Wednesday, November 25, 2009

US Airways Expands Central and South America for Customers Through TACA Codeshare Agreement

(BUSINESS WIRE)--With recent approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, US Airways (NYSE: LCC) customers will be able to enjoy expanded travel between the United States and destinations in Central and South America, thanks to a new codeshare agreement between TACA Airlines and US Airways beginning Jan. 12, 2010. Flying will be open for sale beginning Dec. 5 at usairways.com and through global distribution channels.

The codeshare agreement will complement existing US Airways flying to Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and beginning Dec. 15—Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—from its Charlotte, N.C., hub.

With this new agreement, US Airways customers traveling from the United States to Latin America will be able to connect on flights operated by TACA Airlines. Through TACA’s hubs in San Salvador, El Salvador; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Lima, Peru, US Airways customers can travel on a single ticket to those countries, as well as Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Conversely, TACA customers gain greater access to US Airways' markets in the United States and beyond through connecting opportunities in Charlotte.

US Airways Senior Vice President Marketing and Planning Andrew Nocella said, “Our codeshare offerings continue to expand for our customers in 2010, which means more destinations in more countries. Customers can book these flights directly from US Airways and enjoy convenient ticketing and baggage connectivity just as they would on a US Airways-operated flight.”

“Through this agreement we can deliver an improved travel experience for TACA and US Airways passengers,” said TACA Corporate Development Vice President Alex Benitez. “Opportunities like these are driven by our concern for our customers’ needs and ultimately contribute to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction, one of our main business goals.”

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Reminder to Motorists: As You Travel This Holiday Season, Pay Special Attention to Law Enforcement Officers Patrolling Our Roadways

/PRNewswire/ -- On the day before Thanksgiving 2008, Deputy Nick Pham of the Monroe County (FL) Sheriff's Office was on patrol on U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys when his police cruiser collided with a semi-tractor trailer. A four-year veteran of Florida law enforcement in Florida, the 43-year-old husband and father died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Deputy Sheriff Pham was one of six law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty on the nation's roadways last holiday season -- the period between the Thanksgiving holiday and New Year's. That can be a particularly dangerous time for law enforcement, as millions of Americans take to the roads and officers step up their safety patrols. In all of 2008, 71 law enforcement officers nationally died in traffic-related incidents -- the leading cause of officer fatalities for the 11th consecutive year.

To help prevent officer deaths and injuries this holiday season, the "Drive Safely" campaign of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is again reminding motorists to pay special attention to officers on the roads and to follow other common-sense traffic safety measures.

"Again this year, our dedicated law enforcement officers will be called on to give up time with their own families so the rest of us can travel in safety to spend the holidays with our loved ones. Every time we get behind the wheel -- and especially during the holidays -- we owe these brave men and women our full attention and consideration," said NLEOMF Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd.

"In addition to doing the obvious things -- not speeding or driving drunk -- drivers need to be especially mindful of officers who will be out enforcing traffic laws. If you see a police cruiser stopped by the side of the road, please slow down, move over and allow the officers to do their jobs safely and effectively," Mr. Floyd added.

The Memorial Fund's "Drive Safely" campaign promotes a number of actions motorists can take to protect law enforcement officers, other drivers and themselves:

-- Focus on driving. Avoid talking on your cell phone, eating, or hunting
for items in your vehicle while driving. When traveling 55 mph or
faster, a two-second distraction can be deadly. Adjust your speed for
road conditions, especially snow and ice.
-- Slow down and "move over." If you see an emergency vehicle stopped by
the side of the road, slow down and safely move over one lane if
possible. Forty-seven states now have "move over" laws, and violators
can be ticketed and fined.
-- Get out of the way of emergency vehicles. If an emergency vehicle has
its lights or siren activated, slow down, move to the right and stop
if possible. Once the vehicle passes, do not follow it too closely.
-- Stay off the shoulder. Driving on the shoulder of a roadway is not
only illegal -- it's dangerous. Emergency vehicles use the shoulder to
get to emergencies faster, where a few seconds can mean the difference
between life and death.
-- Watch officers' hands as they direct traffic. And listen for whistles
or other audible signals from officers on how to proceed.


