Posts tagged with "United Airlines"

CTA Winners via BreakWhiteLight for use by 360 Magazine

College Television Award Winners

The Television Academy Foundation announced the winners of the 41st College Television Awards, which recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges nationwide, during a global livestream.

The 2022 winners were presented awards remotely by television stars including Dove Cameron (Schmigadoon!), Rick Glassman (As We See It), Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), Sam Heughan (Outlander), Jordan L. Jones (Bel-Air), Rose McIver (Ghosts), Sue Ann Pien (As We See It), Danielle Pinnock (Ghosts), Logan Shroyer (This Is Us) and Hannah Zeile (This Is Us). Albert Lawrence, correspondent for CBS’ The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation and Television Academy Foundation alumnus, hosted the event.

Emulating the Emmy Awards selection process, entries for the College Television Awards were judged by Television Academy members. Top honors and a $3,000 cash prize went to winning teams in five categories:

Animated Series

Stowaway (Brigham Young University – UT)

Tyler Bitner, Producer

Ethan Briscoe, Director/Writer

Commercial, PSA or Promo

Life’s Journey (Brigham Young University – UT)

Rebekah Baker, Producer

Campbell George, Writer

Asher Huskinson, Director

Tyler Richardson, Director

News and Sports

SportsDesk (University of Miami)

Danyel De Villiers, Producer

Julia Hecht, Director

Michelle Ng-Reyes, Writer

Brendan Reilly, Writer

Gianna Sanchez, Producer

Maxwell Trink, Writer

Jenna Weiss, Producer

Josh White, Writer

Nonfiction or Reality Series

Eagles Rest in Liangshan (New York University)

Bohao Liu, Producer/Director/Writer

Scripted Series

Our Side (Savannah College of Art and Design)

Emily Dillard, Producer/Writer

Nicola Rinciari, Director/Writer

Two special awards were also announced during the program: The Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship was presented to Taylor University students Chad Veal and Brendan Wallace for their production: 20 Over. The $10,000 scholarship celebrates student storytellers whose work sheds light on people with disabilities and is underwritten by the Loreen Arbus Foundation.

The Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award, a $4,000 cash prize given to a College Television Award-winning project that best highlights a humanitarian concern, was awarded to New York University’s Eagles Rest in Liangshan by Bohao Liu. This award was created over 20 years ago by the late entertainment attorney Seymour Bricker.

The 41st College Television Awards show is available for VOD viewing HERE.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners in television’s most prestigious student competition,” said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “Showcasing the exceptional work of young, diverse talent to help launch careers is a top priority for the Foundation. Our sincerest gratitude to the presenters and sponsors who made this event an unforgettable experience for students.”

The 41st College Television Awards is supported by philanthropists and corporate partners including Creative Artists Agency, Johnny Carson Foundation, Kia America, PEOPLE, Roku, STARZ, The Loreen Arbus Foundation, United Airlines and WarnerMedia.

About the Television Academy Foundation

Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs, such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, Student Internship and Fellowship Programs and the Faculty Conference, the Foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society.

illustration by Reb Czukoski for use by 360 Magazine

Elliott Advocacy Releases 2022 Readers Choice Nominees

Elliott Advocacy, the nonprofit online consumer advocacy organization, has announced the release of its 2022 Readers Choice Award nominees, with voting beginning today here.

Sponsored by Medjet, the leading air medical transport membership program for travelers, the Elliott Advocacy Readers Choice Award is an annual recognition of companies in various consumer sectors that offered outstanding customer support and service that year. For 2022, readers nominated and voted for their favorite companies in 16 categories ranging from airlines to wireless service providers.

Finding the best customer service is more challenging than ever during a pandemic, says Christopher Elliott, founder of Ellio=tt Advocacy. The Readers Choice Award offers guidance to consumers, helping them make smarter purchasing decisions.

