AIR: Fuel surcharges have increased airfares during the summer and a new round of increases is expected in mid-September. Although the increases are larger on international flights, fares on domestic flights are also being impacted. British Airways announced $120 surcharge per roundtrip flight from the U.S. effective September 12 and other carriers are expected to institute similar charges in short order. It is wise to book flight as soon as possible.
Northwest/KLM Airlines is the official airlines of the 2005 Fall Tour. Discounted group airfare on Northwest/KLM is available through Rich Worldwide Travel.
Rich Worldwide Travel is the official travel agent for the Fall Tour.
Contact Arthur Wright awright@richtravel.com or Sharon Calderone scalderone@richtravel.com at 1-866-431-1140. Let them search for the best airfare for you. If tickets are purchased 30 or more days ahead of travel, a 10% discount is available; if 29 days or less, discount is 5%. Special fares apply with Northwest Airlines. There will be a $40 fee for issuing each ticket.
TRAIN: Amtrak’s Detroit station is in the New Center Area, approximately 3 miles north of the hotel. Taxi fares from the train station should range from $8 to $10.
For discounted group fares from Amtrak, use convention fares code X90H-947 when making a reservation at 1-800-872-7245, at an Amtrak ticket counter, or with our travel agent. Convention fares cannot be booked online. Amtrak schedule and fare information .
The convention fare provides a 10% discount off the lowest available fare and is valid for travel from September 26 to October 5, 2005. Note that this discount cannot be combined with other discounts, such as senior fares.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is available through Rich Worldwide Travel.
This insurance pays you for unreimbursed travel costs in case you have to cancel your trip to the Detroit Fall Tour. Many types of situations, such as medical emergencies, that cause cancellation are covered as are such costs as replacing articles in lost baggage. Medical expenses for pre-existing conditions may also be covered if insurance is purchased within 21 days of registration or ticket purchase. For more information, contact Arthur Wright (awright@richtravel.com) or Sharon Calderone (scalderone@richtravel.com) at 1-866-431-1140.
Several taxi and car companies serve the Detroit/Wayne County Airport. Taxi service can range from $40 for a regular car to $50 for a luxury car. Unfortunately, no shuttle service is available. SIA shuttles will run to airport on Sunday. If renting a car, follow the Car directions below from I-94.
CAR: Detroit is located at the intersection of Interstate-94 and Interstate-75.
From I-94 eastbound: take I-94 to Exit 215, M-10 South (“Lodge Freeway”). Take M-10 south under Cobo Hall. Follow exit for Jefferson Avenue. Hotel is approximately 1/2 mile from Cobo directly across from Renaissance Center on north (left) side of Jefferson Avenue.
From I-75 northbound: Take I-75 north to Exit 49, M- 10 South (“Lodge Freeway”) toward Civic Center. Follow exit for Jefferson Avenue. Hotel is approximately 1/2 mile from Cobo directly across from Renaissance Center on west (left) side of Jefferson Avenue.
Detroit is upgrading several roadways in preparation for the Superbowl. Please visit their web site for the latest construction updates and lane closures.
If you'd like to share a ride, as driver or passenger, from airport or other points, contact Don Durfee who will coordinate and maintain a sign-up list. Note: If you are renting a car at the airport please consider giving other tour goers a ride to the hotel.
Detroit is an ever-evolving city that hosted the Major League All-star game in July 2005 and will host the 2006 NFL Superbowl. Because of both, the downtown area is being cleaned up and made more accessible.
CANADA: Across the river from Detroit is Windsor, Ontario. Several restaurants, a casino, and a really great view of the city may lure you across the border. Just remember you will need a passport, birth certificate or voter registration card to get back into the U.S. and that, at times, border crossings can take up to an hour or more.
WEATHER: Autumn in Detroit can be fabulous and there could even be a few leaves changing color by the end of September. The average daily temperatures range from 47 to 68°F for September/October.
For More information contact:
- Mary Habstritt, Events Coordinator, with questions about the schedule or other event details, siaevents@aol.com; (212) 769-4946.
- Don Durfee, SIA Office Manager, with registration questions: (906) 487-1889 or sia@mtu.edu
