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U.S., JAPAN SIGN OPEN SKIES AIR TRAVEL AGREEMENT
(source: Businessweek)
Japan and the U.S. signed an Open Skies treaty erasing limits on flights and setting the stage for greater collaboration between the nations' airlines.
Japan Airlines Corp. and American Airlines as well as All Nippon Airways Co. and the airline units of United Continental Holdings Inc. plan to collaborate on scheduling and sales following the treaty that cuts restrictions on routes flown by about 10 million travelers in the year ended March 2009. Japan is liberalizing air travel to boost tourism and as its busiest airports add landing slots.
U.S. and Japanese carriers will offer scheduled flights from Tokyo's downtown Haneda airport to U.S. cities after the opening of a new runway this month. Narita airport, which also serves Tokyo, boosted slots by 10 percent to 220,000 earlier this year. The hub plans to increase capacity to 300,000 by the fiscal year starting April 2014.
The planned tie-up will boost JAL's sales by $100 million a year, American, a unit of Fort Worth, Texas-based AMR predicts.
The agreement is the first major overhaul of a 1952 aviation treaty between the U.S. and Japan since 1998.
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TSA TO PHASE IN NEW PAT-DOWN PROCEDURES AT AIRPORTS NATIONWIDE
(source: CNN.com)
Airline passengers can expect to see as well as feel new pat-down procedures at U.S. airports over the coming weeks in an effort to provide another layer of security for travelers, the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday.
"Pat-downs are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items such as explosives," according to a TSA statement sent to CNN.
The TSA said passengers should continue to expect "an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, among others."
In its statement to CNN, the TSA said: "Pat-down procedures are used to resolve alarms that occur at a walk-through metal detector, if an anomaly is detected during screening with advanced imaging technology or during random screening."
The statement also indicated that "passengers who opt out of advanced imaging technology screening will receive alternate screening to include a thorough pat-down."
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SOME HOTEL CHAINS DITCHING THE FRONT DESK
(source: MSNBC.com)
Traditional front desks may be destined for a scrap heap teeming with bygone lobby fixtures like key boxes, desk bells and hat racks. Some mid-market chains already are dumping imposing check-in counters for cozy, one-on-one welcomes or for virtual check-ins through kiosks or mobile devices.
For example, mid-market chains like Andaz are trying out this process in New York. Others like Starwood have used one of its urban-style Aloft hotels to test a tech-driven welcome service. Several thousand customers who already carried Starwood Preferred Guest cards were texted their room numbers before arriving at the Aloft Lexington in Massachusetts, allowing them to bypass the front desk and head to their floor. Once there, they simply tapped their preferred guest card on the door lock for room access. That pilot program is being expanded to Alofts in Harlem, Brooklyn, Jacksonville, Fla. and Brussels, Belgium.
Hotels increasingly want to lure a rising subset of the market — a younger, tech-proficient group of business nomads and vacationers with their own industry acronym: FITs, or Free Independent Travelers. In general, FITs have above-average income, prefer to roam alone, in small groups or as couples, avoid tourist tracks, research their explorations via their mobile devices, and spend freely.
FITs, experts believe, prefer hotels that offer texted check-in codes or lobby kiosks that spit out room keys.
Hotel chains say de-emphasizing, shrinking or removing the front desk simply gives their guests more options. Further, the tactic is part of a larger shift, they say, to entice patrons to spend more time — working or relaxing — in attractive, compelling lobbies.
Andaz.com says its desk-less lobbies offer "a kaleidoscope of culture embedded ... in the art on our walls, the books on our shelves, the flowers in our vases."
And at the five Aloft hotels — where thousands of card-carrying customers will have the option of strolling right to their rooms or pausing at a circular desk at the center of the lobby — some guests still stop for short visits.
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SECURE FLIGHT PASSENGER DATA COLLECTION PROCESS
Beginning November 1, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that 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
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE ALEX HOTEL
205 East 45th Street
New York City
The Alex Hotel heralds a new generation of luxury accommodations in midtown Manhattan. Impeccable guestrooms & suites in a serene and welcoming environment awaiting guests arrivals. With service beyond expectation, all that's left to ask is "What can The Alex Hotel do for you?"