For more information, safety tips and resources, visit the "Drive Safely" website at www.LawMemorial.org/DriveSafely.

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Celebrate the Holidays with Family and Friends at Fantasy in Lights®

T2F Note: A perennial favorite of our staff during the holidays is to see the magic and wonder of the holiday lights. We've always found it a sure way to brighten the holiday. Callaway Gardens is a sure bet for our coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award.

Make holiday memories that last a lifetime with family and friends amongst more than eight million sparkling lights and holiday sounds at the 18th annual Fantasy In Lights® at Callaway Gardens® November 20 through December 30, 2009.

Nestled throughout the wooded landscape of the Gardens, the southeast’s largest holiday light show features 12 unique holiday scenes and a truly magical Christmas Village for family members of all ages to enjoy.

Guests celebrate the joy of the season and the wonder of nature as they travel through five miles of larger-than-life lighted scenes on either the Jolly Trolley or in their personal vehicle. Custom designed holiday scenes, such as the favored Snowflake Valley and Santa’s Workshop, are set to classic Christmas music provided by more than 400 speakers making this an experience everyone will truly remember. Two favorite scenes, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Nativity, can be found on the shore of Robin Lake. Both are 10 minute presentations with spectacular animation, narration and music.

The Callaway Gardens Christmas Village is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees; a Toyland filled with classic Christmas toy treasures; and is the place for boys and girls of all ages to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. The Christmas Village also is filled with unique Christmas gifts and decor; wares made by Georgia crafters; a cookie decorating station; a candy-by-the-pound shop; a Fantasy In Lights souvenir shop and more. A food court will provide an option of food and sweet treats.

Callaway Gardens is proud to announce that Fantasy In Lights has been honored by the American Bus Association as a 2009 Top 100 Event in North America and by The Chicago Tribune as one of the Top 48 Events in the World in 2009. Since 1992, more than two million visitors have made Fantasy In Lights part of their holiday tradition. It is a wonderful way to spend quality time with family members.

Fantasy In Lights tickets start at $16 per adult and $8 per child and include same-day admission to Callaway Gardens to enjoy the beautiful holiday floral displays at the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center; the tropical warmth at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and the amazing feats of the Birds Of Prey show (weather dependent). Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Simply purchase online at www.callawaygardens.com/fil or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

Admission to Fantasy In Lights begins at 6:00 p.m. nightly. November 22nd is reserved for pedestrians only as more than 6,000 guests will stroll through the winter wonderland of Fantasy In Lights for the annual March of Dimes Night Walk.

Callaway Gardens is offering guests a special Fantasy In Lights package to provide families with an affordable and memorable holiday vacation to celebrate the season and reconnect with loved ones. Overnight packages are available at all four lodging options.

For additional information about Fantasy In Lights or to make a reservation for a special holiday experience, please go to www.callawaygardens.com/fil or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

CDC Kicks Off National Travelers' Health Public Awareness Campaign

/PRNewswire/ -- Every holiday season, millions of Americans travel through the nation's airports, seaports, and train stations to spend time with loved ones. Special holiday get-togethers - and traveling itself - bring people close together but also provide an ideal way for illness to spread. To help travelers avoid the flu this holiday season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today launched its largest ever public awareness campaign about staying healthy while traveling.

"The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year," said Anne Schuchat, M.D., director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "People are in close contact - whether they're on a plane, train, ship or just visiting with loved ones. This campaign provides practical advice to help travelers prepare for their trips and stay healthy during their holiday travel."

CDC is urging people to take the following steps when planning their travel and to stay informed about what to do if they get sick while they're gone, including:

-- Traveling only when they are feeling well
-- Getting vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they
are in a priority group)
-- Washing hands often
-- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve

"We know that flu - and specifically H1N1 this year - is a big concern for people, but flu shouldn't ruin the holidays," Dr. Schuchat said. "By practicing a little prevention, people can enjoy their holidays and stay well at the same time."

CDC developed the campaign in response to the emergence in April of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Since then, flu has spread throughout the country and around the world. In the United States, it has accounted for millions of cases and more than 4,000 deaths since April.

