THE DAILY UPDATE

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easyJet’s amazing map

British Airways US problems
WTM adds easyJet boss

Described by one airline ‘old hand’ as “bloody amazing” easyJet has launched a new map-based search to help customers find the perfect trip.

Called ‘Inspire Me’ it is designed to help customers discover exactly what they are looking for at the click of a mouse.

Using ‘Inspire Me’ could not be easier.  Just go to the special web site, click on the route that you have an eye on, and up comes the lowest priced availability on the sector.  Or you can shuffle around Europe and see what you fancy depending on the price and date.

The feature enables customers who are browsing the site to search by multiple criteria.  Easy to identify symbols, like a heart for a romantic getaway or a sun for a beach break, help narrow options so customers can find their perfect trip faster than ever before.  Each destination includes a link to easyJet’s booking process or to newly created destination guides for further destination specific information. www.easyjet.com/en/inspireme

British Airways US problems

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined British Airways US$250,000 for what it calls “deceptive and unacceptable” passenger treatment.  The issue is over advertising and the way that mishandled baggage is dealt with. #####

“Consumers deserve fair treatment from airlines when it comes to price advertising and being reimbursed for lost, damaged or stolen baggage.  To surprise consumers at the last minute of the purchase process with additional unadvertised costs is deceptive and unacceptable”, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.  “At DOT we will continue to make sure airlines treat their customers with the respect they deserve”.

DOT’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that British Airways violated a number of the Department’s original price advertising requirements that were in place prior to the strengthened full-fare advertising rule that took effect in January 2012.  The carrier promoted award travel in emails and on websites without providing disclosure of taxes and government fees through a hyperlink or other appropriate method.  It also failed to include carrier-imposed charges, such as fuel surcharges, in the prices.

British Airways also violated the Montreal Convention aviation rules, by its stated policy not to pay compensation for loss, damage or theft from checked baggage of certain fragile or valuable items.  www.dot.gov/briefing-room

WTM adds easyJet boss

Carolyn McCall, CEO easyJet, will be joined by Bird’s Eye boss Martin Glenn,  and Andrezej Moyseowicz, Saatchi & Saatchi Strategy and Innovation Director EMEA, at World Travel Market’s new Talk Business Series, Excel, London, 12 noon Thursday 8 November.  The show runs from Monday 5 November until the Thursday.

McCall was appointed easyJet CEO in October 2010 moving from her role as CEO of Guardian Newspapers.  In spite of what some might call ‘investor provocation’ she has helped to improve annual pre-tax profits by 31% to £248m.

Martin Glenn’s impressive CV includes turning the Walkers Crisps brand around when Marketing Director by recruiting former England footballer Gary Lineker to front Walkers Crisps advertising campaign.  Glenn worked his way up to Walkers Snacks Foods CEO before becoming Chief Executive of parent company PepsiCo UK and Ireland.
 
Moyseowicz will explain how through creative brand positioning travel businesses can rise above the current uncertainties.  He will share secrets from some of his major clients including Toyota, T-Mobile, VISA Europe, Weight Watchers, pharmaceutical giant Novartis and Cadbury. www.wtmlondon.com

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