Top Reasons To Visit In France In 2016

France 2016 promises to be a fun and exciting year. With a stronger dollar almost at parity with the Euro, here are major developments and events that American visitors are sure to enjoy.

Norwegian non-stop flights

To Paris From 29 July, Norwegian will begin its first operations from Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with low-cost nonstop flights to New York, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale/Miami.

To Martinique & the Guadeloupe Islands
Starting December 3, 2015 It’s time to visit Martinique and the Guadeloupe Islands. This coming winter season, starting December 3, 2015 and through late March, the award-winning low-cost airline Norwegian is flying non-stop and very affordably to both islands from three East Coast locations: New York’s JFK, Baltimore’s BWI and Boston’s Logan airports. It is the first time in 20 years that residents of the Northeast will enjoy direct service to these French Caribbean Islands. 

Re-opening of the Unterlinden in Colmar, Alsace – December 12, 2015
Even further north and just in time for the Christmas market season, Alsace will welcome back the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar – home to the remarkable Isenheim Altarpiece. The museum will reopen December 12, 2015, after a reorganization of its extensive collections and three years of major works including a new wing dedicated to contemporary art.

Normandy’s Impressionist Festival – April 16 to September 26, 2016
As the cradle of Impressionism, Normandy will shine from April 16 to September 26, 2016, during the 3rd edition of its Impressionist Festival. It is the perfect time to experience both the works and sights that inspired masters like Monet, Pissaro, Caillebotte, Millet, Boudin, Renoir, Degas, and Cassat. They painted everyday life, depicting scenes from now-famed seaside resorts like Trouville, Deauville, Dieppe, and Honfleur. Over 25 exhibitions that will showcase portraiture – Read more (Main Impressionist exhibitions)

La Cité du Vin: Inauguration June 2, 2016 The gloriously restored wine capital of Bordeaux will include a Wine Museum and Cultural center, the Cité du Vin. Minutes away from Bordeaux’s elegant city center, the Cité will offer visitors immersive and multi-sensory technologies to explore a huge permanent exhibit about great wine cultures throughout the ages. Its opening will coincide with the lively Bordeaux Wine Festival scheduled for June 23 to 26, 2016. By day, visitors will be able to sample over 80 Bordeaux and Aquitaine wines and other culinary delights delivered on a mile-long stretch of the city’s magnificent Garonne River waterfront. By night and every night, this major biennial celebration features a music festival, followed by a spectacular sound & light show and grand fireworks display. Read More

Euro 2016 – June 10 to July 10, 2016
Sports and soccer fans have plenty more to celebrate in France, which, for the third time, is hosting the great European soccer tournament, Euro 2016, from June 10 to July 10. The month-long soccer fest will feature 24 of the top European teams. The 51 matches will unfold in 10 cities throughout France: Bordeaux – Lens – Lille – Lyon – Marseille - Nice – Paris – Saint-Denis – Saint-Étienne and Toulouse - 

Franco-American Museum of Blérancourt
Reopening & inauguration of new wing - Fall 2016
At the other end of the country, in Picardy, the Franco-American Museum of Blérancourt, will reopen in the fall of 2016 after an ambitious expansion that includes a new wing and reorganization to showcase its comprehensive collection of art and documents dedicated to the Franco-American relationship. The museum was founded by Anne Morgan, the remarkable daughter of U.S. industrialist, philanthropist and art collector J.P. Morgan. She transformed the Château de Blérancourt, her WWI and post-war headquarters in Picardy, into the Franco-American Museum. After she donated it in 1931 to the French Government, it was declared a national museum. The reopening will most likely be late September.

Lascaux IV – inauguration in Fall 2016
In the fall of 2016, the Montignac-Lascaux International Parietal Art Center, also known as Lascaux 4, is poised to become the leading tourist attraction and cultural tool associated with Lascaux's world-famous painted and engraved cave art. A new and complete replica of the Lascaux cave will be the beating heart of the Center, a sizable complex that uses new imaging and virtual technology for comprehensive interpretation purposes. Read more

2016 MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES

100th Anniversary of WWI - 1914-1918
The story of Anne Morgan’s war, the Chateau de Blérancourt and WWI all go hand in hand. There will be events to commemorate the WWI battles of 1916, most notably the battle of the Somme in Picardy and, of course, the battle of Verdun in Lorraine. Although the United States had not yet entered the war in 1916, it's never too early to experience the moving memorials honoring the American dough boys and allied soldiers who fought or lost their lives in Picardy and Lorraine during Great War. Read more

France & Loire Valley
500th Anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's arrival in France In 2016, France will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s arrival with the Mona Lisa in tow, which could explain her cryptic smile. Invited by France’s great Renaissance King Francois 1er, da Vinci crossed the Alps to reach Amboise in the Loire Valley, where he settled and spend the last 3 years of his life at the Château du Clos Lucé, now a museum in his honor. It is the perfect opportunity to pay a visit to the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and admire Leonardo’s inventions at the Château du Clos Lucé. Read more

Normandy 2016
Stretching back even deeper into history, the 1,050-year-old Mont-St-Michel Abbey in Normandy has been restored to its island status at the highest tides. A major decade-long national ecological project tackled the problem of rising sand levels, which posed a threat to the monument. The area's new and improved water flow will safeguard Mont-Saint-Michel bay as a maritime area and protect the ecosystem of this varied and precious place. To mark the occasion, the Tour de France will begin on July 2, 2016, from the Mont-St-Michel.