CDC launched the campaign at a joint event with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today in Washington, D.C. The campaign will run through the holiday season and use a variety of media, including informational posters at major airports, ports of entry and border crossings; national radio and print advertising; and social media and online outreach. CDC will also partner with local health departments, travel professionals, health care professionals, and colleges and universities to further educate the public. Campaign themes include "Prevention can be Travel-Sized" and "Stop, Wash and Go."

For more information about the CDC Travelers' Health campaign, recommendations regarding travel, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx. For more information about the H1N1 virus, visit www.flu.gov.

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European Courts Grant Historic New Law for Airline Passengers Rights: Will U.S. Ever Follow?

/PRNewswire/ -- Flyersrights.org and its President, Kate Hanni, applaud the decision handed down in a European court today which will require airlines in the European Union to compensate victims of mass delays for which they are responsible. Those who are forced to wait three hours or more will be compensated 600 Euros, the same as if their flight had been cancelled. But the airlines will be required NOT to cancel the flight unless it fits strict criteria as set down in this historic new law.

The decision, handed down by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, "is an important step forward," according to Hanni, "in creating a legal acknowledgment that the rights of victims, abused and ignored by the big airlines for far too long, will be given priority over the bloodless corporations that have simply taken it for granted that they engage in any behavior, no matter how injurious it is to consumers, without fearing repercussion. Imagine being stuffed like a sardine in a hot metal tube, without working toilets, food or water or access to medicines for over three hours, with no rights?"

Hendrik Noorderhaven EU Claim, FlyersRights.org EU counterpart and Global Partner said "This is a Historic decision for airline passengers in the EU, and in particular, any passengers traveling to the EU who suffer through anything greater than a 3 hour delay. They will now be reimbursed for this suffering with cash."

Hanni took it a step further, questioning why the United States has not yet taken similar measures to protect its citizens from this kind of corporate abuse.

"Sadly, the U.S. is woefully behind in prioritizing the rights of its consumers. Why hasn't Congress passed the Airline Passengers Bill of Rights, created in bipartisan fashion by Senators Barbara Boxer and Olympia Snowe, inserting it into the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009? Why can I still be held hostage on a tarmac for 9 hours without any rights? The time to sit idly by and allow big airlines to treat their passengers like jet fuel is long past. We deserve nothing less in the Unites States than the very same rights the courts have just granted to consumers living in democracies across the European continent."

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Dollywood’s Splash Country Wins Must-See Waterpark Award

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dollywood’s Splash Country won the Must-See Waterpark Award on Monday, Nov. 16, at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo 2009 in Las Vegas.

The program recognizes outstanding waterparks around the world that provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience, top-notch guest service, operations, and safety.

“IAAPA’s Must-See Waterpark Award truly is an honor for our entire Dollywood’s Splash Country team and all of Herschend Family Entertainment, which is dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind guest experience in a wholesome family setting,” Dollywood’s Splash Country Vice President and General Manager Gene Scherrer said.

The park twice has been recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s top ten water parks. In 2001, Dollywood’s Splash Country was named the World Waterpark Association’s Best New Water Park in America.

In August, Dollywood’s Splash Country announced the addition of Slick Rock Racer, a multi-lane mat slide, for the 2010 season. Slick Rock Racer spans 300 feet and features four water-drenched lanes, each side by side. Positioned belly down on mats, each rider travels head first on a channel which includes an initial dip to build speed. Multiple bumps along the length of the slide allow riders to gain additional momentum which propels them to the finish. The new attraction can accommodate approximately 600 guests an hour.

Slick Rock Racer joins Dollywood’s Splash Country’s more than 30 water adventure slides including The Butterfly, Mountain Scream, Mountain Twist, and the 70-foot-tall Fire Tower Falls®, the state’s tallest twin speed slides.

Marking its tenth year of operation in 2010, Dollywood’s Splash Country is a 35-acre water adventure park located adjacent to Dollywood theme park. Situated in a unique wooded mountain setting, Dollywood’s Splash Country operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information, visit http://www.dollywoodssplashcountry.com.

