Georgia State Parks Beckon Families with Summer Fun Close to Home

Summer vacation doesn’t need to cost a fortune or involve a hefty gas bill. Georgia State Parks offer a plethora of recreational offerings that make it easy for families to save money on gas and enjoy trips close to home. Simply pack a picnic lunch, grab a beach towel or hiking boots, and head to Georgia’s State Parks for affordable recreation that’s not only fun, but also encourages kids to get fit and spend time outdoors this summer. From free park admission and Junior Ranger Camps to swimming beaches and even a splash pad, there is something for everyone without breaking the bank.

• Swimming Beaches, Pools and Splash Pad Make Fun Day Trips
Skip the trip to the coast this year and head to one of Georgia State Parks’ many lakeside swimming beaches. Grab your sunscreen and enjoy the simple pleasures of a sandy beach right near your own backyard. Or, if your family is more interested in getting in a few laps at the pool, Victoria Bryant, Magnolia Springs and High Falls state park pools are sure to please. Little Ocmulgee State Park offers a Splash Pad just for the youngest water lovers. For a list of recreational offerings, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

• Cabin Rentals Offer Affordable & Memorable Staycations
Start a new family tradition this summer by planning a getaway to the mountains, lake or marsh. Spend the day fishing, canoeing, hiking or just hanging out at a lake beach, then retreat to a comfy cabin without ever leaving the park. Many state parks feature cabins with fully equipped kitchens, rocking-chair porches and spectacular scenery ~~ ideal for spending quality family time together. For help in planning a summer staycation, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275. Rates range from $85 to $160 per night, and dogs are welcome in select cabins.

• Free Park Admission & Natural Recreational Offerings
Planning a daytrip with the kids can be affordable and heart-healthy. No need to spend another day at a fast-food kids’ gym or the same neighborhood playground. Pack a nutritious picnic lunch and head to your favorite Georgia State Park for the day instead. A Georgia public library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic Site Pass. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 state parks and historic sites statewide. For a listing of Georgia’s public libraries, go to www.georgialibraries.org. Most Georgia State Parks offer playgrounds, picnic areas, miles of hiking and biking trails, and even wildlife viewing or nature centers. With a diverse geographic topography, Georgia’s state parks and historic sites offer adventures in northern mountains, midland swamplands, piedmont plains and along the beautiful Georgia coast.

• Junior Ranger Day Camps (ideal for young explorers ages 6-12)
Kids ages 6 to 12 are invited to explore Georgia’s wildlife, nature and fascinating history first-hand as they earn their way through three badge levels. Nature hikes, arts and crafts, water games, fishing and outdoor cooking are just a few of the daily camp workshops offered at Georgia’s state parks. With more than a dozen Junior Ranger Day Camps offered through August 5, kids can meet new friends as they build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. And, parents can have the satisfaction of knowing their children are entertained and learning an appreciation for the great outdoors. Families can also pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Book at any state park or historic site and work through the activity requirements at their own pace. Or, receive the latest park news and learn more about Georgia nature and history by subscribing to The Georgia Junior Ranger, a free e-newsletter.

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Free Day: Sept. 25, 2010

Put away your wallet and pull out your fishing pole or hiking boots. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering free admission on Saturday, September 25 as part of National Public Lands Day. The statewide celebration is a way to thank park visitors and volunteers for their support of outdoor recreation and historic preservation.

“Georgia’s state parks and historic sites wouldn’t be here without our visitors and supporters,” said Parks Director Becky Kelley. “Free Day in the Parks is our way of thanking the thousands of people who volunteer their time, spend their vacations in the parks, or even just visit for the day. We are waiving the parking fee, but of course voluntary contributions are welcome because they help us preserve Georgia’s public green spaces.”

Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, the celebration includes dozens of family-friendly events, such as outdoor adventure day at Unicoi, a children’s fishing rodeo at Indian Springs and pioneer harvest festival at General Coffee. A full calendar of events is posted at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events and selected programs are listed below. Numerous volunteer projects are being coordinated by the non-profit Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites with nearly 50 chapters across the state.

