Don’t be fuelish

Is Virgin Oil in airline’s future?

Think your energy bills are giving you sticker shock? In 2005, the world’s airlines spent about $97 billion on fuel; U.S. airlines alone are expected to suffer a $10 billion loss this year due to soaring fuel prices. Fuel now makes up 24 percent of airlines’ budgets, up from 14 percent in 2000. Southwest Airlines, which had hedged 85 percent of its fuel at $26 a barrel, has hedges in place for 30 to 65 percent of annual fuel use through 2009, but with higher guaranteed prices of $31 to $35 per barrel. While airlines have resorted to all kinds of strategies to improve fuel efficiency—from flying at slower speeds to taxiing on one engine to installing lighter seats—Virgin Group founder Richard Branson is thinking about building a $2 billion oil refinery called Virgin Oil and possibly starting an oil exploration company. If his plan comes to fruition, Branson believes his first oil refinery could be operational in four to five years.

Supersize my ship

Royal Caribbean vessel has onboard surfing—both wave and Web

Royal Caribbean International has built the world’s largest cruise ship. How big? The 160,000-ton vessel can carry 3,600 passengers in 1,800 cabins, with more services and amenities than most small towns. Besides the line’s trademark ice-skating rink, indoor promenade and rock-climbing wall, Freedom of the Seas features the “FlowRider,” where you can surf onboard the ship; three separate pool “regions” (two side-by-side pools each), including a solarium pool with hammocks and another dedicated to water sports; a water park (with waterfall and spray cannons); flat-screen TVs in all cabins; and even a bookstore.
Of course, there are also restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, shops, a library, health club, spa, Wi-Fi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones, a casino, and myriad other offerings that can stagger the mind. The mega-ship will offer seven-night Caribbean sailings from Miami beginning in June 2006. Freedom of the Seas is the first in a new class of ships developed by Royal Caribbean International.

Fine-tuning hotel rooms

Marriott opts for comfort, tech effects…

Marriott International is getting hip. The company has redesigned its rooms with the techno-geek road warrior in mind. The makeover includes new pillow-top mattresses with 300 thread-count white linens, a duvet instead of a bedspread, seven down pillows and a bolster. Guestroom technology is plug-and-play: A 32-inch flat-screen HDTV doubles as a computer monitor, with four outlets to plug in personal devices (including an iPod). A programmable safe with an internal outlet allows guests to stow electronics and recharge them at the same time. Rooms also feature crown molding, framed black-and-white photos, an ergonomic desk chair and furniture with “clean lines and streamlined design.” Bathrooms have cherry, chrome, granite and porcelain finishes; a wide shower spray; and bath products from Bath & Body Works. Marriott expects more than $5 billion to be invested over the next five years as its hotel owners and franchisees upgrade their properties with the new look.

…as Holiday Inn caters to families, Gen-Xers

Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts has seen the future, and it is Gen-Xers and families. A revamped Holiday Inn Select line will cater to tech-savvy guests, while a new Holidome Recreation Center model is being introduced for family leisure travelers. Gen-Xers are expected to book almost 350 million room nights in 2005, making them the fastest-growing segment of travelers, the company said. And the family market, which makes up 74 percent of all leisure travel, is poised to surpass business travel in room nights for the first time. The first Holiday Inn Select will begin construction in Atlanta in 2006; the number of properties will grow to 200 in airport, urban and secondary markets by 2010. The 91 existing Holiday Inn Select properties will become Gen X–equipped by early 2007. Meanwhile, new Holidomes will have indoor activities like shuffleboard, water slides, wading pools, mini geysers and aquatic basketball hoops, as well as spa and exercise facilities for parents.

Wi-Fi? Why?

Survey finds slow acceptance among business travelers

Only 25 percent of U.S. business travelers are using Wi-Fi hotspots in airports and jetliners, despite the growing availability of high-speed wireless connections, according to technology research firm Gartner, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. “While Wi-Fi has come a long way, our survey shows that many business travelers remain uncertain as to why they should use Wi-Fi, what equipment they need, how they can connect and what they will be charged,” Gartner analyst Delia MacMillan said. Though airlines such as Lufthansa, SAS, ANA, JAL and Singapore are adding wireless Internet access in their long-haul planes, 78 percent of U.S. travelers said that they would rather be out of contact while in the air, the firm reported. Higher priorities for travelers are more personal space, an increased baggage allowance and better entertainment. Even on the ground, 30 percent of U.S. travelers said that they have no need for Wi-Fi hotspots.

No butts about it

Governments make smokers personae non gratae

More governments have banned smoking in public places. Italy and Sweden joined the fray in 2005, while the Canadian province of Ontario plans to enact a ban on June 1, 2006. The Scottish Parliament introduced a bill to ban smoking in all enclosed public places, expected to be effective by spring 2006. Other countries that already have bans on smoking in bars, clubs and restaurants include: The Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Iran, Montenegro, Malta, Norway, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, parts of Canada (British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Hamilton, Kingston, Ottawa, Peel Region, St. John’s, Toronto, Waterloo Region, York Region, London, Whitehorse, Yukon) and parts of the U.S. (Arizona; Boulder, Colo.; New York; California; Florida; Massachusetts; Delaware; Connecticut; Maine; Rhode Island; Eugene, Ore.; Madison, Wis.; Lexington, Ky.; Columbus, Ohio; Austin, Tex.; and Laramie, Wyo.). Some countries, such as France, the Netherlands and Russia, have created nonsmoking sections in restaurants.

In brief

Japan and France are jointly researching development of a supersonic plane to succeed the retired Concorde. By 2020, the countries aim to deploy a 300-passenger plane that can fly at twice the speed of sound, going from Tokyo to Los Angeles in about four hours … The name America West will eventually be phased out as the carrier merges with US Airways. Memorabilia from America West (created in 1983) could be worth something someday … Virgin Atlantic has doubled the size of its Clubhouse at Heathrow, adding what it claims is the first spa pool, steam room and sauna in a business-class airport lounge … A new hotel Web site has been created for travelers seeking an out-of-the-box experience. Hotelbook.com allows users to search among more than 5,000 independent hotels with “unique personalities” in more than 1,800 cities worldwide … For the first time since 1997, American Airlines is selling lifetime entry to its airport lounges, charging $5,500 through Dec. 31, 2005 (with a $200 discount for existing members of Admirals Club). Those 65 and over pay $2,500, with a $200 discount to current members. Annual memberships sell for $300 to $450. American has more than 40 clubs worldwide … More than 100 Four Points by Sheraton properties in the U.S. will serve Seattle’s Best Coffee exclusively by early 2006. Four Points by Sheraton is Starwood’s moderately priced brand; Seattle’s Best Coffee is owned by Starbucks … E-tickets now account for 30 percent of all air tickets, up from 19 percent in 2004, a study shows. A related finding: More than 70 percent of airlines now sell tickets over the Internet.

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