Hertz is the first car rental company to launch a worldwide Online Check-in service for all of its customers. The service will speed up time at the counter for customers because their rental forms are completed in advance online. With Online Check-in, all Hertz customers can submit their profile details on the company’s secure website at their own convenience before they travel. This provides a faster and simpler counter service as all their check-in information will be on file before they arrive.

At the counter, customers simply need to present their confirmation, hand in their credit card and driving licence, and sign the pre-filled forms. Once completed, customers are free to enjoy the rest of their travels.

Michel Taride, President, Hertz Europe, and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation says: “Hertz Online Check-in has been developed so that our customers can start their journey as quickly as possible. We want to make the car rental experience simple and enjoyable, and have responded to customer feedback by introducing online check-in that will save time at the counter and get them swiftly in to the driving seat. We have rolled the service out across the world, so it’s available to everyone, everywhere, anytime. “

Australia’s passport control process is becoming more streamlined with the introduction of a new automated solution, SmartGate. If you have an Australian or New Zealand ePassport and are aged 18 years or over, SmartGate gives you another choice over the way you are processed. All Australian passports issued or renewed after 24 October 2005 are ePassports. SmartGate uses the data in your ePassport, along with face recognition technology to perform the customs and immigration checks.

SmartGate is already operating in Brisbane and Cairns international airports, and will be installed at Melbourne International Airport soon, with Sydney International Airport to follow later this year. To find out more about SmartGate, email smartgate@customs.gov.au or visit http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=5552

The Qantas A380 is now on sale with the first passenger flight between Melbourne and Los Angeles taking off on 20 October 2008. With supremely stylish and comfortable interiors designed by Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson, the Qantas A380 sets a new benchmark in air travel.

The new Qantas A380 is now on sale for selected flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles for travel from late October 2008. The Qantas A380 is also on sale for selected flights from Sydney to Singapore and London for travel from mid January 2009. Even more ways for Frequent Flyers to earn and redeem points. Experience the new Qantas A380 before you fly.

Heathrow Express is delighted to announce the launch of e-ticketing.

As of May 31, you no longer need to collect paper tickets at the station. Traveling on Heathrow Express will be even easier and quicker, as all you need to do is board the train and go.

Your ticket details will be recorded in a barcode, which you can print from an email receipt, or have sent to your mobile phone. This code will then be scanned by our staff on board the train.

The fastest way to the airport

Remember, Heathrow Express is the fastest, easiest way to get from central London to Heathrow Airport. Trains are non-stop, departing every 15 minutes, seven days a week.

They will get you to Terminal 1, 2 or 3 in just 15 minutes, with the journey to Terminals 4 and 5 taking just a few minutes longer.

By booking your Heathrow Express ticket at BCD Travel you will get a 10% discount on the regular rate. Ask your BCD Travel agent for it.