New parking strategies at Sea-Tac

The best transpacific launchpad from the United States is Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Its location in the far northwest means that transit times to much of the Orient are faster.

And, there is another good reason to fly out of Sea-Tac. The Airport Garage now offers weekly parking at reduced rates on floors five through eight. This is a great deal if you are headed out on a weeklong trip. If you’re going to be away between four and seven days, you pay $89. That can amount to a real savings over the regular $22 daily rate.

The special weekly discount comes into effect after the fourth day of parking, and continues until the end of the seventh day. If you’re going to be traveling out of Sea-Tac for longer than seven days, the $89 per week rate applies to each additional week of parking. Park for two weeks, for example, and pay $178.

Delta to Durango

Summertime approaches and leisure routes are sprouting up all over. One of the latest is Delta Connection’s new Salt Lake City (SLC) to Durango (DRO) run.

In launching the service, Delta Connection joins United Express, and US Airways as service providers to the western Colorado resort town. United Express flies out of Denver (DEN), and US Airways Express from Phoenix (PHX).

From July 1, there will be two daily Delta Connections nonstops on the year-round Salt Lake City to Durango route, both via Canadair Regional Jet.

Wine if you want extra Delta air miles

Members of Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles frequent flier program are being offered extra air miles when they join or gift membership a number of Vinesse wine clubs.

Jeff Robinson, managing director of the SkyMiles program, explained: "By giving or receiving Vinesse's high-quality wine throughout the year, members will receive a considerable amount of miles toward their next Award Travel vacation."

Qantas returns to San Fran

Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, recommenced direct flights between Sydney and San Francisco this week. Mayor Gavin Newsom and John Travolta, the actor, part-time pilot, and Qantas ambassador, were there to welcome the first plane-load of passengers.

Having operated the route since 1954, Qantas had been missing from San Francisco's line-up for the past 11 years (due to the airline's relocation to Los Angeles). That was until 10.15 on Wednesday morning when the nonstop Sydney to San Fran flight touched down.

Initially, Qantas will be running three flights a week between the two coastal cities but Peter Gregg, the Chief Financial Officer, said that the airline has plans to develop the route further.

Tell your JetBlue story

JetBlue Airways may soon be in a town near you, looking for your tales of travel with the airline, as part of a new "Sincerely JetBlue" marketing campaign.

The idea is to create a forum where passengers can put forward their experiences and opinions of JetBlue. Some of these will then be used for a new large scale ad campaign across television, radio, web and press.

A custom-built "story booth" is set to travel around the country, starting in New York in April and stopping at eight destinations, allowing JetBlue customers to record their accounts of the airline.

Hourly Calgary connections

Air Canada plans to field hourly service from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to both Vancouver International (YVR) and Edmonton International (YEA) airports.

From July 3, Air Canada will loft 18 flights each business day between Calgary and Vancouver, and 19 flights each day between Calgary and Edmonton.

The frequency boost is made possible by the addition of new Embraer-175 and Embraer-190 regional jets to the Air Canada fleet. These regional jets are significantly larger than the RJs fliers may be accustomed to, and include Executive Class as well as Hospitality Class (coach) service.

Korean Air boosts North American service

Korean Air is boosting service to two North American destinations, and upgrading its product to a third.

Korean Air has just added a Monday departure from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Seoul’s Incheon International (ICN). During the peak summer season in July and August, Korean will be adding a fifth flight – this one a Sunday trip.

The carrier also intends to add a third weekly Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) to Seoul flight on Tuesdays.

Cheap Hobby a thing of the past

Travelers flying in and out of Houston's William P. Hobby Airport may soon be charged a new $3 fee.

The City Council approved the surcharge earlier this week on the understanding that the money raised will go toward airport improvements.

If approved by the Federal Aviation Authority, the charge could be levied as early as November, but it will only apply to travelers using Hobby Airport. Those traveling from George Bush Intercontinental Airport will not face the increase in charges.

Delta's Dollar rental bonus

© Delta

For a limited time Delta Air Lines SkyMiles members can earn triple reward points when they make certain car rentals with Dollar Rent A Car.

Delta frequent fliers who hire a compact car or larger at participating locations and keep it for at least two days' use will be eligible for the extra air miles. The offer applies to rentals made between April 1 and June 30.

To qualify for the 150 bonus miles per rental day, customers must quote promotional code DL12 when making their reservation and provide their SkyMiles ID card at the time of rental.

Allegiant alters Orlando options

Allegiant Air will begin a new twice-weekly service between Orlando and Roanoke, Virginia, from May 24.

For a limited time passengers on the new flights will be able to pay special introductory fares of $59 each way when they book through Allegiant's Web site.

Three-night vacation packages are also available from $187 and include round-trip travel between Roanoke Regional Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport plus a three-night hotel stay.