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Monday, November 16, 2009

Six Flags White Water Announces New Interactive Addition for 2010 Inspired by The Wiggles...The World's Premier Children's Entertainers

/PRNewswire/ -- Guests will find themselves wiggling with excitement as Six Flags White Water introduces its newest attraction in May 2010. The largest water park in the Southeast will transform into the wiggliest and wettest family destination with the introduction of North America's first Wiggles Water World. The Wiggles are the world's #1 preschool entertainers, having sold more than 23 million videos and 7 million CDs worldwide.

Wiggles Water World will boast five interactive sections spread over 40,000 square feet. The biggest adventure of all can be found at the center of Wiggles Water World on board The S.S. Feathersword, a 25-foot tall interactive play ship. Guests can become Captain Feathersword's first mate while exploring water cannons, telescopes, net climbs, secret crawl-throughs, port-holes and slippery slides.

And the fun doesn't stop there - adventure seekers can visit Wags the Dog's Kennel Slide Tower, splash around in Henry the Octopus's Pop Jets, explore Dorothy the Dinosaur's Spray Garden or take a ride on the Big Red Car Slide. The whole family can even grab a bite to eat at the Yummy Yummy Cafe.

"The Wiggles have touched the hearts of children for over 18 years and we are thrilled at the opportunity to bring this unique family experience to our water park," said Melinda Ashcraft, Six Flags Atlanta Properties Park President. "Wiggles Water World is the first of its kind in North America and will make 2010 a very special season."

After forming in Sydney Australia in 1991, The Wiggles have become the most popular children's entertainers in the world, combining music with early childhood education. Wiggles Water World will be designed to leverage the group's vast recognition and status among children ages 2-6. Since their inception, The Wiggles have franchised into other countries, including the development of Wiggles-themed play areas in five other Six Flags parks in the U.S.

Wiggles Water World will join a host of thrilling rides and attractions, including one of the tallest freefall slides in the world, a one-of-a-kind family raft ride and a giant wave pool. In 2008, Six Flags White Water was named "Best Private Water Park in the US" by Aquatics International.

More Flags. More Fun. More Affordable. 2010 Six Flags White Water Season Passes are on sale now for the lowest price of the season at $49.99. A Season Pass offers unlimited visits to Six Flags White Water, free tickets for friends, more than $300 in savings on in-park food and fun, and access to exclusive Season Pass events.

Six Flags White Water opens for the 2010 season on Saturday, May 22. For more information on Wiggles Water World and on the operating schedule, go to sixflags.com/whitewater.

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in one of the Most Wonderful Cities in America

/PRNewswire/ -- Holidays are the perfect time to visit Atlanta. Holiday travelers are invited to enjoy the holiday lights, ice skate in Centennial Olympic Park, save on Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Nutcracker tickets and so much more, with this special Atlanta vacation package.

Whether you're planning on traveling to Atlanta for the holidays or thinking about visiting The Big Peach throughout the coming months, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel is eager to host guests during the most wonderful time of the year.

Celebrate Atlanta's signature holiday magic for as low at $129 per room, per night through December 28, 2009. The Holiday in the City rates are available from 11/22/09 to 11/29/09 and 12/18/09 to 12/28/09, and include:

-- Deluxe downtown Atlanta accommodations for one night
-- Access to $10 off select Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets at
the Fox Theatre 11/19 to 12/6
-- Purchase Atlanta City Pass (includes admission to six attractions) for
$69
-- Purchase tickets in Atlanta's outdoor ice skating rink at Centennial
Olympic Park
-- Purchase 20% off Atlanta Ballets Nutcracker tickets showing at the Fox
Theatre 12/11 to 12/27


For package details, terms and conditions, visit http://marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/atlmq.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Holiday Travel: Not-So-Silent Nights in Asheville

/PRNewswire/ -- Asheville is known for mild winters, snow-capped mountains and a cozy downtown full of holiday tradition, but this year the season will sizzle with spectacle, savings and chances to splurge. Below are some of the season's best holiday events and travel deals for 2009:

ASHEVILLE SEASONAL SIZZLE: 19 Days of Not-So-Silent Nights

Holiday magic will literally be in the air as the night sky over Asheville sparkles during Seasonal Sizzle. Firework displays choreographed to Christmas music favorites will light up the night on Saturdays at 7 p.m. in December. Downtown streets will hum with carolers, roving performers and holiday shoppers. Local restaurants will offer "Sizzle Specials," getting guests in and out in time for the fireworks. Shops and galleries will stay open late, offering a festive occasion to browse decked-out window displays, art galleries and Asheville's whimsical boutiques. The lively atmosphere will go well into the evening - visit AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com for event info and details about Sizzle after-parties.