The Readers Choice Award, now in its 17th year, is widely recognized as one of the premier customer service honors in America. The full list of award categories and nominees for the 2022 Readers Choice Award includes:

Travel Agency Network

  • American Express Travel
  • Ensemble Travel Group
  • Travel Leaders Network
  • Signature Travel Network
  • Virtuoso

Wireless Carrier

  • AT&T
  • Consumer Cellular
  • Cricket
  • Google Fi
  • Nextel Communications
  • T-Mobile
  • TracFone Wireless
  • Verizon Wireless
  • Sprint

Luggage

  • American Tourister
  • Away
  • Briggs & Riley
  • Eagle Creek
  • Delsey
  • Globe-Trotter
  • Hartmann
  • Samsonite
  • Travelpro
  • Tumi
  • Victorinox

Cruise Line

  • Azamara
  • Carnival
  • Cunard
  • Celebrity
  • Crystal
  • Holland America
  • Disney
  • MSC
  • NCL
  • Princess
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Viking
  • Regent Seven Seas
  • Seabourn

Apparel

  • American Eagle
  • Abercrombie & Fitch
  • Aeropostale
  • Forever 21
  • Gap
  • J. Crew
  • H&M
  • Inditex
  • Lands End

Subscription TV

  • AT&T U-verse
  • Bright House Network
  • Cablevision Systems
  • Charter Communications
  • Comcast
  • Cox Communications
  • DirecTV
  • DISH Network
  • Mediacom
  • Suddenlink
  • Time Warner Cable
  • Verizon Fios

Hotel Chain

  • Marriott
  • Hilton
  • Best Western
  • Carlson Rezidor
  • InterContinental (IHG)
  • Accor
  • Choice Hotels
  • Wyndham Hotel Group

Online Travel Agency

  • Booking.com (includes Kayak and Priceline)
  • Fareportal (includes CheapOair, OneTravel, and Travelong)
  • Expedia (includes Hotwire, Orbitz, and Travelocity)
  • TripAdvisor (includes FlipKey and Viator)

Ground Transportation

  • Car2Go
  • Greyhound
  • Kyte
  • Lyft
  • Megabus
  • Uber
  • Turo
  • Zipcar

Domestic Airline

  • Allegiant Air
  • American Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Breeze Airways
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • United Airlines

Travel Insurance

  • Allianz Global Assistance
  • Amex Assurance
  • Aon Affinity
  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • Generali Global Assistance
  • HTH Worldwide
  • Travel Guard
  • Travelex
  • Trip Mate

Travel Insurance (Specialty)

  • Arch RoamRight
  • Cavalry Travel Insurance (Ripcord)
  • Seven Corners
  • Travel Insured International
  • World Nomads

Vacation Rental

International Airline

  • Air China
  • Air France
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • easy Jet
  • Emirates
  • KLM
  • Lufthansa
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Ryanair
  • Singapore
  • Virgin Atlantic

Theme Park

  • Animal Kingdom (Disney World)
  • Busch Gardens (Tampa)
  • Busch Gardens (Williamsburg)
  • California Adventure Park (Disneyland)
  • Cedar Point
  • Disneyland
  • Epcot (Disney World)
  • Hersheypark
  • Hollywood Studios (Disney World)
  • Islands of Adventure (Orlando)
  • Kings Island
  • Knotts Berry Farm
  • Magic Kingdom (Disney World)
  • Six Flags Great Adventure
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • SeaWorld (Orlando)
  • SeaWorld (San Diego)
  • Universal Studios (Hollywood)
  • Universal Studios (Orlando)

Car Rental Company

  • Ace
  • Advantage
  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • Fox
  • Hertz
  • National
  • Thrifty
  • Silvercar
  • Sixt

Car Manufacturer (Domestic)

  • Buick
  • Chrysler
  • Chevrolet
  • Cadillac
  • Ford
  • GMC
  • Jeep
  • Lincoln
  • Tesla

Car Manufacturer (International)

