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All passengers travelling to the affected regions have been contacted by a Casto representative during the initial alert period.
See more in the Travel Alert Archives
San Jose Airport Closure
07/03/08
As a reminder on the night of July 7th for the 8th of July the 2 roads in front of Terminal A will be closed for construction for a period of 6 weeks. Travelers will need to give themselves extra time to get to the airport due to possible road congestion. Buses will stop at the ground terminal area for buses instead of in front of the terminal.
The TSA will open the FIS checkpoint from 0500-1100 which has access to terminal A. Passengers who use web-checking and have no bags to check can go straight to that checkpoint. Please spread the word to your travelers who will be departing from SJC in the next 6 weeks.
The FIS checkpoint refers to Federal Inspection Services. The creation of this checkpoint is mainly to alleviate passenger traffic and will be for passengers with no checked bags. There will be signage in the airport to direct passengers to the checkpoint. In addition Aviation Safeguards will be present to help direct passengers to the FIS checkpoint. If you have any further questions check out the airport website or call airport services: http://www.sjc.org/improvement/updates.html
Flight delays, fares raised, and alliances formed
06/24/2008 - Dear Casto Client,
In interest of keeping email volume down we have compiled three announcements into one.
Summer Delays begin
The summer rush at the airports has officially begun. Last week we witnessed record load factors (the percent of seats occupied) averaging at 85% to 90% for all airports. San Francisco airport is towards the front of the pack with United in particular reporting load factors of 94% and greater.
Between the number of travelers competing for fewer seats, and the recent changes in the baggage policies, it is safe to say that summer travel will suffer from significant delays. Airports and airlines are strongly advising travelers of the following:
- Travelers not checking bags should arrive at the airports 90 minutes prior to departure. Security wait times have increased significantly.
- Travelers who are checking bags should arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure.
- International travelers should allow for a minimum of two hours prior to departure.
Additionally, Casto recommends that frequent travelers invest in a Registered Traveler program, such as Clear. As more and more airports provide Registered Traveler lanes (including all major airports in the San Francisco Bay Area) it is easier to bypass the long wait times for security lines.
United and Continental
Last Thursday Continental announced its application for approval by the US Department of Transportation to join the United Airlines led Star Alliance. Should it be approved, as is widely expected, Continental will be part of the same code sharing network as United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and many other carriers. The announcement also indicates that all travelers on one carrier will receive equal access to the benefits of the other carrier, including frequent traveler programs and club rooms.
Frequent travelers on United Airlines will benefit greatly from this news as it will allow for expanded access across the Atlantic (through Newark) as well as into Latin America (through Houston). Companies with negotiated rates also stand to gain as they will see their discounts extended to additional carriers.
United Fare increases
Over the weekend United said that it will require minimum stays for nearly all domestic flights beginning in October. Additionally, United announced that it will raise its cheapest fares by as much as $90 for each one-way segment.
The requirement for minimum stays, scheduled to take affect October 6, will impact the business traveler most, particularly those who frequently take day trips. Prior to this planned date business travelers could purchase the most inexpensive leisure fares in the market. The minimum stay requirements are expected to be the most restrictive on traditionally strong vacation travel markets, such as Southern California, Florida, and major East Coast cities.
Given the significance of both the fare increase as well as the minimum stay announcement it is difficult to determine to what degree other carriers will match. It is highly likely that the traditional legacy carriers will match in a few weeks, while the low cost carriers will not.
Changes to Airline Fees
06/13/2008 - Yesterday both USAir and United Airlines announced that they will also charge $15 for the first checked in bag. For United the fees begin today; for USAir and American Airlines the fees apply to flights booked on July 9 and July 15, respectively. The baggage fees will be waived for some frequent travelers, those traveling on full-fare tickets, and for most international destinations. Casto is of the opinion that all other major carriers--to the exclusion of Southwest--will match the $15 fee for check in baggage.
For your convenience, Casto has prepared a table detailing the different baggage policies for each of the carriers. As new carriers change their policies we will update the table on our website.
Additionally, USAir announced that they will begin charging for drinks served in coach class. Starting August USAir will charge $2 for a non-alcoholic drink and $7 dollars for an alcoholic drink. Like the baggage fees, we believe that other major carriers will also match this policy in due time.
American Airlines Cuts Domestic Fleet Capacity
05/21/2008 - In response to the dramatic increase in fuel costs, American Airlines today announced a reduction of 11% - 12% of total domestic fleet capacity by the forth quarter of this year, the retiring of old aircraft (primarily the embattled MD-80's), and significant workforce reductions. American has not advised which routes will be cut though it is likely that most reductions in the San Francisco Bay Area will be in frequency and less in destinations served.
