"Free" Wi-Fi Access to Proliferate in 2013

Looking ahead to 2013, hotels are looking to provide guests their wishes of free wi-fi access in lobbies, common areas, guest rooms and suites.  While some hotel chains will continue to insist on collecting fees as high as $30 for internet access, travelers have made it clear that this is a top priority amenity and it is expected to be free.  While costs for hotels will vary depending on location, country among other factors, travelers need to be mindful about potential security issues while using insecure internet connections.  Malware perpetrators will be lurking and waiting for opportunities to install malicious software by innocuously offering "updates" or program upgrades that contain malware.

It is recommended that access to insecure network should be limited in duration and log out or shutdown should be done, not leaving the connection on.  Also, avoid the urge to click on any pop-up of "free offers", upgrades etc...
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United, Delta Issue Travel Advisories

For Immediate Release: Midwestern storm may have an impact on your holiday travel.  Please see the list below for potentially impacted airports.

Airports: Cedar Rapids, IA (CID) Des Moines, IA (DSM) Grand Rapids, MI (GRR) Lincoln, NE (LNK) Madison, WI (MSN) Moline, IL Milwaukee, WI (MKE) Omaha, NE (OMA) Wichita, KS (ICT) ​

Original Travel Dates: December 19, 2012 - December 21, 2012 Final Travel must be completed by: End of Validity of ticket (one year from date of issue)​​

Flight Changes: When rescheduled travel commences by December 28, 2012 change fees and fare differences will be waived. For all other dates and ticket uses, the change fee will be waived, but a difference in fare may apply. ​​

Saluting Newtown, Connecticut

Glitches Begin Grounding 787 Dreamliners

Qatar Airways became the second carrier after United to ground one of its brand new 787 Dreamliners due to electric component issues. United 787 had to make an emergency landing with 184 people on board on December 4. Qatar Airwais CEO was blunt in his displeasure with Boeing: "We will demand compensation from Boeing... we are buying planes from them to use them, not to put in a museum." www.premieretravel.com

Delta Does It Again!

Delta Airlines has reached an agreement to buy out Singapore Airlines' 49% stake in the Virgin Atlantic Group for $360 million. Yet another brilliant move by the savvy management of Delta Air Lines, gaining a giant foothold in the coveted Heathrow Airport in one fell swoop. Delta will certainly achieve what Singapore Airlines failed to do, namely to leverage those valuable slots at Heathrow into a meaningful presence, filling the gaping hole that was missing for the Sky Team. With their partnership with Air France, KLM and Alitalia, Delta and the Sky Team, this Virgin move puts the final touch for a formidable presence in Europe and beyond, and will certainly create meaningful competition to British Airways' dominance over Heathrow.www.premieretravel.com

No Holiday Bargains in Domestic Travel

Travelers looking for deals in late December will be disappointed to find high fares and scarce availability to most destinations. Airlines have been trimming capacity throughout 2012, and US Airways has just attempted to raise fares by an additional $20 round-trip. This is at least the 15th attempt to raise fares in 2012. About half the fare increase attempts have stuck because other airlines matched. Less seats and robust demand means the airlines are in better position to maintain higher fares. There may be one or two more opportunities to score decent fares as some airlines may release cheaper seats that they are hoping to sell in the next few days. It is our advice to keep checking frequently for quick releases of lower inventory seats and be prepared to be flexible. www.premieretravel.com

Delta Airlines Eyes Virgin Stake

Delta Airlines is negotiating the purchase of Singapore Airlines' 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic Group. Although it may not materialize, this is yet another brilliant move for Delta to quickly scoop up a huge number of take-off and landing slots in highly coveted London Heathrow. This certainly will not be good news for American Airlines and British Airways. Virgin Atlantic has been operating outside the three major alliances and Delta's thrust will fill a gaping hole for the Sky Team and will surely spice up competition along many routes, particularly the New York-London and Boston-London. We applaud the Delta move which will bring better competition and alternatives for travelers. www.premieretravel.com