Adventure Life's Blog » Safety and Security

American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy: Offical Statement from Derek DeCross, Vice President of AA Global Sales

Beth Conway — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:36:08 +0000

The bad news: American Airlines filed for bankruptcy this morning. The good news: At this time it looks like “business as usual” for travelers during the Chapter 11 process. Here is the official statement our flight partners received from Derek DeCross, American Airlines Vice President of Global Sales. I’ll keep you updated on changes — or check out more information on the restructuring on American Airlines website.

November 29, 2011

Dear Valued Travel Partner,

As you may know, American Airlines today took a necessary and responsible step to secure the future success of our company by filing for reorganization under Chapter 11. We took this action in order to become a more efficient, financially stronger, and competitive airline that is even better positioned to deliver for customers and the communities we serve. It will be business as usual at American during the Chapter 11 process.

In recent years, we have built the foundation for our future growth and long-term success. We strengthened our domestic and global network; fortified our alliances with the best partners around the world; launched a transformational fleet deal that will give us the youngest and most efficient fleet in the industry; and invested in our product, service and technology to build a world class customer experience.

However, to capitalize on these foundational strengths, we must address our very substantial cost disadvantage compared to our larger competitors, all of which restructured their costs and debt through Chapter 11. We are committed to working as quickly and efficiently as possible to appropriately restructure American Airlines so that we can emerge well-positioned to compete effectively in the marketplace for the long-term.

The Chapter 11 process lets us continue normal business operations while we restructure our debt, costs and other obligations. American’s $4.1 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, as well as cash generated from operations, is anticipated to be more than sufficient to assure that all vendors, suppliers, and business partners will be paid timely and in full for goods and services they provide us during the Chapter 11 process in accordance with customary terms.

Our relationship with you is paramount to us, and we look forward to continuing it well into the future. Please be assured that our sales agreement with you remains in full effect.

During the reorganization, American Airlines will also continue to:

Provide safe and reliable service. Our customers remain our top priority and will continue to enjoy the quality service they know and expect from us.

Operate our regular flight schedule. There are no immediate changes to our service or schedules as a result of the Chapter 11 filing. We intend to maintain a strong presence in domestic and international markets, including our cornerstones in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles, while using the flexibility of our fleet renewal program to remove less-efficient aircraft in our fleet.

Honor tickets and reservations as usual. Policies regarding exchanges and refunds remain the same.

Maintain the AAdvantage program and ensure all miles and elite status earned by members remain secure and intact.

Remain an integral member of the oneworld Alliance, of which American is a founding member, and continue our relationship with our codeshare partners.

If you have any questions about the reorganization process, please contact your American Airlines sales representative. Further information can also be found at AA.com/restructuring.

American Airlines has a proud history, and we will have a successful future. Through this process, we will enhance our reputation as a global leader known for excellence and innovation, a travel partner customers seek out, and a carrier that serves communities throughout the world. All of us on the American team appreciate your support, loyalty and business, and look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship well into the future.

Best regards,
Derek DeCross
Vice President – Global Sales

Galapagos Travel: Rules for Galapagos Visitors, a Good Time for a Good Reminder

Beth Conway — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:35:58 +0000

Two corrals closed. The giant tortoises can be observed from the viewing platforms. Photo courtesy of Galapagos Conservancy

Last month, the Galapagos National Park Service announced they are closing visitor access to two of the tortoise corrals at Santa Cruz’s Fausto Llerena Tortoise center — due to some irresponsible behaviors by, reportedly, both some select travelers and naturalist guides. Behaviors reported include littering and violating the park’s rules against touching and coming within two meters of the animals. It was also reported that visitors were observed walking on the tortoises’ feeding platforms. At this time the park has not decided whether the closure will be permanent or temporary. Visitors to the center will continue to have plenty of opportunities to view the tortoises from observation platforms. The Galapagos Conservancy offers additional information on the closing of the tortoise corrals.

The closure — rather the reasons behind this closure — is of course disheartening. The Giant Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Center has been operating for over 40 years. It is not only and important place for tortoise research and rearing (it currently holds 925 juvenile tortoises and 70 adult tortoises), it is also an educating tool to thousands of visitors who come to learn about the islands’ intriguing flora and fauna. The closure, however, does inspire me to get the word out and remind visitors that there are simple rules to being a responsible traveler on a Galapagos tour. A little refresher can do us all a bit of good.

