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FLIERS TRY TO GROUND NEW AIRPORT SCANS
(source: Wall Street Journal)
Examples of public resistance to the rollout of high-technology body scanners in American airports are mounting, with some protesters calling for a nationwide boycott of the new security scanners on the day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Several pilots unions are advising their members not to pass through the machines because of concerns about exposure to radiation—levels of which the government says are negligible. The Electronic Privacy Information Center, a civil-liberties advocacy group, filed a lawsuit to block them. Two pilots filed a suit Tuesday claiming that enhanced body scanners and pat-down procedures violate their constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches.
The Transportation Security Administration says the machines, which use radio waves or x-rays to paint a graphic image of passengers' bodies, are an important part of the multiple layers of security for air travel. The alternative to the scans is aggressive pat-downs by the TSA.
"There's a new paradigm in aviation security given the threats we are facing," said TSA head John Pistole, in an interview Tuesday. Mr. Pistole defended the enhanced pat-downs before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday.
Criticism of the scanners and the pat-downs has lit up the Internet, Twitter and late-night talk shows. Some passengers have created headlines, including a man in San Diego who videotaped his confrontation with TSA officers and a woman in Florida who complained on her radio show about TSA treatment.
The scale of opposition to the scanners isn't clear. The loosely organized effort to organize Opt Out Day only began about a week ago, and the TSA says travelers overwhelmingly agree to use the scanners. A CBS News poll conducted Nov. 7-10 showed 81% of Americans approve of the use of the machines.
While opponents of the scanners have largely focused on health and privacy concerns, the fight over advanced-imaging technology highlights a bigger question: Does the new technology actually improve security for the traveling public?
This year's accelerated rollout of the full-body scanners was a response to a failed terrorist attack, the attempted Christmas Day bombing of a Detroit-bound airliner. The number of such scanners installed in U.S. airports has increased almost ten-fold this year to 368. The TSA will have installed 500 by year end, and expects to install another 500 next year.
The scanners can find non-metallic objects regular metal detectors can't—such as the explosive in the underwear bomb worn by the Detroit bomber. They can't detect items stored inside the body, an approach that has been used by terrorists.
The TSA says the new machines are effective, and have identified more than 130 dangerous or prohibited items this year. The TSA also notes a bevy of studies, including one from the Food and Drug Administration, that show the radiation from the full-body scanners is the equivalent of about two minutes' flying time. It also says the scanners incorporate protections for privacy. They include a separate room for viewing the images, blurred images to protect passenger identities, and no way for security officers to print or transmit the images.
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FREE WI-FI OFFER LURES CUSTOMERS
(source: LA Times)
If you give it away, they will come. At least that is the conclusion of an online survey that found that 95 percent of wireless Internet users said the offer of free Wi-Fi could influence the choice of the businesses they frequent.
The survey of 1,085 respondents by In-Stat, a Scottsdale, Ariz., marketing research company, found 64 percent of Internet users said free Wi-Fi through a "hot spot" access point definitely would influence their choice of what venues to visit, and 31 percent said free Internet might sway that choice, depending on other factors.
"Our research shows that while revenue may not always be directly gleaned from the hot spot offering, free Wi-Fi has a significant value in bringing customers to a venue," said Amy Cravens, a market analyst for In-Stat.
In-Stat estimates that by the end of 2010, more than 2 billion Internet connections will be made on Wi-Fi hot spots at about 319,200 venues worldwide.
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LODGING DEMAND HAS REMAINED BRISK IN 2010
(source: TravelDailyNews.com)
An updated lodging forecast expects the focus to shift from demand growth to average daily rate gains, as pricing power returns against the backdrop of an earlier-than-expected lodging recovery.
Recent performance in the lodging sector has run ahead of expectations. Solid lodging results in the third quarter and the strengthening outlook for the fourth quarter have more than offset slightly weaker near-term expectations for the economy. As a result, current lodging forecasts anticipate stronger occupancy and ADR gains in 2011 than the previous outlook.
Despite a slower pace of economic recovery in 2010, lodging demand has remained brisk. Lodging results for September and October show levels of occupied rooms that are consistent with average demand during 2007, showing lodging demand has made a substantial recovery from earlier lows. Lodging demand fell further and more rapidly than the overall economy during the onset of the recession, but the sharp pullback in travel proved temporary. After reaching a trough at a similar time as the overall economy in mid-2009, lodging demand has rebounded more quickly and average demand levels in 2010 are estimated to be only 1.1 percent behind the average during 2007.
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SEPTEMBER PREMIUM-CLASS AIR DEMAND STRENGTHENS
(Source: Business Travel News)
The number of airline passengers flying in premium cabins worldwide in September increased 12 percent year over year, the tenth consecutive month of such growth, according to the International Air Transport Association.
