Media reports citing a study recently said that U.S. carriers collected more than $6 billion in baggage and reservation change fees from passengers in 2012. The reports said that this was the highest amount since the baggage and air tickets change fees became common five years ago.

According to reports, the revenues earned by U.S. airlines through baggage and reservation change fees have significantly helped the aviation industry to return to profitability. The carriers which stand to gain include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, US Airways and many more.

The reports further indicated that the passengers should be ready for some more time to continue paying more for enhanced baggage and reservation change fees as well as extra charges for boarding early or picking prime seats.

The U.S. carriers first started charging for a first checked suitcase in the year 2008. Ever since, the fees have been revised several times and passengers asked to pay increased amount.

The U.S. carriers presently charge $25 each way for the first checked bag and $35 for the second bag. This is apart from various additional fees charged for oversized or overweight bags.

Those planning to visit Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific Islands can look forward to book cheap flights on Air New Zealand.
 
The airline has recently unveiled ‘Air New Zealand Explorer Pass’ offering great opportunity to its customers to explore New Zealand, Australia or the Pacific Islands at cheap rates.

The customers can take advantage of this great offer by spending money on cheap tickets by getting hold of Air New Zealand Explorer Pass latest by June 1, 2013.

The Air New Zealand Explorer Pass would be available exclusively to the residents of U.S.A. and Canada, and would be applicable for travel to the Pacific Islands, Australia or New Zealand.

Air New Zealand in a statement said that the Air New Zealand Explorer Pass is absolutely a cost-effective and easy way to travel within New Zealand and to also visit the Pacific Islands and Australia on the same trip.
 
The residents of U.S.A. and Canada can effectively utilize the Air New Zealand Explorer Pass only when it is purchased in conjunction with Air New Zealand long-haul fares originating outside of New Zealand, Australia or the Pacific Islands.

The passengers booking business class tickets on Air Berlin can now look forward to a new flying experience. Air Berlin recently announced the launch of its new fully flat business class seats.

Apart from newly introduced business class seats, Air Berlin has also unveiled its new Amenity Kits to be offered to the passengers onboard their business class flights.

The airline in a statement said that it has changed its Amenity Kits in Business Class and procured it from Institut Karité as well as from Tumi.
Providing details about the Karité kit, the airline stated that the amenity kit would include Karité Extra Gentle Body Milk, Institut Karite Lip Balm with 6% shea butter, collapsible travel toothbrush with GUM toothpaste, ear plugs, eye mask and socks. The bag is light weight with a clam shell design.

According to the airline, the Tumi kit being provided to business class travelers on Air Berlin includes a collapsible travel toothbrush with GUM toothpaste, Rituals Face and Body Moisturizer, Rituals Lip Balm, ear plugs, eye mask and socks.

Air France recently announced it will be relaunching its afki.biz website in association with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The website will now be relaunched as agentconnect.biz and would provide additional information and services. The newly relaunched website would be unveiled on June 11, 2013.

Air France in a statement said that the newly relaunched website would provide relevant information on the products and policies of the company. It would provide round-the-clock access to online services like PNR conformation, name change, itinerary change, etc.

Air France along with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines has also launched a specialized desk to offer easy access and assistance to its key trade partners.  The specialized desk is already operational since March 1, 2013 and is continuously offering valuable assistance to trade partners.
Air France flights are currently being operated in 25 French cities and several other countries spanning in six continents.

In Tampa, every day is fun and celebration. With a number of events organized every month from concerts to food fiesta, Tampa is the right destination for every interest and preference. If you are planning a vacation, head to Tampa for a series of exciting events. Take a look at the 2013 events calendar on Tampa:

Concert of Justin Bieber (August 08, 2013) – The rock and pop star, Justin Bieber will entertain you with his dazzling performance in Tampa in August. If you are Justin Bieber fan, you cannot afford to miss his live performance. Hurry, book the show!

Sunset Music Festival (May 25th 2013) – This is Tampa’s biggest and best EMD festival. The event will be held at the Raymond James Stadium. This 2nd Sunset Music Festival will feature the best DJ performances. Don’t miss this electrifying show for anything.

2013 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival (May 25th, 2013) – The event will be held at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa. The event will feature a full day of margaritas, music and beach volleyball activities. There will be huge choice of margaritas for you, including different flavors prepared by different hands. The drinks will be prepared using fresh ingredients such as fruit agave, pure sugarcane and fresh squeezed lime juice. Enjoy the live music performances throughout the day in the 2013 Tampa Bay Margarita Festival.

Don’t miss any of these shows. Music, dance, dinner and drinks are what these shows will offer. The concerts are a great treat for music lovers.

Housing beautiful attractions and offering plenty of fun activities for visitors, the wonderful city of Taipei organizes events all year round. If you happen to visit Taipei anytime in the year, don’t miss the shows. Below is the 2013 events calendar of Taipei:

Taipei Film Festival (28th June – 20th July 2013) – Everyone loves watching movies; especially those from other language depicting different culture.  The Taipei Film Festival is an excellent promoter of the Taiwanese cinema. This event is a great way to strengthen relations with other countries, also for cultural exchanges. This year’s event will showcase the works of new and emerging artists from the industry.

Taipei Pineapple Cake Cultural Festival (21st – 23rd June, 2013) – The event will be held at the Taipei Expo Park, and you can expect a series of fun activities at the show. Of course, cake tasting will be the major activity/attraction of the show. Amuse your taste buds by attending this event. You can also expect a series of complimentary activities here in the show.

