Happy Steps travel blog

Travel industry contributes to relief efforts for Haiti earthquake

Hotels, airline companies, travel agents and travel websites are doing their share in helping Haiti after a devastating earthquake (measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale) struck about 15km south west of Port-au-Prince last Tuesday.

Airlines such as Continental, Delta, United Airlines, US Airways and other such companies encourage their clients to donate miles or money to the American Red Cross. American Airlines will award 250 bonus miles for every $50 donation. A Boeing 747 relief aircraft with volunteer pilots and cabin crew courtesy of British Airways will be flying to assist agencies in charge of emergency and rescue operations and services including equipment to Haiti. Continue reading… »

Cutting back on business travel costs

With major factors affecting the economy such as increasing fuel costs and the global recession, most top airline companies suffer huge losses resulting to reduced flights and higher rates according to an air travel forecast article from USA Today. Also, there’s been a decrease in first-class and business-class tickets since last year which means revenue loss for the airline industry. So what can businesses and organizations do to lessen travel-related expenses than to resort to cost-saving measures such as online video-conferencing or giving up the comforts and perks of choosing premium seats? Continue reading… »

Buying airline travel ticket from Cebu Pacific website failed transaction a phishing trick?

I certainly hope not! That’s what I told techie bro when he raised the possibility of a phishing trick after I unsuccessfully tried many many times to purchase online for Mom’s Bacolod-Manila round trip ticket via Cebu Pacific Air’s online ticketing system last week. I already used two Visa Electron cards and one MasterCard but to no avail, I got declined status, i.e. failed transaction, for them. Thankfully, our Prague Connection did the ticket purchase the next day using his Mastercard account and the transaction was accepted.

The last week of April was quite busy for the airline site as they were having an ongoing seat sale (from April 25-30 for domestic and international flights), applicable for travel period from June 1 to August 31 from all hubs – Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao. The ticket prices were incredibly low. Imagine getting a roundtrip Bacolod-Manila ticket for only Php1375! That’s even less than the regular one-way ticket.
Continue reading… »

Environmental safety measures in the travel industry

Most of the airline companies are now catching up with global awareness and incorporating some environmental safety measures and practices in their systems. Some companies even encourage their clients to “go green” and provide educational articles to enlighten them including options for clients to purchase green products to offset their carbon emissions brought about by travel.
Continue reading… »

Philippine Airlines promo fares for last quarter of 2008

For travel bugs and tourists who plan to travel to some destinations (Honolulu, Guam, Bangkok, Los Angeles or Sydney) to and from Manila, check out some promo packages from Philippine Airlines (PAL). Here are some low fare flights available at their online booking facility which features their calendar pricing, showing the fares within a seven-day range for the travelers to choose from based on 3 days before and after their inputted travel date.

Bangkok to Manila

For only THB4660 plus taxes and applicable surcharges for 2 days minimum stay up to 8 days maximum stay, travel period until December 14, 2008, no mileage accrual and ticket is non-refundable. For THB 5000 plus taxes and applicable surcharges, the same condition applies plus rebooking is allowed at a charge of THB1,000.

Hong Kong to Manila

For only HKD1,000 plus taxes and applicable surcharges for 2 days minimum stay up to 8 days maximum stay, travel period until December 14, 2008, no mileage accrual, non-refundable ticket, no ticket validity extension and rebooking fee allowed at USD50.

Manila to Honolulu

For only USD318 plus taxes and applicable surcharges for 3 days minimum stay up to 3 months maximum stay, travel period until December 15, no ticket validity extension, no mileage accrual. Other restrictions can be read here.

Manila to Guam

For only USD365 plus taxes and applicable surcharges for 4 days minimum stay up to 45 days maximum stay with no ticket validity extension.

Manila to Hong Kong

For only USD138 plus taxes and applicable surcharges 2 days minimum stay up to 8 days maximum stay, travel period until December 14, 2008, no mileage accrual, and ticket is non-refundable.

Special web fares

More special web fares from PAL such as Manila to Honolulu, Manila to Los Angeles or San Francisco, Manila to Singapore, Jakarta to Manila, Los Angeles or San Francisco to Manila and more are available here.

Note that promo packages have a lot of restrictions (non-refundable ticket, travel period, etc.) so be informed of all the details and plan it out well before doing your purchase. You might also want to check out Cebu Pacific and compare ongoing promo packages for both airlines.

Photo credits: Julius Silver (www.foto-julius.at)

Business Class treats from KLM Philippines

Here’s a quick announcement which I’d like to share for those who plan to go to Europe from the Philippines via business class. KLM Philippines offers a double treat for online round trip business class bookings until October 15, 2008 – a discounted fare plus a wellness treat at The Farm at San Benito in Batangas.

Isn’t it nice to come home from a trip and be treated to a relaxing overnight stay for free in this wellness resort?

More details about this offer can be read here.

Photo credits: KLM Philippines / The Farm

Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific: Which is which?

I’d say it really depends. While Philippine Airlines (PAL) airfares usually cost more than Cebu Pacific (CEB), this is not always the case. One of my trips to Manila was via PAL’s special evening flight which was a good deal compared to Cebu Pacific’s daytime flights.

Regarding airport terminals, both airlines now compete with serving their clients better – PAL at the Centennial Terminal 2 and Cebu Pacific at the new NAIA Terminal 3.

With respect to allowable baggage, Cebu Pacific has now reduced it to 15 kg, while it’s still 20 kg limit for PAL. Thus, for passengers coming from international flights with other airlines and traveling via Cebu Pacific from Manila to other provinces, please be aware of their new reduced baggage limit. If you have 20 kg, you might as well consider flying with PAL or avail of Cebu Pacific’s prepaid excess baggage discount of 20% per 5kg additional weight. Note that excess baggage fee is Php100 per 1kg. The prepaid excess baggage discount can be availed when buying the ticket, not during check-in.

To get the most savings in purchasing your air tickets, do a comparison of the total cost of flight expenses (air fare plus excess baggage cost) for both airlines. For instance, if you have 20 kg baggage, you don’t need to pay for excess if you fly with PAL and you might get a discounted fare if you buy weeks ahead of your flight schedule. On the other hand, if you’re traveling light, Cebu Pacific could be your best option.

Here are some tips about purchasing air tickets:
1. Always plan your trip in advance.
2. Tickets bought online are cheaper than via travel agents or at the airline office (you also save on time and gas).
3. Buy your ticket at least a month in advance to get the cheapest price.

Here’s to more happy travels ahead!