Air Travel Toolkit was

ForumSoftware Titles on Air Travel, Hieroglyphs, Currency Converter, Font Tools Air Travel Toolkit - USA Don't board a commercial airliner without it! A travel toolkitfor the passenger & Travel Agent Try It! Download the Demo Buy the CD! only $12.00 + s&h Buy the Download! only $12.00 Did you know you enter into a "Contract" when you purchase your airline ticket? Did you know there are over 170 alternate airports that could get you to your destination at acheaper fare? Do you know what airport to use if you want to get to Freedom, Pennsylvania? Do you know what your airline ticket really says? Do you know the difference between direct andnon stop? Features: ScreenShots: » Calculate and track your airlinemileage, includes over 8500 city pairs See the Airline Mileage Screen » Find the nearest airport to more than10,000 U.S. cities, from the smallest to the largest See the Airport Finder Screen » Airline tickets are money!! Do you knowwhat that piece of paper you just paid hundreds of dollars for really says? See the Airline Ticket Tutorial Screen Air Travel Toolkit was created byairline personnel with a combined total of over 80 years experience working for the major airlines! » Have you ever heard of the "Contract ofCarriage"? Every airline has one, and each airline you fly has different contracts. See the Contract of Carriage Screen » Save time and money by arriving at analternate airport. Air Travel Toolkit - USA lists over 170 alternate airports you can use. See the Alternate Airport Screen » Includes over 560 official 3letter airport codes » Includes an airline glossary,phonetic alphabet, 24 hour clock chart Read the review the Jerusalem Postgave to Air Travel Toolkit - USA Air Travel Toolkit - USA was given a 5 star rating onFileTransit Receive a FREE GIFT: an Aviation Phonetic Alphabet and 24 Hour Clock Quick Reference card when you order Air Travel Toolkit - USA on CD-Rom. Order Air Travel Toolkit - USA now for only $12.00 Background color might vary from that shown.

Mexico Travel Guide pages!

Mexico Travel Guide - Travel Tips Wednesday Dec 28th, 2005 Mexico Central Time Just like traveling to other parts of the world, there are some general concepts we suggest you think about while packing your luggage. Follow these suggestions so your visit to Mexico will be a success. Entry Requirements When To Go Getting Around Weather Considerations What To Bring Health Tips Money Exchange & Credit Tips For Seniors Entry Requirements Enter in Mexico Three items are needed to enter Mexico: A Photo I.D. (such as a Driver's License or a passport, starting at age 18 and above) A Tourist Card or F.M.N. A Valid Proof Of Citizenship • Tourist Card This two part document is your "permission" from the Mexican government to visit Mexico . It is available free of charge, although sometimes difficult to obtain in large quantities. The airlines always have an ample supply upon check-in. Or, if all else fails, you can obtain one in Mexican Immigration upon arrival. Here are a few words of advice about tourist cards: Do not lose or deface the bottom portion returned to you after the immigration inspection. It must be returned to Mexican Immigration upon departure. TIP: Write down your tourist card number and keep it with your travel documents. If the card is lost, having the number will help greatly. Keep your tourist card and travel documents in a secure place. Do not carry them with you everywhere you go, unless traveling extensively from your point of arrival. You can ask to have your card validated for more time (up to 180 days) than you'll actually need. • Proof of Citizenship Note: information regarding entry requirements is subject to change without notice, and should be reconfirmed with the airline being used for international travel. U.S. Citizens may use one of the following for entry into Mexico: Valid Passport: This is the most recommended document - secure and convenient. Certified Birth Certificate: (hospital certificate is not acceptable). A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records (usually the Department of Health Services in the city where you were born). Brides will have an easier time if tickets are issued in their maiden name to match their documents. For U.S. airport security purposes the name on the driver's license and the name on the ticket must match. Women traveling with tickets in their married name whose driver's license (or state issued ID) is in their married name, but who are using a birth certificate as proof of citizenship will be fine as long as the first name and date of birth on their driver's license and their birth certificate match. Natural U.S. Citizens born outside the United States may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-545). U.S. Naturalization: If you claim citizenship through naturalization you may use your Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship or laminated Naturalization card. Note: Some airlines/charter companies may still accept the Notarized