Located in Midtown Manhattan within walking distance to Grand Central Station, Midtown business district, United Nations, Park, Madison and Fifth Avenues. Easy access to Times Square, Theater District, SoHo-Tribeca and Wall Street. Public transportation near the hotel, private transportation available upon request. 12 miles to LaGuardia Airport, 17 miles to JFK International Airport.
203 guest rooms, suites and apartments beautifully designed by David Rockwell: custom furnishings, T1 Lines, Flat Screen LCD TVs, Frette Linens, Mini-Bars, 2 Line telephones, DVD & CD Stereo systems, Limestone Baths and Fully Equipped Gourmet Poggen Pohl Kitchens.
Riingo's award-Winning Chef, Marcus Samuelsson, from New York City's famed Aquavit, brings his unique blend of American and Japanese cuisines to this stylish, upbeat restaurant and bar. Riingo also provides The Alex's full room service and private dining menus.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Alex Hotel is $325 (compared to a corporate rate of $425).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HILTON PARIS ARC DE TRIOMPHE
51-57 rue de Courcelles
Paris
The Hilton Paris Arc de Triomphe recognized as France's Leading Business Hotel in 2008 by the World Travel Awards, 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 (close to the underground station with a taxi line just in front of the hotel)
The property boasts a 8,600 square-foot Andalusian Patio, one of the largest hotel gardens in Paris. Dine outside on one of the spacious terraces or in the Safran restaurant to savor the subtle blend of French cuisine and international flavors.
Sip a cocktail at the fashionable Purple Bar with its intimate recessed seating areas with furnishing designed by Jacques Garcia.
Spacious accommodations await travelers featuring king beds or two double queen beds.
Be tempted by the Executive floors with Executive lounge access offering breakfast, snacks, all day refreshments and evening cocktails, private terrace and relaxation areas.
Unwind in the refined ambience of the Mosaic Spa by Décléor and Carita with 4,300 square-foot dedicated to beauty care: Jacuzzi, sauna, hydro-tonic bath and spacious hammam.
WIFI connection in all public area and cable connections in each room. 24hr business center access.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hilton Paris Arc de Triomphe is €275 (compared to a corporate rate of €325), including early check-in/late check-out upon availability at time of check-in, VIP amenity and complimentary access to the Spa wet area.*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY DENVER
650 15th Street
Denver
Situated in the Heart of Downtown Denver, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain range and the city's dramatic skyline. Just two blocks from shopping at the 16th Street Mall, this contemporary luxury hotel is close to some of the most historic, cultural, and entertainment venues, including the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Pepsi Center, Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium and the distinguished State Capitol Building.
Offering 1,100 guestrooms with panoramic views, high speed Internet access, flat screen television, iHome alarm clock, and Hyatt Grand Beds. Complimentary state of the art, 6,700 square foot health club, equipped with cardio theatre, indoor lap pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, sun deck and spa treatment rooms. Come experience the height of comfort food in Altitude, an upscale three-meal restaurant, featuring local favorites and regional fare with a unique twist. Enjoy Strata bar, a stylish, open cocktail area bordered by a four-story glass wall with views of the Denver Skyline. Peaks Lounge, located on the 27th floor, features spectacular views, innovative cocktails, light fare and delectable desserts. Finally Perks Coffee & More offers specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and salads, open 24-hours.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Denver is $179 (compared to a corporate rate of $388).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W CHICAGO - CITY CENTER
172 W Adams Street
Chicago
IN THE HEART OF THE LOOP
Welcome to that toddlin' town. Set in the middle of the famed Chicago Loop, W Chicago - City Center is close to the Sears Tower, the Chicago Art Institute, music at Millennium Park, and the theater district. Step out – the Windy City surrounds.
WORK, PLAY, UNWIND
Their technology, creative cuisine and innovative spaces will help you make a meeting memorable and an event extraordinary. Work the body and unwork the mind at SWEAT, the 24/7 fitness center. Or indulge in an in-room shiatsu session.
RELAX AND STAY WIRED
Retreat from the bustle of Chi-town into the serenity of the hotel's 368 guest rooms. Dive into the comfort of the signature pillowtop mattresses, 350-thread-count sheets and down comforters. Connect with High Speed Internet Access – all rooms are wired.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Chicago - City Center is $270 (compared to a corporate rate of $345).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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