It will also be the perfect year to explore Normandy’s medieval heritage. In 1066, 950 years ago, William the Conqueror became the first Norman king of England after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. In the Bayeux Museum—also a storied D-Day site, resides a masterpiece: the 11th century Tapestry of Bayeux. Also known as the Queen Mathilda Tapestry, the 229-foot long and 19 inch high linen cloth, depicts through beautifully embroidered panels the Norman conquest of England.

ALWAYS NEW ACCOMMODATIONS

High on the radar of newsworthy items are new destinations to experience and new accommodations to enjoy. In Paris, there has been an impressive wave of boutique hotel openings. To name just a few, there are The Maison Souquet, the Grand Hotel Pigalle, the Bains Douches and the Champagne-themed and aptly named Bubbles of Paris Hotel. This coming winter there will also be the long-anticipated reopening of the legendary Hotel de Crillon and the Ritz.

Paris is not the only place where things are happening, of course. This fall, the Paris Region welcomed a boutique hotel of its own, La Demeure du Parc, in royal and beautiful Fontainebleau. This summer the Rhone-Alpes' classy Royal Evian Hotel reopened after extensive and innovative renovations. And Bordeaux has embraced the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa, brought in July into the InterContinental family of hotels. It has turned to world-renowned chef, restaurateur and television personality Gordon Ramsey to oversee its gastronomic restaurant, Le Pressoir d'Argent

Norwegian Takes Flight From The U.S. To The Caribbean With Fares Starting At $79 Each Way

- Norwegian offers its first flights from the United States to Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French Caribbean.

  Norwegian will offer three flights per week from JFK to Guadeloupe and Martinique, and twice weekly service to both islands from Baltimore/Washington DC and Boston.

Due to high demand on the New York routes, Norwegian extended its season service through the end of April. Flights are now available for purchase on Norwegian.com/us, with fares starting as low as $79 one-way, including taxes

“We are excited to launch our first short-haul flights out of the U.S. today, and once again connect these hidden jewels of the Caribbean to the Northeast U.S. for the first time in more than 20 years. Not only does Norwegian now offer Americans the lowest fares to both the Caribbean and Europe, but we are also the first airline to offer free Wi-Fi and live TV all the way to the Caribbean,” said Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos.

The new French Caribbean routes will be a winter season operation 2015/16 due to lack of aircraft availability summer 2016. Next winter, with an even larger fleet available, Norwegian aims to return with more aircraft and more frequencies. In addition, new routes and destinations are being assessed.

"We are thrilled to welcome our first Norwegian flights this week, and this extension is wonderful news since April matches the low-season hotel rates, making the Guadeloupe Islands an even more affordable destination in the Caribbean for American travelers. Our five islands offer a truly unique Caribbean experience with some of the best beaches in the region combined with French culture, food and heritage, but without the jetlag,” said Sandra Venite, USA Director for the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board.

“To the growing number of global travelers who have come to know her, Martinique is a uniquely authentic and unspoiled corner of the French West Indies where natural wonders, creole culture and the Caribbean’s finest cuisine and rums combine with all the comfort of modern day Europe. Now, with the advent of Norwegian’s non-stop service from the Northeast to Martinique this winter until late April, Martinique is at the fingertips of our U.S. visitors. Christmas is coming early and bountiful for Martinique this year. C'est Magnifique!” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas, Martinique Promotion Bureau.

Norwegian currently offers 34 nonstop routes from the U.S. to London, Scandinavia and the Caribbean, providing more European routes than any other European airline. Norwegian has added 10 new routes from the U.S. this year alone, including from Las Vegas and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Europe. In May 2016, the airline will add flights from Boston to Copenhagen, London and Oslo.

Norwegian operates one of the world’s most modern and eco-friendly fleets. Last month, 69700 named Norwegian the Most Fuel-Efficient Airline on Transatlantic Routes in its study. Earlier this week it was also named Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline by AirlineRatings.com for the second year in a row. On the U.S.-Caribbean routes, Norwegian will fly its new Boeing 737-800s with 186 comfortable, leather seats and it will be the first airline to offer free Wi-Fi on flights to the Caribbean. Norwegian will also offer customers the option to rent movies and TV shows on their personal devices.

For more inspiration and travel tips for Guadeloupe Islands and Martinique, please visit Norwegian’s French Caribbean site.

Guadeloupe and Martinique are both overseas departments of France to which the United States-European Union-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agreement applies. The agreement authorizes unlimited frequencies between any point or points in the EU and any point or points in U.S. territory for any and all U.S., EU, Icelandic, and Norwegian airlines.

10 Ways Air Travel Will Change In 2016, Including Better Food.

Alamy

Long-haul flights will increase thanks to widebody planes like the new Airbus A350.

Creative seating, upscale airports, and more affordable private air travel are all on the horizon in the new year.

This past year fliers experienced plenty of turbulence in the skies, what with labor disputes disrupting international flying, and new security fears after the bombing of a Russian airliner. But 2015 was also a time of stability for U.S. airlines, with on-time performance and baggage handling showing big improvements. So what’s in store for fliers in 2016? Here are some trends to watch in the coming year.

AIRLINES WILL GET CREATIVE WITH SEAT SOLUTIONS.