On Free Day in the Parks, the regular $5 parking fee will be waived, historic sites will open their doors for free, and even anglers will not need a fishing license. September 25 is also National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at many events and locations.

“For less than a tank of gas, families can enjoy a full day of ranger programs, hiking, biking, picnicking, birding and more,” said Kelley. “All visitors will pay for are rental facilities, some events or programs, activities such as canoe rental and mini golf, and accommodations like cottages, lodge rooms or campsites.”

Modern campsites, fully equipped cottages, unique yurts and hotel-style lodge rooms provide overnight accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay for the weekend. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

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Go PLAY after Labor Day

The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of fun in the great outdoors. As Labor Day approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages families to get outdoors over the holiday weekend and continue enjoying outdoor activities into the fall.

“The amount of time that the average child spends outside today is half of what it was 20 years ago,” said DNR Commissioner Chris Clark. “As summer draws to a close and kids head back to school, it’s important for families to plan fun outdoor activities that keep them moving.”

The DNR provides numerous ways to keep families active, from ranger programs to historic reenactments, and from wildlife management areas to fishing piers. Below are suggestions for getting outside this autumn:

State Parks Offer Labor Day Activities:

Labor Day Festival: Saturday, Sep 4 until Monday, Sep 6, 10 AM to 3 PM; Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA; Family celebration including games, boat rides, and crafts. $4 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Labor Day at Fort McAllister: Saturday, Sep 4, 10 AM to 4 PM; Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill, GA; Civil War labor was much like ours is today. From blacksmith to wood worker, all trades were needed to keep this fort in operation. Come see how it was done. $3.50 - $5. 912-727-2339.

Labor Day Fort Morris Commemoration: Saturday, Sep 4, 11 AM to 3 PM; Fort Morris Historic Site - Midway, GA; Commemorate Labor Day holiday with hourly soldier talks and musket and cannon firings at this scenic coastal fort. $2.75-$4. 912-884-5999. 

Swim the Warm Springs - Dip In to The Past: Saturday, Sep 4 until Monday, Sep 6, 10 AM to 4 PM; Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs, GA; Swim in the historic pools built by President F.D. Roosevelt as a place for therapy. Space is limited to 80 participants per session. Reservations are suggested. All remaining tickets will be sold first-come, first-served, based on availability. $20 adults; $12.50 ages 6 to 17; Family Package-$75. 706-655-5870. 

Labor Day Weekend: Saturday & Sunday Sep 4 until Sep 5; Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA; Take the day off and watch a reptile show and awaken your senses with a night hike. Join in a volleyball game, family games, hayrides, a campfire and hoppin' frog hike. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Holiday Gorge Floor Hike: Saturday, Sep 4, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Sunday, Sep 5, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Monday, Sep 6, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA; This guided hike will take you from rim to river while learning about the gorge's unique environments. Be sure to wear proper footwear (no flip-flops or crocs). This hike is strenuous and will involve rock hopping and getting wet. Bring a lunch and lots of water. For ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Grits & Cornmeal: Sunday, Sep 5, 1 PM to 3 PM; Hamburg State Park - Mitchell, GA; Watch how cornmeal and grits were once made at Hamburg's historic gristmill. Before leaving, purchase a bag to take home and use. $5 parking. (478) 552-2393.

The Fun Continues after Labor Day

Dove Season Opens September 4th; Dove hunters are preparing to hit the fields in Georgia on Opening Day, Sat. Sept. 4, 2010 at 12 Noon. Dove season dates for the year are Sept. 4-19, 2010; Oct. 9-17, 2010 and Nov. 25, 2010-Jan. 8, 2011.

Outdoor Adventure Days: National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 25, 2010, is an annual event celebrating the contributions made to conservation by hunters and anglers and brings opportunity to all to participate in exciting Outdoor Adventure Days. These events, held throughout the State, offer activities like archery ranges, kids fishing events, wildlife activities, air gun/BB gun ranges and much more. 

Leaf Watch 2010: The online Leaf Watch, found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org throughout October and November, provides updates on fall color, safe hiking tips, and reservation details for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks.