  • Acura
  • Honda
  • Infiniti
  • Isuzu
  • Lexus
  • Mercedes
  • Mazda
  • Mitsubishi
  • Subaru
  • Suzuki
  • Toyota
  • Volvo
  • VW

Additional sponsorship for the Elliott Advocacy 2022 Readers Choice Award comes from Allianz and Southwest Airlines. Voting will be open through January 2022 and winners will be announced in February. A full list of previous Readers Choice Awards is available here

ABOUT ELLIOTT ADVOCACY:

Elliott Advocacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that empowers consumers to solve problems and helps those who can’t. We do it through direct consumer advocacy, journalism, and by maintaining the largest database of executive contact information on the internet for consumers.

Air Travel COVID Glitches

Air Travel COVID Glitches

360 Magazine Culture Editor, Tom Wilmer reports on the numerous glitches in the process of traveling safe in the air.

The day before I checked in for an early morning flight to Austin, Texas via SFO and Houston, United Airlines was advertising their promise to maintain empty middle-seat flights. But something went haywire at United overnight, as two of my three flights to Austin were packed to the gills with most middle seats occupied—it would have been all three flights, but I was upgraded to first on one leg.

When I checked in for my flight, a notice popped up on my phone from United informing me that it would be a fairly full flight and they offered alternative flights as an option. Nice gesture but rerouting would have entailed a delay until the following day to get to my destination—with no guarantee that the alternate flight option would have blocked middle seats.

As of this writing, virtually all airlines proudly tout mandatory mask requirements for all passengers—but while en route onboard my flights, the dutiful masked passengers dropped their face coverings as flight attendants dispensed beverages (water) and cookies. So there I was, mere inches from my seat mate, both of us doing our duty, wearing our masks – but now protecting only our chins, from the evil, invisible germ. And throughout the cabin it was the same, basically mask-less, scene.

Arriving at Austin/Bergstrom’s TSA cattle chutes, Social-Distancing sticker reminders adorned the concrete floor, every six feet…and the queued-up passengers were actually compliant in their attempts to maintain their distance — that is until we were flagged past the TSA ticket/identification checker. As passengers queued up to take shoes off, extract make-up bags, computers etc., they suddenly, randomly squished frantically up to within three or four inches from one another.

Throughout this collapse of proper social distancing, TSA workers ignored the traffic jamb and continued barking out reminders to remove laptops etc., from bags—but zero, zippo, nada, commands were interjected to maintain proper social distancing as the jumbled-up passengers squished toward the x-ray bag tunnel and body scanner.

Transiting through Denver’s DIA Airport, gaggles of Boulderites, and Denverians dutifully and proudly wore their masks. However, salted in to the hord of obedient, transiting passengers were the all-too-frequent mask less rogues with chins held high and chests puffed out proudly.

The reality of traveling by air today is akin to rush hour commuting by automobile. One moment you’re flowing along at a comfortably safe, even clip while maintaining a proper distance between you and the car ahead. A split second later the flow of traffic snarls up and you jamb on the brakes—Traveling by air is much the same, it’s a continual battle to protect yourself and maintain a bubble of safety.

consumer reports, 360 MAGAZINE

CONSUMER REPORTS AIRLINE URGE

Consumer Reports Urges Major Airlines To Let Kids Sit With Their Parents Without Extra Fees

More Than 120,000 Sign Petition To American, Delta And United Airlines; CR To Testify At Congressional Hearing On Tuesday On The Passenger Experience 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In letters sent today to American, Delta, and United Airlines, Consumer Reports called on the companies to ensure children are seated with their families on planes at no additional cost.  More than 120,000 people have signed Consumer Reports’ petition to the airlines in support of this effort since it was launched just over one week ago. 

“Families face a constant battle to ensure they are seated together, even when they choose seats far in advance,” said Anna Laitin, director of financial policy at Consumer Reports.  “The airlines should put safety first and seat children with their families without charging them extra for it.”

