Southwest’s Acquisition of AirTran Approved by US Justice Department

U.S. Justice Department gave its sanction for the Southwest Airlines’ purchase of AirTran Airways, saying the merger of two major discount airlines isn't likely to hurt competition.

The Department said the airlines do overlap on some nonstop routes, but it has decided not to challenge the deal as the competitors can get airport gates and landing slots on those routes.

Southwest Airlines is the largest airline in the United States and is known to offer cheap tickets on flights. With the required approval in the bag, Southwest stated that will close the $1.4 billion deal with AirTran on Monday, 2nd May 2011. The airlines proposed the merger in September 2010 and have been waiting upon the U.S. Justice Department approval since.

U.S. DOJ released a statement that announced the closing of its investigation regarding the merger of the two budget airlines. The Department said in the statement, “The presence of low-cost carriers such as Southwest and AirTran in the domestic market has been shown to lower fares on routes previously served only by incumbent legacy carriers.”

The Department of Justice further added, “After a thorough investigation, the division determined that the merger is not likely to substantially lessen competition. The merged firm will be able to offer new service on routes that neither serves today, including new connecting service through Atlanta’s Hartfield Jackson International Airport from cities currently served by Southwest to cities currently served by AirTran.”

“Although there are overlaps on certain non-stop routes, the division did not challenge the acquisition after considering the consumer benefits from the new service. Also, the airports affected by the overlaps are not subject to restrictions on slots or gate availability. Where such restrictions exist, entry by other airlines may be particularly difficult,” the DOJ continued.

Consumers to benefit: Southwest
Southwest emphasised that the merger with AirTran will prove extremely beneficial for budget travellers who look for tickets on cheap flights. The carrier believes that the passengers can travel economically by grabbing cheap tickets on flights offered by the airlines.

Southwest Airlines was quoted by different news portals as stating, "The combination of AirTran and Southwest Airlines is expected to generate substantial benefits to consumers, including the expansion of low-fare competition in airline markets across the United States."

“These fare savings will result from expanding the well-known 'Southwest Effect' of reducing fares and stimulating passenger traffic wherever Southwest flies,” the airline further stated.

Southwest Eyes East Coast Markets
With AirTran all set to merge with Southwest Airlines, Southwest plans to expand in the US East Coast markets such as Atlanta and Washington. However, Southwest will operate AirTran as a separate airline temporarily. The airline will now be operating flights to more than 100 destinations, including four new airports added by the carriers in 2010.

Reasons that Make Maldives Flight Deals So Popular

Fabulous azure waters, lovely white sand beaches and brilliant sunshine! That’s Maldives for you! This magnificently beautiful country comes straight out of dreams and astonishes one and all with its plethora of natural splendours. Romantic and engrossing, Maldives is what people meant when they invented the term ‘honeymoon.’ No wonder, travel deals to Maldives remain one of the top selling packages for travel agents.

Top Maldives Attractions

Maldives holidays are full of extraordinary attractions that engage travellers of all ages.

The Grand Friday Mosque in Male' is a mesmerising tourist spot that dazzles travellers with its startling designs. The Islamic Centre is another major tourist attraction that is renowned for its beautiful murals and refined ancient engravings. It is advisable to get a car on hire and explore the capital city Male' right at the start of your Maldives holidays before advancing to other islands.

Since we are taking about Maldives, the mention of its splendid beaches couldn’t be far off. Featuring world’s finest beaches, Maldives is a pure bliss in terms of glorious sandy beaches.

Water Sports in Maldives

In a country where water is the biggest part of geography, you can well imagine the extremity of thrill when it comes to water sports. No wonder, people of all ages look out for air tickets on cheap airlines to Maldives.

Snorkelling & Diving

Maldives features the finest marine life that you may ever encounter! A wonderful diving spot, Maldives mesmerises all and sundry with its colourful under water life. However, it is advisable that travellers opt for comprehensive travel insurance while seeking the best Maldives flight deals.

