NEW ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM FOR U.S. VISITORS Travelers visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) risk being detained at airports and sent home if they do not comply with new U.S. immigration rules. The introduction of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) means visitors from 27 VWP countries -- including most of Western Europe, New Zealand, Japan and Australia -- must now register their details online at least three days before departure. ESTA replaces the written green I-94 form and allows travelers under the VWP to enter the U.S. without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. Passengers must submit the same information that is currently required in the I-94 immigration form. This includes biographical data and travel information as well as questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has assured travelers that the system can handle last-minute and emergency requests. Registration is possible through the U.S. government ESTA Web site - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. In most cases, eligibility for travel will be approved immediately. Applicants who receive an "Authorization Pending" response will need to check the Web site for updates. Applicants whose ESTA applications are denied will be referred to Travel.State.Gov for information on how to apply for a visa. UNITED TO ADD INFLIGHT INTERNET United Airlines plans to outfit 13 transcontinental Boeing 757 aircraft with inflight wireless Internet capabilities in the second half of the year. The carrier announced the new offering through a partnership with Aircell, which furnishes inflight Internet for legacy competitors American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. United plans to offer the service to passengers for a flat fee of $12.95 on transcontinental flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles and San Francisco international airports. United Airlines also said it will await customer feedback of its initial rollout later this year before expanding the program to other domestic aircraft. CONTINENTAL FLIGHT POWERED WITH BIOFUEL TAKES OFF Last week, Continental Airlines became the first U.S. commercial carrier to conduct a demonstration flight powered in part by alternative fuels, though large-scale use of such fuel is forecast to be several years away. The Houston-based company, the nation's fourth-largest airline, made the flight with a Boeing 737-800 that left from Bush Intercontinental Airport, its large hub. The flight took about 1 hour, 45 minutes and had no passengers. Airlines have been experimenting with alternative fuels as a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lower fuel bills, which hammered carriers in the first part of 2008 when oil prices spiked. Continental said its flight was the first to use algae as a fuel source, and the first test involving a two-engine aircraft. One engine ran on a mixture of one-half biofuel and one-half traditional jet fuel. The other ran solely on jet fuel. The biofuel exceeded specifications for regular jet fuel and no modifications to the plane or its engines were needed. WEST LEGAL EDCENTER AND THE HILDEBRANDT INSTITUTE 14th ANNUAL LAW FIRM LEADERS FORUM 2009 The Lawyers’ Travel Service is proud to sponsor this event West Legal Edcenter and the Hildebrandt Institute present their 14th Annual Law Firm Leaders Forum. The theme for the event is "The World Has Changed – How Will Law Firms Adapt?" This year they will discuss the ongoing economic crisis, its impact on the legal market, and the need for an integrated - and innovative - response from law firms. Topics to be addressed: *The Changing Landscape of the Legal Industry To Register - http://westlegalworks.com/conferences/LFLForum/registration.htm
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Sofitel is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $495).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Westin Minneapolis is $219 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
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The Lanesborough London is offering The Lawyers' Travel Service an exclusive promotion. Guests can stay in a Junior Suite at £355 plus VAT including the following amenities for arrivals until February 9, 2009 (no minimum night stay required):
A portal to a New York City of days gone by, the historic landmark, 126-room Mansfield Hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan on 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, steps away from Broadway theatres, restaurants and shopping.
Sofitel Los Angeles offers the ultimate blend of LA style and French elegance. For business travelers, the hotel has all the amenities one could ask for. LeSpa at Sofitel Los Angeles includes both a 2,500 sq ft. gym complete with free-weights, state-of-the-art cardio machines with personal LCD televisions, and a full-service spa where guests can enjoy a manicure, facial, or full-body massage. SIMON LA, the first-class restaurant, offers creative and uniquely inspired dishes inspired from the mind of celebrity chef Kerry Simon. Stone Rose Lounge by nightclub impresario Rande Gerber, combines cutting edge interiors, signature cocktails and an elite Hollywood clientele. Every facet of convenience has been considered during their multi-million dollar renovation. This new hotel accentuates lavish sophistication and chic adventure. It allows the business traveler to enjoy a bit of true Hollywood excitement while being surrounded by Beverly Hills five-star service. Located at the intersection of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Sofitel Los Angeles transcends at the epicenter of Hollywood glamour and fashion. With an ambiance, the likes of an urban resort, Sofitel Los Angeles has become the preferred hotel for the world’s most discerning and high profile guests.
Le Méridien San Francisco is a luxury hotel located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. The hotel is connected by a landscaped pedestrian bridge to the historic Federal Reserve Building, and the shops, entertainment and cafés of the dynamic Embarcadero Center. Le Méridien is also steps away from San Francisco's main leisure attractions such as Chinatown and the California Street cable cars, with easy access to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.
Since 1930, the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC has played host to presidents, world leaders and inaugural balls, making it a true historic Washington landmark. Located in one of the most influential cities of the world, this grand luxury hotel offers a resort atmosphere and a personal taste of politics, culture, art and music at its best. The four-diamond Omni Shoreham Hotel is nestled on 11 acres in picturesque Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC and is only steps away from the National Zoo. Many of the 834 luxury guest room accommodations and suites offer spectacular views of the park. The hotel is just 8 miles from Reagan National Airport and 28 miles from Dulles International Airport.
Transformed from the historic Farmers & Mechanics Bank building, The Westin Minneapolis is a guest’s home to renewal in the Twin Cities. Originally built in 1941, the landmark features the original 34-foot vaulted bank lobby, marble staircase and wood carved emblems signifying the leading industries of the World War II era.
In the heart of Boston, one will find the rare brand of hospitality practiced only by The Doyle Collection, Ireland’s premier hotel group. Located at the former Boston Police Headquarters in the heart of the Back Bay, Jurys Boston Hotel, soon to be renamed The Back Bay Hotel, is one of the city’s finest hotels. Modern, but with a nod to the company’s strong Irish traditions, this four-diamond hotel offers something entirely unique for frequent business travelers who seek a distinctive Boston address.