Consumer Reports delivered its letters to the three airlines in advance of a hearing by the House Aviation Subcommittee on Tuesday, March 3, at 10am EST, examining the experiences of airline passengers and what can be done to improve it.  William J. McGee, Aviation Adviser for Consumer Reports, will testify at the hearing about a number of issues, including the need to ensure the safety of children travelling with their parents. 

In 2016, Congress directed the Department of Transportation to “review, and if appropriate, establish a policy” to ensure airlines allow families with children 13 and under to sit together without paying additional fees. After two years of inaction by the DOT, Consumer Reports filed a Freedom of Information Act request to find out the status of this inquiry.  One year later, the DOT finally forwarded 136 consumer complaints to CR, while indicating that it was unnecessary to take action “based on the low number of complaints.”

Consumer Reports analyzed those complaints and discovered that some involved children as young as one or two years old who were assigned seats apart from their parents.  Other children seated separately were autistic, suffered seizures, or were susceptible to life-threatening nut allergies.  CR began publicizing the issue last fall and set up a portal to the DOT’s complaint system, generating more than 600 submissions in just two months – well over four times as many as the agency received in the previous two and a half years.

Parents who submitted complaints shared how they bought tickets and chose seats together, but the airline reassigned their seats before the flight.  They were forced to pay for an upgrade, or beg gate agents, flight attendants, and other passengers to switch seats with them.  Other families buy low-cost Basic Economy tickets only to find that this fare didn’t just deny them the opportunity to pick their own seats, it put the parents in seats far from their children.  Some families are told gate agents can fix the problem, but only if they are willing to pay an extra fee.

Beyond the anxiety and frustration this causes for families, seating children away from their parents also creates a safety risk for all passengers during an emergency.  Furthermore, a 2018 FBI report found that inflight sexual assaults are on the rise, with investigations into assaults on children as young as eight.  

Over the past week, all three airlines have maintained that they have policies to ensure children are seated with their parents.   However, the complaints submitted recently to the DOT make it clear that this problem persists and that these policies are not always followed.  Too often, the onus is put on the parents to ensure that they are seated with their children, rather than the airlines who control the seat map and know the ages of all of the people travelling on the plane. 

“The airlines can fix this problem without government intervention,” said Anna Laitin, director of financial policy for Consumer Reports.   “Ensuring that children are always seated with their parents regardless of the ticket purchased would improve safety and security for all travelers while easing the minds of families.”

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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.

Newark, New Jersey, Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE, the360mag.com

GNCVB × UNITED

The Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB) in partnership with United Airlines has announced the winner of its Three Perfect Days: Newark contest, as seen in Hemispheres Magazine.

Dr. Khew-Voon Chin of Toledo, Ohio was selected as the grand-prize winner in the giveaway, which attracted more than 1,200 entries from across the country. He will receive two-roundtrip tickets from United Airlines and a 4-day/3-night stay at the TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown Hotel. From sunrise to sunset, Dr. Chin and his guest will discover all there is to do, see, sip and eat in Newark, New Jersey’s largest and third oldest U.S. metropolis.

This nationwide contest “Three Perfect Days: Newark,” brings to life the celebrated article of the same name that was featured on the cover of the March 2019 Hemispheres Magazine.

Hemispheres Magazine is United’s award-winning onboard publication and the story was complemented with the Hemispheres Travel Show inflight video which featured many of the finest restaurants and tourist destinations in New Jersey’s largest city.

“We’ve been hearing a lot about the revitalization of downtown Newark and the exciting cultural venues and restaurants the city has to offer,” said contest winner Dr. Chin. “We are looking forward to spending time in Newark and discovering first-hand everything this city has to offer.” 

The contest signals the continuation of the great partnership between GNCVB and United Airlines. United, a hub at Newark Liberty International Airport, offers the New York/Newark region the most flights to the most destinations around the world as a global gateway.

