international airports in United Kingdom, such as Manchester and Heathrow. Some of the airlines, you can fly with are BMI, Flybe, Jet2, Austrian Airlines, Iberia Easyjet, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. If you are looking for competitive flight rates then you get can get it about ?36 ticket; however remember that it needs to include the taxes.

The country is famous destination throughout the year, mainly the summer, when there are ample choices available. Therefore, make your booking in advance or just at the last minute to get the best deals. Even though Switzerland is not a part of Europe, still you can enter the country with a valid UK passport.

The temperatures in Switzerland are normally moderate and pleasant. However it can vary since a lot of the country is mountainous and very cold. At the same time the south of the country has a Mediterranean climate. Here it can be quite dry whereas the high Alps get the wettest weather.

In the Alps (northern region) the temperate differ with elevation; however the average yearly temperature is around 9 degrees centigrade. In the Southern region, like the canton of Ticino gets a warm and a little humid Mediterranean weather.

The weather can vary greatly, just like England. The best time to visit the mainland region is the summer months, as at that time, they are a little warmer. The Alps remain cool throughout the year. Not considering the climate, there are many things you can do in nay time of the year.

Switzerland is famed for his hiking trails and winter sports. Various ski resorts like St Moriz, Klosters and Verbier are known for their facilities ? here you can snowboard, ski, and climb and so on. Some of the high end resorts will also offer snow polo and a bob sleigh run. At Klosers and St Moritx, you will find health resorts, known to relax and rejuvenate you.

If you like the idea of a carnival, visit Basel. The carnival of Basel takes place between February and March and there are three days of masked street parties and fancy costumes.

If you visit Geneva or Zurich then take a cruise down their lakes; you will be able to see the cities architecture whilst soaking in the atmosphere. You can also take the paddle steamers (old style boats) on these lakes.

June 17 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

How To Book The Best Cheap Package Holidays Abroad

This article explains a few things about cheap package holidays, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know.

Package holidays to Rhodes blend the past with the present in a nice tidy package. Family holidays to this island paradise are informational, educational, and a great deal of fun for everyone. Package holidays allow tourists to admire the scenery and soak in luxury for cheaper prices while basking in the colourful Indian culture. For me, the prospect of sun and sea during the cold, miserable month of January was too exciting an opportunity to miss. Package holidays are undemanding on the pocket ways to take family on tours. Standard hotel repast keep the overheads of family holidays manageable and children commonly prefer the choice of buffet-style eating.

Package holidays are often seen as the cheapest way to travel. There is some truth in this, but not a lot. Package holidays for an affordable plastic surgery in Argentina are captivating people from Canada and pretty much the same as in the United Kingdom.

There are hotel rooms and 7 ground floor pool side rooms. All rooms are Air conditioned with Balcony and sea view, en-suite with bath and shower satellite TV, music TV, telephone, mini bar hairdryer, safety deposit boxes. Hotels have become increasingly popular in recent years. The number of overnight stays in summer cottages and bungalows also increased. Book direct flights and hotels at the site! Book a luxury package holiday for you in 2009. Booking cheap package holidays doesn't have to be hard work. Put us to the test today with your holiday requirements.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

Cheap package holidays also offer fun activities, beautiful places, and such. So if you stay for just a short period of time, you get to spend more. Cheap holidays in Benidorm set it off as one of the party capital's of not only Spain but Europe as well. Benidorm has an unrivalled nightlife and a daytime carnival-like beach culture that keeps holiday makers coming year after year. Cheaper packages often use big faceless hotels and involve charter flights with departures in the middle of the night. Take the time to choose the right archaeological tour for you.

Travel agents can not offer the same deals as on the internet because there are more costs involved to run a travel agent. Internet sites have very small outgoings and can therefore be much more competitive than traditional travel agents when slashing prices. Travellers should make sure to compute all these costs so that they do not end up spending really low but on a less convenient hotel.

Summer vacation is always fun and enjoyable so kids always look forward to it. During this season, parents normally bring their children to relaxing and cool places that can make them unwind and enjoy after months of studying in school. Summer holidays are the most enjoyable ones in Magaluf, and hence they are extremely popular. Majorca tour operators, airlines and hotels have taken note of this fact and thus have designed cheap packages that can make Magaluf holidays affordable during the summer months.

Sometimes it's tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I'm positive you'll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

June 11 2009 | holiday | No Comments »

South African Airways

South African Airways, established in 1934, is South Africa's largest domestic and international airline. SAA was one of the first national airlines in the world.Modern day SAA has hubs in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It is owned by Transnet, a public transport company. Two percent of the stocks are held by SAA's 9,000 employees.

Employees receive intensive advanced training programs to help SAA maintain its reputation for excellent customer service. It serves 31 cities in 25 countries, carrying more than 7 million passengers per year. Recently a member of the exclusive Star Alliance, the connection vastly extended the number of destinations SAA flies to. Skytrax, the British experts on aviation ratings, declares SAA one of the best international airlines in terms of products offered and service standards.

One of the top airlines in the business is the SAA. The SAA, or Suid-Afriaanse Lugdiens in Afrikaans, is always ranked as the top performer, safest and money making airline. There are also many other catagories in which they rank high.

The first cities served in 1934 were Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Flights to Kenya, Uganda and British East Africa signaled SAA's entrance into the international market. The airline was essentially shut down during WWII, but in 1945, SAA achieved a long-time goal by opening its route to Europe with its first flight to Bournemouth.

SAA introduced the Boeing 707 to its fleet in the 1950's jet age. SAA was the first airline other than the UK to operate a pure jetliner flight. SAA jets started flying non-stop to the UK and other European cities only two years later. The airline began flights to New York in 1969. Now the fleet of SAA includes some 50 aircraft.

SAA's loyalty program, Voyager, has nearly 2 million members. Members can earn airmiles on SAA as well as for flights with their partner airlines and Star Alliance members. SAA backs up its commitment to customer service by investing millions each year on in-flight entertainment. Passengers may choose from more than a dozen movie channels, video games, music and travel information.

Business and first-class passengers are pampered even more. Business class offers the best business flat bed seats in the industry, according to Skytrax. They can also enjoy the Boabab Lounge at Johannesburg, which offers workstations complete with computers, faxes and printers. SAAs Cyclad Premium Lounge in Johannesburg was voted the third best in the world in a Skytrax survey in 2002.

South African Airways offers lots of great features in their first class cabins. The beds could well be the widest in the industy, being 29 inches wide. They lie flat at 180 degress. Each seat has an ottoman that can be controlled electronically. There are also big, private televisions with on-demand audio and video. So kick back in those comfy seats and enjoy a show!

Business class travelers enjoy most comforts during their travel. Starting from the fully adjustable seats with an adjustable headrest and pneumatic lumbar support to the large private television screens with the audio-video-on-demand.

In economy class, passengers may choose from two main courses accompanied by fine South African Wines while they also enjoy private televisions with audio-video-on-demand.

The main priority for SAA is the safety of the passengers and it is clearly visible through its largest maintenance facility in Africa. Apart from handling its maintenance, SAA also offers maintenance services to British airways and air france.

May 11 2009 | Travel | No Comments »