The Galapagos National Park created the following rules for all visitors to the Galapagos:

1. To visit the National park you must always be accompanied by a certified Galapagos National Park guide.
2. Galapagos is unique and fragile environment. Take only photographs and video. Professional shooting needs authorization from the National Park.
3. Please stay within the limits of the walking trails for your safety and that of the flora and fauna.
4. To avoid affecting the wildlife’s natural behavior please avoid getting closer than two meters (6.5 feet) to the animals.
5. Camping is only allowed in specific sites. If you wish to camp, you must first obtain a permit from the Galapagos National Park.
6. Help conservation by cooperating with the authorities in their inspection, monitoring and control duties. Report any anomalies to the National Park.
7. Do not introduce foreign organisms to the islands, as these can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
8. Please do not buy souvenirs which are made from black coral, sea shells, sea lion teeth, tortoise shell, volcanic rock or endemic woods.
9. Galapagos animals have their own feeding behaviors. Never feed the animals. Feeding them can be detrimental to their health.
10. Galapagos landscapes are beautiful and unique. Do not spoil them by writing or etching rocks or trees.
11. Do not litter while on the islands. Always dispose of rubbish in a safe and appropriate way.
12. Smoking or making camp fires in the national park areas is forbidden and can cause devastating fires.
13. Fishing is strictly forbidden, except on those boats specifically authorized by the Galapagos National Park for that purpose only.
14. Jet skiing, submarines, water skiing, and aerial tourism are all forbidden.

For more information on responsible Galapagos travel, this video from our friends at the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) makes a nice visual.

Show your conservation attitude … and travel well.

Argentina Travel Update: Flights Cancelled Due to Chilean Puyehue Volcano Eruption

Beth Conway — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:24:03 +0000

Electric storm in the midst of Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano eruption in Chile. Photo by Daniel Basualto/EPA

UPDATE June 9, 2011: Flights on LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas are experiences ongoing delays and cancellations. For the most recent statement released from LAN Airlines, click here. For the most recent statement released from Aerolineas Argentinas click here. American Airlines just released the following statement:

Due to volcanic ash, all AA flights between the U.S. to Argentina and Uruguay on June 9th have been cancelled both northbound and southbound. AA plans to resume service on the evening of June 10 with flights departing from the U.S. to Argentina and Uruguay and with flights departing from Argentina. Additional service is being set up from Uruguay on June 10th since AA doesn’t normally operate a flight on Friday night. The impacted flights have gone through American Airlines reaccommodation process.

More changes are, of course, in store as ash moves throughout the atmosphere and the eruption subsides.

Ashes from the eruption of Chile’s Puyehue Volcano over the weekend have put a hold on flights into Argentina’s Patagonia region. The eruptions of the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex — a ridge just west of the Chilean-Argentine border — started on Saturday. Winds quickly took the massive ash cloud east, covering places like Argentina’s popular Bariloche region, in dust. As a safety measure, airlines, LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas, have temporarily suspended flights from Buenos Aires to Patagonia. At this time, Chile’s in-country flights have not been disrupted as strong westerly winds continue to push ash over Argentina. While cancellations are subject to change, current details are as follows:

Aerolineas Argentinas
Cancelled until June 12th: All flights between Buenos Aires and Bariloche, Chapelco and Esquel
Cancelled until June 7th: All flights between Buenos Aires and Trelew, Neuquen, Viedma, Rio Gallegos, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Rio Grande and Comodoro Rivadavia

LAN Argentina
Cancelled until June 8th: All flights to Bariloche, Neuquen, Bahia, Blanca, Comodoro Rivadavia and Rio Gallegos.

Chile has over 3,000 volcanoes; 500 of which are considered active — 60 eruptions have occurred in the last 450 years. Puyehue Volcano last major eruption was in 1960. If you have any questions on how the eruption might affect your Argentina, Chile or Patagonia travel, please contact Adventure Life.

Guatemala Travel Update: Current Status Report on Peten Region

Lynessa Nelson — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:14:14 +0000

The legendary Tikal ruins are found in Guatemala's Peten region

My husband and I just returned from a visit to the ancient Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala. We were staying in Belize at Pook’s Hill Jungle Lodge and planning a day excursion across the boarder into Guatemala. Before we went, we were informed told us of a recent incident between the Guatemalan and Mexican drug lords — which occurred just days before we were planning on visiting the Peten region. All local sources were contacted, and reports were consistent that the incident was isolated to those involved in the drug trade. Matt and I discussed the option of substituting another tour, but we felt comfortable and reassured that it was a safe environment.