“Go Play After Labor Day, Georgia” is the latest in a series of outdoor adventure tips from DNR Commissioner Clark that highlight affordable getaways, outdoor activities close to home, and creative ways to support conservation in Georgia. The series is part of DNR’s “Get Outdoors, Georgia” initiative, which encourages citizens to lead healthy, active lifestyles in the great outdoors and includes hiking, biking and paddling clubs, as well as outdoor events. 

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Surround Yourself With Excitement

/PRNewswire/ -- Travel South announced today that registration is now open for a trip for four to some of the most exciting places to eat, stay and play in the Kissimmee, Florida area. To register simply fill out the form at (http://www.travelsouthusa.com/giveaways/default.aspx) before February 15, 2009.

The Giveaway includes:

-- Four nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites -- Opened in 2008, this hotel
is just three miles from the Walt Disney World Resort area and close
to shopping and attractions.
-- Four nights at the Seralago Hotel & Suites -- A Walt Disney World Good
Neighbor hotel, this property is conveniently located to many Central
Florida attractions.
-- Four tickets to each of the following city dining and entertainment
hotspots:
-- Old Town Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Complex (includes meal
vouchers and wristbands for all the rides!) The complex offers 75
specialty shops along with a variety of restaurants and amusement
rides.
-- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex -- Located at NASA's launch
headquarters, this complex is the only place on Earth where you
can tour launch areas, meet an astronaut, see giant rockets, train
in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.
-- Arabian Nights -- Only in Kissimmee, this dinner attraction brings
a fairy tale to life with romance and excitement, told through
stunning horsemanship.
-- Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament-- Housed in a castle replica,
the dinner attraction transports guests to an authentic medieval
meal as they become spectators for a knights' tournament and bear
witness to the glory and chivalry of the age.
-- Pirate's Dinner Adventure -- This thrilling show is presented on
an enormous, fully-rigged pirate's galleon, which provides the
perfect backdrop for action, romance, and comedy. With a three
course feast, guests enjoy the tale of the beautiful Princess
Anita and her court, hostages of a band of pirates led by the
dastardly Sebastian the Black.

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Ready for That Trip?

Happy New Year from the staff at the Fayette Front Page and Georgia Front Page.

For Cash-Strapped Vacationers, SmarterTravel(R) Offers Tips for Free Travel

/PRNewswire/ -- SmarterTravel.com's new "Free Travel Special Report," uncovers free (or nearly free) travel deals and offers a comprehensive list of attractions at top destinations around the world that won't cost the consumer a single penny.

"Given the current state of the economy, we at SmarterTravel want to make sure we're giving people the most up-to-date money-saving information," said Executive Editor, Anne Banas. "Our list spans activities in the most popular destinations with tips on free travel benefits that can make a vacation a little easier on the wallet."

Top free (or nearly free) travel deals of the season:

-- Escape to Tropical Bliss: Air Tahiti Nui is offering a kids-fly-free deal to French Polynesia; from now through the end of the year, when you book two adult Air Tahiti Nui fares from Los Angeles to French Polynesia you'll get two free fares for kids ages 11 or younger.

-- Surf a Couch: Sometimes hostels just aren't cheap enough, so why not crash for free with one of the nearly 800,000 members of the Couch Surfing Project, a worldwide network that helps travelers link up with hosts offering free accommodations. The mission of the network is to promote cultural exchange through free hosted overnight stays.

-- Travel Like Honeymooners: Club Meds' "Seven-Day Weekend" package is back, promising seven nights for the price of three at eight of its all-inclusive resorts. You must book by December 15 and travel by February 13 to take advantage of the promotion.

-- Head to Truly Budget Hawaii: Families staying at ResortQuest Hawaii hotels can take advantage of free meals and free attractions and admissions for kids year round. There are 26 participating hotels and condo resorts located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

SmarterTravel's list of free attractions:

-- History and Government in D.C.: Washington is truly a city where you can enjoy the highlights without ever reaching for your wallet. In addition to the Smithsonian Museums, many government buildings are also free. For an experience you'll never forget, tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

-- London Museums and Tours: The Tate Britain and Tate Modern art galleries are both free to visit. For more priceless works of art and history, the British Museum doesn't charge for admission. Also, London For Free has put together 10 self-guided free walking tours.

