|
August, 2009
Insights while on Mission
Beth Banfill, President - Ministry Travel
I just returned from a week long mission trip to Barranquilla, Colombia. This was my 6th trip to Barranquilla, but this year's trip was different from the others. The trip included 27 people from my home church, including 13 youth.
My husband and I often comment that one of the best things we can do for our kids is to take them overseas. It opens their eyes to poverty and the needs of the world beyond what they can see or even grasp here in the states. It gives them a deeper appreciation for what we have, and it allows them to go out of their comfort zone and be completely molded by God to accomplish His purpose in their lives. While on the trip, I was able to see the Lord do some amazing things. I wish I had room in this newsletter to tell you the details how God orchestrated for me to work side by side with a church that I helped to start 5 years ago. I wish I could tell you about Margot, a 71 year old woman who gave her life to Christ and rejected the false teachings she had been putting her trust in. But if I had to pick one thing to focus on, it would be the youth from my church. Read more...
British Airways makes changes to checked baggage policy
As usually happens in the travel industry, when one airline makes changes, others follow suit. Please note that British Airways has made major changes to their checked baggage allowance, for any tickets issued on or after October 7, 2009.
Customers traveling in the World Traveller economy cabin to and from the USA, Canada, Bermuda, Argentina, Mexico and the Caribbean will now have a one bag free allowance of 51lbs. (23kgs). Customers travelling in First, Club World, Club Europe, and World Traveller Plus, in addition to Gold and Silver Executive Club members travelling in World Traveller, will retain their existing cabin allowance.
Many of Ministry Travel clients take advantage of the 'one additional bag' for missionary purposes. The new checked baggage policy will affect this. Previously, each person was permitted 2 checked bags and 1 additional bag for missionary/humanitarian purposes. The new policy will guarantee one free checked bag and one free additional bag (51 pounds or less) at no additional cost. A 3rd checked bag may be granted at the check-in counter without additional fees, depending on the load and weight limits of the plane. British Airways will have the ability at check-in to waive the fee for the 3rd bag or charge the fee. Please know that the 3rd checked bag is NOT guaranteed to be free.
To avoid any changes in the current policy, be sure to purchase all tickets prior to October 7th. Contact your Ministry Travel specialist today with questions.
Faith Based Cruising
One of the newest trends in the travel industry is faith-based cruising. A faith based cruise is a cruise vacation taken by your organization simply for the purpose of enjoying friendship, fellowship, and sharing your faith. Ministry Travel is exploring the possibility of offering a faith based cruise next summer.
Please take a moment to respond to the following survey questions. (Feel free to take some time to discuss this idea with your pastor or leader.)
We value your response!
More Airline Baggage Fee Announcements
Yes, some things never change in this industry. Apparently, the legacy airlines feel it's perfectly acceptable to anger their best customers while charging additional fees for baggage. You ask - why don't the airlines just raise their fares without having to nickel and dime their customers? Well, the carriers play the lowest fare game very well. Their attempt in remaining competitive by offering the lowest fares sounds great but once all the fees are paid the fare is far from competitive and creates further aggravation between the customer and the legacy airlines.
|