Overcrowding in the skies isn’t going away; the typical flight in the U.S. takes off with more than 80 percent of its seats occupied. So look for more unusual seating ideas to hit patent offices—and perhaps your next flight—as airlines seek ways to cram us in further. Among the weirder ones: Airbus’ latest seat patent would stack people in a split-level, mezzanine-style layout. But the most far-out design, literally, would create a bubble on top of the plane for a privileged few who presumably would pay more for the 360-degree view. And in a more practical design that would be welcomed by many a suffering traveler, B/E Aerospace applied for patent for a unique seat that would adjust legroom based on the height of the passenger.

AFFORDABLE WAYS TO FLY ON A PRIVATE JET? DO TELL.

Who wouldn’t want to fly private—if they could afford it? We may find out in 2016, as a new class of aviation entrepreneurs offers more alternatives to traditional air transportation, building on the success thus far of companies like Surf Air and Beacon, which offer reasonably priced trips out of private air terminals on the West and East Coasts, respectively. Their secret: smaller turbo props that can keep costs down. Look for a new jet-based variation on this theme to emerge in the L.A. area early in the year—plus more apps like Blade to make booking these services even easier.

THE WORLD WILL SHRINK AS LIGHTER, FASTER PLANES ARRIVE.

Airbus’s newest widebody plane, the A350, made its first transatlantic flight in December under Qatar Airways’ colors; the 300-passenger craft, along with its direct competitor, Boeing’s Dreamliner, is already reshaping route maps as airlines use the carbon-body jets—built with composite materials instead of the usual aluminum—to launch new ultra-long-haul flights. Singapore will fly the A350 as it revives its 19-hour nonstop between Newark and Changi by 2018.

SUPERSONIC AIR TRAVEL WILL STAGE A COMEBACK.

Ever since Concorde faded into aviation history in 2003, airline travelers have been waiting for the return of supersonic service. Their wait may soon be over, as next year the world’s first supersonic business jet will will get closer to reality as part of an Airbus-backed project. The 12-passenger jet will make a trip fromNew York to London in under one hour—flying at just under twice the speed of sound, or 1,300 mph, when it’s over the ocean—and below Mach 1 over land. If all goes well, test flights should begin in five years.

TSA WILL PUT THE BRAKES ON EXPEDITED SCREENING.

When TSA came out with its PreCheck expedited screening program a few years ago, it felt like an exclusive club—with airlines inviting their most elite fliers to be charter members. TSA may now be wishing it could return to those days; after working hard to expand the popular program, which costs $85 for five years, the agency also began allowing regular passengers to sail through on a random basis to ease backlogs during peak travel times. Frequent fliers were annoyed, and now, with security concerns on the rise, TSA is restricting these lanes yet again to members only. Even still, fliers have been noticing that the special lanes—which free passengers from having to remove shoes, laptops, and jackets—have been open less frequently due to "security and staffing" issues, putting everyone into the same slow-moving lines. Expect this trend to continue in 2016, but for international fliers returning home, things may improve as the U.S. adds Global Entry facilities to more customs gateways abroad.

Courtesy Blue Smoke

Apps like Airgrub help travelers find the best spots—like Blue Smoke on the Road in JFK's Terminal 4—to grab a meal.

THE ELECTION YEAR WILL BRING SCRUTINY OF AIRLINES’ PRICING, PROFITS.

If it’s an election year, then it must be time for airline bashing; after all, fed-up fliers do go to the polls. In the past, candidates have successfully seized on popular resentment of high airfares and deteriorating service. But in the presidential race in 2016, the focus will more likely be the airlines’ high profits and whether airfares should drop along with the price of oil. The Justice Department is already investigating airlines for collusion on prices. Airlines and their workers’ unions may get some support from politicians in their battle against the Middle East carriers; charges that those airlines are unfairly subsidized and are costing U.S. jobs could gain traction as election day nears.

NICHE AND BUDGET AIRLINES WILL GROW ABROAD, BUT NOT STATESIDE.

Budget carriers are already crossing the Atlantic, but mainly it’s a one-way street, with European players like Norwegian and Iceland’s Wow Air launching new nonstop flights to the U.S., but no U.S. discounter has yet jumped in. Next year we’ll see more mainstream lines getting into the act, with Lufthansa, for one, planning new routes to the U.S. on its low-cost subsidiary Eurowings. But in the states, the outlook fornew low-fare airlines is dismal due to the difficulty in securing financing and getting past government regulators: a couple of upstart wannabes have gone nowhere, including recent attempts to revive thePeople Express and Eastern Airlines brands.

AIRPORTS WILL GO UPSCALE.

If you’ve been noticing a lot of “pardon our appearance” signs at airports lately, take note: Passengers are beginning to reap the rewards of these construction projects as airport restaurants, shops, and other amenities get a facelift. Already the reviews are positive with J.D. Power, in its just-released North America Airport Satisfaction Survey, declaring that travelers “are substantially more satisfied with retail experiences in the airport.” Major hubs are also opening new hotels, like the luxury lodging that will abut the iconic TWA terminal at JFK, as well as improving transit links. In 2016, look for airports to devise more ways to part you from your money; at Newark, for example, at United’s Terminal C, you can pay for meals and merchandise with miles instead of cash.

Creative seating, upscale airports, and more affordable private air travel are all on the horizon in the new year.

This past year fliers experienced plenty of turbulence in the skies, what with labor disputes disrupting international flying, and new security fears after the bombing of a Russian airliner. But 2015 was also a time of stability for U.S. airlines, with on-time performance and baggage handling showing big improvements. So what’s in store for fliers in 2016? Here are some trends to watch in the coming year.

