High flying

A private jet-service run by Lufthansa. They offer faster connectivity, your entire itinerary is coordinated by an event manager and a personal service team is available round-the-clock for assistance.

In-flight catering and entertainment are tailored to individual requirements and passengers have full access at any time to first class services laid out at the airport by Lufthansa, Swiss or Lufthansa partners.

Why are we writing about it?

They're doing well. The number of flights handled by Lufthansa Private Jets have risen by 13 per cent in 2006. The company flies small, medium and large jets like the Raytheon Hawkers, Cessna Citations and Dassault Falcons. And, Lufthansa is also considering starting a business jet service within India in association with a private aviation company that's similar to Lufthansa Private Jets.

What's in it for you?

Lots. Firstly connectivity. You can fly to 1,000 airports in Europe and the Russian federation. And these include the smaller, lesser-known airports. You can book your place on the jet 24 hours before the trip and the bookings can be made via a travel agent. Cancellation is free of charge. Lufthansa takes care of your passport formalities and the airline assures speedy security checks and customs formalities.

However, checking-in has to be completed half an hour before the flight. Also, they are more than happy to arrange hotel reservations and limousine services before every flight (it's additional revenue after all!).

In case you have more luggage than what you're permitted to carry, it can be transported via road free of charge. And finally, these flights earn mileage points "" 10,000 points to be precise "" that can be redeemed on any of Lufthansa's or its partner airlines' flights. Happy?

What are the damages?

Well, if you have read this far, you shouldn't be asking. But in case you're using some of the services offered on board like satellite telephone then you'll be charged separately by the company that is operating the jet.

Also, the price of your ticket is likely to shoot up if you're flying into airports that levy additional charges like a night operation charge.

Take it or leave it?

A good deal if you're looking to travel within Europe and need to travel fast and don't want to compromise on the quality.

SNIPPETS

Qantasmagoric

Qantas is happening. The Australian airline announced reduction in its domestic fuel surcharges with the more recent fall in fuel prices. It will also reduce some of its international surcharges for tickets issued on or after January 23, 2007.

Qantas would also reduce its Frequent Flyer points option, for Frequent Flyers electing to use their points to pay for taxes, levies and charges on domestic Australian and New Zealand Award flights, by 500 points from January 23.

Meanwhile, Qantas has announced an increase its non-stop services between Australia and San Francisco from three to five per week from March 26, 2007. The airline would also operate supplementary flights between Australia and Los Angeles in June and July 2007.

Colombo beckons

The holidays are not over yet. SriLankan Holidays, the leisure arm of SriLankan Airlines, brings you exciting holiday and business packages to coincide with the launch of double-daily services to India's commercial capital, Mumbai. Leisure packages start at Rs 9,999 and holiday makers can choose from a variety of exotic vacations.

Packages are valid throughout the month of February 2007. The MICE packages (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) start from Rs 10,999 and are valid throughout February 2007.

Launching their double daily services to Mumbai, SriLankan Airlines is inviting passengers from Mumbai to celebrate with them by winning their money back by booking flights through the Internet.

There will be a daily winner during the course of the promotion and lucky passengers will get their money back. The only condition is that passengers book on-line at https://bsmedia.business-standard.comwww.srilankan.aero or www.srilankan.aero.

Good morning Vietnam!

Okay, you want to go somewhere exotic and do something extraordinary. New Tours 2007 will help you explore the "real Vietnam" as they call it. Footprint, a tour operator offers you a "travel off the beaten track".

Acting as a local responsible tour operator, Footprint offer customised tours and eco-friendly vacation trips to beautiful destinations in Vietnam.

By booking Vietnam tours through Footprint, your money is protected by VNAT (Vietnam National Administration of Tourism), since Footprint had to put a substantial cash bond that is solely for financial security in respect of customers' advanced payments as well as the quality of travel services.

It's real!

Drive down to Israel with www.drive-israel.com, an Israel travel site geared to independent travellers who want to explore Israel by car. The website suggests road trips and rural lodgings, with accompanying sectional road maps, and highlights sites along the way.

Tourists can use the site to plan visits to Israel's growing selection of boutique wineries, desert spas, ethnic craft centres, or local museums, complete with contact information and timing.