“Our door is always open to welcome new visitors who will serve as ambassadors to Newark and share their great experiences while visiting,” said Karin Aaron, President and CEO of the GNCVB.  “This contest vividly illustrates that there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Newark.” According to the GNCVB, tourism has more than a $2.3 billion annual economic impact on Newark, supports more than 25,000 jobs in the community, and welcomes more than 1.2 million overnight guests annually.

“United Airlines is thrilled to welcome Dr. Khew-Voon Chin, the winner, and his guest to enjoy all of the wonders of Newark from the iconic Three Perfect Days series featured within United’s inflight magazine Hemispheres highlighting the incredibly rich culture, food, and arts community that is located within our beloved hub city of Newark,” said Jill Kaplan, President of New Jersey/New York for United Airlines. “We are extremely proud to be able to share this vibrant city with our customers who fly in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport every day.”

Established in 1666, Newark has a rich history and plenty to explore. Contemporary Newark – which is home to an international airport, a large railway hub, and the nation’s third largest port – offers first-class entertainment venues, a wide array of dining options, and captivating art and cultural scene.

GNVCB also partnered with Advance Media to promote the Three Perfect Days contest in three markets: Dallas (TX), San Francisco/Oakland (CA) and Chicago (IL).
 
About GNCVB
 
The Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Newark, New Jersey. GNCVB is a private 501(c) (6) New Jersey non-profit corporation, primarily funded by Newark’s hotels through a Tourism Improvement District, which is committed to create economic growth and increase employment in Newark by marketing and developing the Greater Newark region as a year-round destination as well as increasing the number of overnight visitors staying at Newark hotels.

Established in July of 2008, the GNCVB was the first Destination Marketing Organization in the state of New Jersey to establish a Tourism Improvement District. During its tenure, hotel sales have climbed dramatically, new hotels have opened, and Newark’s visitation has grown to over 1,200,000 overnight guests annually. The Greater Newark Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is also charged with promoting and marketing the assets of the region, increase per capita spending in the tourism sector, as well as attracting new events, meetings and conferences to the region.
 
About United
 
United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” We are more focused than ever on our commitment to customers through a series of innovations and improvements designed to help build a great experience: Every customer. Every flight. Every day. Together, United and United Express operate approximately 4,900 flights a day to 358 airports across five continents. In 2018, United and United Express operated more than 1.7 million flights carrying more than 158 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates 788 mainline aircraft and the airline’s United Express partners operate 560 regional aircraft. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 26 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

BEYOND YOUR BUCKET LIST × SOUTH AFRICA

Go Beyond Your Bucket List in South Africa

With United Airlines’ new direct flight launching from Newark to Cape Town this December, South Africa is becoming more accessible than ever before. As an increasing number of travelers move beyond typical bucket list trips and seek out meaningful, unique experiences, they will find South Africa has everything they’re looking for. The South African Tourism Board has launched the #MeetSouthAfricaMondays campaign to introduce travelers to some of the country’s lesser-known but most compelling experiences, curated by long-term citizens and lovers of South Africa.

• Accessible Art in Woodstock

• Rediscover Durban

• Johannesburg’s Revitalized Art Scene

• Marine Life of the South African Coast

• Adventures in Drakensburg

• Panoramic Views on the Panorama Route

• World-Class Winelands

• Tastes of a Township: 4Roomed eKasi Culture

The Urban: Arts and Culture Redefined

Accessible Art in Woodstock
All across Woodstock, a suburb of Cape Town, buildings are covered in colorful art, painted by local and international artists. “The movement was founded by a longstanding group of artists that were painting in Woodstock but who wanted to take their art from the studios into the streets,” says Juma Mkwela, a tour guide who leads visitors on street art walking tours of the area. “We wanted to inspire, we wanted to educate, and we wanted to tell stories that hadn’t been told. Today, we have more than 100 pieces here by local and international artists.” High-end restaurants like The Test Kitchen and bustling, artsy watering holes like Casa Woodstock Bar populate the neighborhood, creating a vibrancy to match that of Woodstock’s colorful painted buildings. 