AIRLINES WILL GET CREATIVE WITH SEAT SOLUTIONS.

Overcrowding in the skies isn’t going away; the typical flight in the U.S. takes off with more than 80 percent of its seats occupied. So look for more unusual seating ideas to hit patent offices—and perhaps your next flight—as airlines seek ways to cram us in further. Among the weirder ones: Airbus’ latest seat patent would stack people in a split-level, mezzanine-style layout. But the most far-out design, literally, would create a bubble on top of the plane for a privileged few who presumably would pay more for the 360-degree view. And in a more practical design that would be welcomed by many a suffering traveler, B/E Aerospace applied for patent for a unique seat that would adjust legroom based on the height of the passenger.

AFFORDABLE WAYS TO FLY ON A PRIVATE JET? DO TELL.

Who wouldn’t want to fly private—if they could afford it? We may find out in 2016, as a new class of aviation entrepreneurs offers more alternatives to traditional air transportation, building on the success thus far of companies like Surf Air and Beacon, which offer reasonably priced trips out of private air terminals on the West and East Coasts, respectively. Their secret: smaller turbo props that can keep costs down. Look for a new jet-based variation on this theme to emerge in the L.A. area early in the year—plus more apps like Blade to make booking these services even easier.

THE WORLD WILL SHRINK AS LIGHTER, FASTER PLANES ARRIVE.

Airbus’s newest widebody plane, the A350, made its first transatlantic flight in December under Qatar Airways’ colors; the 300-passenger craft, along with its direct competitor, Boeing’s Dreamliner, is already reshaping route maps as airlines use the carbon-body jets—built with composite materials instead of the usual aluminum—to launch new ultra-long-haul flights. Singapore will fly the A350 as it revives its 19-hour nonstop between Newark and Changi by 2018.

SUPERSONIC AIR TRAVEL WILL STAGE A COMEBACK.

Ever since Concorde faded into aviation history in 2003, airline travelers have been waiting for the return of supersonic service. Their wait may soon be over, as next year the world’s first supersonic business jet will will get closer to reality as part of an Airbus-backed project. The 12-passenger jet will make a trip fromNew York to London in under one hour—flying at just under twice the speed of sound, or 1,300 mph, when it’s over the ocean—and below Mach 1 over land. If all goes well, test flights should begin in five years.

TSA WILL PUT THE BRAKES ON EXPEDITED SCREENING.

When TSA came out with its PreCheck expedited screening program a few years ago, it felt like an exclusive club—with airlines inviting their most elite fliers to be charter members. TSA may now be wishing it could return to those days; after working hard to expand the popular program, which costs $85 for five years, the agency also began allowing regular passengers to sail through on a random basis to ease backlogs during peak travel times. Frequent fliers were annoyed, and now, with security concerns on the rise, TSA is restricting these lanes yet again to members only. Even still, fliers have been noticing that the special lanes—which free passengers from having to remove shoes, laptops, and jackets—have been open less frequently due to "security and staffing" issues, putting everyone into the same slow-moving lines. Expect this trend to continue in 2016, but for international fliers returning home, things may improve as the U.S. adds Global Entry facilities to more customs gateways abroad.

Courtesy Blue Smoke

Apps like Airgrub help travelers find the best spots—like Blue Smoke on the Road in JFK's Terminal 4—to grab a meal.

THE ELECTION YEAR WILL BRING SCRUTINY OF AIRLINES’ PRICING, PROFITS.

If it’s an election year, then it must be time for airline bashing; after all, fed-up fliers do go to the polls. In the past, candidates have successfully seized on popular resentment of high airfares and deteriorating service. But in the presidential race in 2016, the focus will more likely be the airlines’ high profits and whether airfares should drop along with the price of oil. The Justice Department is already investigating airlines for collusion on prices. Airlines and their workers’ unions may get some support from politicians in their battle against the Middle East carriers; charges that those airlines are unfairly subsidized and are costing U.S. jobs could gain traction as election day nears.

NICHE AND BUDGET AIRLINES WILL GROW ABROAD, BUT NOT STATESIDE.

Budget carriers are already crossing the Atlantic, but mainly it’s a one-way street, with European players like Norwegian and Iceland’s Wow Air launching new nonstop flights to the U.S., but no U.S. discounter has yet jumped in. Next year we’ll see more mainstream lines getting into the act, with Lufthansa, for one, planning new routes to the U.S. on its low-cost subsidiary Eurowings. But in the states, the outlook fornew low-fare airlines is dismal due to the difficulty in securing financing and getting past government regulators: a couple of upstart wannabes have gone nowhere, including recent attempts to revive thePeople Express and Eastern Airlines brands.

AIRPORTS WILL GO UPSCALE.

If you’ve been noticing a lot of “pardon our appearance” signs at airports lately, take note: Passengers are beginning to reap the rewards of these construction projects as airport restaurants, shops, and other amenities get a facelift. Already the reviews are positive with J.D. Power, in its just-released North America Airport Satisfaction Survey, declaring that travelers “are substantially more satisfied with retail experiences in the airport.” Major hubs are also opening new hotels, like the luxury lodging that will abut the iconic TWA terminal at JFK, as well as improving transit links. In 2016, look for airports to devise more ways to part you from your money; at Newark, for example, at United’s Terminal C, you can pay for meals and merchandise with miles instead of cash.

Written by Barbara Peterson

 www.cntraveler.com

Travelore Tips: The 5 Cheapest Ways To Fly To Europe

Gallery Stock

Feeling adventurous? Aeroflot is offering low fares to Paris this winter.

