SOCIAL NETWORKING WITH AIRLINES You're delayed at the airport. It's going to be hours before the airline can get you on another flight. You log onto your computer and answer your e-mails. You surf the Web for a while. You're still waiting. This is taking way too long. Might as well tweet about it. And if you do, the chances are ever increasing that someone at the airline will see what you have written. They may even respond to it. Airlines are ramping up their use of social networking sites. Staff members watch the sites in search of opportunities to improve relationships with customers. "There is an opportunity for airlines to improve customer service and brand perception," Adam Ostrow, editor-in-chief of social media guide Mashable.com and a commentator on social networking sites, wrote in an e-mail interview. "If you're stuck at an airport, and it's the airline's fault, you're going to tweet about it. If the airline responds to those tweets in a positive fashion, it at least shows they care, even if they can't immediately remedy the issue." "In a down economy, the low cost of entry certainly makes social media even more attractive than it might have already been otherwise." As for the unfavorable comments people post, American Airlines says it can be a chance to turn a negative experience into something positive. UNITED UNLIMITED ELITE UPGRADES Beginning in the second quarter of 2010, United will provide its elite members and their traveling companions with "unlimited domestic upgrades" on flights within the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. They're unlimited only in theory, of course, since they're offered on a space-available basis. Upgrade requests will be made automatically according to members' elite status, ticketed booking class, and time of request, as follows: 120 hours prior to departure for Global Services members; 100 hours in advance for 1K members; 72 hours for Premier Executive members; and 48 hours for Premier members. Complimentary upgrades will not be offered on United's (first, business, and economy-plus) p.s. service between New York and Los Angeles or San Francisco. The new elite benefit will replace the current 500-mile upgrade certificates. Upgrade certificates already issued can still be used during their full 12-month validity period. GOOD THINGS ABOUT AIR TRAVEL Flying may be getting—gasp!—more pleasant these days. Some of this may be due to the recession: Airports are less crowded, and airfares have stayed low because demand is down. Airlines have also loosened some of the restrictions on frequent flier awards. American Airlines, for example, has introduced one-way award tickets and United has dropped its fees on award flights booked within three weeks of departure. And airlines are doling out bonus miles right and left, even for such basic transactions as bookings made through their web sites. Those benefits may vanish once the economy improves, of course. But the good news for fliers is that airlines are also rolling out services and technological advances that will make air travel more tolerable when the crowds return. In fact, it may soon be possible to go from your home to the plane without standing in a single line other than at security. The International Air Transport Association, which represents more than 200 airlines, is pushing for paper-saving innovations such as mobile phones than can double as boarding passes by displaying a bar code that can be scanned at the gate; some airlines are already offering this option, which has the additional advantage of buffing their 'green' credentials. Steve Lott, a spokesman for IATA, said that by the end of 2010 the typical paper boarding pass with a magnetic strip on the back could be a thing of the past. Another advance that is catching on rapidly, he said, is a souped-up airport kiosk that can scan your passport and spit out luggage tags when checking in for international flights. Online check-in is also an idea whose time has truly come. First introduced a few years ago for domestic passengers without luggage, it's so popular, airlines say, that consumers can get frustrated when it's not available. But there may be some relief in store for international travelers: The Customs Service is quietly expanding a "global entry" program that expedites clearance for returning travelers, who pass a background check and pay an annual fee. And travelers flying back to the U.S. via Dublin or Shannon can now clear all formalities in Ireland—and arrive in the States as if they just landed on a domestic flight. ASIANA AIRLINES BULKS UP ON H1N1 PREVENTION Despite a recovering boarding rate during the third quarter that reflects a growing consumer confidence in the travel industry, Asiana Airlines has taken the initiative to quell any misgivings travelers may have regarding H1N1. All of the airline's cabin air ventilation systems are being installed with HEPA Filters which block 99.7 to 99.99 percent of corpuscles (small living particles that spread the flu strain) and allow fresh air from outside to circulate the cabin every two to three minutes. In addition to this, Asiana will distribute hand sanitizers on its flights, while attendants will clean bathroom door knobs, toilets, faucets and basins with pollution-free sterilizing chemicals. As a final measure, if any passenger begins to show flu symptoms, attendants will provide an influenza mask, relocating them to less-populated areas of the cabin if possible.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Slip into the French and Far East-inspired modes of Maison 140, an intimate, 43-room boutique hotel in Beverly Hills. This unique West Los Angeles hotel was redesigned by Kelly Wearstler Interior Design as a contemporary tribute to the classic Parisian inns of the last century. Visually striking, yet inviting and warm - Maison 140 Beverly Hills boutique hotel is the city's perfect pied-a-terre for the imaginative traveler. State-of-the-art amenities for Beverly Hills business travel and meetings in West LA By combining innovative design with up-to-the-moment technology, Maison 140 Beverly Hills surrounds the modern business traveler with sophisticated comforts in an atmosphere of stylish repose for distinct business travel to Beverly Hills. Every guestroom at this boutique Beverly Hills hotel features a spacious desk and high-speed Internet access to accommodate and simplify West LA business travel; Italian Designer linens and unique accents encourage a revitalizing night's stay. Begin the day with fresh-baked pastries and locally roasted coffees at the hotel. Call on the concierge staff for assistance with secretarial services. Take a meeting in West LA in a poolside cabana at Avalon Hotel, Maison 140's sister hotel in Beverly Hills. Then return for a complimentary afternoon tête-a-tête with hotel staff and other guests at Bar Noir, an imaginative Beverly Hills bar and lounge. Ideally located close to LA's key corporate offices, Hollywood studios, medical centers and universities, Maison 140 is a Beverly Hills business hotel that unites cosmopolitan convenience with the most anticipatory service - making every business trip as productive as it is relaxing. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Maison 140 is $189 (compared to a corporate rate of $279).*