"The September premium outcome is still some 11 percent below the figure for September 2007 and 4 percent lower than the total for September 2008," IATA reported. "However, on the basis of these latest figures, it would appear that earlier concerns over a stalling of recovery of premium traffic might have been misplaced. The latest trade data and output from the business confidence surveys suggest continuing underlying momentum for premium traffic."
The routes with the strongest premium traffic growth again were those to, from and within Asia. In the North Atlantic market, premium traffic grew 7 percent in September while economy traffic increased 5 percent.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HILTON NEW YORK
1335 Avenue of Americas
New York City
The 1,980-room Hilton New York, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan on Sixth Avenue between West 53rd and West 54th Streets, is a sophisticated international hotel that appeals to savvy travelers seeking an ideal location that is in close proximity to all that New York City is famous for. The hotel is within a short walking distance of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Carnegie Hall, and just a few blocks away from Times Square, Broadway theaters and renowned Fifth Avenue shopping.
Equipped with modern conveniences to meet all business and travel needs. Renovated guest rooms feature the Hilton Serenity Collection® and exclusive Crabtree & Evelyn La Source® bath amenities that indulge the senses. Each room provides travelers with wired/wireless high speed internet access, large flat screen TV with remote control, new easy-to-set Hilton Family alarm clock with MP3 connectivity, dual-line phones with voice mail, eye-level computer data ports, spacious work areas with retractable desk and chair, modern light fixtures and floor-sensor night lighting. All rooms have hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, Cuisinart® dual-cup coffee makers, refreshment centers, and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating units.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hilton New York is $369 (compared to a corporate rate of $429)*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SHERATON LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN
711 S Hope Street
Los Angeles
A warm southern California welcome awaits guests at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown. The hotel is an east walk from the LA Convention Center, L.A. Live and Staples Center. The recently completed renovations bring a vibrant Uptown feel to the Downtown area. All 485 rooms and suites now feature rich burgundy highlights and retro 1940's furniture in dark woods and glass, pleasing to the most sophisticated of eyes.
The Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown is the depot between business and fun that guests have been looking for.
Feel the warmth, comfort and connection of the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown hotel.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown is $139 (compared to a corporate rate of $159)*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TAJ CAMPTON PLACE
340 Stockton Street
San Francisco
For close to one hundred years, Taj Campton Place has been a sanctuary for sophisticates and discerning business travelers visiting San Francisco. And with good reason.
A historic site, the hotel marries two early twentieth century buildings and has a classical European charm. With an ambience that exudes privacy, warmth and luxury.
Located along Stockton Street, on the prestigious Union Square, this serene retreat is a short distance from the financial district, premier art galleries, renowned museums and the city's best known stores and restaurants.
With 110 rooms, the hotel has a distinctive boutique ambience. A private world, reminiscent of an impeccably designed residence.
The award-winning Taj Campton Place Restaurant, one of San Francisco's finest, is known for its delightful contemporary cuisine embodying Mediterranean inspirations with local California cuisine and gentle Spice Route overtones. It is favored by the city's cognoscenti.
Well suited for small business conferences, it's an ideal meeting place in the San Francisco Bay Area. Expertly trained staff anticipate every need, be it an executive event or an elite gathering.
Taj Campton Place is now part of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces – one of the world's leading group of hotels, known for their landmark properties and unrivalled service for over a hundred years.
One will find the same traditions continue unchanged at Taj Campton Place, along with the legendary hospitality of the Taj.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Taj Campton Place is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $225)*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W WASHINGTON DC
515 15th Street; NW
Washington DC
W Goes to Washington
Next to the White House, the most powerful suits - pinstripes and black lace—rendezvous at W Washington DC, where Italian Renaissance meets modern cool. With commanding rooftop views of major landmarks, W-Gate is all about stately indulgence.
By George, a Capital Time!
Calling all style senators—the Congress of Cool is in session. In Dianna Wong's sleek setting, J&G Steakhouse by Jean-Georges, Sasha Petraske's rooftop POV bar, SWEAT® Fitness Center and the capital city's first Bliss® Spa assemble in vogue.
Presidential Sweet
W Washington DC cannot tell a lie—with 317 rooms featuring the signature W bed, fully wired technology, fabulous in-room entertainment, delightful Munchie Box and their Whatever/Whenever® service, the First Amendment of luxury, travelers never want to leave.
2010 Awards
Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List
Washingtonian Magazine, J&G Steakhouse named 'No. 4' Best Restaurant in DC
Nightclub & Bar Magazine, POV named 'Best Hotel Bar'
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Washington DC is $299 (compared to a corporate rate of $359)*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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The Lawyers' Travel Service
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