There’s never been a better time to book, as a bunch of airlines—many you've probably never heard of—are competing for your business.

When you're looking to travel to Europe, it's always smart to comparison-shop for tickets. We've compiled a list of under-the-radar airlines that are safe, and most are reliable, but they don't include many frills. In exchange for discounted fares, many airlines charge for seat assignments, meals, and checked luggage. And none of these airlines offer much legroom. Still, if you do it right, you'll save hundreds of dollars over similar itineraries on American, United, Delta, or any of the big European airlines. Do your wallet a favor and look into these lesser-known international airlines.

Iceland's WOW Air got the Internet buzzing in the summer with $99 one-way fares to Paris and Amsterdam. Those deals are gone, but this winter you could pay as little as $400 round-trip from Boston or Baltimore to more than dozen cities, including London, Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona.

Don't expect to fly in total comfort, however. From the East Coast, you'll be on a short red-eye to Reykjavik, landing at about 4 a.m. to catch a connection. And luggage charges are draconian: Your only free bag is an 11-pound carry-on. Depending on where you go, putting one bag in the overhead bin could cost as much as $48. You won't save by checking bags, either. You first bag will set you back $67.

Wow Air is useful if you live near Baltimore or Boston, but for most Americans, Norwegian Air is a better bet, since it flies to Europe from Oakland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York, and Boston. Not every flight is cheap—some cost $600 or more round-trip this winter—but there are some steals, like Oakland–Stockholm for $325 and New York–London for $450.

Norwegian flies new Boeing 787s with mood lighting, big windows, and a modern entertainment system. You can bring a large carry-on for free, though if you buy the cheapest fares, you'll pay for checked bags and meals.

Germany's Condor Airlines mostly takes Europeans on cheap U.S. vacations, but don't let that stop you. In winter, Condor only flies between Frankfurt and Las Vegas, but in the warmer months Condor adds more cities, including Providence, Baltimore, Seattle, Minneapolis, and Austin.

You won't find eye-popping fares—Las Vegas–Frankfurt runs about $850 in February—but you'll have a refined experience that includes a hot meal, a free carry-on and checked bag, and basic in-flight entertainment.

If you wait until May, you might try WestJet Airlines, Canada's quirky Southwest Airlines clone, which flies to London, Glasgow, and Dublin during the busy spring and summer travel season. While WestJet focuses on Canadians, it wants to poach some Americans, selling flights from New York to London Gatwick, stopping in Toronto, for about $750 roundtrip. It offers similar deals from Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Francisco.

WestJet provides a comfortable ride—you'll get light snacks and a new entertainment system—with few fees. Even most bags fly free.

Feeling adventurous? You could try Aeroflot. You'll fly a circuitous route, but if you're okay stopping in Moscow, Russia's top airline can get you from New York to Paris this winter for $747, or from L.A. to Barcelona for $711.

Forget about what you know about Soviet-era airliners. Today's Aeroflot flies modern Airbus jets to the United States, and on service it receives three stars from airline ranking firm Skytrax—the same as United, American, and Delta. Plus, it's a full-service airline, so unless you pack heavy, you'll save on fees.

Written by Brian Sumers

 www.cntraveler.com

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Travelore News: Norwegian Launches New Routes To The Caribbean And Croatia From London Gatwick

Norwegian continues to expand its long-haul network with new direct routes. Starting November 2015, Norwegian will launch a non-stop service between London Gatwick and the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. As of May 2015, Pula in Croatia will be a new destination from London Gatwick. The airline is also adding more weekly flights between London Gatwick and New York.

“The response we’ve had on our intercontinental destinations has been overwhelming and it is obvious that affordable fares were scarce before Norwegian entered the market. This makes it even more enjoyable to add more destinations to our route map of more than 100 destinations. We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning customers on our new routes between London Gatwick and the Caribbean,” said Norwegian’s Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl.

“We are also adding more weekly flights between New York and London Gatwick, and Los Angeles and London Gatwick because of the great response. Pula in Croatia is also a new destination from London Gatwick this summer,” he added.

Norwegian has a long-haul and a short-haul base for cabin crew and pilots at London Gatwick. The routes across the Atlantic will be operated by the Gatwick-based crew and Norwegian’s US-based crew.

An excellent starting point for island hopping in the Caribbean
Norwegian’s new Caribbean destination from Gatwick will be popular among sun- and adventure seekers; Puerto Rico is an excellent starting point for island hopping. The introductory fare from London Gatwick to Puerto Rico is £269 one way.

"Puerto Rico is more than ready to broaden its horizons in the European market and we are very excited to welcome Norwegian's new service to San Juan. Puerto Rico offers an outstanding variety of options making it an attractive a five-star Caribbean destination accessible to British and Scandinavian travelers. We are certain that Norwegian’s five weekly flights will significantly boost and diversify the tourism industry in Puerto Rico. We look forward to a productive partnership with Norwegian,” stated Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Today, Norwegian also launches direct flights between Scandinavia and Puerto Rico, as well as flights between the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix, and Copenhagen. Las Vegas is also a brand new destination; the airline will now offer flights between Stockholm/Copenhagen and Las Vegas.