Affidavit of Citizenship or possibly a Voters Registration Card. Canadian versions of the above documents are acceptable; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada . The "Canadian Identification Card" is an acceptable proof of citizenship document as well. Mexican Citizens Here the rules are a little more lenient, although Mexican nationals must have some official document proving Mexican birth. For one way travel any one of the following is accepted: Passport: may be expired Birth Certificate (Acta de Nacimiento) Consular registration form (Matrícula Consular) Military Service Card (Cartilla Militar) Voter's Registration Card (Cédula de Empadronamiento) For round trip travel Mexican nationals must have all three of the following: Valid Passport or valid Matrícula Consular Alien Registration Card or U.S. visa A Military Service Card if traveler is 18 years of age or older. If none of the above are available, the nearest Mexican Consulate will issue a "presunción de nacionalidad." Traveler must provide two passport size pictures to obtain the document. Remember, alien residents must have proof of U.S. residency to return to the States. Other Nationalities Most foreign citizens traveling to Mexico from the U.S. need a valid passport and U.S. "Alien Registration" card only. Contact the airlines serving Mexico or the Mexican Consulate for more details or specific situations. For Student Visas contact the Mexican Consulate in your area. Minors Any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor for travel purposes. Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico . Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below. Minors traveling with both legal parents or guardians: nothing else is needed. Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians: they must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents. Minors traveling with only one parent: must have notarized written permission from the other parent. (Airlines will also require the name, address and phone of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor upon arrival in Mexico .) In the case of deceased or divorced parents: legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. This proof (death certificate, proof of sole custody etc.) can also be shown to a notary who can then notarize an Affidavit of Sole Custody form. EXCEPTION: Mexican children often have a stamp on their passports that reads, "El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente." This allows the child to travel with only one parent and without a notarized statement. • Entering Mexico Your first stop is at Mexican Immigration (Migración) where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. DON'T LOSE YOUR TOURIST CARD! Next stop is at Customs (Aduana). Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here's the way it works: Visitors complete a customs declaration form. Visitors choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing items beyond their allowance. Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected. Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic light that is mounted on a post inside thecustoms area. A green light allows you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection. In the event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply. You are allowed to bring in any of the following: Personal items, e.g. clothing, footwear, toiletries, all in reasonable quantities according to trip duration. Books and magazines medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic substances. Used or second-hand sporting equipment One portable T.V. set, one portable typewriter, and one VCR. Up to 20 records or cassettes A musical instrument Fishing equipment, a pair of skis, and two tennis rackets Three liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier is over 18 years old 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if carrier is over 18 years old One movie camera and one regular camera, and up to 12 rolls of film • Returning to the U.S. and Canada You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of up to USD $400.00 For Canada the amount is CD $500.00 IF travelers have been outside of Canada at least seven days. This allowance may be claimed every 30 days. With a verbal declaration a returning Canadian resident can claim duty-free entry for articles (excluding tobacco products or alcoholic beverages) that do not exceed a total value of CD $20.00 upon return from each trip of more than 24 hours. For the U.S. this limit does not include items listed on the Generalized System of Preferences List (G.S.P.), which are allowed in duty free. Contact the U.S. Treasury Department for a detailed list (Dept. of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, Washington , D.C. 20229 ). Upon Arrival By Air You will receive two forms to fill out before you can enter Mexico. These are normally distributed by the airlines either at the ticket counter or while in transit. I know every airline