New Fare Structure KLM

Air France/KLM has introduced a new fare structure for the Economy Class for Europe and North-Africa. This structure means that BlueBiz travelers have to pay for their baggage. This also applies for flights to the United States. The new fare structure includes three ticket options: LIGHT, STANDARD and FLEX. When you choose the LIGHT-ticket, hand baggage is included, but check-in baggage is not. The first piece of check-in baggage remain free for the SkyTeam Elite- and Elite Plus members (Flying Blue Silver, Gold en Platinum). BlueBiz members can choose the STANDARD- or FLEX-fare, where check-in baggage is included, or they can choose the LIGHT-fare where they can spend their Blue Credits for check-in baggage as a paid option. BlueBiz members receive extra Blue Credits for sales on/after 1 April 2017 when they book the STANDARD- or FLEX-fare.

Amsterdam gets biggest Benelux hotel

The biggest hotel in the Benelux is to be built in Amsterdam. The 650-room Nhow Amsterdam RAI will be built next to the A10 ring road. The 91-metre high hotel is constructed from three blocks turned in different directions and the top floor will contain a bar, restaurant and media lounge. Work on the building, which forms part of the NH Hotel Group portfolio, will be finalized in the middle of 2019.

US bans electronic devices on flights from Middle East

US authorities have required airlines from eight nations to forbid passengers from carrying any electronic or electrical device larger than a cellphone. The requirement forbids passengers from bringing laptops, iPads and even cameras larger than mobile phones into the cabin. All such devices must be checked. The affected airlines are Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordainia, Egyptair, Saudia Airlines, Kuwait Airways and Royal Air Morocco.

Discover all the benefits of SkyPriority

Take advantage of priority check-in, easy baggage drop-off and fast-track boarding! As a frequent traveler or business class passenger, membership in Skyteam’s SkyPriority program lets you enjoy benefits at more than a thousand airports worldwide, including Schiphol.
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Follow the easy-to-recognize SkyPriority signs at the airports and you’re on your way to fast and optimum service. From priority check-in, boarding and baggage drop-off to access to the exclusive fast lanes at ticketing offices, transfer desks and security and passport control. Prefer to skip the lines and want to take the stress and rush out of air travel? Our consultants can explain exactly how you too can take advantage of all the benefits of SkyPriority. We’d be happy to share our well-kept secret with you!

Experience the world’s biggest airport in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport, which opened just last year, is the largest airport in the world, currently serving 90 million passengers annually and set to grow to 200 million over the next seven years. Istanbul occupies a strategic spot at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia  , with many key destinations less than a five-hour flight away.

Istanbul boasts the ultimate stopover experience. Stepping inside the state-of-the-art terminal feels like entering an airport 2.0, say those in the know, with its high ceilings, luxury finishing and fantastic restaurants and lounges. This is also the home base of Turkish Airlines.

Save time with prepaid hotel vouchers

You probably know the feeling. The hassle of having to settle hotel bills yourself and then claim the expenses back afterwards. But because there’s always plenty of more important work to do after a business trip, those receipts can end up lying around for months.

Travel expense administration costs employees and employers lots of extra time. The good news is there’s a much simpler way!
“OpenSkies offers prepaid vouchers, saving both the traveler and employer time by eliminating complicated expense claim procedures. OpenSkies bills directly to the company, which can then assign it straight to the right cost center.”

Teambuilding abroad

We all know that a vacation with family helps you reconnect with loved ones, and that you often come home feeling re-energized. But this doesn’t apply only to family vacations. A trip with colleagues can also help reinforce ties and give your team a fresh impetus to get things done!

Sometimes, the best way to escape daily pressures is to take a trip to another country. A place where you can celebrate accomplishments together, develop new ideas and set new objectives.
“OpenSkies has plenty of experience organizing group and incentive trips. We’ve organized sporting events, ski trips, city trips and much more for corporate teams, with great success. And we’re also your partner for worldwide meetings!”

Fly next summer to the Olympic city of Tokyo

2021 promises to be a thrilling year for all sports enthusiasts, culminating in the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. While it’s fun to watch at home on TV, nothing beats being there in person to experience the championship performances, the exhilarating emotions and the unifying power of sports.

Of course, while you’re there you’ll also get a taste of the Japanese capital. Tokyo is a city of contrasts and extremes, a showcase for craziness and far-out fashion like nowhere else on earth.

With travelers having been more focused on cities in America and Southeast Asia in recent decades, Japan is still relatively unknown. But that’s set to change this year, with the Olympic Games making Tokyo an extra attractive destination. OpenSkies can help you find great deals on flights and accommodation. Our advice is not to wait too long. We expect flights to Japan will book up fast.

Customized online booking tool for your company

Many companies leave it to employees to book their own business trips via any number of online providers. With no specific guidelines to follow, they often end up spending more than necessary.

By using an online booking system that incorporates your company’s specific travel policy, you can ensure employees book within budget. This system predesignates cost centers so flight and hotel costs are automatically allocated correctly.
“OpenSkies supplies customized booking systems with preset traveler profiles so your employees can book trips quickly and easily. As a result, your organization has more control over all travel expenditures.”

Qatar Airways – the world’s best airline

Qatar Airways was already a five-time winner of the Skytrax ‘Airline of the Year’ award. Last year, it was voted number one again, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them named the best airline worldwide once more in 2020.

From its hub in Doha, Qatar Airways serves more than 160 destinations across the globe. Even with this airline’s high standard of quality, its tickets are competitively priced.

More benefits with Beyond Business: save for a free flight, upgrade or lounge access
Beyond Business is a corporate program offering flexible Qrewards that can be redeemed on flights to the more than 160 destinations served by Qatar Airways. With Qrewards, companies can maximize their earnings and benefits.

OpenSkies has been working closely with Qatar Airways for years because we know they offer the best business class. The airline’s economy class is also a clear cut above. Thanks to our partnership, you’re assured the most competitive prices!