Upcoming Bank Holidays Bonanza Entice UK Vacationers

Easter, the royal wedding and bank holidays have provided an opportunity to the keen and even not so keen vacationers to take their travelling bags out and fly off to an exotic holiday destination!

All it takes for people to enjoy a wonderful 11-day break is to take just three days off from their office and then they can grab tickets on flights to any of their preferred holiday destination.

Airlines and airports are also excited at the prospect of a very high tourist season. EasyJet, an airline that is renowned mostly for offering tickets on its cheap flights, is all set to cash in on the great holiday bonanza. The airline has announced last minute deals to all those travellers who wish to fly overseas but missed seats on the carriers’ scheduled cheap flights.

ABTA reported that nearly two million Britons are expected to travel overseas during and around the Easter break.

News portals quoted ABTA chairman John McEwan as saying, “Easter is the traditional curtain raiser to the summer, and the Royal Wedding bank holiday has given a special boost to bookings.

“I am delighted to see that so many of our customers are taking advantage of the extra days off, either heading off overseas or taking a break closer to home,” he added.

Popular Holiday Destinations
If one talks of the popular vacation spots this holiday season, Spain seems to be the unquestionable leader. A number of travellers have booked tickets on flights to Spain’s Canary Islands and the Costa del Sol. Paris, Dublin and New York are some other cities that are appealing to holiday travellers.

Grab Flights to Malaysia & Explore the New Hub of Medical Tourism

Malaysia has always been a popular holiday spot among travellers from all across the world. But now with the country emerging as a world class medical tourism hub, the number of people seeking air tickets to Malaysia is sure to go up! Thousands travel to the country to get themselves treated in a safe, hygienic and of course affordable way! But what has made this small Southeast Asian country such a big name in the world of medical tourism?

One of the biggest reasons why people who are looking for medical treatment grab flights to Malaysia is the affordability of the medical procedures in the country. Even cheap flights to Malaysia are pretty easily available, so the travellers need not to worry about that aspect of travel information also.

Medical Centres in Malaysia

Hospital and Medical Centres in Malaysia are very well maintained and employ highly-qualified specialists and other staff members. Any medical facility that operates in Malaysia is required to be certified by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and those centres which serve foreign travellers should possess international certification standards. A number of hospitals in the region offer a variety of amenities that range from luxurious to basic. Some medical centres even offer personal butlers or full-time private nurses.

Recovering in Malaysia

There is one special facet of Malaysia that makes it such a top medical tourist hub among people from the world over and that is the recovery period! Really, the stunning beauty of the country makes recuperation in Malaysia such a memorable time for patients.

Adventure and Gambling Thrills in Singapore

Singapore travel usually spells as some unparalleled shopping, feasting, and sightseeing. To make your Singapore visit a bit extraordinary, try out some gambling and adventure sporting action at the destination. In fact, such activities are altering the face of tourism in Singapore. So, here goes…

Resorts World Sentosa

If gambling turns you on and you are booking flights to Singapore, make sure to visit the Resorts World Sentosa. A world of choices such as slots, electronic games, and table games await guests. Owned and operated by Resorts World Casino, the oldest gaming operator in Asia, the Resorts World Sentosa also boasts other sizzling Singapore holiday attractions like Marine Life Park, FestiveWalk, Maritime Xperiential Museum, and Universal Studios Singapore. In fact, for many travellers, the experience at Resorts World Sentosa alone proves to be worth every penny they spend on funding flights to Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands

Travellers painstakingly saving their money for cheap flights to Singapore may very well consider using a small part of their savings in the casino resort of Marina Bay Sands. Along with Resorts World Sentosa, the Marina Bay Sands has also given a major fillip to tourism in Singapore. Guests can take their pick of over 250 themes and game titles from more than 1600 slot machines as well as over 200 games in the Paiza, Ruby, and High Limit areas. Needless to say, quite a few budget travellers who could just about afford cheap flights to Singapore have seen their fortunes turn at the Marina Bay Sands.

Adventures

A Singapore tour also does not disappoint in terms of adventure. Rock climbing classes at the Climb Adventure, a space travel kind of feeling at the G-MAX Reverse Bungy, Bukit Timah jungle trekking, a tour of Snow City, and water sports at Ski360° are just some of the ways for some adventurous thrills on a Singapore holiday.