representative will appreciate this next tip: Bring a ball point pen, preferably black. Don't expect to borrow one. With more than 200 fellow passengers there are never enough to go around. The first form is your temporary visa. The form has recently changed and may not be exactly as shown here. They are in several languages, you'll need one per person. Familiarize yourself with this one to avoid embarrassing mistakes later. Upon arrival at the airport you will first go through Customs, which is a simple review of your documentation and warm greeting from the Mexican Government Official. These are nice people, really! Save the stamped copy of which you will receive to exit the country. Back to top Your tourist card will be endorsed for a 30 day stay. If planning to stay more than a couple weeks, be sure to ask for the maximum entry of 180 days. Applying for a longer stay can be a hassle once in Mexico. Play it safe! The second form is for Hacienda which sounds like a nice house to visit, but is actually the Customs and Taxation arm of the government. You will need one of these forms per family. After passing through Immigrations, go to thebaggage area and collect your bags then proceed to the exit. Depending on your destination and size of the airport some of the following may differ. Hand the form to the Customs Agent and push the button on the 'traffic light'. Yes, that's right, a traffic light. It is set up to randomly turn green for Go or red for Stop and Inspect. I've never seen it turn yellow, but you may. If you do get a red light, they will kindly ask to see the contents of your bags. I don't think it need be said here, but I will: Don't be so foolish as to bring something illegal into Mexico. You know what I mean! Driving If you are driving into Mexico, check with your auto insurance carrier. Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country. If you are involved in a traffic accident: - Do not loose your temper. You're not in Kansas. - Do not leave the place of the accident. - Cooperate with the legal authorities. - Do not sign any agreements nor accept any liability. - Contact your Mexican insurance company immediately. For detailed information please read Driving Into Mexico article . When to Go The travel industry designates several business seasons during the year, High, Swing or Low. If you are coming from the Northern Climes, you probably consider winter the only time to visit. However, persons from others areas of North America, Europe and including the Mexican nationals find the rest of the year equally enjoyable. They also find it quite a bit more affordable. Take advantage of these somewhat arbitrary dates and save yourself some money. The difference between a High Season vacation and a Swing or Low, may be as little as one day and it could save you hundreds of dollars. Other vacationers just prefer the country when there are fewer tourists. Back to top Getting Around the Country Rental Car Rental cars are available from the major rental companies. To rent you must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid driver's license and a major credit card. Be sure to reserve your vehicle before you leave home; this will ensure you the lowest rate and availability. Driving Hitting the byways in a foreign land might sound challenging to some, but to many its their favorite means of getting involved. Especially if you live in the southern reaches of the US, driving deep into Mexico is less than 48 hours away. Gasoline is available at stations throughout Mexico. It is sold in liters (3.78 liters = 1 gallon). Magna Sin (green pumps) is unleaded. Prices are about the same as in the U.S. Only cash is accepted and there is no self service (tips are customary for gasoline attendants). Most stations close by 10 PM. The highway systems between major cities is modern and similar to the freeways further North. What makes them unique is their dependence on toll funding rather than taxation to pay the development cost. So, you should expect to 'pay as you go'. Have a hefty handful of small bills available so you'll encounter no problems with making change. Auto insurance is a MUST, whether you are driving a rental car or your own. Don't expect your hometown agent to supply you with a policy that will be valid in Mexico. Most insurance companies explicitly exclude foreign countries from their coverage. If you have a question, contact your carrier. You will find insurance vendors on both sides of the border crossings. A better idea is to set up your insurance before you go. You might also find that it can be considerably cheaper to do it this way. Major highways are patrolled by Los Angeles Verdes (Green Angels). These government-operated pickup trucks are driven by mechanics . To date, Mexico is the only country with this service. It's free, except for parts and gas! Buses Mexico has a vast inter-city bus system that offers inexpensive, timely and convenient transportation. There are two grades of buses: First Class, with air conditioning