Travel specialists at Harvey World Travel and MTA Travel achieved the two highest scores on the Travel Academy online training module about San Francisco International Airport (SFO), United Airlines (UA) and the San Francisco Bay Area.  Each won free travel to the US, courtesy of SFO and United.

Carmen Ward of Harvey World Travel in Gladstone, QLD, won two economy class tickets provided by United and three nights’ accommodation at San Francisco’s Hotel Carlton, arranged by SFO.   Anna Powell of MTA Travel of Robina, QLD, was the grand prize winner, receiving two United tickets to New York City, via SFO, and five nights’ accommodation at The Beacon, arranged by NYC & Company. 

“As the only carrier offering daily nonstop service from Sydney and Melbourne to San Francisco, we are delighted to welcome the winning Aussie agents onboard,” said Alison Espley, Director - Australia and New Zealand for United Airlines.

SFO’s Deputy Airport Director Kandace Bender was thrilled with the success of the Travel Academy program.  

“The Travel Academy program is an excellent way to tell SFO’s story,” said Ms Bender.  “Many people don’t know that SFO has the largest international terminal in North America.  All of our terminals are ‘under one roof,’ making connections to our 74 U.S. destinations and 31 international destinations much easier than at other airports.  We look forward to welcoming Anna and Carmen to SFO.”

Participants needed at least 90 percent correct answers to qualify for entry.  The first 50 participants to qualify received a $50 Westfield gift card valid in 6,000 stores in Westfield centres across Australia.

The SFO/UA Travel Academy program focusses on the travel experience for Australians arriving at SFO on United, the attractions of the Bay Area, and the airport experience at SFO for both travellers whose destination is San Francisco, and for those using SFO as a connecting point for other U.S. destinations and beyond. 

The training module continues through April 2013 and includes multiple choice questions focusing on key topics:  

- San Francisco as a destination;
- popular destinations to connect to on UA from SFO;
- SFO as a connecting point or destination airport 
- UA experience at SFO, both for international arrivals and domestic transfers
- SFO as a 'destination’

Travel Academy is Australia’s only independent online training program for travel consultants.  A member of the Travel Weekly brand family, Travel Academy maintains more than 8,000 registered members.

SFO has been named Best Airport in North America by Skytrax, the aviation industry’s leading independent research organisation, based on passenger feedback research.