Rediscover Durban

Undergoing its second wave of urban revitalisation, Durban has elements that appeal to every kind of tourist — everything from beautiful beaches and perfect weather to high-caliber musicians, fusion food, and world-class distilleries can be found along the city’s streets. According to Jonas Barausse, urban storyteller and Durban local, “Durban really appeals to someone who wants to discover, who wants to peel back the layers of a city. Entrepreneurs are doing some really amazing stuff.” Florida Road, one of Durban’s main strips, is full of life, energy, and color, embodying the city’s spirit. The road is lined with local coffee places and Durban dining staples for travelers who love the bustling atmosphere of city life. Durban’s proximity to coastline, mountains, and some of the world’s best game parks and wildlife make it a perfect stop on a South African vacation.

Johannesburg’s Revitalized Art Scene

One of South Africa’s more well-visited areas, Jo’burg is known for its social life, spirit, and history. Maboneng is the modern center of the art scene in Johannesburg, populated by galleries, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. For a lesser known side of Jo’burg, Charles Nbube suggests visiting his home township of Soweto. “Despite past struggles, it’s a very progressive township, full of historical sights and activities and reignited life,” Charles says. “There’s bungee jumping and quad biking at the Soweto Towers; cycling and tuk tuk tours from Leto’s Backpackers. And there’s Hector Pieterson Memorial, where you can learn about the 1976 Soweto Uprising. The wounds are the scars of the past are still open in this township, but nobody’s crying here.”

The Wild Side: Pursuing Natural Splendors Beyond the Safari

Marine Life of the South African Coast

Take a safari path less traveled by hopping on a boat. Voyage around the Dyer Island system in Gansbaai to spot the Marine Big Five: the great white shark, African penguin, southern right whale, cape fur seal and dolphins. “I challenge anyone to find another place on Earth that can offer such diversity so close to shore,” says Alison Towner, marine expert and guide with Marine Dynamics. For the ultimate shark cage diving experience, try to visit from May to September when they’re in the highest density. Also according to Alison, “peak season for southern right whale watching is October and November.”

Adventures in Drakensberg

South African topography is much more than its famed safari plains. The mountains and valleys of the Drakensberg contain the largest concentration of hiking trails in South Africa, as well as around 300 species of plants that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Beyond hiking, the mountains are the perfect host for adventure activities such as rock climbing, ziplining, horseback riding, paragliding, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, and abseiling. According to James Seymour, a South African mountaineering guide, the mountains’ most “unmissable” activity is a helicopter trip over the Drakensberg. Unique flora and fauna, dense population of antelopes, and ancient rock art hidden in stunning vistas make the Drakensberg one of only 20 places in the world that have been recognized twice by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Panoramic Views on the Panorama Route

The most scenic and diverse geographical features of South Africa can be found along the Panorama Route, an aptly named 1,242 miles of road in the often-overlooked province of Mpumalanga. The road passes around the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world and provides access to unique geographical features such as Lisbon Falls, Graskop Gorge, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. From God’s Window, a viewpoint 2,297 feet above the lush forest below, it is said that on a clear day you can see to the ocean in Mozambique. Beyond natural marvels, the Panorama Route allows a glimpse of local culture outside of urban centers. “Support the local community by buying their arts and crafts that they sell at sights along The Panorama Route,” suggests David Quihampton, who has been a Mpumalanga tour guide for fifteen years.

The Gourmet: Wine and Food

World-Class Winelands

Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are “the best wine destination in the world,” according to Andre Morgenthal, who has worked in the wine industry for nearly thirty years. Within a three-hour radius visitors can easily see ten different wine regions, from Constantia to Stellenbosch, each with their own specialty varietals. Like other wine power-houses of the world, the Winelands have a long history of excellence. In recent decades, however, the Winelands have redefined themselves, bringing together European influence with their own country’s flair. “Pinotage is our national grape,” says Andre, claiming the grape as the region’s flag bearer for red wine. “It’s producing beautiful, world-acclaimed wines.”