New routes:

Caribbean – San Juan, Puerto Rico
London Gatwick – two weekly departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Start date: November 4, 2015
Copenhagen – one weekly departure on Fridays. Start date: November 6, 2015
Stockholm – one weekly departure on Tuesdays. Start date: November 3, 2015
Oslo – one weekly departure on Sundays. Start date: November 1, 2015

Caribbean – St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Copenhagen – one weekly departure on Fridays. Start date: November 9, 2015

Las Vegas
Copenhagen – one weekly departure on Tuesdays. Start date: November 10, 2015
Stockholm – one weekly departure on Saturdays. Start date: October 31, 2015

Pula – Croatia
London Gatwick – one weekly departure on Sundays. Start date: May 24, 2015

Added frequencies on existing routes:

New York
London Gatwick: Norwegian will offer daily flights between London Gatwick and New York (JFK) as of November, 2015

Los Angeles
London Gatwick: Norwegian will offer three weekly flights between Los Angeles and London Gatwick this winter season
Oslo: Norwegian will offer flights between Los Angeles and Oslo all year round

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. The company reported its highest ever passenger figures in a single year with almost 24 million passengers in 2014. Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 424 routes to 130 destinations and employs approximately 4,500 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand. The company has 258 undelivered aircraft on firm order. Norwegian was founded in 1993 and its headquarter is in Fornebu, Norway. Norwegian offers better leg room than most competitors, in-flight WiFi on short haul, world-class punctuality and a fleet of 96 aircraft with an average age of only four years. In 2013 and 2014, Norwegian was voted Europe’s best low-cost carrier of the year by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards. In 2014, Norwegian also won three prizes at the prestigious Passenger Choice Awards for Best Airline in Europe, Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications and Best Single Achievement in Passenger Experience for its moving map on the 787 Dreamliners. In addition, Norwegian was awarded Europe's best low-cost airline by AirlineRatings.com for the second year running.

Travelore News: Norwegian Celebrates Inaugural Flights Between London Gatwick And Orlando

Norwegian - Apr 04, 2015 16:19 BST On Saturday afternoon, Norwegian’s first flight from London Gatwick to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida, took off. “Norwegian already flies between Orlando and Oslo, and this is a very popular route both for Americans and Europeans. We´re therefore very happy to celebrate these new routes between London and Orlando. Earlier this week we also celebrated our very first flight between Copenhagen and Orlando. The travelling public deserves affordable fares and flexible tickets across the Atlantic,” said Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl of Norwegian. There will be one weekly departure (on Saturdays) between London Gatwick and Orlando.In 2013, Norwegian commenced its long-haul operation by being the only low-cost carrier to offer transatlantic flights between the U.S. and Europe. By 2017, Norwegian will have a fleet of 17 Dreamliners, whereof seven are currently in service. The company is planning to expand its long-haul fleet with even more 787 Dreamliners.  Norwegian offers long-haul flights between the following destinations: Routes from Bangkok (BKK): Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN) and Copenhagen (CPH) Routes from New York (JFK): Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN), Copenhagen (CPH), Bergen (BGO) and London (LGW) Routes from Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN), Copenhagen (CPH) and London (LGW) Routes from Los Angeles (LAX): Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN), Copenhagen (CPH) and London (LGW) Routes from San Francisco (OAK): Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN) Routes from Orlando (MCO): Oslo (OSL), Copenhagen (CPH) and London (LGW) Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. The company reported its highest ever passenger figures in a single year with almost 24 million passengers in 2014. Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 424 routes to 130 destinations and employs approximately 4,500 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand. The company has 258 undelivered aircraft on firm order. Norwegian was founded in 1993 and its headquarter is in Fornebu, Norway. Norwegian offers better leg room than most competitors, in-flight WiFi on short haul, world-class punctuality and a fleet of 96 aircraft with an average age of only four years. In 2013 and 2014, Norwegian was voted Europe’s best low-cost carrier of the year by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards. In 2014, Norwegian also won three prizes at the prestigious Passenger Choice Awards for Best Airline in Europe, Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications and Best Single Achievement in Passenger Experience for its moving map on the 787 Dreamliners. In addition, Norwegian was awarded Europe's best low-cost airline by AirlineRatings.com for the second year running.

Travelore News: Norwegian Celebrates Inaugural Flights From Birmingham Airport To Madrid

Today, Norwegian celebrated its inaugural flight from Birmingham Airport to Madrid; the first of three new Spanish destinations set to launch this summer from the airport. “Today is a double celebration – we’re celebrating the launch of direct flights to Madrid and welcoming Norwegian to Birmingham Airport,” said David Winstanley, Chief Operating Officer at Birmingham Airport.

The first scheduled service from the Spanish capital, which will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, was greeted in Birmingham today with a water-arch salute upon arrival, quickly followed by the launch of flights to Malaga on Monday 30^th March.

The new service to Malaga will operate three times a week on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays and represents the second of three new Spanish routes from Birmingham to be served by Norwegian. The third and final service to Barcelona is set to commence on the 1^st of June, departing on Mondays and Fridays.

“We´re very happy to celebrate the new routes from Birmingham to several destinations in Spain. Now travelers in the greater Birmingham area can take advantage of Norwegian's low fares and award-winning service. Our crew is looking forward to welcoming new customers on board our brand new and more environmentally friendly fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft with free WiFi,” said Norwegian’s Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl.

“A double celebration”
David Winstanley, Chief Operating Officer at Birmingham Airport, said:
“Today is a double celebration – we’re celebrating the launch of direct flights to Madrid and welcoming Norwegian to Birmingham Airport."

"Madrid marks the first of three new Spanish routes set to be served by Norwegian from Birmingham, a clear indication of the enormous demand that exists for these popular destinations, which also includes Malaga and Barcelona."

