Domestic travelers still on the move.Byline: Edward Russo The Register-Guard If the war is going to stop or dramatically change the travel plans of Oregonians for the upcoming spring break, it's yet to become apparent, travel experts said. Travelers remain on the move, a week ahead of spring break, said Demer Merrill, an agent with Bonaventure Travel in Eugene. "The airports are absolutely packed," she said. "Yesterday, every flight out of Eugene was full. You can't even get out of here on a plane until Sunday and Monday." Before the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. launched its strikes against Iraq, AAA AAA: see American Automobile Association. (Triple A) A common single-cell battery used in a myriad of electronic devices of all variety. Like its double A (AA) cousin, it provides 1.5 volts of DC power. When used in series, the voltage is multiplied. was wondering how travelers would react, AAA spokesman Elliot Eki said. "But our travel agents said they are doing the usual good cruise and tour bookings," he said. "They said some people were delaying their travel plans, but it wasn't clear if it was because of the war or the (slow) economy in general." The attack on Iraq has the potential to spook travelers into canceling or delaying plans out of fear of a domestic terrorism Noun 1. domestic terrorism - terrorism practiced in your own country against your own people; "the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City was an instance of domestic terrorism" attack, or the prospect of unexpected travel restrictions that might strand travelers away from home, experts said. Merrill said the level of domestic travel being handled by her agency hasn't been affected, although some international travelers canceled their flights. However, she said, those cancellations took place because the travelers were headed to Asia and they were worried about the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Definition Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is the first emergent and highly transmissible viral disease to appear during the twenty-first century. , or SARS, which has killed 10 people in the past three weeks. Tensions over Iraq have increased last-minute travel reservations, Merrill said, while at the same time decreasing the number of advance travel bookings. For many people, "it's a wait-and-see mode because of the international situation," she said. In response, some cruise lines
Name Headquarters A'rosa Europe NCL America America AIDA Cruises Europe American Cruise Lines America and tour companies are offering deep discounts to lure people who may be wary about traveling at this time. "I just got a fax for a six-day Mexican Riviera The Mexican Riviera refers collectively to several cities and resorts lying on the western coast of Mexico. Although there are large distances between these cities, they are often referred to as the Mexican Riviera because of their popularity among tourists. cruise for $399 a person," she said. "Normally that would be almost double that." Some airlines have changed their rules because of the uncertain times. Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines, (NYSE: ALK) is an airline based in Seattle, Washington, United States. It operates hubs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Portland International Airport. and Horizon Air on Thursday activated a policy that will waive To intentionally or voluntarily relinquish a known right or engage in conduct warranting an inference that a right has been surrendered. For example, an individual is said to waive the right to bring a tort action when he or she renounces the remedy provided by law for such the usual $50 fee to change flights for customers who bought tickets before April 19 for travel through May 18. Under that program, the original reservation must be changed or canceled prior to the originally scheduled departure date. The new ticket must be reissued by April 19, and travel must be completed no later than Dec. 31, 2003. Horizon Air operates several daily flights from Eugene. |
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