Emirates’ Dubai- Shanghai Route Will Get Airbus A380

Now passengers to Shanghai have a chance to experience the charm of Airbus A380, the largest passenger airliner in the world. All thanks to Emirates!

Emirates is all set to deploy Airbus A380 on its Dubai-Shanghai route starting from April 27. Shanghai is the third city in the region of Greater China that will be served by airline’s Airbus A380. The airline is going to run flights three days a week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). The flight is scheduled to leave Dubai airport at 0310hrs (local time) and to reach the international airport in Shanghai at 1530hrs (local). For the return flight, the aircraft will depart from Shanghai at 2330hrs (local) and arrive in Dubai at 0430hrs (local) the subsequent day.

Passengers who travel with the massive airliner will have access to a range of in-flight services and amenities. The higher number of seats also ensures that people have access to more seats on first and business class. Additionally, passengers who seek cheap tickets on flights will have access to an increased number of economy class tickets thus making cheap tickets on the flight much readily available.

Emirates Airline & Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum was quoted in the company’s press release as stating, “Thanks to the support that we have received from the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Shanghai Airport Authority, Shanghai will become the latest destination to join our global Airbus A380 network. Emirates currently has 15 A380s in service, flying from Dubai to 10 countries around the world.”

The Top 10 Airlines from the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2010

Like every year, the 2010 edition of the Skytrax World Airline Awards was a gala event. More than 40 airliners, including low cost airlines and high end carriers participated. Here are the top 10 airlines from different categories.

Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines claimed second spot with the award of ‘Best Cabin Staff’. Travellers looking to book cheap flights to Singapore can consider the airline as one of the options.

Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways received the ‘Best Business Class’ award. The airline has an extensive codeshare partner network and can be a good choice for multi leg flights and round the world tickets.

Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific was given the ‘Best Airline: Transpacific’ title.

Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand claimed the ‘Best Airline: Australia/Pacific’ award. Being the national carrier of New Zealand, it may emerge as a cheap airline for flying to New Zealand.

Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways was honoured with the ‘Best First Class’ title.

Qantas Airways
Qantas Airways took the award of ‘Best Airline Seat - Premium Economy Class’. Buying cheap tickets for the airline’s economy class definitely proves to be a rewarding experience.

Emirates

Emirates received award for ‘Best Inflight Entertainment’.

Thai Airways

Thai Airways bagged the award for ‘Best Airport Services.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines landed the ‘Best Economy Class’ title.

Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines landed the top position with the ‘Airline of the Year’ award. The airline with its fleet of 67 aircrafts and Star Alliance network membership sometimes proves to be a good bet for cheap flights to South Korea. It is South Korea’s second largest airline.

Tanah Lot, Kuta, Ubud – Three Cheers from Bali

Charming temples, knock out beaches, sinfully addictive shopping, wonder packed museums, and cuisines to die for – Bali holidays will treat you to all this and much more. Often billed as Indonesia’s most popular tourist attraction, Bali teems with tourist delights. Run your eyes over some of the most potent crowd magnets of this sizzling holiday getaway.

Tanah Lot Temple

If you have booked flights to Bali, make sure to take a trip to the Tanah Lot temples. Often hailed as the most celebrated sea temple in Indonesia, the Tanah Lot is a sight to behold. One of the last priests moving to Bali from Java built this temple during the 16th century. The temple is best visited during evenings.

Kuta Beach Bali

Almost everyone who takes the effort of booking cheap flights to Bali makes the most of this destination’s legendary sun, sand, and surf experience. One of the places for this experience is the Kuta tourist resort. Although, treacherous currents make swimming dangerous, one can always indulge in some fabulous surfing. Kuta’s westward location also proves perfect for viewing Bali’s magnificent sunsets.