David added: “We’re confident that our business and leisure passengers will be impressed with Norwegian’s low fares and efficient service.”

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. The company reported its highest ever passenger figures in a single year with almost 24 million passengers in 2014. Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 424 routes to 130 destinations and employs approximately 4,500 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand. The company has 258 undelivered aircraft on firm order. Norwegian was founded in 1993 and its headquarter is in Fornebu, Norway. Norwegian offers better leg room than most competitors, in-flight WiFi on short haul, world-class punctuality and a fleet of 96 aircraft with an average age of only four years. In 2013 and 2014, Norwegian was voted Europe’s best low-cost carrier of the year by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards. In 2014, Norwegian also won three prizes at the prestigious Passenger Choice Awards for Best Airline in Europe, Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications and Best Single Achievement in Passenger Experience for its moving map on the 787 Dreamliners. In addition, Norwegian was awarded Europe's best low-cost airline by AirlineRatings.com for the second year running.

Ryanair: Berlin To Miami And London To New York For As Little As $15

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary

Europe's largest budget airline has just been granted approval to develop a transatlantic service between Europe and America.

Ryanair, the Ireland-based budget carrier, plans to run services between key European cities and the US with one-way tickets costing from as little as $15.

The idea is part of an aggressive growth strategy, connecting airports such as London Stansted and Berlin with New York, Boston and Miami.

The airline first mooted the idea of offering transatlantic flights back in 2008 and board approval comes after the airline has invested 18 months in cleaning up its image and improving customer service.

It is believed it could take up to five years to realize the plan, as the airline needs to source appropriate long-haul aircraft for the routes.

Last year, Michael O’Leary, the airline’s chief executive, told the Irish Hotels Federation conference in Meath that Ryanair would offer the $15 flights to Boston and New York.

However, he admitted that passengers would pay extra for everything from meals to baggage.

He said: 'We can make money on 99 cent fares in Europe.

'Not every seat will be ($15) of course; there will also need to be a very high number of business or premium seats.'

In a separate conversation, Mr O'Leary admitted: 'We've had a business plan ready to roll for a transatlantic, low-fares airline.

'The difficulty is, I keep cautioning, is that there's no availability of long-haul aircraft for another four or five years.'

Ryaniar isn't the only airline to consider offering budget transatlantic flights.

Previously, Sir Freddie Laker launched Skytrain in the late Seventies to offer 'no frills' flights to the US, but his carrier Lake Airways failed in 1982.

Zoom Airlines tried a similar concept in 2002 but was forced to file for bankruptcy in 2008.

More recently, Norwegian has launched its own budget flights between London Gatwick, New York, Boston and Los Angeles from as little as £389 ($415) return.

These Are The Best Airlines For 2015

Air New Zealand has won for the second successive year AirlineRatings Airline of the Year

Air New Zealand cabin crew

Air New Zealand Premium Economy

Air New Zealand Skycouch

Air New Zealand 787

Etihad First Class

Cathay Pacific Business Class

Qantas Lounge Canberra

Virgin Australia Business Class

Lufthansa First Class

Scott staff and management with 777

AirlineRatings.com the world’s only safety and product rating website has announced the selection of Air New Zealand as its Airline of the Year for 2015.

AirlineRatings.com celebrates and promotes excellence in the airline industry and the pinnacle of these efforts is its Airline Excellence Awards. Winners include: Qantas, Cathay Pacific Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, JetBlue, Kululu.com, Lufthansa, Lan Chile, Norwegian, Thai Airways, Scoot and Virgin Australia.

AirlineRatings.com also announced its Top Ten airlines for 2015.

Airline of the Year

Air New Zealand is being honored for the second consecutive year for its in-flight innovations, financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff that have cemented the airline an industry trendsetter.

The editorial team, one of the world’s most awarded and experienced, also praised Air New Zealand’s commitment to a young fleet and its continual focus on the environment. The airline also won Best Premium Economy Class.

AirlineRatings.com’s editorial team took special note of Air New Zealand’s comprehensive long haul offering which had two multi-award winning products in the Skycouch for economy and Spaceseat for premium economy passengers.

“Air New Zealand’s focus on its staff has resulted in exceptional performance across the airline in market position, customer service, financial performance, fiscal management and operational safety,” said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas.

“Put simply Air New Zealand is a textbook case of what an airline should be today. Air New Zealand has catapulted to the top tier of the industry and while it may be 50th in size in global rankings it is one of the most awarded.”

“Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice and given the airline’s location and the country’s size, its performance is extraordinary,” said Mr Thomas.

“The editors of AirlineRatings.com also noted that the airline’s focus on delivering value to passengers has resulted in higher yields and better returns for staff and shareholders. Air New Zealand is unquestionably AirlineRatings.com Airline of the Year for 2015,” said Mr Thomas.

Read more about Air New Zealand’s offerings here 

Best First Class

This award was won by relative newcomer Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways which has shaken the industry with its new First Class offerings.

“Etihad’s commitment to excellence appears to know no bounds. The airline’s new First Class and Business Class offerings are breathtaking and have set a new benchmark in luxury travel,” said Mr Thomas.

“In just over eleven years Etihad Airways has stamped itself not only as a major force in the airline industry but a trendsetter – an incredible achievement.”

Read more about Etihad wins here.

Best Business Class

Cathay Pacific Airways has won Best Business Class and the award adds to a string of accolades the airline has won for its product offering.

