| |
AMERICAN AIRLINES EXPANDS EUROPEAN ALLIANCE
(source: USA Today)
American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia kicked off their long-awaited trans-Atlantic joint venture with the announcement of four new routes that the carriers will add to their combined operations in April.
American also used the launch news conference to address concerns among its workers that the joint venture could lead to job losses if the Fort Worth-based airline cedes more international flying to its foreign partners. American CEO Gerard Arpey said the carrier will recall about 800 laid off workers; 250 pilots and 550 flight attendants.
The four new trans-Atlantic routes being launched are:
• New York John F. Kennedy Airport-Budapest, flown by American
• Chicago-Helsinki, flown by American
• San Diego-London Heathrow Airport, flown by British Airways
• Los Angeles-Madrid, flown by Iberia
American also plans to launch an additional flight each day on its existing New York-Barcelona and Miami-Madrid routes.
Back To Top
FREE MEALS ON PLANES FLY INTO THE SUNSET
(source: MSNBC.com)
As of October 12, Continental, which recently merged with United, is selling buy-on-board meals on all domestic flights under six hours. Continental is the last major domestic airline to jettison free meals.
Moving away from free food, according to Jim Compton, Continental's chief marketing offer, is a reflection of "today's market and customer preference." Eliminating complimentary meals will save the airline an estimated $35 million each year — not much when you consider an airline's success is measured in billions of dollars, but still significant in an era when every penny counts.
For now, most airlines continue to offer complimentary coffee, tea, water and soft drinks. "Our complimentary snacks are still offered with beverage cart service on most flights — cookies in the morning and pretzels for the rest of the day/evening," said Continental spokesperson Mary Clark.
United Airlines is hoping passengers will love ordering, and paying for, their in-flight meals before they even get on the plane.
Last week the airline introduced two $24.99 brunch options, with chocolate and sparkling wine, for customers flying premium service flights between New York's JFK and Los Angeles or San Francisco.
But there's a twist: Meals must be ordered online and 72 hours before a flight.
"I believe a premium meal offering would have consumer appeal," said Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst for Forrester Research. "But I am concerned that, even with sparkling wine, this is too expensive."
Back To Top
AMTRAK REPORTS RECORD ANNUAL RIDERSHIP
(source: Business Travel News)
Amtrak on Monday reported annual ridership grew nearly 6 percent to more than 28.7 million passengers for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, a new annual record for the rail operator.
Amtrak also reported record ticket revenue of $1.74 billion, which grew 9 percent from fiscal year 2009.
Nowhere is the shift to rail more evident, Amtrak said, than the Northeast Corridor, where "Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston."
Back To Top
SMARTPHONES ABROAD: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
(source: CNN.com)
Stories about outrageous phone bills are common enough to make roving mobile customers think twice. Experts say the most important thing travelers can do to prevent this from happening is take precautions before the trip.
"If you travel without preparation, this is an open invitation for you to pay out money that you don't need to pay out," said Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet. "Certainly call your carrier before you go overseas."
Hall travels with his iPhone and said it's important to view any smartphone as an "occasional device," rather than a constant attraction when overseas. When he's not using it, he puts his phone in flight mode, which prevents it from receiving e-mails, calls or texts.
No matter what you choose to do, call your carrier beforehand and find out what you can and cannot do while abroad as well as if your phone will even work in the country you plan on visiting.
Elliott said, "When you step off the plane and power up your phone, the cellular phone agreement that you have is no longer in effect."
If your phone is capable, Kevin C. Tofel, a staff writer for GigaOM.com, said buying services overseas is both easier and less expensive.
Tough cell phone carriers do offer tips and estimations to keep data use in check, many smartphone users go over their budgeted allowance anyway.
Some services will even send you a text message when you're getting close to using up your allotted data, but Tofel suggests keeping track on your own -- either with an app on your phone or by checking your bill online.
Just make sure keeping track of the charges won't cost you a bundle.
Back To Top
SECURE FLIGHT PASSENGER DATA COLLECTION PROCESS
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that after November 1, 2010, air passenger reservations without full Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) will be rejected by Secure Flight and will not be processed. This policy will apply to all passenger records regardless of source, aircraft operator, or air carrier.
Select airlines will now prohibit ticket issuance if the passenger's full name, date of birth and gender are not present in the reservation.
To facilitate the collection of the SFPD, The Lawyers' Travel Service has created a secure, encrypted web form which travelers can use to input this information. When the information is submitted, the traveler profile will be updated.
If you have not already done so, please click on the URL directly below to complete the collection process: https://secureflight.lawyerstravel.com
Back To Top
EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON SECURE FLIGHT
(source: USA Today)
Beginning next month, air travelers must accurately provide basic personal information to receive a boarding pass. The government's Secure Flight program, designed to keep terrorists off planes, requires fliers traveling Nov. 1 and after to provide their date of birth, gender and full name as it appears on a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
Passengers who have erroneously appeared on the Transportation Security Administration's "no-fly" list must also provide a code issued by the agency.
"If this information is not provided, the passenger will not be issued a boarding pass and may be denied transportation," says David Castelveter of the Air Transport Association of America, which represents U.S. airlines.
Airlines say they've requested the information for months from passengers making reservations and expect few problems.
"We've been trying to increase awareness among passengers and travel agents, and we don't anticipate many hiccups," says Steve Lott of the International Air Transport Association that represents 230 airlines globally.
