We are excited to announce that we re-launched our Ministry Travel Newsletter and it is connected to our New Ministry Travel Blog.  Providing you an opportunity to share fun high-lights from your experiences during Christian mission trips; or ask others your questions about what they learned during their mission trips to a particular country; or provide in-sight to the over-all travel experience that we can use to benefit future arrangements; or simply start a conversation on the Blog.

You are invited to comment on any article in our Newsletter by selecting the “read more” link within each article of the Newsletter or by visiting www.ministrytravel.com The BLOG link is in the upper right.  Have fun with our new on-line community.

When you are ready to begin the process of planning your experience the ways to contact us are to the right of these articles.

The time is now to strike when the discount travel opportunities are hot. The airlines, car rental companies, hotels, etc. are all slashing their fares and rates. Discounts are not limited to the United States, we are in a global recession and all travel vendors are reducing fares and rates to the point where we haven’t seen for at least 9 years. For example:  Our special fares can save in excess of $400 per person on a Christian mission trip from Dallas to Entebbe.  WOW!  What a savings!

Consider taking advantage of these fares while they are available. Don’t have time or are not sure where the deals are? Ministry Travel does this everyday – we know where the deals are. Lets us help you uncover them!

For many of you who follow airlines news like I do, this may not be news.  The US Government gave permission for these two giants to become the biggest carrier in October 2008, opening up additional opportunities for customers to easily connect to more worldwide destinations. As the two airlines come together, we are working hard to make it a seamless transition for the travelers.

In the coming weeks, Delta and Northwest will complete consolidation efforts in hub airports, including Detroit, Memphis and Minneapolis-St. Paul.  They are removing Northwest branding in customer-facing areas at these airports. 

On the night of March 30, they installed Delta signage and branding at Northwest curbside, check-in, gates, jetways, baggage claim and baggage service locations at the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit and Memphis airports. They are also working with the appropriate airport authorities to ensure that roadway and other signage is updated to reflect these changes. Signage and airport customer service agents will continue to provide travelers with clear direction and assistance as changes are made.

What does it mean for you the traveler when on a mission trip?

The staff at Ministry Travel can help with the answers, but here are few high lights:

If you are traveling through Memphis, all Delta ticket counters will be moving to the “B” concourse.  All Delta and Northwest passengers will now check in at the “B” concourse.  All Delta and Northwest passengers departing Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit will now check in at the same check in terminal they currently use.

Beginning March 30, all customer-facing Northwest employees will wear Delta uniforms, and Delta food and beverage options will begin appearing on Northwest-operated flights in April.

In addition, you may notice that you are holding a ticket on Northwest Airlines, yet when you arrive at the gate there is a Delta Airlines Crew and air plane. This is part of their cross-utilization of the combined fleets.  If you are ticketed on Northwest, you check-in with Northwest and Northwest is the point of contact for all service matters.  It also follows that if you are ticketed on Delta you will check-in with Delta. 

Preferred check-in and WorldClubs access will remain as-is for the time being. For the most up-to-date information regarding your flight and gate status, check in at delta.com or nwa.com up to 24 hours prior to departure. Customers may print boarding passes, change seat assignments, and check your gate and departure status online. If you are requiring additional assistance at the airport, uniformed Lobby Hosts will be available to direct you to the appropriate Special Assistance counters for their operating carrier.