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PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL SERVICE WINTER 2003 NEWSLETTER
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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION ...
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Like real estate value, airfares are dependent upon three variables: location, location, location. From the perspective of many western travel agents, the location is right! On a nationwide basis airfares have either decreased of late, or risen only marginally. In most major western cities, they are down. Give us a call and we will make all comparisons for you. We look at making your booking directly with the airline versus booking through a consolidator. Many times consolidator fares are lower than airline fares and website airfares. We have access to dozens of consolidator fares and we use companies we know and trust.
Are you a business traveler? The average one-way full coach fare declined by about 2 percent in the past year, falling from $658 to $669. Our corporate clients still think business airfares are ridiculous and we agree! No longer are companies allowing $2000 roundtrip fares. We have introduced our business travelers to consolidator fares which enables many of them to actually travel and conduct business face to face instead of staying home. Again, give us a call and allow us to make comparisons for you !
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WE ARE PARTNERS ...
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Professional Travel is pleased to announce we are a corporate sponsor for our good neighbors the Kirkland Performing Arts Center. We support community arts and we hope to see you after a performance in the lobby. We have enjoyed meeting Performing Arts Center patrons and we will be present in the lobby during selected weekend performances. Stop by and say hi!
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BAGGAGE INSPECTION AND YOU
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As of January 1, 2003 TSA (Transportation Security Administration) began screening 100% of checked baggage at all 429 commercial airports across the United States. You will encounter one of the following processes:
No Change You check in at the ticket counter or with the skycaps as you have in the past. The new screening equipment is out of your view and the screening of your checked baggage will occur behind the scenes.
Ticket Counter First You still check in at the ticket counter or with the skycap but you will then proceed to a new baggage screening area nearby. You will next take your checked bag to the checked baggage screening area, where it will be screened and delivered directly to your airline for loading. In many airports you will have the option to drop off your bags at the screening area and proceed directly to your gate without waiting for your bags to be screened.
Baggage Screening First You will go first to the checked baggage screening area in the airport lobby. After baggage screening, the screener will direct you to the ticket counter and an authorized person will bring your bag from the screening area to the ticket counter for you to complete the check-in process.
Got that?! Just watch for signs and other instructions that will direct you to the correct line. Unless you see signs directing you otherwise, go to the ticket counter to check-in with your airline.
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PACKING TIPS
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- Do not put film in your checked baggage. Some of the new checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
- Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
- Avoid over-packing your bag. This will make it easier for the screener to reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations and any fees that may apply.
- Spread out books and documents within your baggage; do not stck them on top of each other.
- Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags. This will reduce the chance that a screener will have to handle them.
DEPEND UPON US TO UPDATE YOU WITH THE LATEST !!
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Fares shown are per person and may be based on double occupancy (where applicable). Some restrictions and blackouts may apply. Taxes and fees are additional. Offer is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time. In most cases, these fares may not be combined with any other discount or other promotional offer.
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