Quality still a watchword

SAS has promised it won’t be swayed from the “old style” service it offers on routes out of Dublin.

The Scandinavian airline, through Irish manager Alan Sparling, has emphasised its commitment to providing “a high quality service” in the face of any competition from low-cost carriers.

Mr Sparling cited a number of reasons why customers would continue to travel with SAS, including the fact that the airline does not have any hidden extras and that it provides three different classes on all flights from Dublin

The airline may have significantly higher fares for business and economy extra as against economy, but it insists that there are thousands of seats available from €67 one way, including all taxes and charges.

The airline flies twice daily from Dublin to Copenhagen, six times a week to Stockholm and five days a week to Oslo. Children up to 15 years of age receive a 33% discount on all fares.

For more info, visit www.flysas.ie.

CORK Airport has received a timely boost following the opening of another on-site hotel.

The Cork International Airport Hotel is an interestingly designed 150-bedroom property with an aviation-themed interior.

The hotel’s uniqueness is clearly visible in the Pullman Lounge, a specially designed comfort zone for hotel guests who are in need of some relaxation while waiting for a flight.

The lounge allows guests the luxury of booking their very own soft Italian leather lounger — even if only for one hour — in which they can pass the time enjoying music via personal headphones, watch DVDs or TV, get the latest flight information, check emails or even take a shower before travelling.

The hotel does, of course, cater for the public through restaurants, bars and conference facilities. It also offers facilities for private lunches, dinners and wedding receptions.

For information and bookings, tel [phone] or email [e-mail].

BEACON South America, a division of Shandon Travel at 3 Marlboro Street, Cork, has a range of specialised package holidays to Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and other neighbouring countries.

To celebrate expansion into a market in which the company has been involved for some time, Beacon offers deals to no less than 18 countries, including combination tours with prices starting at €3,640 (plus tax) for 20 days.

Shorter itineraries (eight days) with fixed departure dates are available from €1,850, excluding taxes.

Drop into the office to pick up an extensive full colour brochure, phone [phone] or email [e-mail].

Information is also available on www.beaconsouthamerica.com.