The new short messaging system (SMS) service from Singapore Airlines means you need no longer worry if you have forgotten to pass on an important message before taking to the air. Travellers can now send an SMS message with the use of the in-seat service. The service is undergoing a three-month trial and will be offered free on some of SIA's long-haul aircraft. Travellers can send messages of up to 160 characters to any mobile phone or e-mail address using the handset, or personal monitors on aircraft that support a touch-screen function.
Tokyo Business Saver fares: Japan Airlines' Business Saver fares are set to be extended to 113 international destinations. The fares are available to international travellers flying JAL Executive Class from October 1 to March 31 next year. The fares have been available since October last year on routes to London and seven cities in the United States, however JAL will extend the network in October to cover a total of 113 cities, including eight in Hawaii, 66 in the mainland US and 39 European cities. The Business Saver fares have a maximum discount of up to 34.4 per cent. Members of the airline's frequent flyers programme can earn miles from the fares at the rate of 125 per cent of miles flown per sector.
www.jal.co.jp
Stamford Sydney special: Take advantage of the savings at Stamford Hotels & Resorts in Australia until the end of this year under a promotion to celebrate its partnership with SRS-Worldhotels. The introductory room rates apply to each of its 10 properties starting from A$150 (about HK$650) per night. The rates are as follows: Stamford Plaza Double Bay (A$199), Stamford Plaza Brisbane (A$220), Stamford Plaza Melbourne (A$212), Stamford Plaza Adelaide (A$160), Stamford Plaza Auckland (US$92.40), Sir Stamford Double Bay (A$169), Sir Stamford at Circular Quay (A$240), Stamford Sydney Airport (A$150), Stamford Grand North Ryde (A$179), Stamford Grand Adelaide (A$160). In addition to these special rates, Stamford is including a bottle of sparkling wine and 500 frequent-flyer miles aboard ANA, Lufthansa, United, Thai and Varig for guests booking through SRS-Worldhotels.
www.stamford.com.au
Chicago creature comforts: The Hyatt Lodge offers the perfect combination of creature comforts and natural beauty. Located near Chicago in Oak Brook, Illinois, it includes 218 guest rooms, four deluxe suites, and three custom-designed rooms featuring breathtaking forest views, oversized leather lounge chairs and original artwork. The Hyatt Lodge is also a great starting point from which to explore four miles of nature trails and jogging paths and two natural lakes. And after a day of roughing it, you can return to The Hyatt Lodge and dine at The Waters Edge Restaurant, unwind at the cozy Hearth Lounge or pamper yourself in a steam room, sauna or one of three on-site whirlpools.
Kuala Lumpur stopover: Travellers flying First or Business Class with Malaysia Air between the United States and certain Asian cities can stay free for two consecutive nights during their stopover. The airlines is offering accommodation in a deluxe room at the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur. The offer applies to return bookings between Los Angeles or New York to over 40 Asia Pacific cities including Sydney, Auckland, Shanghai, New Delhi, Hong Kong and Hanoi. Deluxe rooms at the Mandarin Oriental offer 24-hour room service, in-room personal safe, same day laundry and valet service and voicemail and dataports.
www.malaysiaair.com www.mandarin-oriental.com