-- Seasonal Sizzle Firework Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19 at 7 p.m. -- FREE
-- Holiday Travel Deal: 'Tis the Season-al Sizzle Package -- Weekend
package includes two nights at historic Grove Park Inn, a $50 gift
card, twilight spa passes and appetizers at Magnolia Lounge. Watch the
fireworks from Sunset Terrace and enjoy the National Gingerbread
Competition Display.
-- AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com - holiday events, travel packages,
seasonal recipes and shopping guides

MORE TOP HOLIDAY EVENTS:
-- Santa on the Chimney: To ready himself for clambering down chimneys
across the world, Santa will practice on 315-foot Chimney Rock. Dates:
Dec. 5 & Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. FREE with park admission
-- Warren Haynes Christmas Jam: Rock legend Warren Haynes returns to his
hometown bringing along his friends for the 21st annual Warren Haynes
Xmas Jam featuring Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco and Gov't Mule. Date:
Dec. 12
-- National Gingerbread House Competition & Display: Culinary
contestants from across the country will bring their edible
masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn this holiday season. Check out the
new behind-the-scenes gingerbread tour. Dates: Nov. 18, 2009 to Jan.
3, 2010. FREE
-- New! Legendary Inns Gingerbread Tour: Take a holiday trolley tour to
four of Asheville's historic bed & breakfast inns classically
decorated and featuring an elaborate gingerbread scene from 'Twas the
Night Before Christmas. Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 7, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010
at 5 p.m.
-- Singing Santa & Asheville Holiday Parade: Grammy Award winner David
Holt and Appalachian songstress Laura Boosinger will preside over the
Asheville Holiday Parade. Always a favorite, Singing Santa croons from
atop his float as it winds through historic downtown. Date: Nov. 21 at
11 a.m. FREE
-- Christmas at Biltmore: Holidays arrive at America's largest home in
style. This year, Christmas at Biltmore promises more than 40
Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland, lights and holiday music.
Dates: Nov. 6, 2009 to Jan. 2, 2010

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

St. Kitts Is On Sale With Delta Air Lines

/PRNewswire/ -- The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is pleased to celebrate the commencement of a second weekly non-stop flight from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to St. Kitts from Delta, the world's largest airline, with Delta's special new low fares to the island.

Travelers can now fly to St. Kitts from Atlanta on Delta for just $309* each way (based on a required round-trip purchase; Saturday night stay required. *Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/baggage charges may apply. See below for details). Fare available at delta.com. Flights must be purchased by November 16, 2009 with travel to be completed on or before February 28, 2010.

Delta's second weekly non-stop flight to St. Kitts from Atlanta will operate on Wednesdays, beginning on December 23, 2009 and continue through April 7, 2010 for peak winter travel season, complementing Delta's Saturday non-stop flights to St. Kitts. Delta Air Lines flight DL573 departs Atlanta at 9:40 a.m. and arrives into St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport at 2:35 p.m. The return flight DL574 departs St. Kitts at 3:35 p.m. and arrives into Atlanta at 7:14 p.m. These flight times allow for convenient round-trip connections from over 90 airports in the U.S. and Canada.* Flights are listed in local time.

For more information about St. Kitts, contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll-free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn or follow St. Kitts on Facebook and/or Twitter.

A portion of travel for some itineraries may be operated by Delta subsidiary Northwest Airlines or the Delta Connection® carriers: Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Compass Airline, Comair, Mesaba Aviation, Pinnacle Airlines, Shuttle America or Skywest Airlines.