We were so happy that we made this choice the next day. Guatemala is a beautiful country and so different from Belize, but equally fascinating in history and culture. We noticed a bit more security present as we drove and had to go through two checkpoints along the highway. This may, however, have been due to a visit from the President to the boarder town nearby. Overall, the policeman were polite and quickly waved us through as soon as they realized we were tourists with starry eyes fixed on the road ahead to Tikal. The ancient Maya city of Tikal was not to disappoint. We took away picturesque memories of our time spent high above the forest on Temple IV. Our conversations with Tikal park guide Fransisco about the history and culture of the Maya will stick with us as well. We would not have traded that experience for the world.

And now for the official report on the region. The Guatemalan tourism board (IGUAT) and the chamber of tourism (CAMTUR) have released the following joint statement, reaffirming travel to the Peten is both safe and recommended. An excerpt from the statement follows:

Tourism and commercial activities are developing normally in Guatemala and in the Peten region. Airport services, immigration and customs are fully operational. Within the first 24 hours some itineraries were temporarily modified in accordance with recommendations of the competent authorities. Today, these itineraries are being operated regularly. Security forces have stepped up surveillance on major touristic routes and destinations in the area, so the visit to the region is recommended and safe for domestic and foreign visitors.

The complete statement can be found on the Guatemala tourism board’s website (IGUAT). If you have any questions on Guatemala travel, please contact Adventure Life.

Galapagos Travel Following the Tsunami

Beth Conway — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:49:29 +0000

The dining room of the Finch Bay hotel is cleaned after the flood. The hotel was flooded by the equivalent of various very high tides – not waves. Finch Bay re-opened to visitors on March 15, 2011

Like Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands were impacted by the tsunami that resulted from the devastating earthquake that hit Japan on March 11, 2011. In general, the impact on the islands is not severe, but there was significant flooding in some areas. One of the areas that suffered the most significant damage with the Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz. The Marine Science labs flooded with several feet of water. Despite emergency preparation, waves destroyed a concrete pump house and broke massive wooden doors, flooding laboratories, workshops, and storage facilities, scattering furniture and equipment as far as 650 feet away.

Fortunately, no lives were lost. And tortoises (including Lonesome George) from the Park’s Tortoise Captive Breeding Center on Santa Cruz were temporarily relocated to higher ground.

There are some sensationalized reports of emergency supplies sent from the mainland to Ecuador and how hotels were destroyed. And while some hotels were flooded, no hotel was destroyed. The Finch Bay hotel which was one of the hardest hit reopened yesterday. The Red Mangrove’s lodge in Puerto Ayora will be back and operational by April 1. The amount of emergency supplies that the Ecuador military sent out is 6 tons. To put it in perspective, that is about six pick-up truck loads. Supplies were sent to assist those whose businesses and homes where impacted by the flooding.

Flights were canceled on Friday, but were operating once again by Saturday and all reports from Galapagos yachts state operations are back to normal.

Currently, the Charles Darwin Center is closed, but we will keep you posted as to its re-opening, which we are optimistic will be soon. If you have any specific questions on the impact of the tsunami in the Galapagos, or how it might impact your visit to the islands, do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-344-6118.

Tsunami Alert for Galapagos and Other Regions in Latin America

Beth Conway — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:20:44 +0000

The Galapagos Islands take precautions as a tsunami is anticipated to arrive sometime today around 4:30 pm

UPDATE (March 12, 2011): The tsunami hit the Galapagos about an hour later than originally expected. Seas are choppier around the entire archipelago, but nothing too severe or extremely unusual. Waves at Academy Bay, in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), were taller than normal as well, but there are no records of any damages caused to boats, coasts or ports in the Galapagos. The animals from the Charles Darwin Research Station (including Lonesome George) that had been transported to the highlands as a precaution will be transported back down during the course of the day. Flight are running, but are busy and there are delays as expected.

We woke with news this morning of an earthquake that struck Japan measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this natural disaster. As a result of this earthquake, tsunami alerts have been issued for islands and coastal regions hugging the Pacific Ocean.