According to Mr Thomas, Cathay Pacific’s new business class is exceptional. “It’s a magnificent blend of comfort, functionality and privacy,” said Mr Thomas. “The airline has listened to its customers and it shows.”

Read more about Cathay Pacific Business Class offerings here:

Best Premium Economy

Air New Zealand has won Best Premium Economy for the second year running for its innovation in designing its own premium economy seat.

The airline is continually innovating in all cabins and this has resulted in higher yields as passengers upgrade their travel experience with value propositions.

“Air New Zealand has proven conclusively that passengers will pay more if the product is right and priced accordingly,” said Mr Thomas.

Best Economy

Thai Airways picks up Best Economy Class for a product that delivers superb value for money and comfort.

“Thai Airways offers some of the best value in Economy Class not only in the Asian region but throughout the airline industry. Their service is perfect, meals filling and frequent and the in-flight entertainment of superior quality,” said Mr Thomas.

“Thai Airways has always offered exceptional service and the combination with cabin innovations of the Boeing 787 is a winning team,” said Mr Thomas

Read more on Thai Airways here: 

Best Lounges

Qantas has won this category for a feature that has become as important as in-flight product to many discerning travellers. And in this space Qantas’ lounges are a standout.

“The Qantas domestic lounge has become an Australian air travel institution and the airline’s international offerings are also exceptional with new lounges in Hong Kong and Los Angeles setting new standards,” said Mr Thomas.

Qantas Lounges not only provide complimentary food and beverages the airline was a leader in installing showers several decades ago. Importantly the airline’s lounges have robust broadband internet access that can handle demand – something lacking in many other airlines’ lounges.

Read more about Qantas's wins here.


Best Catering

Another win for Qantas for its commitment, not only to first class dining, but to economy travel which makes up 90 per cent of passengers.

The airline is rolling out four choices of main meal for economy passengers, a doubling in the size of meals, and the ability to order online ahead of the flight.

“Qantas’s catering commitment to both its domestic and international passengers is industry leading,” said Mr Thomas

“Our editors were extremely impressed by the airline’s new economy offering which makes Qantas a clear winner in this category.”


Best In-Flight Entertainment

Emirates, which was one of the pioneers of IFE, wins AirlineRatings.com Best IFE award for the second consecutive year. The airline has an IFE product that few airlines equal.

Airlineratings.com editors noted that Emirates was one of the first adopters, particularly for economy class. By 1993 all the airline’s seats were fitted with IFE.

Emirates ICE has almost endless features. It allows you to follow the progress of your flight, or take in the view from the aircraft’s external cameras.

You can keep in touch with live business, news and sport headlines. As a communication tool it provides phone, SMS or email capability. For entertainment there are 600 channels of premium entertainment.

Best Domestic Service

In an era where domestic offerings are becoming leaner and leaner Qantas’s domestic offering is a global standout and in many cases matches or exceeds others’ international product.

“There is no doubt Australian’s are the world’s most spoilt passengers with full meal service on all flights across its network,” said Mr Thomas.

The airline offers complimentary beer and wine offered between capital cities after 4pm on weekdays and between Perth and the East-Coast from lunch time daily. Next year the airline will also offer lie-flat beds on A330 flights which operate all transcontinental services.

Best New World Carrier

A new award for AirlineRatings.com the Best New World Carrier acknowledges airlines that are making game changing initiatives to redefine travel to meet rapidly changing passenger expectations.

The inaugural winner is Virgin Australia which has redefined what an airline can achieve by morphing from Australia’s low fare pioneer as Virgin Blue to an airline that blends low cost efficiencies with a first class product. A true New World Carrier.

“The airline has taken what really matters to passengers and given it a makeover and the result is spectacular,” said Mr Thomas.

Read more here.

Best Cabin Crew

Another inaugural award is Best Cabin Crew, again won by Virgin Australia. “The airline’s cabin crew treat every passenger whether in row 1 or 31 as a special guest,” said Mr Thomas.

“Their commitment to their passengers is outstanding and is a benchmark of what cabin service should be.”

Best Long Haul Airline

AirlineRatings.com Best Long Haul Airline awards have been won by: Etihad (Middle East/Africa), Eva Air (Asia/Pacific), Lufthansa (Europe) and Lan Chile (The Americas).

According to Mr Thomas, these four long haul airlines are clear leaders in their region and in fact well beyond. “Each defines long haul travel and can be counted on to deliver the best possible product.”

Lufthansa and Etihad in particular are standouts in long haul travel and have pioneered new aircraft and interior designs to enhance global travel,” said Mr Thomas. “EVA Air and Lan Chile also have rich histories in pioneering long haul travel and are deserving winners.”

Best Low Cost Airline

There is no question that the Low Cost Airline market is the most competitive and also the most rapidly growing. Thus competition to be the best is a challenge of balancing product with low prices.

AirlineRatings.com winners are: jetBlue (The Americas), Scoot (Asia/Pacific), Kulula (Middle-East/Africa) and Norwegian (Europe).

The four airlines are standouts in their respective markets with very clever innovations and they consistently delivery an excellent value proposition. “These airlines may not always offer the lowest fare but what they always do is deliver the best value,” said Mr Thomas. And these airlines open new routes and make travel fun for millions who could previously not afford to fly.

- See more at: http://www.airlineratings.com/news/400/air-new-zealand-wins-2015-airline-of-the-year#sthash.zBylhHGP.dpuf

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