-- First Sundays in Paris: The key to free is visiting on the first Sunday of the month. By planning your visit this way, you can visit the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay for free (any time of year), as well as the Arc de Triomphe, Pantheon, and Sainte-Chappelle (October 1 through March 31).

-- Orlando Amusement Parks and Green Spaces: Old Town Orlando, a complex of amusement park rides, restaurants, and shops, offers free parking and admission. Also, a free stroll around the University of Central Florida Arboretum can be good for overall health as well as the purse.

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New Oregon Wine Explorer Features Interactive Trip Planner to Help Travelers Choose Wineries, Lodging and Dining

PRNewswire/ -- Oregon wine country remains one of the most idyllic and accessible destinations, but having local knowledge and convenient maps can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience. To offer a one-stop resource for travelers the Oregon Wine Board has added a trip planner to its existing Oregon Wine Explorer,(TM) making it easy for visitors to create personalized itineraries with wineries, lodging and restaurants.

Under the "My Trip" tab, you can search a database of wineries, organize a list of desired stops, create a pin-point map and driving directions with Google(TM) Maps and add in dining and lodging options. Once the itinerary has been created, it's easy to rearrange locations, save online for later reference and send to a friend. With 393 wineries and 16 winegrowing regions in the state, there is a multitude of itineraries for every type of traveler.

The launch of the new interactive trip planner coincides with the busy autumn touring season. Every October and November Oregon's winemakers, cheese makers, brewmasters, chefs, growers and producers come together for a celebration called Oregon Bounty. It's an exciting time as harvest nears its end and wineries host a number of culinary events and packages culminating at Thanksgiving Weekend, which is one of the most popular weekends in Oregon wine country.

"There are many hidden gems in Oregon wine country, including boutique wineries, charming inns, B&Bs and regional restaurants, and this online tool gives travelers the added local knowledge to find them," said Ted Farthing, executive director of the Oregon Wine Board.

Also available from the Oregon Wine Board is the "Discover Oregon Wine Country" tool kit, which was developed through a partnership between the Oregon Wine Board and eight regional wine organizations. This comprehensive package assists travelers in planning a trip outside the virtual world by including an overview brochure of the state, plus regional maps with winery/vineyard listings. To view and order, visit http://www.oregonwinebrochure.org/.

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All Aboard! The Polar Express 4-D Experience Joins Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival Lineup

BUSINESS WIRE --The Polar Express 4-D Experience pulls into Dollywood’s 19^th annual Smoky Mountain Christmas festival Nov. 8, 2008 through Jan. 3, 2009, in the theme park’s Imagination Cinema.

“This Christmas, I’m inviting families to take a spectacular holiday journey where dreams become real, and everybody knows I dream bigger than just about anybody else,” Dolly Parton said. “On The Polar Express 4-D Experience, all you have to do is believe, and I sure do!”

This holiday season…What if there is a place beyond your imagination and to get there all you have to do is BELIEVE! Dollywood guests are invited to come journey to the North Pole where dreams become real and all of their senses come alive in this magical 4-D Experience. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The Polar Express 4-D Experience is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, inspired by the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, and includes 3-D and 4-D effects that will make you BELIEVE.

SimEx-Iwerks is the worldwide exclusive distributor of The Polar Express 4-D Experience.

“The Polar Express is by far the finest magical cinematic experience of our lifetime,” Mark Cornell, SimEx-Iwerks Vice President, Attraction Development said. “This iconic film is further brought to life with the perfected use of our own 4-D Special FX technology, and makes for an unforgettable multi-sensory adventure, leaving all who see with hair-raising goose-bumps! Upon your arrival at the North Pole…it actually begins to snow inside the 4-D Special FX Theater and when the conductor sings “Hot Chocolate” and the dancing waiters begin to pour, the audience can smell the delightful aroma of every cocoa cup!! The state-of-the-art 3-D Digital projection system allows you to see images virtually leap off the screen and when combined with 4-D FX, a blend of realism and fantasy unlike anything seen before is impeccably delivered. A must see for the whole family!!”