The tsunami is expected to arrive in Galapagos later this afternoon (March 11, 2011), around 4:30 pm local Galapagos time (5:30pm mainland Ecuador). Ecuador President Rafael Correa has ordered evacuation of the Galapagos Islands. Thankfully, effects of the tsunami are not expected to be severe in the Galapagos or in Latin America in general. Nonetheless, all necessary precautions are already in affect and with the advanced notice, time to seek safe ground is sufficient.

Along with the evacuation order, flights to Galapagos today have been canceled. All tour yachts are required to leave port and be at least five miles offshore to safe waters. Travelers are staying on board. The local populations are seeking higher ground to the highlands and mid sections of the Islands by noon today. Obviously, all visits today have been canceled.

Weather experts in Ecuador expect a similar situation to the one witnessed in Hawaii earlier today in the Galapagos. The higher than usual waves, which arrived about every 15 minutes to the Hawaiian coast caused minimal damage on the shores and ports of the islands. A very similar scenario is expected in the Galapagos today.

Among those evacuating to higher ground is the islands’ famous inhabitant, Lonesome George, as reported by the Galapagos Conservancy.

All international flights into Quito and Guayaquil are operating normally and no delays or cancellations are expected. We are optimistic that flights to and from the Galapagos will be resuming tomorrow. Congestion is inevitable – airports in Galapagos will see an increase in flights to normalize the situation of those passengers stranded in mainland Ecuador today.

Tsunami alerts and alarms in Latin America have also been issued for Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile. In general, coast regions in these countries are advising coastal populations to be on alert and in some cases seek higher ground.

We are in constant contact with our partners in Galapagos and throughout Latin America and will keep you updated on developments.

Strike Near Torres del Paine, Patagonia Comes to an End

Beth Conway — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:30:23 +0000

Torres del Paine National Park

Following an announcement last week from the Chilean government of a proposed 17% increase in natural gas expenses – protests broke out in the Magallanes region of Patagonia.

Protests came to an end yesterday evening as the government and the people of Magallanes came to an agreement, finalizing the end of the strike. The new agreement limits the increase to 3%, and includes an additional increase of subsidies for poorer families.

The striking was blocking main roads and ports, and affecting transportation in and out of the region, including the cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. The strike also blocked the entrance into and out of Torres del Paine National Park. Demonstrators were removing barricades for a window of time to allow transportation in and out of the region. Many travelers were re-routed to El Calafate, Argentina. Changes in international flight itineraries and the limited number of flights out of El Calafate caused additional delays for many travelers.

Airports are now operating as usual, road blocks have been removed, and the park is once again accessible and welcoming visitors.

This region of Chile is colder than the rest of the country; households require more heating. The Chilean government has provided subsidies to this region to reduce the cost of living. By reducing subsidies, fuel costs would have increased by 17%. The new agreement cuts the increase to 3%. There will not be an increase in fuel cost for the poorest people of the region.

For additional information, the BBC reports.

Galapagos Cruise Update: 15 Day Cruise Itineraries in the Galapagos

Beth Conway — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:31:42 +0000

The Giant Tortoise - A Galapagos Superstar

Earlier this year, the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS) issued a notice to all Galapagos boat operators that they must start operating 15-day itineraries. Original announcements stated all boats would adhere to the new 15-day itineraries as early as Feb. 1, 2011 — later reports pushed the official effective date to Jan. 1, 2012 to allow more lead time for boats to make changes.

With the changes already on the horizon, however, many Galapagos yachts are voluntarily moving forward with the changes and operating the new 15-day itinerary in 2011, as originally proposed. Boats that are moving forward on this 15-day itinerary are hoping to secure preferential and the most sought-after itineraries for their clients. Travelers have the option of booking the full 15-days … or, depending on the boat, any length from 4 to 15 day itineraries. The new itineraries should not visit any site more than once.

Why the Change?
The protection of the islands is the foremost concern for all parties involved. This new itinerary project is designed specifically around preservation of the islands. The islands continue to wow travelers, and along with their fame, their number of visitors has increased dramatically over the past few decades. This lengthened itinerary will spread travelers out — decreasing visitation to the most heavily visited sites and allow the opportunity for travelers to visit some of those lesser-explored regions of the islands.

The International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) states:

The purpose of this measure was to cut visitation at 15 heavily used sites, give equal access to all boats at sites, increase the use of underused sites, enhance the visitor experience, reduce accidents, and reduce the total number of visitors by cutting out shorter itineraries.