Furthermore, American Airlines also advised that beginning mid-June it will charge a $15 fee for most passengers' first checked bag. This fee will likely be waived for international flights, some frequent travelers, or those traveling on full-fare tickets. This fee increase was announced in conjunction with other fees, particularly for oversized bags, pet handling, and other services.
Casto is strongly of the opinion that other carriers will match this announcement in both cost and in timing. While we fully expect further announcements on route and capacity reduction by all carriers, it is still too early to determine how much and by whom.
United Airlines Fuel Surcharge Error
05/15/2008 - As has been very recently reported in the press, United Airlines accidentaly lowered the fuel surcharges normally applied to tickets. The discount from this error varies from market to market but total savings have been reported up to $130 in certain round trip markets.
United is currently updating all fares in all systems though all tickets issued prior to the update will reflect the discounted fuel surcharge level. Please note that this only applies to issued tickets: any reservations that have been made but not issued will revert to the correct fuel surcharge level by later this evening.
Magnitude 7.9 Earthquake Hits China
05/12/2008 - A magnitude 7.9 earthquake hit Wenchuan County in China earlier today. The quake was reportedly felt as far away as Beijing, which is 930 miles away. Thousands of people were evacuated from Beijing high-rises immediately after the earthquake. At least seven more earthquakes -- measuring between 4.0 and 6.0 magnitudes -- happened nearby over the three hours after the initial quake at 2:28 p.m. local time, the USGS reported. The earthquake was also felt in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan, and as far away as Hanoi, Vietnam, and Bangkok, Thailand. Thousands of people were killed in the initial quake, with more being uncovered as rescuers attempt to reach victims in buried cities and buildings.
Storm Causes Midwest Airport Delays
05/02/2008 - A severe storm has hit the midwest and is resulting in airport delays and closures due to high winds and thunderstorms. Airports in the northeast are also experiencing delays. Midwest airports currently affected include St. Louis, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Rapid City. Other airports experiencing delays include Denver, Newark, and New York.
Due to blizzard conditions, Casto's Rapid City office has been closed for the remainder of the day. As a result, we are experiencing an increase in call volume and appreciate your patience as we work to assist travelers.
American, Continental, and US Airways Policy Changes
04/29/2008 - American Airlines announced revisions to its baggage policy yesterday citing "rising costs associated with the transportation of baggage, including the price of fuel." Travelers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after Monday, May 12, will be able to check one bag for free and pay $25 for a second checked bag. Exceptions to this include AAdvantage Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum members, holders of full-fare tickets in Economy, Business and First Class, and those with international itineraries (excluding Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands).
Continental Airlines is raising some of its change fees across all entities. Most domestic change fees will increase from $100 to $150 and international fees will vary depending on the fare. The increase will go into effect for tickets issued on or after April 24, 2008.
In addition, Continental Airlines has changed its checked baggage policy. Customers who purchase economy class tickets with certain fare types, and are not Elite members of Continental's OnePass frequent flyer program, may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Continental's premium travelers in economy class - Elite OnePass members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Presidential Plus credit card holders and non-Elite customers who purchase certain fare types may check two bags at no charge.
US Airways also cited the "rising cost of fuel" announcing the increase of their change fee on non-refundable fares by $50 per ticket. The increase is effective for all tickets issued on or after Tuesday, April 29. The new change fee will be $150 for US Airways flights between the US (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America. The fee will be $250 for transatlantic/transpacific flights originating from the US, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean or Latin America unless otherwise specified in the fare rule. The change fee for transatlantic/transpacific flights originating from any other location will remain unchanged.
United Increases Change/Cancel Fees
04/21/2008 - Citing recent increases in fuel prices, United Airlines has announced an increase in its itinerary change and cancellation fees for tickets purchased in the US and Canada. Effective immediately, the domestic itinerary change/cancel fee has increased from $100 USD to $150 USD. The international itinerary change/cancel fee varies by destination and Casto agents will advise travelers of the fare rules for appropriate fees. Tickets issued prior to this policy change will not be affected by the increase and are subject to the change/cancel fees stated in the fare rules at the time of ticketing. We expect other airline carriers to follow suit in the coming weeks and months.
New Requirements for China Visa
04/17/2008 - Effective immediately, China has updated their visa requirements for US and Non-US Passport holders requesting visas in the US.
US Passport Holders
US Passport holders applying for a visa in the US shall be required to provide supporting documents with their application. Some applicants may be asked to come to the Visa Office in person for an interview.
- If you are a tourist, shall provide a copy of your confirmed itinerary indicating a round trip air ticket and hotel reservation.