American Airlines sent millions of e-mails to customers who booked flights before Sept. 15, explaining they must provide the information. Bookings since then weren't accepted without it, says American spokesman Tim Smith.
The American Society of Travel Agents says it expects a "relatively smooth" transition."With any new system, there will be some confusion, but we don't anticipate it being tremendous," says Kristina Rundquist, a vice president of the travel agents' organization.
To ensure no flight complications, airlines advise passengers with reservations to check that their reservation includes the required personal information. The information must be included at least 72 hours before a departure.
The TSA says it's fully equipped to match the information against its no-fly list for those who buy tickets within 72 hours of flying.
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
JUMEIRAH ESSEX HOUSE
160 Central Park South
New York City
Sleek, sophisticated and centrally-located, Jumeirah Essex House has been welcoming business travelers for nearly 80 years. This Manhattan landmark has recently completed a $90 million renovation which pays homage to its Art Deco heritage while updating the guestrooms and lobby to the highest standards of luxury. The hotel is perfectly placed in the heart of Manhattan, between the beauty of Central Park and the bustle of midtown, within walking distance of most businesses, and the finest shops and restaurants New York has to offer.
Jumeirah Essex House features 509 elegant and well-appointed rooms and suites, many with sweeping views of Central Park and Manhattan. Each of the guestrooms is designed to be an extension of any business office, using the latest technology including an LCD touchpad to control all lighting, and wireless and hard-wire high-speed internet access.
Jumeirah Essex House makes it effortless for guests to use both the in-room technology and their own devices seamlessly.
Jumeirah Essex House has received numerous international travel and tourism awards, most recently winning the titles of "North America's Leading Business Hotel" and "United States' Leading Business Hotel" at the prestigious 2009 World Travel Awards, and being honored with the title of "Best Hotel in the Eastern United States" by the esteemed readers of Global Traveler in 2009.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Jumeirah Essex House is $429 (compared to a corporate rate of $549).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
PALOMAR ATLANTA
866 West Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta
A Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midtown Atlanta
Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown, Kimpton Hotels' first hotel in Atlanta, sets in motion a new and exciting level of artful sophistication and style in the vibrant community of midtown Atlanta. Just a few blocks from the campus of Georgia Tech, Hotel Palomar Atlanta's 21-story building features 304 guest rooms, all of them as luxuriously comfortable as they are effortlessly unique. Ready access to the sights and sounds of midtown Atlanta along with beautifully designed accommodations and unparalleled amenities expected of a Kimpton Hotel are what await guests at this midtown Atlanta boutique hotel.
Located between the acclaimed Georgia Tech and beautiful Piedmont Park, in the heart of the city that "has it all," Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown builds on the energy and motion of the neighborhood, showcasing the best of what Atlanta offers. Just minutes from Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center and the Georgia Dome, Hotel Palomar's Midtown Atlanta location puts the best of this exciting city within easy reach.
As if the convenient location and exemplary comforts of this Atlanta boutique hotel weren't already enough, the four-star level of services and amenities keep things moving. Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown not only goes to great lengths to practice being an eco friendly hotel in Atlanta, this pet-friendly hotel invites guests to bring pets along. If it's a meeting or special event location, their 10,000 square feet of event space makes the hotel an ideal location for business meetings or other events. Their Atlanta boutique hotel is also home to Pacci Ristorante, an amazing destination restaurant and rooftop terrace lounge, the place to be in midtown Atlanta. At Hotel Palomar, the mission is creating memorable experiences that keep guests satisfied and eager to come back for more.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Palomar Atlanta is $145 (compared to a corporate rate of $161).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SHERATON DENVER DOWNTOWN
1550 Court Place
Denver
Perfectly located on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is in the heart of Denver's business and financial districts and a simple 3 ½ blocks from the Colorado Convention Center. Inside the hotel, guests will find a vibrant new Denver restaurant offering convenience, exceptional service, delightful cuisine with comfortable surroundings and a friendly staff, making it the ideal place to meet up with friends after a day of meetings.
The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel offers 1,231 rooms with beautiful mountain and downtown views. With 82 suites for added comfort, guests will be provided the ultimate in relaxation and convenience in the rooms and throughout the property. Enjoy a great night sleep on the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed®, a custom designed mattress that is made exclusively for Sheraton. These beds and added luxuries are all part of the hotel's newly re-imagined guest accommodations.
Experience their $70 million transformation.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Sheraton Denver Downtown is $169 (compared to a corporate rate of $239).*
Back To Top
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE WESTIN GRAND, WASHINGTON D.C.
2350 M Street NW
Washington D.C.
Situated in the stylish West End district of the nation's capital, The Westin Grand, Washington D.C. enjoys an unbeatable location. Whether one is visiting for business or leisure, the hotel is moments away from Georgetown, the Monuments/Memorials and the White House.
The staff at The Westin Grand is ready to cater to a multilingual clientele, and is decorated with an international flair. The European-style courtyard is a relaxing place to sit and meet with business partners or friends. The hotel also offers a newly renovated Westin Workout center and seasonal outdoor pool so that guests can jump in and refresh.
Feel free to spread out and work from an oversized desk in one of their spacious guest rooms. The hotel has everything a traveler needs, with High Speed Internet Access and two telephone lines. Each bathroom has a separate soaking tub and Heavenly Shower®. Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in their signature Heavenly Bed®.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Westin Grand, Washington D.C. is $269 (compared to a corporate rate of $479).*
Back To Top
* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
|
