Local Airline to Offer Flights from Yakima and Wenatche
Your trip to Vancouver USA just got easier! SeaPort, the airline that currently offers flights between Portland and Seattle, has changed its routes. Since the end of January, the Portland air carrier no longer offers flights to Seattle but instead to Yakima and Wenatchee. SeaPort is the only carrier providing regular service to Portland from both the Washington towns.
You can read more about the airline's decision in this Puget Sound Business Journal article.
"Vote Travel" Campaign Looking to Make a Difference
With so many political issues at hand during election seasons and legislative sessions, the US Travel Association is urging voters to look at one in particular: travel. The "Vote Travel" campaign, which kicked off in late January, hopes to build support for the travel industry among policymakers and generate media attention focusing on the travel industry's impact on the US and local economies. To support the campaign and sign up to "Vote Travel," visit its website.
Boosting International Travel
Citing impressive tourism statistics, including the 7.5 million jobs that the $1.3 trillion industry supports, the Obama administration announced a "Beyond the Border Action Plan" that it hopes will boost international travel to the US, especially from Canada. With so many tourists coming to Washington state from the other North American countries, the plan has the potential to help provide a great tourism year in our state. You can read the entire article at www.travelmarketreport.com.
Rental car changes at PDX
On September 1, several changes were made to the car rental program at Portland International Airport. Budget Rent-A-Car, National Rent-A-Car, and Alamo Rent-A-Car relocated just off site and Advantage Rent-A-Car began operating at the airport for the first time. Be sure to keep this in mind as you plan your trip to Vancouver USA!
For more details on the changes, you can read the Port of Portland's complete release.
Amtrak Vancouver-Vancouver service made permanent
Because of its popularity among travelers and a decision by the Canadian government to permanently waive a $1,500-per-day inspection fee, Amtrak announced that the service from Vancouver, B.C., to Vancouver USA has been made permanent. Chalk it up as another great way to visit Vancouver USA! See the entire press release here [pdf].
Importance of the industry
In a recent study done by the United States Travel Association, for every 35 visitors to the United States, one job is created, and the average visitor spends over $4,000 dollars per visit. Last year in Vancouver alone, tourism supported over 3,500 jobs and visitors spent $364 million.
To learn more about the study, follow this link.
End in sight to PDX runway construction
In an upgrade project that began three years ago at the Portland International Airport, all of the runways will be back open for use in October after the 11,000-foot north runway renovation has been completed. This completion will be a relief to many local residents, as the construction has increased air traffic over certain nearby neighborhoods.
Click here for the full story.
PDX prepared for the summer travel season
Are you looking at flying into Portland International Airport this summer for your visit to beautiful Vancouver USA? If so, have no fear, as PDX is ready for your arrival! A new system for managing checked bags should make the trip a smoother one, too. With nearly 4 million travelers expected at the airport this summer, a 2 percent increase from last year, and great deals to be found on various airlines, PDX should be bustling over the next few months and we expect to see even more visitors in Vancouver!
More information on PDX’s busy summer season can be found on its website.
Leisure trips increasing in US
With all the uncertain news we have been hearing about the economy, it might surprise you to hear that a recent survey actually shows that, on average, Americans are planning on taking more leisure trips this year. Who doesn’t love a good vacation every now and then? And why not spend some of that vacation time exploring all that Vancouver USA has to offer? We promise you won’t regret it!
For more information on the survey, you can read the article here.
Airline Fees - Know Before You Go
The Department of Transportation recently released new rules that will require airlines to prominently disclose all fees and taxes on their websites, increases compensation for passengers who are involuntarily bumped and limits tarmac delays to for international flights to four hours, as well as other changes consumers can be excited about.
Until now, air travelers have sometimes been caught off guard by the hidden fees associated with flying, such as ones for bags, meals, pillows and reservation changes. When the new rules go into effect, 120 days from the announcement of them, the Department of Transportation hopes that passengers will be more informed and can plan for trips and fees accordingly.
To read the entire article, click here.
Flying with the times
Planning a trip to Vancouver but worried about a stressful airport experience? If so, let your smartphone assist you in making your travel as seamless as possible. A variety of independent app developers now provide information on different airports, including Portland International Airport (PDX), which serves the Vancouver USA region.
Various applications, such as Airport Maps, GoHow Airport and iFly offer services including airport reviews, flight and gate updates, and lists of restaurants, shops, airline lounges and services at PDX. With all the information on how to best navigate the airport in the palm of your hand, visiting us can be so easy!
For more information and details on specific applications available, click here.