- If you are to visit friends or family, you shall provide a copy of your confirmed itinerary indicating a round trip air ticket, and certificate of kinship which can be waived if you are of Chinese origin and born in China.
- If you are on business, you shall provide visa notification issued by authorized Chinese units and a copy of your confirmed itinerary indicating a round trip air ticket and hotel reservation.
Non-US Passport Holders
Non-US Passport holders applying for a visa in the US shall be required to provide supporting documents with their application. Some applicants may be asked to come to the Visa Office in person for an interview. You will be limited to a single entry visa valid for 30 days. Casto’s turnaround time is 24 hours to 5 business days.
- Based on the purpose of your visit, you shall provide supporting documents listed above, and
- Previous Chinese visa issued by any Chinese foreign mission, and
- A copy of your Green Card
Non-US Passport holders requesting a single or double entry visa who are not holding a Green Card or a previous China Visa will be:
- Issued a visa (if approved) through the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC
- Limited to single or double entries
- Required to hold a valid US visa
- Subject to a 4 to 8 business day turnaround
Additional Information
Anyone applying for a China visa in Hong Kong will be limited to a single entry visa valid for 30 days.
For further information, please contact Casto Visa | Passport at 408.553.4735 or click here for the application procedures.
Delta & Northwest Announce Merger
04/14/2008 - Delta Air Lines says it has reached an agreement with Northwest Airlines to take over Northwest and create the world’s biggest carrier. The boards of both companies gave the deal the go-ahead this evening. The combined airline will have a value of approximately $17.7 billion and will be based in Atlanta where Delta CEO Richard Anderson will head the combined company.
The deal could lead to less competition and higher fares on some routes where the two carriers now compete, but there is relatively little overlap between the current Delta and Northwest systems. We do not believe that the merger will adversely affect mileage programs, frequent traveler status programs, or existing itineraries, though there remains the possibility of future labor activity depending upon agreed upon terms.
As other industry officials have predicted, Casto also feels this merger could lead to a series of other airline mergers to reshape the US airline industry, including the likely combination of United and Continental. The merger still requires antitrust approval and Casto will keep you updated as the situation and details affecting travelers unfold.
More MD-80 Flight Cancellations
04/10/2008 - American Airlines has cancelled another 900 flights today, Thursday April 10, due to inspections on their MD-80 planes. According to Casto’s American Airlines representative, “as of last night, all 3 days (through Saturday) our schedules should be locked in. By 4:00pm today, we should be back to 40% of the MD-80’s schedule. By 6:00pm on Friday, it should be up to 60%; by Saturday a.m. 75% and by mid-day Saturday, back to 100%”
Midwest Airlines has also grounded 13 of its airplanes today to re-inspect a wiring harness on their MD-80 planes, the same reason that caused American Airlines to cancel flights. They have voluntarily cancelled all of their flights involving the Boeing MD-80 aircraft to ensure they were in compliance with the strict FAA directive.
Alaska Airlines says it has canceled 14 flights today to conduct further wiring inspections on its 9 MD-80 planes. Alaska says it’s putting passengers on other flights.
Again, we recommend all travelers check their flight status on their respective airlines (American Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines) or contact Casto prior to departure. Other carriers flying MD-80’s are expected to follow suit shortly. Casto will advise as we learn more.
American Airlines Cancels Another 850 Flights
04/09/2008 - American Airlines canceled 850 flights today, Wednesday April 9 – more than one-third of its schedule – due to wiring inspections on some of its jets. A spokesman for AA said cancellations could continue beyond Wednesday as the airline works on its MD-80 jets. The airline said it would put displaced travelers on other American flights or those operated by competitors. And because the delays were “within their control” and not weather-related, American is offering meals, lodging and ground transportation to stranded travelers.
In the event that AA re-accommodates a traveler on a different aircraft type, or on another airline altogether, it is likely that previously assigned seats will be changed to accommodate the plane layout. Should this occur it is possible, though not likely, that this may also result in a change of service class. Due to the sheer number of cancellations, Casto suspects other airlines will be affected due to attempts to re-accommodate travelers. We recommend all travelers check their flight status at AA.com Gates & Times or contact Casto prior to departure.
American Airlines Cancels Hundreds of Flights
04/08/2008 - American Airlines is cancelling several hundred flights starting on April 8 to conduct additional inspections of its MD-80 fleet. These inspections are to ensure precise and complete compliance with the FAA's directive related to wiring in the aircraft's wheel wells. The airline is actively working to re-accommodate affected passengers on other American flights or on flights operated by airlines in the same market. In the event that AA re-accommodates a traveler on a different aircraft type, or on another airline altogether, it is likely that previously assigned seats will be changed to accommodate the plane layout. Should this occur it is possible, though not likely, that this may also result in a change of service class.