Taipei International Bird Watching Fair (26-27th October 2013) – This event is specially organized to highlight the importance of natural-resource conservation among public. The event will be held at the Guandu National Park. Local and migratory birds will be featured by the fair to promote cross-border environmental protection.

2013 Taipei Hakka Yimin Festival (18th – 21st October 2013) – This year’s event will be highlighted by a cross-regional ritual of the holy Yimins. The slogan of this year’s event will be “Holly Yamins Patrolling in the Blessed Land of Hakka.”

Discover Sydney this holiday season with your family and friends. Like every year, Sydney is all set to amaze you with its myriad events and festivals. The city is decked like a bride; visitors from all across the world are cordially invited to enjoy the grand show here! For details on what’s on in Sydney, take a look at the 2013 events calendar of Sydney:

Vivid Sydney (24th May and 10th June 2013) – This event transforms Sydney into a mind blowing canvas of music, dance and light. This event features the hugely popular light installation, performances from local and internationally renowned musicians at the Opera House. Don’t miss to see the new face of Sydney this summer.

Talk: Arts – Slide Cabaret Festival (24th June, 2013) – Producers, writers, managers and artists will be a part of this event. The event is more of a business event than an entertainment one. The audience member of this event will be able to enjoy grand dinner at a discounted rate.

Wangechi Mutu (23rd May to 14th August 2013) – This major exhibition show will showcase artwork of the New-York based artist Wangechi Mutu. The exhibition will display his collage, sculpture, drawing and installation at the show.

Australian Dance Festival (13-15th September 2013) – The event will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Center. The event will feature dance workshops, dance performances by artists and dance competition. Whether you are a dance artist or a learner, the event has something for every interest.

From local to international events, Singapore offers myriad choice for you spend an exciting vacation at any time of the year. To help you enjoy every moment of your holiday trip, we provide you with the handy guide on what’s on in Singapore and which is the most awaited event of the year. Take a look at the 2013 events calendar of Singapore:

Singapore Food Expo (30 May – 3 June, 2013) – Amuse your taste buds this year in Singapore. The largest food event in Singapore will feature an impressive array of contemporary and traditional dishes. It is an ideal show where you can take your family and taste world’s best cuisines. Adding energy and excitement in the air, you can enjoy a number of stage performances and entertainment programs at the Food Festival.

Singapore Dance Theater’s 25th Anniversary Gala (31 May to 1 June 2013) – The city’s renowned ballet company is celebrating its 25th year of excellence with a graceful lineup of dance performances. Enjoy the performances by award-winning choreographer Edwaard Liang.

The Great Singapore Sale (31st May – 28th July 2013) – Shop till you drop in Singapore. The city’s biggest and craziest shopping sale event returns this year with a bang! Shop for anything and everything you like here. With a number of sensational shopping deals on local and international brands, buy whole-heartedly.

Other events include:
•    The World Street Food Congress 2013 (31st May – 9th June 2013) 
•    BayBeats (28-30th June 2013)
•    PC Show (6-9 June 2013)
•    Aquarama 2013 (30 May – 2 June, 2013)

Seoul organizes a great number of events every year for both local and international visitors. The below is the comprehensive record of the 2013 Seoul events that you really should not miss!

Mudfest Korea 2013 (19 July 2013) – This no-so-popular festival is dedicated to foreigners. The festival is popular with travelers and newcomers to Korea. As the name implies, the event makes use of mud for entertainment. Go muddy this July here in Seoul!

Ansan Valley Rock Festival (26-28 July 2013) – This year the festival is going to bigger! The event will feature local as well as international music under one roof. The festival will be held at Fragrance daebudo sea theme park in Festival Park. The event is surely going to rock you!

Jisan World Festival (2-4 August 2013) – Be a part of this world-famous event, where both local and renowned international artists will share the same stage. It is a great treat for music lovers. Don’t miss the show!

Super Sonic Music Festival (14-15th August 2013) – The festival is the Korean counterpart of the Summer! Sonic (Japanese festival). The festival will feature both international and Korean acts, including Pet Shop Boys, Two Door Cinema Club and 10cm.

Other highlights of events calendar of Seoul are Zandari Fest (Mid October), City Break Festival Headlined by Metallic and Muse in Seoul (17-18 August 2013), Gay Pride in Seoul (1st June 2013 onwards) etc.

Enjoy these events in Seoul, and make the most of your trip to the city.

Planning a holiday trip to Santo Domingo this year? That’s a cool idea! Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic is a beautiful holiday hotspot for a special vacation trip. Breathtaking view, lavish restaurant, scrumptious food and vibrant nightlife events are some of the USPs of Santo Domingo. Don’t miss the number of events and celebrations that take place each year here. Take a look below at the 2013 events calendar:

Santo Domingo de Fiesta (25 Jan – 31 August, 2013) – The Ministry of Tourism of Santo Domingo organizes every Friday and Saturday dance performances. The folk dance performance is the major highlight here. This performance will be held in the mall of the Plaza Spain in the Colonial Zone. Don’t miss the rejuvenating event here.

Festicafe 2013 (1-2 June 2013) – The 9th Festicafe event will be held at the mountainous region of Polo in the Barahona province. The event will feature activities for both kids and adults. The festival will promote local environment and organic production of coffee, and farmers of the region will be the participant. The different cultural activities for kids are, eco-tourism tours, lectures and coffee tasting event, cycling tour and art exhibition.

Latin Music Tour (15-18 August, 2013) – This year the Latin Music Tour will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino Punta Cana. Enjoy the show with the power-packed performances of local as well as international artists.

Enjoy these events as well as the impressive historical attractions in Santo Domingo this year!