* - Restrictions: Fares shown are available at delta.com. Tickets cost $20 more if purchased from Delta over the phone, $35 more at a Delta ticket counter or ticket office, and these amounts are nonrefundable. Tickets are non-transferable. Seats are limited. Tickets: Tickets must be purchased no later than November 16, 2009. Travel Period: Travel may begin on or after November 2, 2009 and must be completed on or before February 28, 2010. Blackout Dates: To and from St. Kitts: November 19-29, 2009 and December 17, 2009-January 12, 2010. Fare Validity: Fares are valid in the Economy (Coach) cabin on Delta/Delta connection carriers only. Minimum Stay: Saturday night. Maximum Stay: 30 days. Cancellations/Refunds/Changes: Tickets are nonrefundable except in accordance with Delta's cancellation policy. Fees may apply for downgrades/reissues and itinerary changes. Contact a Delta agent or see [or visit delta.com for details. Taxes/Fees: Federal Excise Tax of $3.60, Passenger Facility Charge(s) of up to $4.50, and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $2.50 for each flight segment are not included. Fares do not include U.S. International Air Transportation Tax of up to $32.20 and U.S. and foreign user, inspection, security or other similarly based charges, fees or taxes of up to $299, depending on itinerary. Taxes and fees must be paid when the ticket is purchased. Baggage Charges: For travel to/from Mexico, Central and South America (except Brazil), and the Caribbean, $25 fee for second checked bag when bags are prepaid during online check-in at delta.com. There is a $5 surcharge per bag on applicable fees when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside. For all other travel, no fee for 2 checked bags ($50 for second checked bag for travel to/from Europe) and $200 fee for third checked bag. Allowances subject to size/weight limits. Contact a Delta agent for details. SkyMiles Partner Offers: Partner offers subject to the terms and conditions of each individual offer. Partners subject to change. All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, visit delta.com/memberguide. Miscellaneous: Fares, taxes, fees, rules, and offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. ©2009 Delta Air Lines, Inc.

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US Airways Resumes Flights between Florida’s Space Coast and Charlotte Hub

(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Airways (NYSE:LCC) will make getting to Florida’s Space Coast easier as the airline resumes daily non-stop service between Melbourne, Fla. and its largest hub in Charlotte, N.C. after a twelve-year hiatus. Year-round service is set to begin Thurs., Feb. 11, 2010. All three daily flights will be operated by wholly owned US Airways Express carrier PSA Airlines using 70-seat Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets.

The new service will offer Melbourne customers convenient connections through Charlotte Douglas International Airport to US Airways’ extensive network. “We’re glad to be serving Melbourne International Airport again,” said US Airways’ Director, Express Planning Jason Reisinger. “US Airways customers in Melbourne and the Space Coast will once more be able to fly out of their home airport and will be able to connect to more than 125 domestic and international destinations through our Charlotte hub.”

Richard Ennis, executive director, Melbourne International Airport, said, "We are delighted to welcome US Airways back to Melbourne and look forward to a successful partnership for many years to come."

With service to Melbourne, US Airways will fly to 15 destinations in the Sunshine State. Customers may book beginning Nov. 15 through US Airways’ Web site at www.usairways.com, by calling US Airways Reservations at 1-800-428-4322 or through their travel agent.

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Monday, November 09, 2009

Delta Offers Travel Assistance to Customers Affected by Hurricane Ida

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced travel options for customers whose flight plans may be affected by Hurricane Ida.

Customers booked on flights operated by Delta, Northwest Airlines or Delta Connection carriers to, from or through the following Gulf Coast cities through Tuesday, Nov. 10 may make a one-time change to their travel schedule without fee if tickets are changed by Nov. 11, 2009.

-- Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
-- Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.
-- Mobile, Ala.
-- Panama City, Fla.
-- Pensacola, Fla.
-- Tallahassee, Fla.

Delta will proactively thin flight schedules to and from affected airports to ensure delays are minimized during the storm. However, customers may wish to consider postponing or rerouting their trip without penalty to avoid possible inconvenience.

Travel for changed itineraries must begin by Nov. 11 and changes to origin and destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds. Complete details are available at delta.com and nwa.com.

All customers traveling to, from or through impacted Gulf Coast cities are encouraged to visit delta.com or nwa.com to check the status of their flights before arriving at the airport. Updates on flights also are available by calling 1-800-325-1999 (Delta) or 1-800-441-1818 (Northwest).

