(May 18, 2010) – Delta Air Lines today announced it has received final Chinese government approval to launch nonstop flights between Seattle and Beijing, beginning June 4. The new route, which will operate five times weekly, will connect customers from destinations throughout Delta’s and code-share partner Alaska Air Group’s network to the Chinese capital via convenient connections at the Seattle hub.

Departure and arrival times have been revised from the initial announcement of the route based on the slot times granted at Beijing’s Capital International Airport.  Flights will operate as follows:

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The Iceland volcano eruptions that are causing flight cancellations and delays have created some uncertainty about upcoming trips to Europe.  You need a travel agent as your safety net!  Here’s what we’ll do for you at Stellar Travel:

• Our business and vacation traveler’s flights are monitored and we take care of re-booking all reservations.
• We use our inside contact relationships at international airlines because they give our clients priority.  During flight cancellation periods, it is very difficult for internet-booked customers to get through to a real live airline person.
• If flights are cancelled, we secure refunds and/or apply ticket values to future travel dates.
• We re-book the entire itinerary to ensure hotels and car rentals are re-scheduled to match flight changes.
• We help you sort through travel insurance programs for trip cancellation coverage options.
• Bottom line:  We do things you can’t do yourself and give you peace of mind!

There are some good, last-minute values on 2010 Europe tours and Mediterranean cruises. To be a happy traveler, email info@stellartravel.com  or call us at 425.747.1900.

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As of Tuesday morning, April 20, a few Volcano-cancelled flights are now operating as some airspace is re-opened.

Here’s what we’ve been doing and will continue to do in the Stellar Travel corporate department for our affected clients:

• At the beginning of the crisis all of our travelers and their flights were monitored.  Where they were, where they were going, and contingency planning began.
• We use our inside contact relationships within the international airline sales departments.  These valued contacts give us direct access to flight status and assist with re-accommodation to other flights – giving our clients priority over internet or phone-booked travelers.
• As we monitor traveler’s flights for current and future travel, we re-book their reservations and keep them informed by email and phone in the U.S. and Europe.  Travel agency computer systems display all airline information in one source.
• Some alternate transportation has been available and reserved:  Eurail, car rental, and motorcoach options.
• We assist with business travel hotel reservations and re-booking to ensure the entire itinerary is re-scheduled or cancelled as needed.
• For cancelled trips, corporate agents work to secure refunds and/or apply ticket values to future dates of travel.

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Ash clouds from Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokul volcano have caused airports across Europe to halt operations.  Full story is here.

Stellar Travel is working to rebook all of our travelers who have been effected by these closures.

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Designed for frequent international travelers, the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program is operational in 20 U.S. airports, including Seattle.  Pre-approved travelers  expedite entry and by-pass the usual immigration/passport control lines using a 4-question kiosk check-in and taking the machine-produced receipt directly to the expedited customs exits.  The average time at the kiosk is under one minute.

U.S. Citizens may apply online at www.globalentry.gov.  Once U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reviewed the application, an in-person interview is required for photo and fingerprinting.  A valid passport and one other form of identification are also required. The interview concludes with a demonstration on using the automated entry kiosk.

Cost:  $100 non-refundable processing fee, valid for 5 years.

Timing:  Approximately 2 weeks total time from online application to interview.

Group interview is available:  For corporations with 15 or more international travelers enrolling in Global Entry, CBP staff will arrange to conduct the in-person interview and processing at the corporation’s location.

Stellar Travel Co-President Susan Bluhm recently viewed the system and kiosk demonstration.  Questions may be directed to her at susan@stellartravel.com or www.globalentry.gov

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On December 20, 2009 Argentina began collecting a $131 entry fee from U.S. visitors.  The Argentine government set this entry fee to an equal amount that Argentine citizens must pay when requesting a visa to travel to the United States.

The payment of this fee IS NOT a visa since Argentina does not require a visa for U.S. citizens.  The fee will only be collected at the Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport and is valid for multiple entries into Argentina for 10 years.

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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is providing FREE WiFi throughout the facility, compliments of Google!  The special holiday promotion runs through Jan. 15, 2010. And, the Port of Seattle is preparing for the airport to continue providing free WiFi for passengers, tenants, and guests after Jan 15.

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Beginning today Sea-Tac Airport parkers will be met with two flat-rate pricing options – General Parking and Terminal Direct.

Responding to feedback from customers, the new Port of Seattle program eliminates the Hourly and Daily designations and the multi-tiered rates, which proved confusing and difficult to calculate. A new parking option, called Terminal Direct, gives parkers the fastest and most convenient place to park at the airport – the 4th floor with its direct access to the terminal.

The new rates will be $3 per hour for General Parking, $4 per hour for the convenience of Terminal Direct – on the 4th floor or sky bridge level.  Rates will be clearly posted at the garage entrances.

All parking will be available for short-term or long-term access. Full day rates do not change; General Parking remains at $26 per day, with Terminal Direct at $35 per day (the same rate as the previous Hourly designation).

Stellar Travel clients have the option of lower rates at MasterPark airport parking lots.  Discounted to $13.50 for Lots A, B, C and $14.50 at the Valet Garage (recommended), the savings over the Port of Seattle facility are significant.  For frequent travelers, pre-registration of a credit card at the MasterPark Valet Garage offers a further discount to $13.95 per day.  Click here for coupons

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The new, larger Cell Phone Waiting Lot opens at 9 a.m. on Monday morning, July 27. The new lot, located just north of the old lot location on Air Cargo Road, includes nearly 100 spaces for vehicles.

Parking in the lot is free and drivers can wait up to 30 minutes until arriving passengers have deplaned, collected luggage and called to be picked up outside of Baggage Claim. Drivers must stay with their vehicles. The Cell Phone Waiting Lot not only provides a convenient place for waiting for arriving flights, but also helps keep traffic on the airport drives moving smoothly. There is no parking or waiting allowed on the airport roadway shoulders.

Driving Directions

To the Cell Phone Lot:

• From the Southbound Airport Expressway: Take the Air Cargo Rd./Cell Phone Lot exit, turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.
• From Southbound International Blvd: Turn right onto 170th, turn right onto Air Cargo Road and follow that road until you see the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on your left.

From the Cell Phone Lot to Baggage Claim (Arrivals Drive):
Take a right out of the Cell Phone Lot and make left on Air Cargo Road (sign reads to terminal). Follow signs to Arrivals.

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