Letters to the Editor: Sept. 6, 2010

Repurposing Pan Am's 'umbrella' would be practical for Delta, JFK

Seeing Delta's plans for Terminals 2, 3 and 4 and for its regional jet operation at New York Kennedy, I wonder why the umbrella portion of Terminal 3 can't be repurposed for that operation.

For the regional jets -- fewer passengers, smaller aircraft -- the umbrella terminal could be gutted, refurbished and returned to its original spacious, open and novel design. There would be more gates. Instead of jetways, ramps or escalators would lead down to the apron for access to regional jets, which would park under the umbrella's ample roof, protected from the weather.

Thus the umbrella part of Terminal 3 would remain between Terminals 2 and 4, shortening the walking distances for passengers connecting to regional jet flights and providing easier access for New York-originating passengers, who wouldn't have to traverse the long concourses of Terminal 4.

This new Terminal 3 would also enable the Terminal 4 expansion to focus solely on more gates for Delta's international flights and might provide a more convenient connector between Terminals 2 and 4.

Best of all, the historical 1960 umbrella terminal would be saved. It is far more deserving of preservation than TWA's flying brassiere, which employed ordinary gates and then jetways.

But certainly there is no question that the rear addition to the Worldport, opened in 1972, is an embarrassment that has to go.

Bruce Haxthausen
Pan Am press relations, 1973-1981
New York

Land-based products offer agents more flexibility and commissions

I have been following with interest the recent discussion in Travel Weekly between and among cruise lines and travel agencies. As the president and chief marketing officer of MLT Vacations, one of the largest tour operators in the U.S., managing both Delta Vacations and Continental Airlines Vacations, I don't have expertise in the cruise industry. Nor am I qualified to voice an opinion in that discussion.

What I do know well is the tour operator business, and what I can share are the two biggest reasons why selling land-based vacation packages makes sense for travel agents and their customers.

The first is that land-based vacation products offer the ultimate in choice and flexibility. Destinations around the globe are available to be experienced, even those not adjacent to water and ports. Within each of those destinations are thousands of different types of room accommodations at resorts, hotels and inns of all shapes and sizes, an unlimited number of dining options and abundant opportunities for sightseeing.

A travel professional can find an ideal land-based vacation package for every one of his or her clients.

The second reason is that land-based vacation packages offer the best opportunity for travel agents to earn attractive commissions.

Most vacation packages sold through tour operators do not have multiple noncommissionable components. Popular tours and excursions are generally available for presale, and they are commissionable. Further, the fastest-growing segment of vacation packages, the all-inclusive resorts, enable agents to earn commissions on meals and beverages (including alcoholic beverages) that are bundled into the all-inclusive price.

I encourage travel agents to seek out and support suppliers who offer great service and support, who provide agents with the training and tools that they need to be successful and who pay fair commissions, without numerous exclusions or rate differentiation based on room type, day of the week, class of airfare, destination or any other variable. (Which is why at MLT Vacations, travel agents earn commission on every single airfare they sell as part of one of our vacation packages.)

At MLT Vacations, our relationship with our travel agent partners is built on a foundation of respect and honesty. I believe that travel agents deserve nothing less from their preferred suppliers.

Ken Pomerantz, president and chief marketing officer
MLT Vacations
Edina, Minn.

How about a fee for guaranteeing bags arrive promptly at carousels?

Want a novel idea? How about baggage arriving at the baggage carousel at the same time the passengers arrive to fetch them?

That is the only charge I would gladly pay for.

As I usually fly business class, I am awarded an American Airlines fluorescent tag to denote first-class-passenger baggage pickup. But the airlines never comply, and elite flyers' bags are almost always near the end of baggage delivery.

I dare the airlines to be prompt with baggage delivery. They shouldn't be surprised that we would be willing to pay extra for that service. That's better than paying a surcharge for a pillow or for the honor of sitting in the first few rows of coach.

Roger Richman, co-owner
La Selva Jungle Lodge
Ecuador

'Travel agent' or 'travel adviser'? Not really an issue in the trenches

I appreciate the fact that Richard Turen is one of the top travel consultants in the U.S., and I will never be able to compare myself to him in knowledge or experience.

Nevertheless, I do feel that his recent column contrasting travel agents with travel advisers [Reality Check: "Agent or consultant? There's a difference," July 26] was demeaning to many of us. Not all of us travel agents have clients who are affluent, well-traveled celebrities. 

The middle-class clients I serve have different needs, and I give them the personal and professional attention they deserve.

They may not need a travel adviser to call the owner of a boutique hotel in Paris, just a travel agent to find the best value for their family vacation in the Bahamas.

Whatever you want to call us, we travel agents of mainstream America work hard to deliver the dream vacation for our clients. My clients and peers can call me whatever they want, as long as they continue to call. By the way, I would be happy to take the "bargain hunters" you travel advisers don't want.

Reece Oslinker, owner
Smooth Sailing Cruises
Stroudsburg, Pa.