In addition to a winter wonderland of more than four million holiday lights, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival includes a lineup of award-winning entertainment. Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland, highlighted by the march of the 21 toy soldiers and a spectacular surprise finale, won the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Honorable Mention for 2007 Best Overall Production. Rounding out the Christmastime entertainment lineup are Christmas in the Smokies, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, An Appalachian Christmas, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, The Victorian Melodies, O’ Holy Night, Carol of the Trees plus the nightly Lighted Christmas Parade. All shows are included with park admission.

Families also can explore Santa’s Workshop, a magnificent 500-square-foot home away from home featuring larger-than-life-sized toys including “Jumbo the Elephant,” which measures nine-feet-tall; a seven-foot-tall sailboat; a five-foot-tall tricycle; an eight-foot-tall dollhouse; a six-foot-tall View·Master^® that displays a variety of holiday images and more. Dollywood is a 130-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and operates mid-March through Jan. 3, 2009. Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum Refurbishment Takes Flight

BUSINESS WIRE --Renowned American Aviator Amelia Earhart is best known for her mysterious disappearance more than 70 years ago while attempting to circle the globe. Hampton^® Hotels will remind the world of the greater legacy Earhart left on the aviation world as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean by refurbishing her childhood home in Atchison, Kansas as part of its ongoing Save-A-Landmark® program. Earhart’s birthplace was purchased by the “Ninety Nines,” a non-profit group of female pilots formed by Earhart in 1984, and has enjoyed a second life as the official museum, www.ameliaearhartmuseum.org, honoring her legacy.

The restoration effort is the third Save-A-Landmark project of 2008, and the 38^th in the program’s nine-year history. Dozens of volunteers from local Kansas and Missouri Hampton Hotels will work to clean, prime, paint and repair both the interior and exterior of the museum grounds. Additionally, helpers will install new stained glass windows and will replace the existing roof of Earhart’s childhood home. Hampton will contribute more than 40 volunteer hours towards ensuring the ongoing care of the national landmark.

“Amelia Earhart was a brilliant aviator and paved the way for all future female pilots. Our hope is that visitors will be able to continue to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Amelia through the Museum’s refurbishment,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels. “July 24 would have been Amelia’s 111^th birthday. What better way to honor her legacy than to restore the grounds where she was born?”

Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark 2008 campaign – aptly named “Landmark Legends,” is devoted to restoring sites that pay homage to prominent Americans. This year’s program kicked off in Memphis, honoring the 40^th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s untimely passing with the refurbishment of the National Civil Rights Museum. Several other iconic locations such as the Barnum Museum and the Poe Museum will be refurbished in 2008 through Save-A-Landmark as well. The list of legendary figures was generated from a nationwide survey, conducted by Hampton Hotels, to celebrate the accomplishments of those Americans who have inspired change, overcome adversity and made a difference.

Those looking to discover other locations devoted to historic individuals – or to possibly nominate their own “Landmark Legend” – can visit the Save-A-Landmark site at www.hamptonlandmarks.com and click on “submit a landmark” to enter a nomination for a legendary landmark or mail recommendations to c/o Save-A-Landmark to 8730 Sunset Blvd, 5^th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Below is just a sample of “heroic” landmarks already included in the program’s online database.

• Jesse Owens Memorial Park, Danville, Ala.: This park honors Olympic great Jesse Owens, an Oakville native who won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, the first American and the second athlete in history to win four gold medals.
• Jackie Robinson Birthplace, Cairo, Ga.: Born here on January 31, 1919 to sharecroppers and enslaved grandparents on what was once a plantation, Jackie Robinson – the first African-American major league baseball player – was just two years old when his mother packed up Jackie and his four siblings, hopped on a train and headed to California.
• Hellen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia, Ala.: This small birthplace cottage was the site of the remarkable story of Helen Keller, the woman who was struck blind and deaf after becoming ill around the age of two. The home, called Ivy Green, eventually became the living quarters for Helen and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, whose huge teaching strides with Helen began by simply spelling out the word "water" in Helen’s hand as she pumped water over it.
• Celia Cruz and Freedom Tower, Miami, Fla.: The Cuban songstress Celia Cruz, “the Queen of Salsa,” performed at Freedom Tower during a 2001 fundraiser to turn the site into a museum, and was later brought to the tower after her death so tens of thousands of mourners could pay their last respects to the legendary singer. Known as the Ellis Island of the Cuban community, Freedom Tower is where immigration officials processed more than 500,000 Cubans who fled the country in the 1960s.