To break it down to numbers – implementation of this measure will reduce visitors to some sites by 50%. The goal is to enhance Galapagos travel for both the islands and its visitors. In other words, change is good.

Is Your Yacht Making the Change in 2011?
These Galapagos yachts have decided to start offering the 15-day itinerary starting sometime this upcoming season. I know this is vague, but each yacht has their own agenda and initiation schedule that vague is the only option. Certainly give us a call 1-800-344-6118 if you have any questions on your yacht, your trip, or Galapagos cruises in general.

Aida Maria
Eden
Angelito
Cachalote
Guantanamera
San Jose
Millennium
Athala
Beluga
Seaman II
Queen of Galapagos

Ecuador Travel and Protest Update: Things are quickly returning to normal

Beth Conway — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:01:42 +0000

Quito, Old Town

Oh what a difference a day makes!

I know it is tough to find a lot of accurate and updated information out there on just what is currently happening in Ecuador. I am happy to report that, after a pretty stressful and tense yesterday, it appears the worst is over and things today have returned to normal and stability. All commercial and banking activities are taking place – although schools are closed for today. Airports are open and flights have resumed. Those traveling in the area, or in route, please note that Galapagos and mainland adventures are operating. And it is a beautiful sunny day.

Ecuador is no stranger to demonstrations, but history has proven they – while tense – are generally short-lived. Yesterday’s unrest was caused by an uprising of local police as a result of a recent proposed law that reduced their benefits and pensions. A state of emergency was declared and airports were closed. Last night, the country’s President was rescued by Special Forces from the hospital in Quito, where he had sought refuge after inhaling tear gas, and was taken to the Presidential Palace. Unfortunately, two people were killed and several injured during the assault to rescue the president. The police chief has since resigned.

On a personal note, my husband and in-laws are currently in Galapagos… they are blissfully and totally unaware that anything was out of the ordinary yesterday.

I will continue to keep you updated on any changes or if any further events should unfold.

Patagonia Lowdown: Low Elevation South America Treks

Beth Conway — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:53:46 +0000

Trekking in Argentina's Fitz Roy Range

Sunset at EcoCamp in Torres del Paine

South America’s Andes are the world’s longest continental mountain range, stretching 4300 miles long the west coast of the continent. Starting in Venezuela, the Andes extend through Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, reaching its highest peak, Cerro Aconcagua, in Argentina at a breathtaking 22,841 feet.

Missoula, in Montana’s Rockies — where I rest my head at the end of the day — is at about 3200 ft above sea level. When I hiked the Inca Trail, two of my travel companions came from the Florida coast; you just don’t get any closer to sea level than that. While we were definitely mindful of the high elevation, and certainly huffed and puffed our way along the trail and through its 9,000-14,000 foot passes, altitude sickness was not a problem for any of the trekkers in our group. But this is not always the case. Don’t worry, if the altitude makes you wary, there are great options out there.

If you’re looking for fantastic Andes trekking, but in a lower elevation, look towards Patagonia. The circuits are remote and captivating, and the landscape is legendary. Both the popular Fitz Roy Range in Argentina and the “W” Circuit in Torres del Paine are excellent options for low elevation, multi-day treks.

For the Fitz Roy Trek, the highest elevation on the most popular route is near De los Tres Lagoon – at about 1200m (3900 ft). This 4-day Patagonia tour through glaciated landscape averages 7 to 9 hours of hiking a day, cover anywhere between 11 to 15 miles each day. This hike also includes a trek across the Torre Glacier.

On the W circuit in Chile’s Torres del Paine, your highest elevation will be in French Valley at 1100m (3608ft). If you like, this portion of the trek can be replaced with another trail for a less taxing hike. The W circuit for the most part avoids the difficult and taxing routes except for the last section to the Torres. The W circuit is one of the most accommodation, fitting the needs of hikers who want to trek all day, or those looking for a more relaxed pace.

A few more notes on high elevation trekking:
The good news is that the majority of those who experience altitude sickness find it relatively mild and limiting — NOT debilitating. And symptoms usually decline as altitude acclimatization occurs. All in all, don’t be afraid, be smart. Coming prepared, and recognizing the signs are the best ways to combat altitude sickness. Here are some tips on avoiding altitude sickness.