It is not known at this time how many cancellations will result, but it could be as many as 500 today with additional cancellations tomorrow. Customers may be automatically notified of flight changes, but should check AA.com Gates & Times or contact a Casto Travel representative.
ATA Ceases Operations
04/03/2008 - After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 2, 2008, ATA Airlines has discontinued all operations and cancelled all current and future flights. Following the loss of a key contract for their military charter business, it became impossible for ATA to continue operations.
On their website, ATA.com, they apologize for the disruption caused by the sudden shutdown and ask that customers seek alternative arrangements for current and future travel. A list of other airlines serving ATA’s destinations is available here.
Customers who purchased tickets using a credit card should contact their credit card company or Casto agent directly for information about how to obtain a refund for unused tickets. Customers who purchased tickets from Southwest Airlines for flights operated by ATA under the code share agreement should contact Southwest Airlines directly at (800) 308-5037. Southwest has implemented a plan to take care of all customers who purchased a ticket on Southwest and are scheduled to travel on ATA service by rebooking them on a new itinerary, or offering a full refund for any unused portion of a ticket.
United Grounds 777 Fleet
04/02/2008 - United Airlines is informing customers traveling on April 2, 2008 on United's Boeing 777 aircraft that they may experience flight delays or cancellations as a result of a functional check being performed on the aircraft.
As part of a regular review of maintenance records, the company discovered that the functional test that checks the firing system on one of the five bottles in the cargo fire suppression system on the Boeing 777 was not performed, and this was voluntarily disclosed to the FAA. United is in the process of checking this part of the system. This system is regularly tested as part of the pre-flight safety checks.
These checks are related to compliance. United will not operate these aircraft until the tests are complete. United will conduct the check on all 52 Boeing 777 aircraft in the company's fleet.
Casto highly advises that travelers check their flight status on United.com before leaving for the airport. United is currently working to provide additional aircraft where available and is accommodating customers on other flights and other airlines. Travelers can check which aircraft they are scheduled to fly on at United.com.
Aloha Airlines Ceases Operations
03/31/2008 - Please be advised that this morning Aloha Airlines announced that it is fully suspending operations and will discontinue all flights after today, March 31. A number of flights originally scheduled for today have also been canceled. For a list of affected flights today, as well as advise on how to proceed in the event of planned future travel on Aloha, please see the Aloha page at: http://www.alohaairlines.com/landing_pages/aloha_oe_faq.php.
United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have announced that they will attempt to accommodate affected passengers. As both United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines frequently operate at peak capacity for travel to, from and within Hawaii, we expect significant delays for re-accommodated travelers. Casto is presently contacting affected travelers and advising on options for reaccommodation, where possible. Passengers who purchased their tickets with a credit card are advised to contact their credit card company for a possible refund.
American Airlines and Delta Cancel Many Flights Over Safety Concerns
03/27/2008 - Delta and American Airlines have now both announced that they will cancel hundreds of flights so the companies can conduct inspections on some of their jets. The cancellations are expected to affect travel through Friday. Delta is expected to cancel 325 flights on Thursday. American Airlines canceled 318 flights on Wednesday and anticipates another 132 flights on Thursday, representing about 6 percent of the daily schedule. Delta is inspecting the wiring of 117 MD-88 aircraft. The airline said the checks are voluntary and are expected to be completed by week's end. American Airlines, meanwhile, is examining wiring secured to the MD-80 aircraft.
This latest round of inspections was prompted by questions raised by the Federal Aviation Administration and American safety officials about how a certain bundle of wires is secured to the MD-80 aircraft. We strongly recommend you reconfirm flights prior to departure if scheduled on American Airlines or Delta.
American Airlines Cancels Many Flights Over Safety Concen
03/26/2008 - Approximately 200 American Airlines flights across the country were canceled over safety concerns on the morning of March 26. At least 29 flights scheduled to depart before 10:00AM local time were canceled from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The airline has canceled two-thirds of its flights using Boeing MD-80 aircrafts, following an airworthiness directive. American Airlines operates approximately 2,200 flights daily. Travelers using the airline are likely to face travel disruptions. We strongly recommend you reconfirm flights prior to departure if scheduled on American Airlines.
Southwest Grounds 41 Planes Due to Missed Inspections
03/12/2008 - Please be advised that Southwest Airlines grounded 41 planes overnight — about 8 percent of its fleet — in the wake of its recent admission that it had missed required inspections of some planes for structural cracks. Southwest spokeswoman Christi Day said today that the move to ground 41 planes resulted in some flights being canceled, although she didn’t have a precise figure. Casto is continually monitoring the situation for additional flight cancellations and/or delays.
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