Ubud Bali

For a quick escape from the sometimes too oppressive heat of the plains, take a break in the hills at Ubud. Full of museums, the place also proves perfect for history buffs and connoisseurs of art. A couple of absolutely not to be missed museums here are the Neka Museum and Purl Lukisan. These museums treat visitors to the sights of fabulous works created by well known as well as obscure native and foreign masters.

Flights to Pakistan Will Take You to a Paradisiacal Land

Pakistan is perhaps the most under-rated and under-travelled holiday destination that is replete with some astoundingly wonderful natural as well as man-made attractions. The country also has a culture that is one of the most charming in the world! Pakistan is surely a glorious vacation spot that is yet to be explored and admired!

Pakistan is one of the few countries that feature amazing tourist charms almost at every stride! Take a brief look at few of the cities in Pakistan that enchant travellers into buying flights to Pakistan.

Islamabad

Beautiful scenic views, serene atmosphere and lustrous landscape are few of the hallmarks of the Pakistan’s capital city – Islamabad. The city is hugely popular among tourists as it brims with travellers’ delights! Faisal Masjid is one of the Islamabad’s most recognisable landmarks and impresses all and sundry. Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad Museum and Pakistan Museum of Natural History are few other charms in Islamabad that entice travellers to look for cheap flights to Pakistan. The city also comprises of many traditional bazaars and markets that sell local artefacts and handicrafts.

Karachi

Karachi is the hustling and bustling metropolis of Pakistan that features amazing structures, wonderful museums and mesmerising beaches. People who come to this city are blown away by the pace of life this city possesses! Karachi is additionally known for it pulsating nightlife that pulls vacationers like magnet! The city’s restaurants also attract many a holiday makers as they serve some of the yummiest delicacies available to humankind!

Emirates Boosts South American Operations

Emirates, a multiple award winning airline, has announced that it will launch daily, non stop flights to Rio de Janeiro and extension to Buenos Aires. Starting from 3rd January 2012, the top South American cities will have a faster link with Dubai and more than 100 other global destinations.

Dubai-Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires flights are intended to be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. It is a massive aircraft that offers different options for all kinds of travellers. The airline is going to provide eight private suites to first class ticket holders and 42 lie-flat seats to business class ticket holders. Those passengers who would rather go for cheap tickets on airline’s flights, 304 seats in economy travel will be made available. Cheap flights might not be something that travellers bracket together with the Dubai’s flag carrier; however on-board services and entertainment leave nothing to be desired by the passengers. Passengers all across cabin classes can enjoy airline’s award winning in-flight entertainment system, ICE.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, was quoted in the Emirates’ press release as stating, “Both Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are rightly renowned as world-class leisure destinations as well as important business and trading centres. Our research has shown that there is a high demand for these cities from across our network.”

Passengers travelling with Emirates from Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro will also be connected to airline’s extensive network across the Far and Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and Australia via its hub at Dubai airport.

A Trinity of Maldives Attractions

The Maldives, a lovely destination offering some of the best of sun, sand, and surf experience is visited by thousands of travel freaks. Great food, adrenalin pumping water sports, and some heart warming souvenir shopping all make the destination one of the top spots for a quality holiday experience. Sift through some of the hottest spots in the Maldives.

Hithadhoo

If you have booked flights to Maldives for some rest and relaxation, head to Hithadhoo. Characterised by a laidback way of life, the destination emerges as an oasis of serenity. With mesmerising beaches and large stretches of verdant vegetation, Hithadhoo emerges as a feast to the eyes. The beauty of Hithadhoo even lures many honeymooning couples to spend some of the best moments of their life at the destination.

Malé

Sightseeing attractions are endless in Malé and if you are booking cheap flights to Maldives, the destination is absolutely not to be missed. Explore the National Museum with its displays that used to belong to different sultans or get dazzled by the brilliant golden dome of the Grand Friday Mosque, Maldive’s biggest mosque. Similarly, the Old Friday Mosque with its architectural brilliance is no less impressive. A couple of other major spots are Hukury Miskiiy, and Mulee-agee Palace.

Ari Atoll

If you are a diving enthusiast, Ari Atoll is definitely one of the must visit spot for you. One also gets to spy upon a host of thrilling marine life forms such as manta rays, sharks, and whale sharks at Ari Atoll.