Hampton’s Save-A-Landmark program is continuing its ninth year preserving historical, fun and cultural landmarks, from the Carousel Gardens in New Orleans, La. to the historical National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Mass. During this time, the program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants — all at an investment of more than $2.5 million. Uniting its hotels together in the communities they serve, Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the financial support to refurbish selected sites.

Delta Air Lines Announces New Service from New York-JFK to Balmy, Beautiful, Breezy… Bonaire

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will turn up the heat this winter with a new nonstop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and the sunny island of Bonaire starting Dec. 20, 2008 (subject to foreign government approval).

Known as one of the finest snorkeling and scuba diving destinations, Bonaire is part of the Dutch Caribbean islands off the coast of Venezuela. This new flight complements Delta’s existing flight between Atlanta and Bonaire.

Delta’s schedule between New York-JFK and Bonaire effective Dec. 20, 2008:
Flight Departs Arrives Frequency
DL 553 New York-JFK at 10:35 a.m. Bonaire at 4:25 p.m. Saturday
DL 554 Bonaire at 5:15 p.m. New York-JFK at 9:05 p.m. Saturday

To celebrate the start of the new JFK-Bonaire service, Delta is offering customers a special one-way introductory fare of $239* for travel between Jan. 10 and April 4, 2009. Round-trip ticket purchase required. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 6, 2008. Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/baggage charges may apply. Details are included below.
December will be a month of growth for Delta in the Americas region, as it continues expanding internationally with new flights between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires, Argentina** (Dec. 18); Atlanta and Tegucigalpa, Honduras** (Dec. 18); and Atlanta and Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic (Dec. 20).
“The Caribbean is a big part of our international expansion strategy as we add service and increase frequencies to popular beach destinations during the winter months,” said Christophe Didier, Delta’s vice president of Sales and Government Affairs for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Delta makes it easy for customers in New York and the Northeast region to enjoy Bonaire’s sunny weather and crystal-clear waters, and it’s all one convenient nonstop flight away.”

*Terms and Conditions: Fare shown is available at delta.com. Tickets cost $25 more if purchased from Delta over the phone, or at a Delta ticket counter, and this amount is nonrefundable. Tickets are non-transferable. Seats are limited. Tickets: Tickets must be purchased within 3 days after reservations are made, but no later than August 6, 2008. Travel Period: Travel may begin on or after January 10, 2009 and must be completed by April 4, 2009. Blackout Dates: None. Fare Validity: Fare is valid in the Economy (Coach) cabin on Delta flights only. Minimum Stay: Saturday night. Maximum Stay: 28 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 visit delta.com for details. Taxes/Fees: A $3.50 Federal Excise Tax, Passenger Facility Charge(s) of up to $4.50 for each flight segment, and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $2.50 for each flight segment are not included. International fares do not include U.S. International Air Transportation Tax of up to $30.80 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 within the United States/PR/U.S. Virgin Islands, no fee for 1 checked bag and $25 fee for second checked bag. For all other travel, no fee for 2 checked bags and $150 fee for third checked bag. Allowances subject to size/weight limits. Contact a Delta agent or visit delta.com for details. Miscellaneous: Fares, taxes, fees, rules, and offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. ©2008 Delta Air Lines, Inc.

**Subject to foreign government approval.

Delta Connects Global Customers with Nonstop Service between New York-JFK and Lyon, France

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today begins service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Saint-Exupéry International Airport in Lyon, France, offering the only nonstop flight between the United States and France’s second-largest city. Through the airline’s joint venture with Air France, the new Delta flight also connects customers to 40 European destinations via Lyon.

Delta links the United States nonstop to more French cities than any other airline. The Lyon flight complements Delta’s existing daily nonstop service between Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport and New York-JFK, Atlanta, Cincinnati and Salt Lake City; and to Nice from New York-JFK. The flight forms part of Delta’s growing international network, which now operates more than 450 weekly flights to 47 destinations in 31 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, India and the Middle East, more than any other airline.