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Thursday, November 05, 2009

Nation’s Best Christmas Event Begins Nov. 7 with Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Presented by Humana

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dollywood unwraps its 20th anniversary holiday season on Nov. 7 with the opening of its award-winning festival Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, which continues through Jan. 2, 2010.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival recently won its second consecutive Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event. The awards are presented annually to the “best of the best” in the amusement industry by Amusement Today magazine from an international poll.

“I just love spending the holidays with family and friends, so I hope my Smoky Mountain Christmas festival brings families closer together this time of year,” Dolly Parton said. “My wish is for everyone to be wrapped in warm holiday memories, just like the ones of my family that I cherish and hold so dear.”

The Golden Tickets also honored Dollywood for Best Shows, which includes the park’s lineup of holiday entertainment. Dollywood’s live stage shows feature Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland, Christmas in the Smokies, O’ Holy Night, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, and An Appalachian Christmas. Multiple performances are featured each day, and all shows are included with park admission.

Set amid a colorful display of four million holiday lights, Dollywood also offers guests more than 20 rides and attractions, including The Polar Express 4-D Experience™ which takes guests on a magical journey to the North Pole. Guests can enjoy the world-renowned Thunderhead and Mystery Mine coasters, as well as the Dollywood Express, a 110-ton steam engine that takes a nostalgic railroad journey into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Santa’s Workshop is Santa’s home-away-from-home at Dollywood where a larger-than-life-sized display of toys awaits visitors. Santa also appears twice each evening in the Parade of Lights, joined by a cast of fun characters and brightly colored floats. Breakfast with Santa is featured from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each Saturday during the festival. Seating is first-come, first-served for the meal which includes bacon, sausage, eggs, sausage gravy and grits. Prices are $15.99 for adults, $7.99 for children ages 4-11. Dollywood admission is required.

Seasonal favorites and special recipes from Dollywood’s best chefs are on the menu at the park’s many restaurants. Endless buffets featuring oven-roasted turkey and dressing with all of the trimmings are holiday favorites. Each year welcomes new additions, like this year’s chicken pot pie served at Backstage restaurant, all sure to become classic dishes offered for years to come.

Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

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Sunday, November 01, 2009

Mapping Out An Off-Season Getaway

(NAPSI)-Whether you enjoy trips off the beaten path or prefer mainstream vacation spots, off-season travel can be a delightful and affordable way to get away.

The trips can be an opportunity to discover that a destination-perhaps even one of your favorites-has a personality that changes with the seasons. Enjoying a ski resort in summer is a ready example. It's both weird and wonderful to hike on a cross-country trail or ride a mountain bike down a ski slope when your only memory of these locations is snow covered. Plus, many traditional warm-weather destinations offer incentives and activities to help save off-season travelers some cool cash.

Each year, for example, a four-month-long event called Pigeon Forge Winterfest attracts vacationers to the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., an area once strictly thought of as a place for summertime fun. Now in its 20th year, the festival welcomes thousands.

The hallmark of the celebration is an unforgettably dazzling show of millions of decorative lights. The city even mounts lighted snowflakes on utility poles and erects gigantic storytelling displays-a popular one depicts a blacksmith pounding on an anvil producing snowflakes, not sparks, in the Tennessee night.

Complementing the city's efforts-which you can view on narrated trolley tours-are displays created by businesses throughout town. The Dollywood theme park adds millions more lights for its holiday event called Smoky Mountain Christmas, as well.

There's also the popular Wilderness Wildlife Week that offers eight days of free classes, seminars, photo shows and activities, most of which focus on Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located next to Pigeon Forge.

Additionally, travelers can enjoy hikes in the Smokies-where winter produces vistas that don't exist when summer's leaves are on the trees. Indeed, each year, Wilderness Wildlife Week hikers collectively cover about 5,000 miles on dozens of National Park trails.

For those looking for what may be a surprisingly authentic Western experience, Winterfest stirs things up with its popular celebration of cowboy poetry and Western music. Even though the city is east of the Mississippi, American Cowboy magazine still calls the experience one of its Top 101 Western Events.

For more information and tips on planning a trip, visit www.MyPigeonForge.com or call (800) 251-9100.

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