and possibly a TV, and a stewardess serving soft drinks and snacks. And Second Class- with no frills. As Second Class costs slightly less than First Class, we recommend you go with First Class. Within the metropolitan centers buses offer the natives their primary means of transportation. For the tourist these can be a bit daunting at first, but when viewed with fun and adventure in mind, they can certainly add color and memories to your vacation. Train Train travel can be safer and more enjoyable than a trip by bus, but considerably more expensive. As with bus service, we recommend you pay for the highest class of travel available. Primera Especial class is recommended for day trips and the top-of-the-line Pullman compartments for overnight travel. Pullman service offers sleeping compartments suitable for one (camarin) or two (alcoba). Each converts to a comfortable sitting room during the day. Back to top Weather Considerations Mexico is made up of several different regions, each with its own type of seasonal weather, climate, altitude and terrain dictating what you will need to be prepared and comfortable. Generally, rains fall and temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November through May as the more temperate, drier season. Here's a regional climate overview: - Northern Baja California Despite the desert landscape, this region resembles Southern California: mild winters with a little rain; warm, dry summers. The Sea of Cortes tends to be warmer than the Pacific side of the peninsula. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C. - Southern Baja California A subtropical desert, with over 350 days of sunshine a year, cool winter evenings, low humidity, sea breezes. Summer temperatures can be high, Generally cooler on the Pacific side. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C. - Northwest Coast Similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and some storms. Annual average temperature: 68 degrees F or 20 degrees C. - West Coast Also known as the Mexican Riviera, it has warm tropical weather year round. Warm, dry days and balmy evenings from November through May. The rainy season is June through October, with daily rain showers and warm temperatures. Annual average temperature: 77 degrees F or 27 degree C. - Central Plateau Due to higher elevation, it has pleasant spring-like conditions most of the year. Rain is frequent from June through September. Evenings can be quite cool in winter. Annual average temperature: 65 degrees F or 18 degrees C. - The Yucatan Peninsula In this region, proximity to the coast determines temperature and humidity. In summer, Gulf and Caribbean areas stay cooler due to trade winds, while interior jungles are humid, with higher temperatures. Rainfall is frequent from April through May and September through January; temperatures can be higher. September and October sometimes bring overcast or rainy conditions. Winters are very pleasant. Annual average temperature: 80 degrees F or 27 degrees C. - The Gulf Coast Somewhat humid, with warmer temperatures. Rainfall and cool brisk northerly winds (nortes) from September through February. Annual average temperature: 72 degrees F or 21 degrees C. Back to top What to Bring Be sure to include the following in your suitcase: - A pocket-size English/Spanish dictionary - A small first aid kit - Camera and Film - Walking Shoes - Suntan Lotion - Traveler's Checks & ATM cards - Swim Suits - Casual Dress Clothes for Nightlife and Fine Dining - Copies of your favorite Mexico Travel Guide pages! - Sunglasses & Hat - Necessary medications - Passport/Birth Certificate & Driver's License Health Tips In your quest for a good time on your vacation, your eating and drinking habits are often radically different than what you're used to back home. In addition, climate and altitude changes can throw your system off. To ensure you enjoy your vacation to its fullest, consider the following: Be sure to drink lots of fluids; especially the day before arriving. Try not to go overboard your first night. Give your body a chance to acclimate. Drink only distilled or bottled water. When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them with distilled or bottled water before eating; peel them if possible. Back to top Money, Exchange & Credit The Mexican economy operates on the rise and fall of the Peso. While most businesses will accept foreign currency, especially US dollars, using pesos is your best bet. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio (exchange houses). Mexican banking hours are normally Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 P.M. however for money exchange the hours time are normally from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Casas de cambio are open later than most banks and they generally offer quicker service. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express being the most popular. Check for Current Exchange Rate: Use Xenon Labs' currency exchange calculator to check the Mexican New Peso against your currency. Clicking on the search button will retrieve the current exchange rate for nearly 50 currencies. The rates are usually no more than a couple of days old. MXP Mexican Pesos Tips for Senior Travelers Retired travelers have a great advantage in planning their vacations. There are many advantages to having the freedom to plan a vacation without the hassles of work schedules. Many older travelers find that their favorite times to travel to Mexico are in off season months when there is less demand and less traffic through the resort cities. Usually the summer months are the least in demand due to high temperatures. This can be an advantage if you enjoy shopping and organized tours more than spending time at the beach. Most shops and tour buses are air-conditioned, so the heat shouldn't be much of a concern. The reduced numbers of tourists in the summer months makes getting around much easier, and there is usually more peace and quiet at night. There are a number of discount packages and group tour options for seniors. Your travel agent should have a list of the discounts that you're entitled to in the city that you'll be visiting. There are a number of senior citizens tour clubs that offer members the opportunity to go on tours with a familiar group of people in an organized tour that provides everything that you'll need. There are many senior citizen tour organizations across the nation, most of which your travel agent should be able to provide information about. Even if you don't like traveling in groups or with organized tours, you are entitled to a number of senior citizens discounts. When booking hotel reservations, always mention that you're a senior and ask about discount rates. At restaurants, mention it when you order, not afterward. Many places will refuse the discount if you don't mention it before a reservation or an order has been made. The infrastructure in Mexico is not as well-developed as it is in some countries. If you have a disability, you may find it difficult getting around some parts of Mexico. There are few wheelchair ramps and wheelchair access bathrooms in Mexico currently. In some cities, there aren't even stairway handrails. The sidewalks are typically narrower and aren't maintained as well. If you have any problems getting around, speak with your travel agent about the state of the city you'll be traveling to. Your travel agent should also be able to provide information about hotels which offer accommodations for people with disabilities. If you aren't content just to visit Mexico, it is possible to retire to Mexico permanently. Please click here to see an overview of how to begin the process of retiring to Mexico. Back to top Acapulco | Cancun | CopperCanyon | Cozumel | Guadalajara | Huatulco | Ixtapa | Los Cabos Manzanillo | Mazatlan | Mexico City | Monterrey | Oaxaca | Puerto Vallarta © 1995 - 2005 Let's Go2Mexico ® - All Rights Reserved - Powered by ® Go2 Producciones ernesto luna sierra

Golf Vacation Deals Course

MapQuest.Com: Maps, Directions and More Settings Help Mobile Maps Directions Special Offers Show me offers related to: - Select - Hotels Restaurants Flights Rental Cars Jobs Personals Event Tickets Real Estate Apartments Roommates Florists Dentists Mortgage Insurance Lawyers Golf Resort near Branson Enter to win golf resort getaway w/ spa at luxury resort near Branson. www.big-cedar.com Kiawah Island Golf Great Packages on Kiawah Island Near Charleston, SC 800-786-9022 www.kiawah.com Golf Vacation Deals Course Info, Flight, Hotel & Extras Save Time & Money with Expedia! www.Expedia.com Golf Packages - Pinehurst Pinehurst area golf vacations . Golf Digest award winner. Premier Course www.littleriver.com Golf vacation Offering several different types of golf vacation packages in Las Vegas www.lasvegasgolfgetaways.com Custom Golf Packages Plan your own luxury golf package to one of many exotic locations www.ClassicVacations.com Golf Resorts Search for Golf Resorts worldwide by destination, price or mood! www.FindAGolfResort.com Golf Vacations Create Cheap Golf Packages Online, Lodging, Tee Times, Local Reps www.GolfZoo.com Travel Hotel Rooms Hotels Travel Insurance Vacations Travel Europe Travel Real Estate Vacation Homes Foreclosures Homes for Sale Commercial Real Estate Real Estate License Real Estate Vacations Vacations Europe Travel Orlando Florida Fishing Trips Vacation Homes African Safari Getaways Europe Travel Orlando Florida Las Vegas Travel Florida Vacations Mexico Vacations Caribbean Vacations About these results: "Sponsored Links" are listings that have been purchased by companies that want to have their sites appear for specific search terms. These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by Google (MapQuest's partner). For information about how Google sorts these listings, go to http://adwords.google.com/ and click on the 'Advertise with Us' link. Company Advertise Business Solutions Link to MapQuest Toolbar Privacy Legal ©2005 MapQuest, Inc. All rights reserved.