“Our new service to Lyon – France’s second-largest city, a thriving business destination and a growing tourist gateway to the Alps – strengthens Delta’s position as the leading carrier across the Atlantic,” said Lee Macenczak, executive vice president – Sales and Marketing. “Together with our joint venture partner Air France we offer passengers the best travel options between the U.S. and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”

“Not only is this new service between New York and Lyon part and parcel of our global offer with Delta Air Lines in the frame of our joint venture agreement, but it also consolidates the very specific hub system that we have been successfully building in Lyon over the past 10 years,” said Jean Claude Cros, Air France’s vice president and general manager-USA. “In Lyon we offer quick and convenient connections from and to 40 European cities as well as a premium nonstop flight for our clients of the large Rhône-Alpes and Central Eastern area of France.”

Delta’s new nonstop service between New York-JFK and Lyon will be operated using a Boeing 757-200 ETOPS aircraft with up to 174 seats in a two-cabin configuration, including 16 seats in Delta’s award-winning BusinessElite service and 158 economy class. Delta’s BusinessElite service features all-leather sleeper seats, innovative food offerings from celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein and award-winning, original wine selections chosen by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. The airline’s on-demand personal in-seat entertainment boasts more than 20 first-run and popular classic movies, a variety of TV programs, a broad range of music, and a suite of 12 video games in both classes of service. Economy class customers also benefit from new all-leather economy seats, amenity kits and enhanced food offerings. Flights between New York and Lyon will have English- and French-speaking flight attendants onboard.

Delta customers traveling to Lyon can also take advantage of U.S. Helicopter service, which provides an eight-minute trip between New York-JFK and Manhattan. U.S. Helicopter service is complimentary with Delta’s BusinessElite service to and from JFK*, or $159** one way plus taxes and fees. See below for details.

Delta’s nonstop service from New York-JFK to Lyon is scheduled as follows: Flight
Departs
Arrives
Effective
Frequency

DL174 / AF8987
New York-JFK at 4:30 p.m.
Lyon at 7:05 a.m. (arrives the following day)
July 17, 2008
5 x week

DL175 / AF8992
Lyon at 9:30 a.m.
New York-JFK at 12:15 p.m.
July 18, 2008
5 x week

A portion of travel for some itineraries may be operated by Air France.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 327 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 44 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 609 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 499 worldwide destinations in 105 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Recently named the "Best Trans-Atlantic Airline" for the third consecutive year by Global Traveler’s Reader Survey, recipient of Aviation Week & Space Technology’s "2006 Commercial Air Transport Laureate," and named "Airline of the Year for 2005" by Air Transport World, the Air France KLM group operates more than 2,470 daily flights out of Paris and Amsterdam to 242 destinations in 105 countries. Air France currently operates from 15 U.S. gateways and provides service from 125 U.S. cities through code-share agreements with SkyTeam partners Delta, Continental and Northwest Airlines. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.airfrance.us/ or contact your travel professional.

*Complimentary one-way or round-trip helicopter service is included when purchasing applicable published one-way or round-trip through fares, respectively, as described in the following. Origin or termination point must be JRB or TSS, via JFK, to receive the published through fare. Offer is not valid for point to point fares between JRB or TSS and JFK. Valid for travel through December 31, 2008. All tickets must be purchased, and travel must be completed by December 31, 2008. Offer valid for tickets purchased on or after April 15, 2008. Valid only on nonstop flights between JFK and international destinations when purchasing a qualifying Business Class fare (designated by fare basis code beginning with C, D or J excluding Government/Industry Discounted fares). Round-trip purchase not required. Codeshare flights are eligible when booked as a Delta (DL) flight. Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean destinations are excluded. Additional restrictions apply. Offer is not combinable with complimentary chauffeur service. Offer subject to change without notice.

**The USH nonrefundable fare shown includes Federal Tax of 7.5%. The following fees are not included: Federal segment fees of up to $7.00, September 11th security fee of up to $5.00, and passenger facility charges of up to $4.50.