Tastes of a Township

For authentic South African cuisine, visit the Cape Town restaurant 4Roomed eKasi Culture. The restaurant’s founder, Abigail Mbalo, a contestant on Master Chef South Africa, named her restaurant in  honor of the standard four-roomed homes found in townships across the country. “With our cuisine, we want to tell stories about growing up in a township. We want to evoke nostalgia and pride,” Abigail says. Her restaurant revamps traditional recipes with fresh ideas and fresh ingredients from the backyard garden. Guests enjoy offerings such as a pumpkin and pap dish called umqa, to which Abigail adds butternut, nutmeg, and truffle oil, or the dessert, amkhekhe, based on a popular scone and made modern with citrus, chocolate, and a yuzu syrup. Surrounded by fast food and frantic lifestyles, the restaurant allows guests to slow down and get a delicious taste of South Africa’s history and culture.   

South African Airways

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS HONORED FOR “BEST AIRLINE STAFF IN AFRICA” AT THE SKYTRAX 2018 WORLD AIRLINE AWARDS

South African Airways (SAA), the leading airline from the U.S. to South Africa with the most daily flights, was honored with the “Best Airline Staff in Africa” award at the 2018 World Airline Awards hosted by world renowned aviation experts Skytrax™. The award presented at a special ceremony held at the Farnborough International Airshow attributed South African Airways’ success to the efforts of all the ground and inflight staff in excelling to achieve high product quality and standards across all categories.

Skytrax™ is known worldwide as the leading, independent research authority on airline quality and service. The awards are based on a consumer satisfaction survey conducted each year by Skytrax™, giving travelers an opportunity to rate their experiences in the air and on the ground with over 200 airlines worldwide and ultimately serve as a global benchmark of airline excellence. “We are thrilled to, once again, be the proud recipient of the Best Airline Staff in Africa award from Skytrax” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president – North America for South African Airways. “This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of SAA employees globally as we showcase the very best in African hospitality. We will continue to strive to provide our customers with sterling service in our effort to maintain our standing as Africa’s most awarded airline.”SAA’slow cost carrier, Mango Airlines also secured the top spot for the “Best Low-Cost Carrier in Africa” for the third time at this year’s prestigious awards. SAA was also noted for “Best Business Class Lounge in Africa”, “Best Cabin Crew in Africa”, and “Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Africa”.

Earlier this year, Skytrax™, also awarded SAA with the 4-Star rating for the 16th year consecutive year, following detailed service audits of SAA Premium Business and Economy Class product and service across all customer-facing categories. For reservations and information, customers should visit www.flysaa.com or contact South African Airways at 1-(800) 722-9675.

About South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-star rating for 16 consecutive years.

Like South African Airways on Facebook here

Follow South African Airways Twitter here

Celebrating Mandela’s 100th

South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®), the leisure
division of South African Airways, introduces a new package to celebrate the centennial year of Nelson
Mandela’s birth.

The 8-night air-inclusive “Celebrating Mandela’s 100th” package priced at $2,499* (restrictions apply), will take travelers in the footsteps of the new South Africa’s founding father, visiting places where key moments of the struggle for freedom took place.

The package highlights include a Robben Island tour, where
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, an urban cultural tour of the township of Langa in Cape Town
with a hands-on, fun-filled cooking session that takes place in a local family home.

Other features include a visit
to the World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind and a visit to the legendary Apartheid Museum in
Johannesburg.