A Sneak Peek into Muscat

Tranquil Muscat has many holiday trappings and most of the times proves to be delightfully isolated. In fact, many a visitor on a Dubai holiday often visits Muscat to get rejuvenated in a relaxed way. The destination also has plenty of hotels that often prove to be cheaper than some of their counterparts in the popular Gulf cities. Come, take a quick tour of three captivating Muscat attractions.

Mutrah Souq

The Mutrah Souq is an inseparable part of Muscat’s identity and is a powerful trapping for many of the travellers catching flights to Muscat. This shopping arcade has the character of a traditional bustling Arab market. Bargain to your heart’s content over items as diverse as clothes, gold, Indian and Omani handicrafts, and hardware.

Bait al-Baranda

Historic and cultural attractions also play their role in luring quite a few tourists to book flights to Muscat and the Bait al-Baranda is one of the best places for such delights in Muscat. Exquisitely creative interactive exhibits prove to be an excellent way of exploring Muscat’s history. Although, there are numerous exhibits to explore, the honours usually go to the Dinosaur created partly with old bones.






Grand Mosque

Also known as Ghala & Al-Ghubrah, the Grand Mosque is a splendid feat of architecture and one of the must visit spots on your Muscat holidays. Breathtaking decorations abound in the mosque and a major highlight is the huge Persian carpet in the main prayer hall. This carpet is believed to be the largest such carpet in the world and was woven for about 4 years.

Flights to Hong Kong – What Makes Them So Popular

Hong Kong is undoubtedly one of the biggest tourist magnets in the Asian continent. The city is replete with some astounding attractions that are mesmerizingly incredible and attract holiday makers from all over the world to plan a tour to this charming city.

Tourists book flights to Hong Kong in order to experience the glitter and shimmer of a city that many regard as the true representative of an enigmatic continent! The city’s history, culture and heritage additionally make cheap flights to Hong Kong such a tempting offer. Add to it the galaxy of shopping options and world’s yummiest food and you have a holiday destination that is just perfect in every sense! Check out few attractions of the city that make cheap flights to Hong Kong such a popular affair among keen travellers.

When it’s about physical attractions in the city, Victoria Peak, Disneyland, Ocean Park and the Hong Kong Museum of History take the cake away! Each of these tourist magnets is a splendid place where people from different corners of the world pay a visit. Shopping is another top priority of travellers who grab flights to Hong Kong. The city features a variety of options for shoppers. People can explore the trendiest of malls or they can travel to any of the street side markets that are cheap but no less exciting!

Food is another aspect of Hong Kong tourism that is hugely enticing. Foodies just love this place as it offers them the best of the thing that they love the most – food!

Three Island Beauties in Seychelles

It will take countless lifetimes to sing all the praises of Seychelles. This group of some 115 islands in the Indian Ocean has been generously endowed by the creator. Rarest of the rare flora and fauna, sun kissed milky white beaches, verdant jungles, and craggy hills – Seychelles has all this and much more. Luxury resorts play host to travellers who do themselves the favour of visiting Seychelles. Welcome to three of the most popular islands in Seychelles.

Mahe Island

Mahé is the main island in Seychelles and being the location of the international airport is well served by international carriers operating cheap flights to Seychelles. Besides natural lures like dive centres, fishing areas, and nature walks and trails, Mahé also has an ample number of cafes, casinos, bars, and restaurants.



Praslin Parrots and Female Modelled Fruits

If you have booked flights to Seychelles, make sure that you do not skip Praslin. This is the place to come up close with the destination’s famous Seychelles Black Parrots and other winged denizens. Praslin is no less famous for the huge Coco-de-Mer palm tree, which bears fruits that seem to have been modelled on the female pelvis.

La Digue Island

The La Digue Island is perfect for a taste of Seychelles’s idyllic way of life. Stepping onto this island is like getting trapped in a time warp. A serene unhurried lifestyle and surviving traditions of the bygone era make this island a relaxing as well as entertaining place to visit.