Vacation Package Florida Beach

Cheap Vacations, Weekend Getaways, Family Vacation Special Offers Tell A Friend -- - State of Residence - ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT DELAWARE FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON PENNSYLVANIA PUERTO RICO RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VERMONT VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, D.C. WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN WYOMING Fairfield Getaways offers weekend getaways, family vacations, and travel packages that include hotel accommodations and extra goodies to top destinations. Book your package today. Special Offers Tell A Friend --| About Fairfield | FAQ | Affiliates | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Florida Timeshare Las Vegas Family Vacations Myrtle Beach Vacation Package Florida Beach Vacations Las Vegas Package Deals Palm Springs Vacation Package Florida Golf Vacations Cheap Las Vegas Vacation Package myrtle beach family myrtle beach golf palm springs family palm springs golf Daytona Vacation Packages Fort Lauderdale Vacation Packages Disney World Vacation Packages Smoky Mountian Getaways Smoky Mountian Vacations Williamsburg Vacation Packages Williamsburg Virginia Vacations alexandria vacations alexandria va vacations durango ski vacations durango vacation packages nashville tn_vacation packages nashville vacation packages new_orleans louisiana vacations new orleans vacation packages berkshires vacation packages hancock_vacation_packages historic san antonio vacations lake tahoe vacation deals lake tahoe vacation packages romantic sedona getaways san antonio getaways sedona vacation packages kona hawaii vacation packages oahu vacation packages myrtle beach timeshare vacation branson timeshare

Air Travel, U.S. Official

U.S.-EU Pact Could Revolutionize Air Travel, U.S. Official Says- U.S. Department Of State Advanced Search/Archive Español | Français | Pycckuú | | | You Are In: USINFO Products Washfile U.S.-EU Pact Could Revolutionize Air Travel, U.S. Official Says Transportation official says changes would enhance competition in "dramatic way" By Vince Crawley Washington File Staff Writer Washington – A tentative Open Skies agreement to deregulate air travel between the United States and the European Union could revolutionize trans-Atlantic passenger service by allowing free-market competition for routes and fares, a senior U.S. official says. “A U.S.-EU aviation agreement would not only bring an entirely new level of liberalization to trans-Atlantic air services, but would facilitate the most important reinvention of international aviation we have ever seen,” Jeffrey N. Shane, under secretary for policy at the Department of Transportation (DOT) said December 8. “It can be expected to enhance the quality of competition across the Atlantic in a dramatic way,” Shane said, speaking to the Royal Aeronautical Society in Montreal. The tentative agreement, announced by negotiators November 18, would allow every EU and U.S. airline to fly between every city in the European Union and every city in the United States, according to a Department of State fact sheet. It would allow U.S. and EU airlines to determine the number of flights and their routes and fares according to market demand, as well as to enter freely into such cooperative arrangements with other airlines as code-sharing and leasing. (See related article .) Currently, air services between the United States and European Union countries are conducted under bilateral aviation agreements with each EU member state. A number of the agreements are so-called Open Skies pacts that set liberal ground rules for international aviation markets and minimize government intervention. The U.S.-EU Open Skies agreement, if approved, would replace those bilateral pacts with a single policy. Shane said media accounts seem to miss the importance of the tentative agreement. “I must tell you that many of us on the U.S. side are more than a little puzzled at how accounts of this effort to conclude the most far-reaching agreement in the entire history of international aviation have been reduced to the story of a U.S. Department of Transportation rulemaking proceeding,” he said. “The press seems to have missed the most important point: that the agreement concluded in November by the two delegations, with or without the rulemaking, has the potential to transform the trans-Atlantic aviation market in fundamental ways.” The agreement “brings U.S.-E.U. relations into conformity with the requirements of European law at long last,” Shane said. “The willingness of the United States to eliminate the traditional nationality clause that is currently in every U.S. bilateral agreement -- meaning that an EU airline’s flights to the U.S. will no longer have to begin or end in that airline’s home country -- is more an advantage for EU carriers than for U.S. carriers, and means that consumers on both sides of the Atlantic would enjoy a quality of competition that exceeds anything we have seen up to now,” he said. “Potentially even more important,” he said, “the draft agreement would open an infinity of new possibilities for the reinvention of the EU airline industry. The anachronistic bilateral impediments to otherwise sensible mergers and other combinations – even under existing Open Skies agreements -- would be swept away on day one, and the implications for a more robust and competitive global presence by EU carriers would be profound.” EU transport ministers, Shane said, will take further action on the tentative pact after the outcome of a pending DOT rulemaking that would give foreign investors in U.S. airlines more of a say in business practices.  That proposed rulemaking, which is open for comments from the public until January 6, 2006, would apply only to international investors from countries that have open-skies aviation agreements with the United States and allow similar investments by U.S. citizens in their domestic airlines. (See related article .) Shane said the department will need about two months to evaluate comments after the comment period closes and issue a final rule. The full text of Shane’s speech is posted on the Department of Transportation Web site. Created:09 Dec 2005 Updated: 09 Dec 2005 Page Tools: Print this article E-mail this article USINFO delivers information about current U.S. foreign policy and about American life and culture. This site is produced and maintained by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. Links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. Home | About USINFO | Site Index | Contact Us | Privacy Topics | Regions | Resource Tools | Products Sorry, you need a JavaScript capable browser to get the best from this page