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
At Grand Hyatt Denver enjoy the elegant 392-square-foot downtown Denver accommodations, featuring contemporary décor and deluxe amenities. Sink into the comfort of one king or two double Grand Beds™ featuring ultra-plush pillows, the softest of sheeting and thick down blankets, all piled atop an irresistible pillow-top mattress. Relish beautiful downtown views of the perfectly situated Denver Colorado accommodations. Refresh in a luxurious marble and granite bath with massaging showerhead and deluxe bath products. Fix a drink from the minibar or make a fresh pot of coffee, as you lean back in a comfortable arm chair to watch cable / satellite channels or video-on-demand; listen to tunes on the iHome stereo with iPod dock; or read the morning newspaper. Stay in touch with the world in a generous work area, with wireless high-speed Internet access, data port and multiple dual-line phones with voicemail. Take advantage of a spacious walk-in closet and an in-room safe for storage of laptop and luggage. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Grand Hyatt Denver is $195 through October 31, 2009 (compared to a corporate rate of $279) and then $180 through December 31, 2009 (compared to a corporate rate of $229).*
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Situated in the uptown financial district of North Carolina's most exciting city, The Westin Charlotte is just a short trolley-ride away from popular dining and entertainment. Other attractions within walking distance include the Historic South End, Charlotte Convention Center, and Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers. Their personalized, renewing spa services include a signature nail treatment, soothing pedicure, and relaxing full-body massage. After the treatment, revive with a quick bite at their outdoor café or a more elaborate meal at their gourmet restaurant. The Westin Charlotte features 38,217 square feet of meeting space, with a 16,277-square-foot Grand Ballroom which hosts up 1,220 guests. Their full-service concierge and well-equipped business center are available to attend to last-minute details. Their 700 guest rooms and suites were designed to encourage ultimate relaxation. Rest in the signature Heavenly Bed®, and enjoy a soothing night's sleep. Also offered is High Speed Internet Access and an ergonomic desk chair. Reenergize with a workout in the privacy of the room, try out their new WestinWORKOUT® room. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Westin Charlotte is $175 (compared to a corporate rate of $188).* THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Celebrating over 75 years of luxury on Central Park South, the historic Jumeirah Essex House first opened its gilded doors in 1931. This Manhattan landmark has recently completed a $90 million refurbishment program that pays homage to its classic Art Deco heritage. Jumeirah Essex House is nestled between the beauty of Central Park and the buzz of Broadway. Enjoy their stylish setting, surrounded in elegance that has lured dignitaries, celebrities and world leaders to this exclusive hotel for years. Welcome to Jumeirah Essex House. Relax and stay a while. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Jumeirah Essex House is $409 (compared to a corporate rate of $469).*
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
As culturally vibrant as the neighborhood in which it sits, Rosewood Crescent Hotel is a refreshing experience of contrasts. Ideally located in the cultural heart of Dallas, the hotel consistently wins hearts and accolades as one of the best hotels in America. With a bold palette of rich colors, chic European-style guestrooms with modern amenities, innovative New American cuisine and the serenity of The Spa, Rosewood Crescent Hotel offers discreet and professional service with Texas charm. The hotel's 191 rooms range from 350 to 625 sq. ft., with a living area and bath. Each has a large closet with an automatic light, vanity with cosmetic lights, full–length mirror, individually controlled air–conditioning, flat–screen television, desk and down–feather love seat. The 29 one– and two–story suites range from 770 to 3,035 sq. ft., and some offer private kitchens. A variety of additional luxuries such as spiral staircases, hardwood floors, dining rooms, flat–screen televisions, original works of art, antique porcelains and HiFi sound systems are found in individual suites. With its signature transformative ambience and innovative menu, Nobu, the most innovative new style Japanese restaurant in America serves dinner and the Nobu Lounge is open daily for cocktails. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Rosewood Crescent is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $315).*
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Book the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris and benefit from this exclusive offer: • VIP amenity • Complimentary access to the Spa wet area • Early Check in/Late check-out upon availability at time of check in Recognized as France's Leading Business Hotel in 2008 by the World Travel Awards, the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris captures the style of the Art Deco period. Ideally located close to the Champs Elysees, the fashionable shops of the Faubourg St Honoré and the peaceful Parc Monceau, this is a Paris of charm and distinction. The hotel provides everything needed for a comfortable business trip in a prestigious setting. Sip a cocktail at the fashionable Purple Bar, experience a touch of French gastronomy at the Safran restaurant and unwind in the refinement of the Mosaic Spa Décleor & Carita. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe is €265 (compared to a corporate rate of €295).*
* All rates are subject to availability. The Lawyers' Travel Service |
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