HAL LAUNCHES NEW ‘FLIGHT EASE’ PROGRAM

Holland America Line (HAL) has launched a new “Flight Ease”air program that allows agents to “easily and affordably select from two competitive pricing options depending on their clients’ travel needs,”– Flexible Fares to fit any schedule or Restricted Fares that are generally more cost-effective for those sure of their travel plans. According to officials, agents who book air for their clients with the new Flight Ease program enjoy more options, more flexibility and competitive fares along with Holland America’s assurances on air travel versus booking through another means. Flight Ease is available for departures from fall 2013 and beyond. “With one-stop shopping, Flight Ease provides convenience, competitive pricing and peace of mind,”says Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice-president of sales, marketing and guest relations. “Our goal is to make reserving all aspects of a cruise vacation on behalf of your clients an easy experience, and Flight Ease makes booking the air travel component a simple and full-service process.”Available through HAL’s Polar Online booking process, Flight Ease features up-to-the-minute fight schedules that only include those flights that arrive and depart in time for the specific cruise booked; competitive pricing and flight inventory from multiple carriers is presented. All flights booked through Flight Ease feature 24-hour assistance for questions and “Next Port Protection,”which means that in case of airline delay or cancellation en route to a cruise, Holland America will take care of any flight changes necessary to join the cruise at the next available port of call. (http://www.hollandamerica.com)