This poignant and meaningful package includes deluxe accommodations at the Sun Square Cape Town City Bowl, and Southern Sun Katherine Street in Johannesburg’s Sandton area.
“Nelson Mandela was an influential part of my childhood whilst growing up in South Africa” said Terry
von Guilleaume, president of SAA Vacations. “This package takes you to some of the places which were
instrumental in his journey from apartheid South Africa to becoming President. We hope to give the visitor a glimpse of what South Africa was like during those years and its transformation to becoming a democracy. We invite guests to experience this powerful and fascinating part of the country’s history.”

To book the “Celebrate Mandela’s 100th” package call SAA Vacations’ Africa Specialists at 1-855-359-
7228 or a professional travel consultant.

South African Airways Vacations offers air-inclusive vacation options
for all budgets, with experts on hand to ensure its clients experience the vacation of their dreams.

For more vacation packages to Southern, Eastern, and Western Africa, please visit www.flysaavacations.com.

About South African Airways Vacations®

A division of South African Airways(SAA), South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®) is highly regarded for its wide array of
affordable luxury packages to Africa and uses SAA’s extensive route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa,
Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana and the Indian Ocean Islands.

Offering more than 80 air-inclusive packages, which range from value to superb luxury. Our specialty-themed programs offer unique
experiences, whether you are interested in safaris, culture, cuisine, romance and adventure. The program is managed and fulfilled by
Destination Southern Africa (DSA), which was founded in 2001 and offers an extensive portfolio of tour programs with a variety of hotels,
game lodges and safari companies throughout Southern Africa.

About South African Airways

South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations
worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango.

In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from
New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships
with United Airlines, Air Canada JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which offer convenient connections from more
than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-star rating for 16
consecutive years.

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USC Annenberg launches Center for Third Space Thinking

The Center for Third Space Thinking, a new, innovative center dedicated to equipping businesses and nonprofit organizations with the essential soft skills needed to thrive in a communication-at-the-center world, has been established and will be based at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. The former dean of the Annenberg School, Ernest J. Wilson lll, founded the center, and the Annenberg Foundation has provided a $1.5 million launch grant to open it.

To meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of today’s complex and digitally disrupted business environment, the Center for Third Space Thinking is helping people and organizations solve complex problems through a new communications-driven methodology. The new methodology, built around the five core competencies of adaptability, cultural competency, empathy, intellectual curiosity and 360-degree thinking to approach problems from multiple perspectives, will be applied to the center’s work in three areas — leadership development, education and community engagement.

Wilson says the new center should become the go-to resource for anyone interested in using soft skills to improve individual and organizational performance in a period of high-velocity and widespread change.

“We are creating a novel third space that relies on communication-centric strategic thinking and its critical soft skills that are in such high demand, but seriously under supplied in the market. We’re going to fix that,” Wilson said.

The Annenberg Foundation grant will help launch the center’s educational leadership and community empowerment programs and share the center’s knowledge with diverse, underserved communities to improve their access to soft skills development.

“We support this powerful vision for educating a cadre of Third Space Thinkers,” said Wallis Annenberg, USC trustee and chairman of the board, president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. “We believe soft skills are imperative in our quickly changing world and are excited to support the center’s leadership programs.”

“We are grateful to the Annenberg Foundation for providing the Center for Third Space Thinking with the funding we need to launch our important work,” said Shellee Smith, the center’s executive director. “With this first grant, we now have the ability to transform people and organizations with a new, fresh, communications approach to strategic thinking and problem solving.  We will be looking for partnerships and further resources to be able to serve the maximum amount of people in order to have a deep and wide impact.”

The center hosted its first two-day leadership development Boot Camp for high-potential executives on the USC campus on October 5 and 6. A total of 25 executives from a diverse set of organizations, including Google, IBM, Western Union, United Airlines, AECOM, Southern California Edison, Quest Diagnostics and the Annenberg Foundation attended the highly immersive Boot Camp that helped the participants gain critical soft skills and become more effective problem solvers. The center’s next Boot Camp is scheduled for April 4-6, 2018.